Turkey Highlights

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 138 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $1,275
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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 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 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 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2023

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 - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
  • Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
  • 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 - Whirling Dervishes - Sema Performance - EUR30
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR270
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum - TRY480
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR320

Dates and availability

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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 is an internal flight 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 138 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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Owen · Traveled November 2023
Amazing experience, wonderful leader and perfect schedule. Thoroughly recommend.
Review submitted 22 Nov 2023

Sarah · Traveled November 2023
One of the best trips I have ever been on, it’s fast paced with some long travel days but you see so much of this beautiful country, experience all the delicious food and local culture. Our tour leader, Mete, was fantastic and made the trip both fun and educational. I loved every minute of this trip and would very much recommend.
Review submitted 19 Nov 2023

Jacqueline · Traveled November 2023
Our Turkey Highlights tour was amazing and we would highly recommend this trip. There was an incredible range of cultural and historical sites visited and the travel was not onerous as it involved train, plane, ferry and luxury minibus. There was also a wide range of optional activities. Our guide was amazing, with a true passion for his job.
Review submitted 22 Nov 2023

Owen · Traveled November 2023
The Turkey Highlights tour was exceptional with just the right number of activities and amount of travelling. Our guide Mete was outstanding, so experienced and knowledgeable. We would highly recommend this.
Review submitted 19 Nov 2023

Jacqueline · Traveled November 2023
The Turkey Highlights tour went above and beyond our expectations. We visited such a variety of cultural and historical places, definitely ticking off our bucket list. Our guide Mete was amazing with so much passion for his country and an amazing depth of knowledge. Highly recommended.
Review submitted 19 Nov 2023
Turkey Highlights
From
USD $1,275