Turkey Encompassed

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 159 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €2,525
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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 34.7 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 Airport 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
  • Canakkale - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Gallipoli - Battlefields visit
Add on activities
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY150
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY650
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irine (Excluding Harem) - TRY750
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Goreme - Whirling Dervishes - Sema Performance - EUR30
  • Goreme - The Dark Church Entry - TRY130
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR300
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR410
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - TRY320
  • Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - TRY220
  • Selcuk - Sultankoy Village Carpet Weaving - Free

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 159 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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Nikoletta · Traveled August 2023
I highly recommend this trip if you’d like to feel like see the best of the best that Turkey has to offer outside of Istanbul. The trip length is perfect and whilst some of the days driving can be long they are broken up with plenty of stops and interesting sites along the way. I was fortunate enough to be part of a group lead by the amazing Tarik, his sidekick Ilter, and our wonderful driver Yusuf!
Review submitted 30 Aug 2023

Iva · Traveled July 2023
Turkey is amazing destination and the itinerary from intrepid for the Encompassed tour is perfect
Review submitted 14 Aug 2023

Kerry · Traveled July 2023
This trip was absolutely amazing and it was a joy to travel with our guide Cahit and the fabulous group of like minded travelers. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. Our guide was passionate, knowledgeable, helpful and loads of fun - he made the trip very smooth. The itinerary offers an introduction to an amazingly diverse and beautiful country with wonderful people. The time will fly and you will be so grateful you made the decision to book. Lifelong memories await :)
Review submitted 11 Aug 2023

Anabel · Traveled July 2023
This was my first guided tour ever and it was exceptional. Türkiye is amazing and sharing it with my fellow travelers under the passionate and knowledgeable guide of Tarik our leader will be something that stays in my heart and soul. Thanks Intrepid… my first Intrepid will definitely not be my last.
Review submitted 29 Jul 2023

Helen · Traveled July 2023
Türkiye has certainly a lot to offer with experiences, sight seeing and culture. Intrepid do an amazing job with this balance and giving you a real experience with the culture and sites we visit. I also love the way Intrepid put money back into the local community.
Review submitted 06 Aug 2023
Turkey Encompassed
From
EUR €2,525