Essential Turkey

10 Days | Take an adventure along the coast of Turkey

4.8 out of 5 based on 65 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
AUD $1,655
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

See some of the best bits of Turkey – a cultural melting pot that straddles Europe and the Middle East – on this 10-day trip with likeminded travellers. Indulge your senses with traditional Turkish food (don’t forget to try a coffee and some shisha, too!), explore ancient ruins and walk in the footsteps of Marc Antony, Cleopatra and the Trojan army. Dip your toes in the Dardanelles Strait, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and sail along the south coast, uncovering the mysteries of ancient sunken cities. With so much on offer, what more could you ask for.

Trip overview

Map of Essential Turkey including Turkey
Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Antalya, Turkey
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
Turkey
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18- Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ERYT
This trip generates 38 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinationsTick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Great valueAffordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Meaningful experiencesConnect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience

Why you'll love this trip
  • Eat, swim, chill, repeat – that’s what will happen when you get cruising along Turkey's Mediterranean coastline. The choice is yours if you’d like to go exploring or just relax on deck.
  • Discover one of the best-preserved classics of Ephesus just like Cleopatra and Marc Antony did 2000 years ago – not all Roman ruins are in Italy!
  • Wade through the scenic hot springs at Pamukkale – pure white calcium deposits that cascade down the cliffs overlooking the town, are said to have magical healing properties.
  • Explore the city that straddles the continents and discover its incredible and varied history – the thriving metropolis of Istanbul is where East literally meets West.
  • Learn the history of the Gallipoli Peninsula, and hear the harrowing stories of the ANZACs and one of the most infamous battles of World War I.

Is this trip right for you?
  • You’ll get a taste of local life on this trip, with most travel done on public buses. This minimises our carbon footprint and gives you a real chance to interact with the local community. Most Turkish buses have wi-fi, in-seat entertainment and serve refreshments.
  • Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom and flexibility, but it does require a level of independence. Only are few meals are included, so mostly you'll find your own (with plenty of suggestions from your leader of course). This trip puts it in your hands with tonnes of free time. Maybe budget a little extra cash for activities that aren’t included.
  • The cobblestone streets, narrow steps and tiny bridges of Turkey are very romantic. They’re also another good reason to pack light and leave the wheeled suitcase at home. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the buses, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
  • Summer temperatures can be very high in Turkey (over 40°C), which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. You’ll need walking shoes and a daypack to explore some of historical sites.The weather can be hot in July and August, but keep in mind that this is the best time to enjoy the clear water of the Mediterranean. It can also get cool in these destinations, particularly from October to April, so don't forget to pack extra layers if travelling at this time.
  • This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Real Turkey.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Essential Turkey including Turkey

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Ferry, Local bus, Private Bus, Boat, Tram

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Pension (3 nights), Multi-share guesthouse (2 nights)

Activities
  • Gallipoli - Battlefields Tour
  • Ayvalik - Copmadam Visit (trashyteyze / Tara Hopkins)
  • Ayvalik – Orientation Walk
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
  • Kas - Turkish Coast day sailing
  • Antalya - Kaleici Walking Tour
Optional activities
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit - Free
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200
  • Istanbul - Whirling Dervish show - TRY1500
  • Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (inc. massage) - EUR100
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - EUR30
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - EUR15
  • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - EUR17
  • Troy - Guided visit - EUR27
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - EUR6
  • Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) - EUR15
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - EUR15
  • Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool - TRY340
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis Museum - Free
  • Antalya - Mermerli Beach Kaleici - TRY250
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum - EUR15
  • Antalya - Aspendos Ancient City - EUR15

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. The single supplement excludes Day 3 & 4 (multi-share Guesthouse).
2. Some accommodation on this tour is is multi shared. Multishare typically includes triple and quad rooms. You may be required to share with group members of same gender. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 65 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Stella · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 23 Oct 2024

EL ABBASSI · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 29 Sep 2024

Sophia · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 29 Sep 2024

Nathan · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 16 Sep 2024

Jack · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 16 Sep 2024
Essential Turkey
From
AUD $1,655