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Turkey Explored

18 Days | Coastal cruising and chimney viewing, from Istanbul to Cappadocia

4.8 out of 5 based on 30 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $2,166
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Travel from Istanbul through the very best of Turkey – Gallipoli, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia and Ankara – and discover the people, cultures, cuisine and landscapes that make this country such a treasure. Historically rich with its medieval Ottoman period and chronicle of Gallipoli, and fashionably chic with the cosmopolitan buzz of Istanbul and celebrity getaway of Antalya, Turkey is an unmissable country that overflows with character. Pay your respects in Gallipoli, hike into the Valley of Love in Cappadocia, cruise the south coast on a traditional gulet and understand why Istanbul is considered the centre of the world. Take 18 days with Intrepid to get the absolute best out of this intriguing nation.

Trip overview

Map of Turkey Explored 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
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ERRTC
This trip generates 33.79 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
  • Explore the continent-straddling metropolis of Istanbul, and step back in time to when it was Constantinople with the backstreets of the Grand Bazaar and at the Hagia Sophia.
  • Reflect on battles fought and lives lost with a moving visit to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a serene stretch of coastline where it's now hard to picture the horrors of war.
  • Spend two days exploring the cliffside waterfalls, cobblestone alleyways and ancient ruins of Antalya, a city on the Mediterranean Coast.
  • You'll dig into local Turkish delicacies like the famous wet burgers, enjoy a local lunch at a traditional Aspava and get your taste buds tingling with a borek tasting.
  • Discover UNESCO world heritage site - Hattusas Ancient Site - known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This is a trip made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in July and August, though the east will be cooler than the city. The weather can be hot in July and August, but this is also the best time to enjoy the clear water of the Mediterranean – don’t forget your swim gear.
  • You’ll need your walking shoes, a hat, some sunscreen, and a daypack to explore the historical sites. All site tours are guided, but you can wander at your own pace if you prefer.

Itinerary

Map of Turkey Explored including Turkey

Inclusions

Meals

16 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Transport

Public Bus, Private Vehicle, Train, Tram, Funicular

Accommodation

Hotel (15 nights), Pension (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night)

Activities
  • Istanbul - Orientation Walk
  • Gallipoli - Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
  • Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Kekova - Turkish Coast day sailing
  • Konya - Leader led orientation walk
  • Cappadocia - Valley walk
  • Bogazkale - Hattusha UNESCO Archaeological Site
  • Ankara - Orientation Walk
  • Ankara - Mausoleum of Ataturk
  • Eskisehir - Gondola Ride
  • Eskisehir - Odunpazarı Village Visit
  • Istanbul - Taksim District Orientation Walk
Add on activities
  • Istanbul - Spice Market - Free
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY150
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY650
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY340
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irine (Excluding Harem) - TRY750
  • Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (inc. massage) - EUR100
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit - TRY700
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - TRY320
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY130
  • Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) entrance fee - TRY250
  • Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool - TRY400
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park - TRY700
  • Kayakoy - Village visit - TRY30
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum - TRY340
  • Antalya - Aspendos Ancient City - TRY340
  • Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30
  • Cappadocia - Goreme - Open Air Museum - TRY480
  • Cappadocia - Derinkuyu Underground City - TRY300
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR300
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR410
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City - TRY300
  • Ankara - Independence War Museum - TRY125

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 and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This is a combination trip and the composition of your group may change throughout your trip.
3. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

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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Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 30 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

Kerryn · Traveled June 2023
Fabulous trip, great sites and a lot of variety. Semih was amazing. There's a bit of walking so pack light! Highlights were Eskisehir, Kekova, Gallipoli and Cappadocia. Fantastic trip to get a taste of Turkey.
Review submitted 19 Jul 2023

Sarah · Traveled June 2023
This was a trip of a lifetime! I was overwhelmed by the beauty, charm, culture, and history of Turkiye! This trip truly has something for everyone. Each day was an adventure in itself! You will come back a changed human!! :)
Review submitted 24 Jul 2023

Jordyn · Traveled June 2023
The best thing about intrepid is the people!! Tarik my Turkey guide went above and beyond to give us the best and most authentic and special experience possible!!!
Review submitted 09 Jul 2023

Lesley · Traveled June 2023
I would highly recommend Turkey it’s an amazing country 🥰🇹🇷 it’s every thing that I expected plus more.
Review submitted 07 Jul 2023

DANTE · Traveled May 2023
A modern country with amazing food and great history, Turkiye went beyond expectations. Always felt very safe and welcomed by locals, my wife and I really enjoyed the trip; any destination has been a pleasant surprise, the million dollar views from the rooftop restaurants in Istanbul are well worth a long airplane journey. Take advantage of the basix travelling style, it offers more time to spend in your own way and more choices of activities and meals.
Review submitted 01 Jul 2023
Turkey Explored
From
USD $2,166