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Take an all-encompassing adventure through the contrasting landscapes of Turkey.

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.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Destination
Turkey
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
ERKT
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Get a feel for life in ancient times by exploring the beautifully preserved city of Ephesus. Your local guide will walk you through the remarkable ruins and bring its colourful 1500-year history to life.

  • Relax in the coastal town of Antalya – marvel at the Roman relics of the Old City or take a dip in the crystal blue gulf and soak up views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Get a birds-eye view of Cappadocia’s caves, fairy chimneys and honeycomb terrain with an optional balloon ride over this other-worldly landscape.

  • Indulge in a local lunch while sailing the Kekova islands – spot underwater cities, explore the quaint village of Ucagiz, then spend the afternoon snorkelling.

  • Enjoy a walking tour with a twist (or two!) as you explore the Underground City of Derinkuyum – an ancient metropolis made up of subterranean labyrinths and dwellings.

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. We believe this is the best way to really see a country like Turkey and experience the diverse landscapes. You will need sturdy walking shoes, a hat, some sunscreen and a day pack to explore some of the historical sites. All site tours are guided but you can wander at your own pace if you prefer. Anzac Cove can get quite cool in the months of April and October. We recommend bringing a wind-proof jacket. The weather can be warmer in July and August, but this is the best time to enjoy the clear waters of the Mediterranean, and our activities will be timed to miss the heat of the day.

ERKT_Turkey_Cappadocia_ballooning
ERKT_Turkey_Cappadocia_ Derinkuyu_underground_City
ERKT_Turkey_Antalya_Chicken Dish
ERKT_Intrepid Travel-Turkey-Pamukkale-pax-walk
Antalya marina
Whirling Dervish in Konya
Cruising in Kas blue waters - Turkey
Hagia Sophia - Istanbul
Good moments in Goreme - Cappadocia
Delicious Turkish flavours

Itinerary
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Welcome to Turkey. This adventures kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home.  . You have the whole day free to explore the capital until a Welcome Meeting at 6pm – make sure you have all your important documents and details for your leader. Double check with the hotel reception or the noticeboard for meeting confirmations. Until then, maybe get out and explore the frenetic streets of Turkey's crown-jewel metropolis. After the meeting, maybe gather together your new friends and seek out some Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe.

Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel by early evening, you may wish to arrive a day early, so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please contact the hotel reception. For Monday departures we recommend you visit the magnificent opulence of Topkapi Palace on Day 1 as it is closed on Tuesday.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY50
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY100
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY60
  • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY60
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY200
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Istanbul - Urban Adventures - Istanbul Conquered - EUR95
  • Istanbul - Great Palace Mosaic Museum - TRY35
  • Istanbul - Chora Church - Free
  • Istanbul - Dolmabahce Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY200
  • Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (incl. 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.

If you’re in Istanbul on a Monday, we recommend you visit the magnificent opulence of Topkapi Palace, as it is closed on Tuesday.

If spending some additional time in the city, we recommend considering an Istanbul Museum Card to make the most out of visiting all the sites. https://muze.gov.tr/MuseumPass

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Kick start the day with a leisurely guided walk and discover some of Istanbul’s hidden charms. Visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque and learn more about its one-of-a-kind architecture, with its six minarets and 20,000 dazzling handmade Iznik tiles. Next, head to the ancient Hippodrome, with its intriguing monuments, like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Later this morning, take a private minivan to the beautiful rural town of Beypazari. Located approximately 100 kilometres from Turkey’s capital of Ankara, Beypazari’s historic houses and welcoming community reflects the essence of the Turkish Culture. On arrival, enjoy free time at leisure to explore the streets of this quaint town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque
  • Istanbul - City Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total driving time today is approximately 5.5 hours.

