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Turkish Escape

Feb 8 - 15, 2026

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Your Advisor

Joel Cartagena

JCC Travels LLC

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joel@jcctravels.com

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Overview


Turkey is a unique country with a unique identity straddling both Europe and Asia. Your 8-day Turkish Escape starts in Istanbul, a city of great diversity and a combination of tree-lined boulevards, cafés and cosmopolitan restaurants set against a backdrop where little has changed for centuries. During its 3,000 years of turbulent history, it has been home to the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans and the Turks themselves- all leaving their marks. Highlights of your sightseeing are inside visits to the 6th century Hagia Sophia, the largest ever church and for over a thousand years the largest covered space on earth and to the amazing Topkapi Palace which was the seat of the government of one of the greatest Empire of the Medieval age.Pay tribute to the fallen war heroes at the Anzac cemetery and visit 3 of the most famous ancient sites in the country: Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus. Each very different and distinctive. Troy, the oldest, dating from 3,000BC and made up to 9 separate cities all built over each other; Pergamon an impregnable defensive site with amazing views in all directions which flourished as one of the ancient world’s greatest centers of healing; and Ephesus, the greatest city in the Eastern Mediterranean during Roman times which boasts an extraordinary number of superbly preserved monuments.Cross from Europe to Asia on board a scenic ferry journey across the Dardanelles Strait and get ready to taste the superb Turkish cuisine, an interesting blend of Mediterranean specialties and flavors.This is the perfect vacation if you are looking for a genuine and unique blend of diverse cultures, centuries of history and atmosphere, the mysterious East with the familiar West.

Trip Details


Welcome

Thank you for considering JCC Travels for your travel plans! My name is Joel, though many know me simply as a passionate traveler and organizer of unforgettable adventures since 1986. My journey into the world of travel advising officially began in 2...

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Meet our Team

Joel Cartagena: My love for travel is the driving force behind my career. I believe that travel is not just about seeing new places, but about expanding our horizons and enriching our minds. It’s through travel that we learn, grow, and ignite the pas...

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JCC Travels LLC Terms and Conditions

https://www.jcctravels.com/terms

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Land Tour Disclaimer

Please note: All images presented are illustrative. your actual furnishing and room configuration may vary, All offers and packages are subject to change without notice. All pricing id dynamic and subject to change without notice. Gratuities not incl...

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Travel Disclaimer

I understand that Joel Cartagena and JCC Travels LLC are not the source or supplier of the travel services I have requested, and acts solely as an agent for the actual suppliers of such services. I have been advised that the suppliers whose names ap...

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Day 1 · Sun, Feb 8


ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL,TURKEY

Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel Breakfast

Stay at Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Bosphorus

Feb 8, 2026

Location In an elevated position, the hotel enjoys panoramic views from its location in the heart of the Balmumcu business centre, with a dazzling view of the Bosphorus and the historic town of Istanbul. Public transport and an underground station ar...

Day 2 · Mon, Feb 9


ISTANBUL

A Gateway between Orient and Occident ISTANBUL Guided sightseeing includes the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee experience at an historical coffee roaster Break...

Day 3 · Tue, Feb 10


ISTANBUL–GALLIPOLI–TROY AREA

Bravery on the Beach GALLIPOLI Visit the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry.TROY Enjoy a guided visit of the ancient city. 23...

Stay at Doubletree by Hilton Canakkale

Feb 10, 2026

Location This hotel is located in Çanakkale. Facilities The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. A baggage storage service and a safe are available. Wireless internet access allows guests to stay connected while on ...

Day 4 · Wed, Feb 11


TROY AREA–PERGAMUM–KUSADASI

The Sacred Way PERGAMUM Guided visit of the Asklepion, a shrine to the Greek God of medicine.EPHESUS Visit the archaeological museum. 267 mi / 430 km Tour Highlight HEALING THE BODY &THE SOUL Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sens...

Stay at Charisma De Luxe Hotel

Feb 11, 2026

Location Located just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Kusadasi, this hotel is ideal for parents with children. Facilities Multilingual staff (English, German, French) at the reception desk in the lobby are happy to answer any questions. The ho...

Day 5 · Thu, Feb 12


Stay at Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel

Feb 12, 2026

Location This hotel warmly welcomes guests in Karahayit. Facilities The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service, a safe and a currency exchange service. Wireless internet acc...

KUSADASI–EPHESUS–PAMUKKALE

Ancient Civilization Preserved EPHESUS Follow your Guide for a walk through the ancient ruins.HIERAPOLIS Visit the Greco-Roman thermal resort dating back to 190 BC, and see the “cotton castles” of Pamukkale, the stunning natural wonder comprised of b...

Day 6 · Fri, Feb 13


Stay at Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa

Feb 13, 2026

Location This hotel is located just 500 m from the centre of Bursa. Facilities The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service, a safe and a currency exchange service. Wireless i...

PAMUKKALE–BURSA

In the Shadow of Mount Olympus BURSA Visit the Great Mosque, the historical covered bazaar, and the silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting. 280mi / 450 km Tour Highlight ANCIENT TASTES ON THE SILK ROAD Wander through the long winding baz...

Day 7 · Sat, Feb 14


Stay at The Artisan Istanbul MGallery

Feb 14, 2026

Location This hotel is located just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Istanbul. Facilities The hotel has 3 lifts and features 137 rooms. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage stor...

BURSA–IZNIK–ISTANBUL

Ancient Walls & Ecumenical Council IZNIK Guided visit includes the Great Mosque (St. Sophia’s Church) and the Archaeological museum.ISTANBUL Farewell dinner at a local restaurant 137 mi / 220 km Tour Highlight CERAMIC BEYOND TIMES Iznik is a c...

Day 8 · Sun, Feb 15


ISTANBUL

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning