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Journey into the heart of Turkey and discover hidden coves, fairytale landscapes and friendly locals
Get to right into the heart of Turkish culture on this 15-day Premium adventure. Explore islands and a sunken city on a locally guided boat cruise, get hands-on in a Turkish cooking class using homegrown ingredients and join a local woman in her home for a specially prepared feast. Take guided tours of Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Antalya and more, and travel through diverse landscapes – from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the glittering Mediterranean Coast. With the option to take a hot air balloon at sunrise over the incredible landscapes of Cappadocia and some free time to make your own discoveries, you’ll fall in love with Turkey in just two weeks.
4.7
261 reviewsStart: Istanbul, Turkey
End: Istanbul, Turkey
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Premium
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- 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
Our best hand-picked accommodation and the highest level of service
The must-see highlights, plus authentic experiences only available on Premium trips
Trips led by our most experienced and top-rated local leaders
Why you'll love this trip
- Join an experienced local leader as you stroll the ancient streets of Ephesus, uncover the secrets of Sagalassos, explore the legendary ruins of Troy and discover Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and the Million.
- Cruise around the hidden coves and islets of Turkey’s southern coast during an Exclusive Experience guided by a local couple who’ve been navigating the waters for years.
- Feast your eyes on the best of Turkey's otherworldly sights, from the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale to the surreal rockscapes of Cappadocia.
- Step into a fairy tale during your Feature Stay at a unique cave hotel in Cappadocia, which has elegantly decorated rooms carved from stone. Then, if you like, take a hot air balloon over the otherworldly landscape at sunrise.
- Get to know the real Turkey on Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class with an expert chef, a visit to an empowering carpet weaving cooperative and a traditional dinner at a local's home in Cappadocia.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Hoş geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all once called home. If arriving today, you’ll have a complimentary transfer to your hotel from the airport. If you arrive early, maybe grab lunch at one of the city’s many eateries. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After, you’ll head out with your local leader and small group to explore the Old City of Istanbul. Your leader will introduce you to some of the city’s historic treasures, including the dazzling Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and the Million – a stone road marker in use since the fourth century. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a stylish restaurant.
- Fer Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Istanbul - City Tour
- Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
- Istanbul - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY2000
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details 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.
Your complimentary airport transfer is valid from both Istanbul New Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gocken Airport (SAW).
Rise and shine for an early breakfast, then begin the drive to Canakkale – a port city on the shores of the Dardanelles. Arrive in time to buy yourself some lunch, then head to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Thousands from across the world journey here each year to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the battles of 1915. Tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Head up to the memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair while your leader explains the significance of the events across the landscape. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for thousands of young men on both sides. After a day that will no doubt be full of sombre reflection, the evening is free for you to do as you wish in Canakkale.
- Cura Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Gallipoli - Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Drive to Selçuk and stop along the way in Troy, where history and mythology sit side by side. Your leader will take you around the ancient city walls – there'll be time for a photo op with a replica Trojan horse too. Learn how the site has confounded historians and archaeologists, then continue to Selçuk. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, join your leader for an orientation walk around this sprawling town at the base of the ancient Ayasoluk Hill fortress. You’ll visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient aqueducts.
- Celsus Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Troy - Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Today, visit one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world – Ephesus. Learn what life here was like as you tour the ancient theatre, gymnasium, baths and restored Library of Celsus, and stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Later, drive past apple and peach orchards to the village of Sirince, where red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll taste locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all the above. Next, you’ll meet a local chef for a Turkish cooking class, using olive oil grown and made on-site and herbs and vegetables picked fresh from the garden. Learn how to make a range of small Turkish meze dishes using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labour with an evening dinner of the mouth-watering meze plates you’ve made together.
- Celsus Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
- Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
- Selcuk - Cooking class
- Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - EUR10
- Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - EUR15
After breakfast, travel to the town of Pamukkale. Named after its incredible travertine terraces, Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle.’ This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a collection of pools and terraces. As the water overflows, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with water that many believe has healing properties for circulation and the digestive system. Head up to the ruins of Hierapolis – an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC, where your leader will bring history to life and guide you through an ancient temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. You then have the evening free to spend how you wish.
- Hierapark Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced that the Cleopatra Pool is now closed for renovations. There is no confirmed reopening date yet.
Make the journey to the coastal town of Kas (meaning ‘eyebrow’) and begin exploring on a walking tour. Now primarily a holiday town, Kas is strewn with the remains of Lycian tombs, iconic, whitewashed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea and an ancient theatre where you can watch a spectacular sunset. The walk is sure to inspire your appetite, and your leader will be on hand to show you where to grab a great gozleme (stuffed Turkish flatbread). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this easy-going town – maybe sit back with a pomegranate cocktail or check out the local markets.
- Payam Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
- Pamukkale - Hot Air Balloon - EUR180
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Set off for a boat cruise around the islands today, with a local family who use their unique knowledge and love of the local waters to share a distinctly traditional way of cruising and eating with travellers. Cruise to their home village of Ucagiz, then to the village of Simena, where its friendly residents sell ice cream in front of bougainvillea-covered houses. On board, you’ll enjoy a range of freshly prepared local greens, zucchini fritters and maybe even some Turkish raki. Sail from large bays to protected inlets where you can cool off with a swim. Kick back with a cold beer or learn how to play backgammon – Turkey’s most beloved game – and look out for the ruins of an ancient city submerged under the water. Return to Kas for an evening at your leisure.
- Payam Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Kas - Sailing trip with seafood lunch
Travel from Kas along a scenic route, stopping at the ancient city of Phaselis. Here you’ll have time to stretch your legs among Roman ruins or cool off with a swim in the sea. Then, continue to Antalya, where your accommodation is tucked away near the beach. Once you’ve settled in, join your leader for an early evening walk around Kaleici (the Old City). See Hadrian's Gate, the Old Roman Harbour and photo-worthy views of the Mediterranean. Tonight, you’ll experience Turkish family-style dining at a traditional meyhane (tavern) with plenty of share plates, local drinks and live music.
- Ruin Adalia Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
- Antalya - Phaselis Ancient City
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Wake up in beautiful Antalya and start your day with a visit to the Necropolis Museum which is centred on an ancient burial ground only discovered in 2008. With open-air and indoor exhibitions, the museum provides a unique glimpse into ancient burial rituals, with tomb artifacts ranging from the 3rd Century BC to the Roman period. The afternoon is then free for you to explore as you wish. If you’d like, your leader can help you to arrange your own trip to the ancient city of Perge. Or maybe wander the narrow cobblestoned streets of Kaleici with an ice cream in hand, beat the heat with a dip in the sea or chill out poolside.
- Ruin Adalia Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Antalya - Necropolis Museum
- Antalya - Perge Ancient City with Transport - EUR58
Say goodbye to Antalya and hit the road to Konya – an ancient city that played a key role in the Roman era and where the Sufi practice of 'whirling' was born. When you arrive, visit the mystic resting place of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi – the 13th-century mystic, poet and theologian whose teachings continue to inspire and influence Muslims worldwide – and explore the museum dedicated to his life and work. The rest of the day is free to get to know the city. Wander through Konya’s many museums, mosques and monuments, or take a leisurely stroll up Alaeddin Hill, where locals sip coffee and eat pastries. This evening, you’ll tuck into a traditional Konyan meal of hearty okra soup and etliekmek – a long, thin, and crispy flatbread filled with meat, peppers and spices.
- Selcuk Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Konya - Mevlana Museum
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Depart Konya and travel to Cappadocia, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get to know your new surroundings. Check in to your Feature Stay accommodation, where you’ll feel miles away from the modern world in a cave hotel that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. These unique rooms are carved into stone, featuring elegant decor and modern conveniences. Your leader can provide tips on exploring nearby villages. Keep an eye out for hot air balloons passing overhead and head out for a drink to watch the sunset over one of the world’s more iconic places. The rest of the evening is free for you to take it all in, or you could opt for a whirling performance by local Dervishes in a restored han (caravansary).
- HU of Cappadocia or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cappadocia - Leader-led orientation walk
- Cappadocia - Sunset drinks
- Cappadocia - Turkish Night with Dinner - EUR50
- Cappadocia - Whirling Dervish Performance with transport - EUR40
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. After a relaxing breakfast overlooking the valley, step back in time with a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face as your leader shares stories of the civilisations who lived here. Next, you’ll visit a carpet weaving cooperative that empowers women by giving them the tools to produce one-of-a-kind traditional rugs. Hear local insight into the history of traditional carpet weaving and see how the intricate pieces are made. Later in the afternoon, go on a short walk through the cheekily named Love Valley, famous for its phallic rock formations. Then, head back to your hotel and perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day.
- HU of Cappadocia or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cappadocia - Valley walk
- Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
- Cappadocia - Carpet weaving co-op
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR200
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR230
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Sightseeing from the Valley - EUR20
You can only book the optional hot air balloon activity with your trip leader. Your leader will discuss this with the group early in the trip.
