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Journey into the historic heart of Turkey

Get to the heart of Turkish culture and history on this whirlwind Premium adventure. Discover stunning 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. Enjoy guided tours of Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Antalya and more, and marvel at diverse landscapes, from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the glittering Mediterranean Coast. Fall in love with Turkey’s mystery, legacy and beauty on this two-week odyssey.

Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Destination
Turkey
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ERPT
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • 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.

  • Enjoy a cruise around the hidden coves and islets of Turkey’s southern coast during an Exclusive Experience guided by a local couple who have 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 psychedelic rock-scapes of Cappadocia.

  • Step into a fairy tale during your Feature Stay at an enchanting cave hotel in Cappadocia, where you’ll enjoy elegantly decorated rooms carved from stone.

  • Get to know the real Turkey on Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class with a celebrated chef, a visit to an empowering carpet weaving cooperative and a traditional dinner at a local's home in Cappadocia.

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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.

Turkey Cappadocia Travellers with Fairy Chimneys
A mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, with the lights on before sunrise
The beautiful pools of Pamukkale, Turkey
Intrepid Premium group looking over the ancient city of Kayakoy, Turkey
Looking out at the blue water of the Mediterranean Sea with the town of Kas in the foreground
Local Intrepid leader with a passenger in the Hagia Sophia, Turkey
Table full of delicious local Turkish food
Intrepid group sitting down and enjoying the ruins of the Ancient Greek city of Ephesus, Turkey
Turkey Feature Stay: The exterior of the Splendid Cave Hotel at night
Memorial at Lone Pine, Gallipoli, on Anzac Cove, Turkey
Turkey Antalya Accommodation: Dogan Hotel exterior at night
Turkey Antalya Accommodation: Dogan Hotel deluxe room interior
Turkey Antalya Accommodation: Dogan Hotel outdoor pool

Itinerary
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Welcome to Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all once called home. Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel from the airport. You’re never far from a great meal in Istanbul, so if you arrive early, grab lunch at one of the city’s many eateries. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After the meeting, head out with your local leader and small group to explore the Old City of Istanbul. Your knowledgeable leader will introduce you to some of the city’s historical 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 where local delicacies are paired with panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
Accommodation
  • Fer Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - City Tour
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
  • Istanbul - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY500
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Your complimentary airport transfer is valid from both Istanbul New Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gocken Airport (SAW). Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel. Once you have provided your flight details, a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

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.

