Turkey Backroads

5 Days | Picturesque villages, local delicacies and an Istanbul crash-course

4.4 out of 5 based on 23 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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CHF  414
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Set out on a five-day trip through Turkey, packed full of ancient monuments and local moments. Wander through Turkey's capital of Ankara, learn about the country's deep history, explore the Mausoleum of Atatürk and then roam around the picturesque streets of Eskişehir, enjoying a gondola ride on the Porsuk river. Stroll the lively streets of Istanbul with your local leader and let them show you where to get the best islak burger in town. This trip is designed so that even if you’re short on time, you can explore the backroads of Turkey and uncover all the good stuff.

Trip overview

Map of Turkey Backroads including Turkey
Start
Goreme, 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
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ERRV
This trip generates 41 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
  • Discover UNESCO world heritage site - Hattusas Ancient Site - known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences.
  • Explore Turkey's capital of Ankara during a guided orientation walk that will lead you to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic.
  • You'll dig into local Turkish delicacies like the famous wet burgers, enjoy a local lunch at a traditional Aspava and get your taste buds tingling with a borek tasting.
  • Be mesmerised by the picturesque streets of Eskişehir and enjoy a gondola ride on the city's Porsuk river.
  • Wander the continent-straddling metropolis of Istanbul, strutting your stuff with the locals on a popular street, sipping rich coffee and discovering the secret corners of the city.
  • 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 is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in July and August, though the east will be cooler than the city.
  • As this trip departs Cappadocia early on Day 1, we highly recommend staying a few extra days before your tour to enjoy all this great destination has to offer. 
  • Public transport is better for the environment, and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life, but keep in mind that local transport between locations on this trip can be pretty basic. Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions, so books, podcasts and car games will be your best friend.

Itinerary

Map of Turkey Backroads including Turkey

Inclusions

Meals

4 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Private Bus, Train, Tram, Funicular

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Activities
  • Bogazkale - Hattusha UNESCO Archaeological Site
  • Ankara - Orientation Walk
  • Ankara - Mausoleum of Ataturk
  • Ankara - Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
  • Eskisehir - Odunpazarı Village Visit
  • Eskisehir - Ci Borek Cooking Demonstration
  • Istanbul - Taksim District Orientation Walk
  • Istanbul – Street Food Tasting (Wet Burger)
Add on activities
  • Ankara - Independence War Museum - EUR6
  • Eskisehir - Gondola Ride - TRY50
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY1700
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25

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 (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip commences in Goreme in Cappadocia and finishes in Istanbul. Overnight buses are readily available for booking from Istanbul to Cappadocia and the region is serviced by two airports, Kayseri and Nevsehir. Additional accommodation is available for pre-booking with your booking agent.
3. Please refer to the joining instructions in this essential trip information document for the exact meeting place to join this trip. If you would like to be picked up at an alternative location in Goreme, please advise your booking agent 15 days prior to departure.
4 Turkey is a world of endless possibilities – that’s why our trips are designed so they fit together. This means that while you might just be starting your trip, some of your new travel mates may have been travelling together for a week or more on a previous adventure. They will definitely have some great tips for you.
5. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - http://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

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

4.4 out of 5 based on 23 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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Jessica · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 05 Sep 2024

Cristina · Traveled July 2024
I came to Turkey with no expectations and this trip has highly exceeded all my initial ideas. Intrepid has created a well-planned tour, easy to follow and with an exceptional guide who accompanied us and took care of us at all times. Transport and acommodations are basic for this tour, so make sure you can carry your own luggage.
Review submitted 25 Jul 2024

John · Traveled May 2024
Thanks to Ilter, our Turkey trip exceeded expectations. His expertise and personable approach made every moment enriching. From historical insights to local cuisine discussions, Ilter's guidance was invaluable. Patient, knowledgeable, and approachable, he transformed our journey into an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend this trip with 10/10 enthusiasm!
Review submitted 03 Jun 2024

Alexander · Traveled May 2024
I loved the trip and learnt so much about the history of Turkey on this trip. I saw a side to the country that I haven’t seen on many other trips to the country.
Review submitted 29 May 2024

Sophie · Traveled October 2023
This is a great introduction to Turkey-our guide Kübra was outstanding-nothing was too much trouble and her unfaltering kindness and warmth really made the trip. Turkey is a wonderful country and this gives you a good insight into what it has to offer-Istanbul was fabulous
Review submitted 24 Oct 2023
Turkey Backroads
From
CHF  414