Turkey Encompassed

15 Days | Take an all-encompassing adventure through the contrasting landscapes of Turkey

4.7 out of 5 based on 158 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
AUD $4,463
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Experience the stunning sights and tantalising tastes of Turkey on this two-week adventure that takes in all the highlights and then some. Become acquainted with illustrious Istanbul, behold landscapes like no other around Cappadocia and sail the all-too-pretty islands off Kekova. Marvel at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, settle in for a spectacular soaking in Pamukkale’s thermal hot springs and reflect on the tragedies and gallantries that took place along Gallipoli’s windswept peninsula. Brimming with history, bustling with progress and bursting with flavour, Turkey intrigues and delights at every turn of this perfectly paced small group adventure.

Trip overview

Map of Turkey Encompassed including Turkey
Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Theme
Explorer
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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ERKT
This trip generates 35 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.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Spend three nights staying in the incredible region of Cappadocia, explore the caves, chimneys and the honeycombed terrain of this fascinating place.
  • Discover the iconic sites of Gallipoli, Ephesus and Pamukkale with your locally-based leader by your side to teach you all about the history and culture intertwined here.
  • Be welcomed into a local cave home and treated to a special home-cooked lunch prepared by your host. Tuck into delicious food and friendly conversations and top off your meal with a bite of traditional Turkish delight.
  • Rub shoulders with friendly locals during a relaxing boat cruise through a series of picturesque islands and enjoy another homemade Turkish lunch with your hosts on board.
  • Marvel at Istanbul's most revered sites during a guided walk where you'll discover the 17th century Blue Mosque, and head to the ancient Hippodrome to see intriguing monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip covers a lot in two weeks, so there are some long travel days, however all travel is in comfortable air-conditioned private buses, stops are frequent, and the scenery is superb. Please refer to the Itinerary for travel durations.
  • You will need sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a day pack to explore the historical sites. All site tours are guided but you can wander at your own pace if you prefer.
  • Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of year in Turkey. In the summer months, heat can be extreme. In winter months, some travellers have been surprised at how low the temperatures go. A hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can be layered will serve you well year-round.

Itinerary

Map of Turkey Encompassed including Turkey

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Transport

Private Bus, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
  • Istanbul - City Tour
  • Beypazari - Yasayan Muze (Living Museum of Beypazari)
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Pasabag and Devrent Valley walk
  • Cappadocia - Home-cooked lunch
  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Antalya - Kaleici visit
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum
  • Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Kas - Sailing trip with seafood lunch
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
  • Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
  • Canakkale - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Gallipoli - Battlefields visit
Add on activities
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY150
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY1500
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - EUR30
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
  • Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR260
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR330
  • Goreme - The Dark Church Entry - EUR6
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - EUR15
  • Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - EUR10

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

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

4.7 out of 5 based on 158 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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Connie · Traveled October 2023
Highly recommend the Turkey Encompassed tour. Our guide, Kivanc, was outstanding and enhanced our knowledge and appreciation for his country. Best Intrepid trip I have taken!
Review submitted 11 Dec 2023

Shelley · Traveled October 2023
Travel 10,000 years in just two short weeks. Yes there are some (very) long bus rides, but what you will experience at the end of these trips will open your mind and your palate. You'll get history, food and culture from a country that's been at the cross roads of change for a really long time.
Review submitted 03 Nov 2023

Alan · Traveled October 2023
An excellent tour, I would recommend this to everyone Everything about the tour and itinerary exceeded my expectations Turkey is a great country Our Tour Leader Tarik was excellent, knowledgeable, informative and very passionate about the country and the sights we experienced
Review submitted 30 Oct 2023

Amanda · Traveled October 2023
Great tour to get a sense of different parts of Turkey. I enjoyed the orientation walks at each new destination and the range of included and optional activities.
Review submitted 22 Oct 2023

Virginia Ann Vallar · Traveled October 2023
Intrepid tours is the way to go wherever you want a memorable, complete knowledge of the country, and safe amenities.
Review submitted 25 Oct 2023
Turkey Encompassed
From
AUD $4,463