This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Istanbul, Gallipoli Battlefields, Troy, Ephesus, Crete, Agios Nikolaos, Santorini, Milos, Mykonos and more
✓ 10 Day small group tour of Turkey with a maximum of 20 travellers
✓ 9 Nights accommodation in mostly 4* hotels in Turkey
✓ Professional English-speaking local guide at each city
✓ Transportation in fully air conditioned vehicle
✓ 6 Day cruise on the Aegean Sea with Celestyal Cruises
✓ Onboard unlimited classic drinks
✓ Onboard entertainment and discounted shore excursions
✓ Cruise port charges & gratuities
✓ 22 meals including daily breakfast, 5 lunches and 9 dinners
✓ Istanbul airport arrival transfer
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Istanbul! On arrival to Istanbul airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and relax.
After breakfast, enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene) and the Hippodrome.
In the afternoon you will have the option to join a half day Bosphorous Cruise and cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia.
One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WW1 Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.
Step back in time as we visit Troy and its famed Trojan Horse, followed by a tour of the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time.
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale, where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Today we travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya along the way. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening!
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city.
Today we visit Ihlara Valley, a canyon which is almost 100 metres deep and was formed by the Melendiz River. At the end of the valley we will visit Selime Monastery and take in the panoramic views at Yaprakhisar.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kusadasi (via Istanbul). Upon arrival, your transfer will drive you to Kusadasi port to board your cruise. Your cruise will depart Kusadasi by approximately 6pm.
As we pull into Heraklion in the early morning, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th century walls of Koules Fortres. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or even discover the Palace of Knossos on an optional shore excursion.
The romantic island of Santorini is the remnants of a devasting volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. The picture-perfect scenery features clustered traditional whitewahsed house and blue-domed churches set against a beguiling brilliant blue backdrop. Here you will have the chance to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle of the idyllic oasis and relax in the island's calm and tranquility.
The magical sun-kissed island of Mykonos invites you to admire its stunning coastline, soft sandy beaches, and rugged rock landscapes. Affectionately known as the “Island of the Winds”, Mykonos is home to the 16th Century windmills that have become iconic landmarks on postcards. The energetic Greek island is well known for its beauty, diverse range of bars, cafes, restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere.
The volcanic origins of the beautiful Greek island of Milos are clearly evident in its complex and bewitching landscape. Here you have the opportunity to explore the dramatically surreal and sculpted looming rock formations that rise out of the crystalline waters and create a stunning coastline. Why not join a local expert to explore the many beauty spots and charming fishing villages on an optional excursion.
As we pull into the port by 9am, your trip comes to an end. Make your own way to the airport to connect with your ongoing flight.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,264.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
The Turkey land tour portion of this trip has a maximum of 20 travellers. The size of the cruise section depends on cruise line capacity.
Tour Style
Escorted - The Turkey section of this trip (Day 1 to Day 10) is an escorted small group tour. The cruise portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by expert ship's staff and by local leaders during off shore excursions.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
Celestyal Cruises
This cruise is operated by our partners Celestyal Cruises on board their Celestyal Crystal ship. The Crystal is a moderate size-cruise liner with a big ship feel. Spacious, comfortable and complete with a wide range of facilities and services, our friendly team welcomes you onboard for an epic adventure into the idyllic Aegean.
With delectable dining experiences, a full program of entertainment, wellness center, casino, pool and onboard sports activities, we are confident your time aboard with the Crystal will be memorable and exciting. More information on the Celestyal Crystal can be found HERE.
Cabin Inclusion & Upgrades
Interior Stateroom (IA) - Included
Interior Staterooms at deck 2 and 3 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box and TV.
Interior Stateroom (IC) - From AUD 349 per person, twin share. Single price on application.
Interior Staterooms at deck 5 and 6 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 2 persons with 2 lower beds, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box and TV.
Exterior Stateroom (XB) - From AUD 472 per person, twin share. Single price on application.
Exterior Staterooms at deck 3 and 5 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons with 2 lower beds, 3rd /4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV and a window.
Balcony Suite (SB) - From AUD $1845 per person, twin share. Single price on application.
Balcony Suites at deck 9 (~27 sqm) can accommodate up to 3 persons with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed, bathroom with bathtub, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV, refrigerated mini bar and a balcony.
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