Real Turkey

Merhaba! Welcome to Istanbul – the metropolis where the best bits of European and Middle Eastern culture meet and the perfect place to start your adventure. Take some time today to explore the capital city before you join up with your travel crew and group leader for an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Until then, maybe get out into the city streets and wander around or go hunting for a real doner kebab and some authentic Turkish delight (which pairs nicely with a cup of Turkish coffee). If you come to Istanbul before the start of the tour, maybe consider taking a day trip to Princes’ Islands. After the meeting tonight, your leader will take you on an orientation walk of the city, showing you all the best bits of Istanbul. After, why not head out for dinner with your group and get a taste of the fabulous local cuisine.

This morning, jump on a bus and ferry to the shores of Gallipoli – a significant peninsula for Australians and New Zealanders. A place of pilgrimage for many, it’s hard to imagine the now calm waters and peaceful landscape as the site of such a brutal battle back in World War I. Take in the reverence and serenity of the area and hear the stories of heroism and mateship that shone through the tragedies of war. You'll spend tonight in Canakkale - a popular university town, so you won’t have a hard time finding some way to spend your evening. Whether you’re chilling on the shore of the Dardanelles with a drink or checking out a local band with some of your travel pals, there’s plenty to do in this coastal city.

Up for a little ancient history and mythical heroes? This morning you’ll have the option to take an excursion out to the ruins of Troy – the famed walled city infiltrated by the Greeks after they hid in the enormous Trojan Horse. Explore the ancient walls, climb around the 4500-year-old ruins and look out across the Troad (the Plains of Troy) towards the Dardanelles and the hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Later, drive down the coast to Ayvalik, where your leader will take you on a walk to discover the town's fascinating mix of Greek and Turkish cultures. You’ll also stop by for a visit with the ladies at Copmadam – a local social enterprise that employs local women who upcycle waste and produce gorgeous accessories and homewares. For lunch, snack on a local Ayvalik tost – think a Turkish-style toasted sandwich with all the trimmings.

Today is yours to explore Ayvalik. On the edge of the Aegean Sea, there is no shortage of beautiful spots to hang out in your free time. Stroll through the cobblestone backstreets and check out the rows of terracotta-roofed houses and lively cafes. Kucukkoy is well worth checking out for its picturesque Greek stone houses, art galleries and to hunt down some delicious pastries. You could also head out to one of the many stunning beaches in the area (like Sarımsaklı and Badavut) or head out to Cunda Island, which is filled with Greek Orthodox churches. Tonight, you can join your group for an optional dinner while still on Cunda Island or head back to Ayvalik. Set around a harbour, what better way to kick off the evening than with a drink at a harbour-side bar looking out to the Aegean Islands?

This morning, take a local bus to the town of Selcuk. Once there, take an orientation walk to get your bearings. Later, you can head out to the nearby ruins of Ephesus and explore the streets once walked by Marc Anthony and Cleopatra. This is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. You’ll be amazed by the sophistication of this ancient city, which had running water, public toilets, in-house heating, a medical institute, and Roman baths. The theatre is also well preserved, but it’s the magnificent library that’s perhaps the coolest structure. Nearby are the remains of the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Chill out tonight in Selcuk, where you could try some Turkish meze and raki for dinner with some of your travel crew.

Travel east inland to Pamukkale, which literally translates to 'cotton castle'. Here, spectacular natural hot springs with a high calcium content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, creating bright white terraces, or ‘cotton’. Why not take a dip and snap some pics, it's been used as a spa since the second century BC, and its waters are said to have heaps of healing properties, so you’ll be glowing on your feed. If you’ve got Cleopatra on the mind after yesterday’s stories, take a walk in the ancient city of Hierapolis and enjoy a dip in what used to be her old pool, soaking in the transparent water-filled springs that were sculpted for her as a gift from Marc. You can also check out the other ruins of the city – Hierapolis is known for its abundance of temples and religious structures, and the amphitheatre shouldn’t be missed. If you're lucky, tonight you might catch an epic sunset from the acropolis!

Today, make your way south to the coast of Turkiye and explore the whitewashed buildings of Kas before you head out to Kekova. Right on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, today you’ll explore this area and its ruins as much as you like. You could be lazing by the beach and taking in the views out over the island, swimming in the clear turquoise waters, or making your way up to the ruins of Simena Castle, the ancient theatre, temples or the Lycian tombs. This area has been inhabited since the 4th century, so make sure to soak in some of the incredible history while you’re here. As the sun sets, ask your leader for some local dinner recommendations, and look back up the hill towards the castle as it is brilliantly illuminated against the night sky.