Spend your morning visiting the Living Museum of Beypazari, which offers re-enactments and interactive experiences that allow you to gauge a deeper understanding into traditional Turkish folk culture. Afterwards, board a minibus and make your way to the town of Goreme in Cappadocia (approximately 4 hours). Goreme lies in a beautifully diverse landscape of cones, needles and columns, fashioned by nature from the soft volcanic tuff rock. Its unique, honeycombed terrain consists of a network of caves, scooped out to make churches and dwellings, known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people in this region lived on the land, but in times of war or persecution they took to living underground. With no activities planned for the rest of the day, you’re free to explore this intriguing town at your own pace.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Beypazari - Yasayan Muze (Living Museum of Beypazari)
  • Cappadocia - Valley Hiking
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - Whirling Dervishes - Sema Performance - EUR25
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR195
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR250
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total driving time today is approximately 4 hours.

Please note prices for the Balloon Flight in Cappadocia are subject to change. All credit card purchases for Balloon Flights will incur a 10 Euro Fee.

For early birds, a hot air balloon ride over the majestic landscape is a highly recommended experience, otherwise, enjoy a sleep in before heading to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex and Christian sanctuary of carved houses, churches and monasteries. The museum was one of the earliest centres for religious education and there are at least ten churches and chapels in the complex, dating between AD900 and 1200. Enter the cave chapels and witness the exquisite colour of the biblical frescoes found within, followed by a free afternoon – perhaps consider a sunset hike, ask your leader for the best places.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - The Dark Church Entry - TRY30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please advise your leader if you wish to make a reservation for the balloon trip at your welcome meeting, as Intrepid only recommends balloon rides by our experienced operators.

After breakfast this morning, head out on a walk of the surrounding valley and witness the fascinating rock formations and fairy chimneys, as well as manmade cave chapels from early Christian times. Later in the afternoon, visit the red river of Cappadocia – famous for its clay which is still used to make magnificent pieces of Art. Meet a local potter and learn about this ancient craft and perhaps take the opportunity to purchase a hand-crafted souvenir. Continue your journey into the valleys of Cappadocia, stopping at Devrent Valley (Imaginary Valley), with unique fairy chimneys. After a day of exploration, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Valley Hiking
  • Cappadocia - Devrent Valley
  • Cappadocia - Highlights
Optional Activities
  • Cappadocia - Zelve / Pasabaglar Archaeological Site - TRY25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, spend your last morning in Cappadocia exploring the Underground City of Derinkuyu– an ancient metropolis made up of subterranean labyrinths and dwellings, some of them extending as deep as seven levels underground. Later this afternoon, travel to the city of Konya, where the mystic Sufi practice of 'whirling' originates. On arrival, enjoy an orientation walk of the town followed by a guided tour of the Mevlana Museum, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into the history of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
  • Goreme - Derinkuyu Underground City tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total driving time today is approximately 4 hours.

This morning, drive across the magnificent Taurus Mountains to reach one of Turkey's true coastal gems, Antalya. Your leader will introduce you to the delights of the Old City with an orientation walk along its cobblestone streets. Visit the clock tower, Hadrian’s gate and the old Roman Harbour before venturing to the historical zone of Kaleici – an area within Antalya’s historic centre that’s protected from modern development, and home to relics of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman occupation. Afterwards, feel free to swim, relax and enjoy stellar views overlooking the crystal blue Mediterranean.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Antalya - Kaleici visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total driving time today is approximately 5.5 hours.

Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Antalya Museum, home to an excellent collection of Turkey’s archaeological treasures. The beautifully preserved statues in the Hall of Gods, Heracles now among them, are not to be missed. After lunch, continue to the seaside village of Kas – its whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea, as well as an ancient Greek theatre, makes this a great place to be explored on foot. If you feel like cooling off with a refreshing dip, why not head to one of the waterfront restaurants which often have their own private water access – for the price of an occasional drink, you get your own deck chair, umbrella and unbeatable views. When the sun goes down there’s the chance to explore the handicraft markets, where you can find beautiful handmade wares with a distinctly Turkish twist. For dinner this evening, make sure you sample the delicious local cuisine in the fishing village.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum
  • Kas - Leader led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total driving time today is approximately 4 hours

