Turkey Encompassed

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 207 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €2,385
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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 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

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

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) - TRY200
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY1700
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - EUR30
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
  • Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR275
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR325
  • 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

4.8 out of 5 based on 207 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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David · Traveled September 2024
This was our 1st Intrepid trip and I was surprised how well everything went our leader Elif Karahan was very enthusiastic about my trip and I would recommend Intrepid to anyone after this trip
Review submitted 19 Sep 2024

Audrey · Traveled September 2024
I just finished the TURKEY Encompassed Tour. EhT a beautiful country and Intrepid met all my expectations. Elif our tour guide was fabulous and made sure we're happy with our meals, and excursions. Some of the hotels were charming g, small operations but that added to the charm of the towns and Tukish experience. Highly recommend This tour. Audrey Sept 20, 2024
Review submitted 20 Sep 2024

Harriet · Traveled September 2024
It is a wonderful trip for travelers. We saw such a variety of places. Our guide Elif Karahan was the best guide we could have asked for. I highly recommend this trip.
Review submitted 21 Sep 2024

Rowena · Traveled September 2024
This trip is a great way to experience Turkey's culture, learn about its ancient past, spend time with the locals and immerse yourself in experiencing something unique.
Review submitted 21 Sep 2024

Jan · Traveled August 2024
Turkey is wonderful country - it is safe clean and friendly, in addition to being a foodies’ dream. My recent trip was jam-packed with highlights - from the hot-air balloons in Cappadocia, the enchanting seaport Antalya, swimming in the Mediterranean, the ruins of Ephesus to the haunting landscape of Gallipoli.
Review submitted 16 Sep 2024
Turkey Encompassed
From
EUR €2,385