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From Turquoise Coast to the chimneys of Cappadocia

See the best of Turkey on this 14-day trip travelling from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Experience cosmopolitan cities, historic battlegrounds, glittering beaches, cities carved from rock and rugged coast. Enjoy an itinerary that takes you to Turkey’s essential destinations, a local leader for insider info and plenty of flexibility and free time to explore at your own pace. With optional excursions to historical sites, abandoned villages and underground cities, you can create the Turkey tour that’s perfect for you.

Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Goreme, Turkey
Destination
Turkey
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer
Code
ERRS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the Old City of Istanbul on a walking tour that includes the majestic Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the Grand Bazaar.

  • Explore Cappadocia’s wild natural rock formations while hiking through valleys, and see incredible stone-carved buildings in Goreme.

  • Board a ‘gulet’ boat for a day on the sea. Cruise over the sunken city around Kekova Island, swim in crystal-clear water and relax on deck.

  • Reflect on battles fought and lives lost with a moving visit to the Gallipoli Peninsula, touring former battlefields and the remains of Turkish trenches.

  • Spend two days exploring the cliffside waterfalls, cobblestone alleyways and ancient ruins of Antalya, a city on the Mediterranean Coast.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The weather can be hot in July and August, but this is also the best time to enjoy the clear water of the Mediterranean – don’t forget your swim gear.

  • This trip gives you lots of control over your travels, with some included site visits and lots of choices for your free time.

  • You’ll need walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a daypack for the Gallipoli site visit and the valley walk in Cappadocia. These tours are guided, but you can wander at your own pace if you prefer.

Aerial view of the Blue Lagoon in Fethiye, Turkey
Your local leader will show you the best sites in Istanbul
Enjoy the views from Galata Tower in Istanbul
A group looks over the ocean from their boat in Kas, Turkey
Group at the top of an ancient amphitheatre in Ephesus, Turkey
Hot air balloons above the rock formations of Cappadocia, Turkey

Itinerary
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Hosgeldinz! Welcome to Istanbul, a bustling mega-city with a rich history and food scene waiting to be explored. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you will meet your leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, you might want to head out as a group to grab dinner and get to know each other.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Spice Market - Free
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY50
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY175
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY100
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY320
  • Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (inc. massage) - EUR70
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
The prices listed for optional activities cover entry fees only and do not include any transport fees. Prices are subject to change.

Meet your local guide early this morning for a guided tour of Sultanahmet AKA the Old City, formerly Constantinople, to see Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon and evening. Maybe visit the jaw-dropping Hagia Sofia, said to have changed the history of architecture. Or maybe enjoy a steam session at a traditional hamam (public bath). Your tour leader knows all the best places, so they can recommend some great options for places to eat.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (inc. massage) - EUR70
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Head for the shores of Gallipoli, the site of the ANZAC landings, one of the most disastrous Allied campaigns of WWI. Visit the battlefields of Nek and Lone Pine and encounter remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Hear stories of the heroism and camaraderie that unfolded among the tragedies and take the time to read moving inscriptions etched onto a sea of gravestones. There will also be the option to visit the Kabatepe Museum, which includes interactive presentations of the battle, as well as numerous relics from the campaign. Then, take the short ferry ride from Europe to Asia across the Dardanelles to Canakkale, a charming traditional fishing town that has a great range of dinner and nightlife options, not to mention medieval ruins to explore.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gallipoli - Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total travel time today is approximately 5.5 hours.

After breakfast, take a local bus to the traditional farming village of Selcuk. Take a guided walk around the town and the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill in the afternoon. See the 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque, the imposing the Grand Fortress and the ruins of the Basilica of St John. According to Christian lore, St John came to Ephesus with the Virgin Mary from Jerusalem and lived here until his death sometime around AD 100. The basilica stands over his alleged burial site. Your evening is free.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, choose whether you would like to take a guided tour of Ephesus with your tour leader or strike out on your own via a dolmus (local bus). One of the best-preserved Greco Roman cities in the world, Ephesus once had running water, public toilets, in-house heating, a renowned medical institute, a brothel and Roman baths. In the afternoon, you can choose to join an optional excursion to Sirince to taste some local wines.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit - TRY200
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - TRY85
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY50
  • Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) entrance fee - TRY120
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Prices listed for optional activities include entry fees only and exclude any transport costs.

Take a train inland to one of Turkey's most photographed sites, Pamukkale, which literally translates to ‘cotton castle’. Here spectacular natural hot springs with high calcium bicarbonate content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, leaving white terraces (the ‘cotton’). It's been used as a spa since 200 BC. Though you won't be able to bathe in these travertines, you can take a walk through them (after removing your shoes). You can choose to take an optional excursion to the ancient city of Hierapolis in the afternoon – speak to your leader for more information.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool - TRY100
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park - TRY200
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Prices listed for optional activities listed include entry fees only and exclude any transport costs.