Today you’ll drive to Kekova where you’ll board a local boat and take a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful and picturesque islands, each with distinctive rock formations – keep your eyes peeled for the ancient houses submerged in the clear water. For lunch, enjoy a homemade Turkish meal onboard before arriving in the settlement of Ucagiz, a township of stone houses draped in colourful flowers. Explore this quaint township before continuing to cruise to beautiful protected inlets – perfect for a refreshing dip just off the boat. Return to Kas for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Take a restorative dip in the thermal hot springs of Pamukkale, Turkey’s most surreal natural phenomenon. Take some time to visit the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip in what used to be Celopatras’s old pool, then explore its abundance of temples and religious structures, vast necropolis and strange tombs.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
Optional Activities
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis Cleopatra pool - TRY100
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis Museum - TRY110
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Total driving time today is approximately 5.5 hours

It’s an early start this morning as you make your way to Selcuk, your base for visiting Ephesus. Selcuk itself is culturally rich and retains many Turkish traditions, and its relatively undisturbed nature means this is an opportunity to experience the ‘real’ Turkey. On the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll see the Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built over the supposed burial site of the saint. Just a short distance out of Selcuk is one of the ancient world's Seven Wonders, the Temple of Artemis, although, sadly, only a single column (of 127 originally) remains. The Temple of Artemis was unfortunately destroyed in AD 401, after being successively damaged by floods, a Greek arsonist seeking notoriety, and the Goths. You’ll arrive in Selcuk with enough time to check in to the guesthouse and then take a leader-led orientation walk of the town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
  • Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Sirince - Fruit wine tasting
Optional Activities
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total driving time today is approximately 4 hours

Today you'll visit Ephesus, one of Turkey's most important ancient sites. Explore this beautifully preserved classical city with your local guide who will bring its colourful 1500-year history to life. Watch in awe as the sophistication of this former metropolis reveals itself: it had running water, public toilets, a renowned medical institute, a brothel and Roman baths. The theatre is well-preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but the marvellous library might just be the highlight. Later you will stop for lunch at a family-run restaurant, where you’ll feast on gozleme – the famous and very popular Turkish pancake – made fresh before your eyes.

This afternoon there is an opportunity to visit Sultankoy. This small village is dedicated to carpet weaving, and here you can discover all about this traditional art form, from dying the wool to traditional weaving on wooden looms. Regardless if you are in the market for a new rug or not this is an opportunity to support local weavers enjoy some Turkish hospitality, and discover the beauty of Turkish Rug Making.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Local Gozleme Lunch
Optional Activities
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - TRY55
  • Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) entrance fee - TRY120
  • Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - TRY30
  • Selcuk - Sultankoy Village Carpet Weaving - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning, travel to the waterside town of Canakkale, where on arrival, you’ll join your leader for an orientation walk of this exciting university city perched on the Dardanelles. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. You might like to see the Trojan horse used in the film Troy in 2004, which was later gifted to the city. Canakkale has a great range of dining options – ask your leader for some recommendations. Afterwards, why not take a stroll along the waterfront and sample some dondurma, a type of Turkish ice-cream.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you’ll cross the Dardanelles and head to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of enormous significance to Australians and New Zealanders. Turkey's most westerly point may feel serene; however, this coastal point was once a major backdrop of the Great War. Visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove, then head up the hill to pay homage at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials. From the Ataturk Memorial you can look down on the blue waters of the Dardanelles and see them in a more sombre light, you'll also find the remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers around this area. After touring the former battlefields, head back to Istanbul where your journey began, arriving late afternoon or early evening. Perhaps join your fellow travellers for a group dinner to toast to your journey.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gallipoli - guided tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total driving time today is approximately 5 hours

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast and there are no further activities planned.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

14 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Transport

Private Bus, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque
  • Istanbul - City Tour
  • Beypazari - Yasayan Muze (Living Museum of Beypazari)
  • Cappadocia - Valley Hiking
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Devrent Valley
  • Cappadocia - Highlights
  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
  • Goreme - Derinkuyu Underground City tour
  • Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Antalya - Kaleici visit
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum
  • Kas - Leader led orientation walk
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
  • Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
  • Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Sirince - Fruit wine tasting
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Local Gozleme Lunch
  • Gallipoli - guided tour

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

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.
3. Travel times can be long in Turkey, it is a big country. Most travelling days are 3-4 hours with the exception of days 2,5 and 13 at 5-6 hours. Transport is by way of a comfortable private air-conditioned minibus.

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.

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