Island hopping in the Mediterranean is on a lot of people’s bucket lists for a reason, and today you get to tick it off yours. Jump in a boat and sail along the Turkish coast for the day, discovering the mysterious sunken ruins of an ancient Lycian city, exploring rock tombs, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and enjoying cruising along this incredible coastline. After a day of swimming, soaking up the sun, eating delicious food and exploring ancient lost worlds, head back to Kekova and enjoy the rest of your day in this idyllic town.

After breakfast, hop on a public bus to Antalya – the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean. It’s hard to get a bad photo of Antalya with its charming cobblestone streets, historic Old City, vibrant marina and the Taurus Mountains framing the city. Head around town with your group leader, maybe jump on the old Nostalgic Tram or go to Konyaalti Beach for some more time chilling out beachside. If you are in the mood for some last-minute 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.

This morning, say goodbye to those leaving and meet with your new travel buddies at a second meeting at 11 am. Then, jump straight on the bus and go north to the charming city of Konya. The birthplace of Sufism (a religious belief and practice seeking the truth of divine love and knowledge) and the home of the famous whirling dervish, Konya is busting at the seams with history and culture. While you’re here, maybe check out the Mevlana Museum – the former dervish school turned museum – where you can visit the mausoleum of Rumi, a famous Sufi poet. For dinner, your leader can give you the best insider recommendations, so ask them where to find the tastiest kebab or where the best place for drinks is to celebrate stage two of your journey.

Today, say farewell to Konya and hop on a bus to Cappadocia. Weird rock formations, fairy chimneys and underground cities – Cappadocia has it all. Later in the morning, head underground and explore some of the 36 underground cities – these rabbit-warren metropolises were carved into the earth thousands of years ago. Tonight, you’ll be treated to something truly special. A local family will welcome you and your group into their home for a traditional home-cooked Turkish meal. After, you might like to check out the nightlife in Goreme, or for something more mystical, hit up a traditional sema performance of whirling dervishes.

You’ve seen the sunrise hot air balloons over Cappadocia on social media and this morning is your chance to tick that epic experience off your bucket list. If you’re up for it, rise bright and early to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience as the sun rises over the otherworldly city. Those who choose to opt in for this activity will have a seriously excellent time, getting high above the changing colours as the sun rises. Heights not for you? There are tonnes of great viewing points around the city where you can grab some pics or a few selfies as the sky fills with balloons. Later in the day, discover the highlights of the region this afternoon, checking out Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley – your group leader will know all the best places to stop (your Turkey photo dump is about to be incredible!). You’ll also have the opportunity to check out a traditional pottery demonstration with a local artisan revealing all the secrets to creating the perfect ceramics. Later this afternoon, why not grab some wine and find a perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset – your leader will be able to give you some excellent recommendations.

Today is your day to explore all that Cappadocia has to offer. If you’re keen to get out and stretch your legs, why not head out on the Red Valley Hike, which takes you through Meskindir and Rose Valley. The natural sharp sandstone structures glow in the sun, and the trail takes you through a cave church with excellently preserved wall frescoes. If hiking is not your thing, why not explore the markets and street vendors in town. There is a wealth of incredible Turkish handiwork on display, from ceramics to intricately woven carpets. Don't forget to check out the Goreme Open Air Museum, where you can explore the fairy chimneys, cave churches and ancient villages. Tonight, you’ll be hopping on an overnight bus to take you to Istanbul, so settle in and snooze the night away.

Rise and shine in Istanbul! Your overnight bus will arrive in the capital city of Turkiye early this morning, so after dropping your bags at your hotel, the day is yours to explore. With your group, you’ll be heading off on a historical peninsula tour, where you’ll be shown all the best bits of Istanbul and get a lay of the land. Your tour includes all the essential highlights for every new traveller, including Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. After hunting down some lunch (borek and Turkish coffee, anyone?), why not explore this incredible city by foot, there are so many hidden gems to uncover. Tonight, check in with your leader for the best spots to grab dinner, and why not rally the group to toast your adventure together.

This morning your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your group leader and travel pals. If you would like to spend more time checking out all Istanbul has to offer, your leader will be able to give you the best tips for making the most of your time in the city.