Rise and shine for an early breakfast, then begin the drive to Canakkale, a port city located 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Cura or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gallipoli - Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Drive to Selcuk 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 will be time for a photo op with a replica Trojan horse. Learn how the site has confounded historians and archaeologists, then continue to Selcuk. Join your leader for an orientation walk around this sprawling town at the base of the ancient Aysoluk Hill fortress. Visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, the ancient aqueducts and the 14th-century Isabey Mosque.
Accommodation
  • Celsus Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Troy - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is 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 from your leader what life here was like as you tour the amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and restored Library of Celsus. Later, drive past apple and peach orchards to the quaint village of Sirence, where charming, 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’re in for an extraordinary treat – meet a local chef (who has appeared on the BBC) 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 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.
Accommodation
  • Celsus Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
  • Selcuk - Cooking class
Optional Activities
  • Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - TRY100
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - TRY170
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast this morning, 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 waters that many believe have healing properties for circulation and the digestive system. But that’s not all this site has to offer – 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. Enjoy a free evening to spend how you wish.
Accommodation
  • Hierapark Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Make the journey to the coast, stopping at the ghost village of Kayakoy. Abandoned after WWI and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, this once-thriving village now lies as a sombre reminder of the human cost of war and politics. Spend some time on the eerie streets, then continue to 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.
Accommodation
  • Payam Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kayakoy - Village visit
  • Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Set off for an experience like no other – a magical boat cruise around the islands with two local guides, Mehmet and Sebahat. The married couple uses 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 inhabitants 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 in turquoise waters. Kick back with a cold beer or learn how to play Backgammon – Turkey’s most beloved game. Look out for the ruins of an ancient city submerged under the clear water. Return to Kas for an evening at your leisure.
Accommodation
  • Payam Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kas - Sailing trip with seafood lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Travel from Kas on a scenic route to Anatalya. Your accommodation is tucked away in Kaleici (the Old City) so settle in on arrival and then head out on an early evening walk to see Hadrian's Gate, the Old Roman Harbour and plenty of photo-worthy views. Soak up the city’s Mediterranean atmosphere and attitude over a fresh seafood dinner – your leader can recommend some superb spots.
Accommodation
  • Dogan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Wake up in beautiful Antalya and start your day with a guided visit through the Antalya Museum. The province of Antalya includes dozens of important ancient Hellenistic and Roman cities, and some of the best artefacts are on display in the museum’s 13 exhibition halls and open-air gallery. Travel to a lesser-known treasure – the archaeological site of Sagalassos. Set on the slopes of the Taurus mountains, the views from the site certainly deserve attention, but the ancient ruins are even more fascinating. Enjoy a guided visit through agoras, a Roman bath complex, an intricately decorated fountain and a theatre, and learn what life looked like against this remarkable backdrop. If time permits, you may have the chance to visit a workshop where local women have revived traditional tile-making techniques. In the afternoon, return to Antalya. Maybe wander the narrow cobblestoned streets of Kaleici with an ice cream in hand, beat the heat with a dip in the sea, chill out poolside or take an optional visit to the ancient cities of Side, Perge or Apsendos.
Accommodation
  • Dogan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum
  • Sagalassos - Archaeological site visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Say goodbye to Antalya and take a morning drive to Konya, an ancient city important in the Roman era and where the Sufi practice of 'whirling' was born. On arrival, discover 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. Visit the small museum dedicated to his life and work. The rest of the day is free to get to know the city. Konya offers a wealth of museums, mosques and monuments worth visiting, so be sure to ask your leader for recommendations. For a leisurely afternoon, head to Alaeddin Hill, where locals sip coffee, eat pastries and let the hours slip by calmly.
Accommodation
  • Şems-i-Tebrizi Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Depart from 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 and discover something truly special. Feel miles away from the modern world in a cave hotel that looks like a page straight out of a fairy tale. These uniquely beautiful rooms are carved into stone, featuring elegant décor and modern conveniences. 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 most enchanting places. The rest of the evening is free for you to take it all in, or perhaps watch a performance of whirling by local Dervishes in a restored han (caravansary).
Accommodation
  • Utopia Cave Hotel or Alfina Cave Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Cappadocia - Sunset drinks
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - Whirling Dervish Show - EUR25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the ethereal 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 up, 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, which is 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.
Accommodation
  • Utopia Cave Hotel or Alfina Cave Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Zemi Valley walk
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia - Carpet weaving co-op
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR300
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR410
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Hot air ballooning can only be booked locally. Please speak to your trip leader at the beginning of the tour to organise this.

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, where you’ll 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 will explain the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics. Discover the rich clay from the red river and watch how it is moulded into exquisite pieces. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a local woman who will prepare a special homecooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and top off the night with some Turkish delight.
Accommodation
  • Utopia Cave Hotel or Alfina Cave Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Ozkonak Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Kizilcukur Valley
  • Cappadocia - Home-cooked dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, say goodbye to Cappadocia and return to where it all began – Istanbul. When you arrive, you may wish to join your leader for a trip across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. Here you’ll find lively, close-knit communities and jumbles of cute cafes, markets and restaurants. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the many charms of this enthralling city. This evening, consider rounding off your adventure by joining your group for an optional farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s excellent waterfront restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Fer Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Transfer to the airport in Cappadocia will take approximately 1.5 hours. The flight to Istanbul will be booked out of Nevsehir or Kayseria. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you wish to spend some more time in Istanbul, we would be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (11 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Istanbul - City Tour
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
  • Istanbul - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Airport 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
  • Kayakoy - Village visit
  • Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Kas - Sailing trip with seafood lunch
  • Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum
  • Sagalassos - Archaeological site visit
  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
  • Cappadocia - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Cappadocia - Sunset drinks
  • Cappadocia - Zemi 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

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

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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 includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 8kg for carry on. You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel.
4. This trip starts at 1pm on Day 1 in Istanbul. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore the city with your leader.
5. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

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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