Cyber Sale ends soon! Last chance to book now and save up to 20% off* trips all over the world. Book Now!

Turkey Highlights

8 Days | Hit the hotspots of Turkey, from cosmopolitan Istanbul to the whimsical Cappadocia.

4.8 out of 5 based on 133 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €1,193
View dates and book

This journey packs a mighty punch in just eight days. Start in Istanbul and marvel at the Blue Mosque before navigating the warrens of the Grand Bazaar. Then, discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area. Travel to the Aegean Sea to soak up sun, salt and history in Kusadasi with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Catch the overnight train to Central Anatolia and the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons dot the skyline and dwellings are cut into the cliffs, then finish back in Istanbul, the long-lived metropolis where East meets West.

Trip overview

Map of Turkey Highlights 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
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ERSK
This trip generates 42.05 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
  • This short but sweet trip packs a punch with visits to Istanbul, Canakkale, Cappadocia and Ephesus while still leaving plenty of time to relax.
  • Discover the incredible ancient and modern history of Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area.
  • Taste local fruit wines in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country. Get to know the friendly locals with a Gozleme making demonstration and a home-made lunch at a local family in Cappadocia.
  • Travel and stay a little differently – and come home with memories to last a lifetime – from taking local buses and trains, to staying in one of the cave hotels that Cappadocia is famed for.
  • Discover the back streets and vibrant local markets of Istanbul with your expert guide, find hidden hotspots and local hangouts that you won’t find in the guidebooks.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (ÇaÄŸdaÅŸ YaÅŸamı Destekleme DerneÄŸi). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.

Is this trip right for you?
  • You will need to carry your bags on and off local trams and trains during this trip. The distances aren't far, and it's possible to do this with a wheelie bag – but be aware of cobblestone streets.
  • This trip uses a combination of public and private transport, and all vehicles are modern and have air-conditioning and most are fitted with seat belts. Some journeys can be long in order to maximise the areas visited, but this gives you a chance to interact with the local community and see more of the country and you'll have plenty chances to stop on the way to stretch your legs.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

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

Map of Turkey Highlights including Turkey

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private Bus, Public Bus, Overnight Train, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Overnight Train (1 night)

Activities
  • Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
  • Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards
  • Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
  • Troy - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
  • Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Valley walk
  • Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
Add on activities
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY150
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY650
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY340
  • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY390
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (entrance fee) - TRY750
  • Selcuk - Sultankoy Village Carpet Weaving - Free
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY130
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - TRY320
  • Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - TRY220
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR270
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum - TRY150
  • Goreme - Whirling Dervishes - Sema Performance - EUR30

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. This trip starts in Istanbul on Day 1 at 1 pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Istanbul.
2. There are internal flights on this trip and most internal flights in Turkey have a luggage restriction of 15kg checked and 8kg cabin.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 (Overnight train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

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 133 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.

Filter by rating

Stuart · Traveled October 2023
Overall a great tour learnt heaps about Turkey. Shame thx Itinerary we purchased wasn't the same trip.
Review submitted 09 Nov 2023

Elaine · Traveled October 2023
What a great way to learn about the history and culture of this country. When I look back at my photos and souvenirs, I can't believe how much we crammed in!
Review submitted 01 Nov 2023

Julie · Traveled October 2023
This trip is a great way to fall in love with Turkey. It provides insight to key historic events and areas I would highly recommend and especially if you get Ahmet as a tour leader!
Review submitted 01 Nov 2023

Karen · Traveled October 2023
This was an excellent trip and packed lots in within a short space of time. All the included activities are great, and there is a good balance between travelling and visiting amazing places. Ahmet our trip leader was brilliant!
Review submitted 01 Nov 2023

Heather · Traveled October 2023
Amazing trip. Great itinerary and you really feel you’re getting an authentic Turkish experience.
Review submitted 27 Oct 2023
Turkey Highlights
From
EUR €1,193