Take a local bus to Oludeniz and enjoy some time at the three-kilometre-long beach. Please note you will need to pay a small fee if you want to access the Blue Lagoon. Later, transfer to the quaint town of Fethiye. If conditions allow, it is possible to take an optional excursion to Kayakoy ghost village, an abandoned town that is both eerie and beautiful. This evening, enjoy a walk by the harbour and look up to see massive Lycian rock tombs cut from the cliffside.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kayakoy - Village visit - TRY30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 5 hours. Prices listed for optional activities include entry fees only and exclude any transport costs.

This morning take a local bus to Ucagiz. Board a boat for a memorable voyage along the Turquoise Coast, viewing some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world. Cruise to the sunken cities around Kekova Island, where ancient remains can be viewed just below the water’s surface, and take a walk to Simena Castle, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding bays and islands. Late afternoon, transfer to Kekova and spend a night in this lovely town.
Accommodation
  • Guest house (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kekova - Turkish Coast day sailing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

After breakfast, continue to Antalya, your base for the next two nights. Enjoy free time on arrival to explore at your own pace. It’s hard to get a bad photo of Antalya due to it charming cobblestone streets, historic Old City, vibrant marina and the Taurus Mountains framing the city. You may like to take a walk around the markets, jump on the old Nostalgic Tram or go to Konyaalti Beach for some more time chilling out beachside. If you're in the mood for some history, check out some of the best museums in the country, or get theatrical at Aspendos ancient city with a beautiful, intact theatre from Roman times. Tonight, why not stake out some food and shisha with your group – Antalya has a thriving nightlife scene, so use it to your advantage.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum - TRY90
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 3 hours.

Enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace. There are a number of optional excursions to choose from if you want a little guidance. For those after a nature fix, Duden Waterfalls is a lovely spot to relax. If you’re interested in visiting historical sites, there are optional excursions to Termessos, Aspendos or Side to choose from. Alternatively, stay in Antalya and soak up the charms of this seaside town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Antalya - Aspendos Ancient City - TRY100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Prices listed for optional activities include entry fees only and exclude any transport costs.

This morning take a local bus inland to Konya, a traditional Turkish city where mainstream tourism is yet to arrive. The city is closely linked with the Whirling Dervish sect of Islam developed in the 13th century by Rumi (or Mevlana). Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the many tea gardens. Later this evening, maybe join your group for some central Anatolian cuisine.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Konya - Leader led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 5.5 hours.

This morning after breakfast, travel by local bus to Goreme, Cappadocia, a city made from the soft volcanic rock of the region. On arrival stretch your legs with an orientation walk with your leader.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Valley walk
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 3.5 hours.

If you are interested in an optional hot air balloon ride, please speak to your trip leader on Day 1. The cost of this activity varies depending on what type of flight you choose. This activity can only be booked locally.

Today is free for you to explore Goreme and surrounds, including the World Heritage-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex is composed of churches, rectories and dwellings carved from the earth. Perhaps explore one of the region’s underground cities, the largest of which are almost ten levels deep with narrow passages connecting the floors like hamster tunnels. If you’re a hiker, you may like to walk the valleys of Red, Rose, or Love. Your leader is available help you organise your day.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Cappadocia - Goreme - Open Air Museum - TRY150
  • Cappadocia - Derinkuyu Underground City - TRY100
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR300
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR410
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City - TRY100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Prices listed for optional activities include entry fees only and exclude any transport costs.
It is possible to organise a group tour of the region that includes multiple sites, please speak to your leader for more information.

Due to local regulations, sunrise hot air balloon excursion times do vary which may result in your excursion beginning just after sunrise. This is subject to the tour provider’s discretion and is not within our control.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time after breakfast, provided you comply with your accommodation’s internal check-out times. If you'd like to spend more time discovering Cappadocia, just get in touch ahead of time and we'd be happy to arrange extra accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Public bus, Private Bus, Train, Ferry, Tram

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), pension (1 night), Guest house (1 night)

Included activities

  • Istanbul - Orientation Walk
  • Gallipoli - Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
  • Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Kekova - Turkish Coast day sailing
  • Konya - Leader led orientation walk
  • Cappadocia - Valley walk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Turkey Uncovered trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Istanbul.
2. A single supplement is bookable if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Most entrance fees are not included. If you wish to take part in these activities, you pay these fees as you go along.
4. This trip ends on Day 14 in Cappadocia, there is no included transfer back to Istanbul. Overnight buses are readily available for booking and Cappadocia is serviced by two airports, Kayseri and Nevsehir. Additional accommodation is available for pre-booking with your booking agent.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

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