The price of the hot air balloon activity is indicative only as the prices may fluctuate between different seasons. Your leader will advise you of the correct rate at the time of booking.
Due to local regulations, hot air balloon flight times vary. This means that your flight may be before or just after sunrise. This is subject to the activity provider’s discretion and is not within our control.
Take a morning walk to see the fascinating rock formations of the Kizilcukur Valley. After lunch, head toward the red river of Avanos and descend to Ozkonak to explore an underground city hollowed out of tufa rock that dates back to 400 BC. Return to the surface and visit the studio of a local ceramic master whose family have been in the pottery business for six generations. Speak with a local artist who’ll explain the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics. Discover the rich clay from the red river and watch how it’s moulded into exquisite pieces. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into the home of a local family who'll prepare a special homecooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your hosts and top off the night with some turkish delight.
- HU of Cappadocia or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
- Cappadocia - Ozkonak Underground City
- Cappadocia - Kizilcukur Valley
- Cappadocia - Home-cooked dinner
Say goodbye to Cappadocia this morning and return to where it all began – Istanbul. When you arrive, you may want to explore the European part of the city or take a trip across the Bosphorus to the Asian side. Either way, you’ll find lively, close-knit communities and jumbles of cute cafes, markets and shops. Your leader will be able to provide advice on things to see and do. This evening, maybe round off your adventure by joining your group for an optional farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s excellent restaurants.
- Fer Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Istanbul - Private Bosphorus Cruise Sunset with Soft Drinks - EUR560
- Istanbul - Beyoglu Night Tasting Trail - EUR85
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you want to spend some more time in Istanbul, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
Private vehicle, Boat, Plane
Comfortable hotel (11 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Istanbul - City Tour
- Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
- Istanbul - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Gallipoli - Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
- Troy - Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
- Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
- Selcuk - Cooking class
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
- Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
- Kas - Sailing trip with seafood lunch
- Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
- Antalya - Phaselis Ancient City
- Antalya - Necropolis Museum
- Konya - Mevlana Museum
- Cappadocia - Leader-led orientation walk
- Cappadocia - Sunset drinks
- Cappadocia - Valley walk
- Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
- Cappadocia - Carpet weaving co-op
- Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
- Cappadocia - Ozkonak Underground City
- Cappadocia - Kizilcukur Valley
- Cappadocia - Home-cooked dinner
- Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY2000
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
- Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - EUR10
- Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - EUR15
- Pamukkale - Hot Air Balloon - EUR180
- Antalya - Perge Ancient City with Transport - EUR58
- Cappadocia - Turkish Night with Dinner - EUR50
- Cappadocia - Whirling Dervish Performance with transport - EUR40
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR200
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR230
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Sightseeing from the Valley - EUR20
- Istanbul - Private Bosphorus Cruise Sunset with Soft Drinks - EUR560
- Istanbul - Beyoglu Night Tasting Trail - EUR85
This trip generates 48 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- This trip has a couple of long drives, particularly on Day 6. These journeys are in a private vehicle, so they're a great chance to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery and chat with your fellow travellers.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Fer Hotel
Mollafenari, Türbedar Sk. No: 12
Istanbul
34120
TURKEY
Description
Conveniently located in Istanbul, Fer Hotel is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city. Fer Hotel offers impeccable service and all the essential amenities to invigorate travelers, including free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Istanbul's favourite sites are within a 5 to 15 minute walk from the hotel - Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar.
Instructions
An airport arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport in Istanbul, at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid.
There are two international airports servicing Istanbul. Istanbul Airport (IST) is 50kms/30miles northwest of central Istanbul, on the European side. Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is 50kms/30miles southeast of central Istanbul, on the Asian side. From either airport you can take a metered taxi to the joining point hotel. The taxi fare will cost approximately TRY 1500-2300.
We recommend screenshotting or printing the below details as wifi in both airports is unreliable.
If you cannot find your transfer representative, or if your flight is delayed, please call the number listed below in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.
Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)
If you have advised your flight arrival details, you will be met outside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall and exit through Gate 8. On the left hand side, you’ll see a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign.
Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area. Once the driver arrives, the transfer representative will escort you to meet the driver (two floors down).
The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour but can increase to 90 minutes or more during rush hour.
Arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
If you have advised your flight arrival details, you will be met outside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall, exit, and cross the road between columns 9 and 10 to Simit Sarayi bakery. You’ll find a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign.
Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area.
The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes but can increase to 2 hours or more during rush hour.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. This trip starts at 1pm on Day 1 in Istanbul. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore the city with your leader.
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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