Real Turkey

15 Days | Coastal cruising to city schmoozing – see it all, Turkish style

4.8 out of 5 based on 57 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
ZAR  26,919
View dates and book
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

See the real Turkey on this 15-day adventure through the best bits. Discover the cultural melting pot that is this fascinating landscape, which straddles both Europe and the Middle East. Indulge in some incredible local bites (and maybe some shisha, too), explore ancient ruins and walk in the footsteps of Marc Antony, Cleopatra and the Trojan army. Wander Istanbul at your own pace, then hit the coast to swim and sunbake in the Dardanelles Strait, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, sailing along the south coast. Learn about the practices of Sufism and the art and performance of the whirling dervish, then spend a few days getting to know otherworldly Cappadocia. Wander the fairy chimneys, get up early to see the iconic sight of hot air balloons floating along the city’s skyline and maybe even treat yourself to a ride at sunrise! This trip is all the best bits of Turkey and more! What more could you need?

Trip overview

Map of Real Turkey including Turkey
Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Theme
18 to 35s
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 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ERYOC
This trip generates 41 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.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Meaningful experiences

Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience


Why you'll love this trip
  • Eat, swim, sunbake, repeat – that’s what will happen when you get cruising along Turkey's Mediterranean coastline. The choice is yours if you’d like to go exploring or just relax on deck. 
  • Delight your tastebuds with exceptional Turkish cuisine, from kebabs to coffee and the famous Ayvalik tost – a Turkish-style toasted sandwich. Then, dine in the home of a local family, where you’ll be treated to a traditional home-cooked Turkish meal.
  • Thought all the best Roman ruins were in Italy? Think again! Turkey is home to one of the best-preserved classics of Ephesus – so discover it just like Anthony and Cleopatra did 2000 years ago. 
  • Explore the weird and wonderful world of Cappadocia – this might be the most unusual place in Turkey. Learn all about its fairy chimneys and sprawling rock formations from your expert local leader. 
  • Wade through the scenic hot springs at Pamukkale – pure white calcium deposits that cascade down the cliffs overlooking the town, are said to have magical healing properties.

Is this trip right for you?
  • You’ll get a taste of local life on this trip, with most travel done on public buses. This minimises our carbon footprint and gives you a real chance to interact with the local community. Most Turkish buses have wi-fi, in-seat entertainment and serve refreshments.
  • Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom and flexibility, but it does require a level of independence. Only are few meals are included, so mostly you'll find your own (with plenty of suggestions from your leader of course). This trip puts it in your hands with tonnes of free time. Maybe budget a little extra cash for activities that aren’t included.
  • The cobblestone streets, narrow steps and tiny bridges of Turkey are very romantic. They’re also another good reason to pack light and leave the wheeled suitcase at home. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the buses, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
  • Summer temperatures can be very high in Turkey (over 40°C), which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. You’ll need walking shoes and a daypack to explore some of historical sites.The weather can be hot in July and August, but keep in mind that this is the best time to enjoy the clear water of the Mediterranean. It can also get cool in these destinations, particularly from October to April, so don't forget to pack extra layers if travelling at this time.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

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

Map of Real Turkey including Turkey

Inclusions

Meals

12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Ferry, Local bus, Private Bus, Boat, Overnight Bus

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Pension (3 nights), Multi-share guesthouse (2 nights), Overnight Bus (1 night)

Activities
  • Gallipoli - Battlefields Tour
  • Ayvalik - Copmadam Visit (trashyteyze / Tara Hopkins)
  • Ayvalik – Orientation Walk
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
  • Kas - Turkish Coast day sailing
  • Antalya - Kaleici Walking Tour
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Sunset Hike
  • Cappadocia - Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley
  • Istanbul - Historical Peninsula Tour
Add on activities
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit - Free
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200
  • Istanbul - Whirling Dervish show - TRY1500
  • Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (inc. massage) - EUR100
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - EUR30
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - EUR15
  • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - EUR17
  • Troy - Guided visit - EUR27
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - EUR6
  • Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) - EUR15
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - EUR15
  • Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool - TRY340
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis Museum - Free
  • Antalya - Mermerli Beach Kaleici - TRY250
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum - EUR15
  • Antalya - Aspendos Ancient City - EUR15
  • Cappadocia - Hamam Turkish Bath - EUR60
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR275
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR325
  • Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30
  • Goreme - Open Air Museum - EUR20
  • Goreme - Bike Riding - EUR230

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. The single supplement excludes Day 3 & 4 (multi-share Guesthouse) and Day 13 (Overnight Bus).
2. Some accommodation on this tour is is multi shared. Multishare typically includes triple and quad rooms. You may be required to share with group members of same gender. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.

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 57 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

Rachael · Traveled August 2024
Overall a really great trip, very quick and be prepared for some long travel days, but worth it for the lovely seaside towns, Cappadocia hot air balloons, and big city hustle
Review submitted 26 Aug 2024

Ali · Traveled August 2024
This tour is THE BEST! Yes the accommodation is simple, and there is lots of travel. But if you want to see the real Turkey, this is the trip for you. Highly recommend packing light and using a backpack. Hopefully you have Mehmet as your guide- he is the best! Turkey is beautiful- the food, the people, the landscape is everything. Cheers!
Review submitted 22 Aug 2024

Oliver · Traveled July 2024
Fast paced trip but lists of fun. Provides a good overview of turkey. Mete was the best guide!!
Review submitted 17 Aug 2024

Lili · Traveled June 2024
This tour was amazing. I was so surprised with how in depth and authentic our experience was. The itinerary is a perfect balance of culture, history, coast lines, food and bucket list items. I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone. There are a few budget friendly factors with hotels and modes of travel but they are all part of the experience and worth it for the amazing sights along the way. Our guide Ilter had so much knowledge of Turkey and played a big part in my amazing experience.
Review submitted 12 Jul 2024

Alana · Traveled June 2024
The Real Turkey tour was amazing, the locations and the included experiences were must do’s. İlter was the best tour guide and added so much value with his knowledge and guidance throughout the trip! I would recommend allowing a few more days either at the start or the end to see more of Istanbul 😊
Review submitted 12 Jul 2024
Real Turkey
From
ZAR  26,919