Map of Turkey Backroads including Turkey

Picturesque villages, local delicacies and an Istanbul crash-course

Set out on a five-day trip through Turkey, packed full of ancient monuments and local moments. Wander through Turkey's capital of Ankara, learn about the country's deep history, explore the Mausoleum of Atatürk and then roam around the picturesque streets of Eskişehir, enjoying a gondola ride on the Porsuk river. Stroll the lively streets of Istanbul with your local leader and let them show you where to get the best islak burger in town. This trip is designed so that even if you’re short on time, you can explore the backroads of Turkey and uncover all the good stuff.


Start
Goreme, Turkey
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Destination
Turkey
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer
Code
ERRV
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover UNESCO world heritage site - Hattusas Ancient Site - known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences.

  • Explore Turkey's capital of Ankara during a guided orientation walk that will lead you to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic.

  • 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.

  • Be mesmerised by the picturesque streets of Eskişehir and enjoy a gondola ride on the city's Porsuk river.

  • Wander the continent-straddling metropolis of Istanbul, strutting your stuff with the locals on a popular street, sipping rich coffee and discovering the secret corners of the city.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is 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.

Itinerary

Gunaydin! Your trip begins bright and early at 8.30 am with a welcome meeting in Cappadocia. Once the formalities are out of the way, we'll make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage – Hattusa Ancient Site. This site is the former capital of the Hittite Empire, known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences. You'll have time to explore the site with your local leader and discover the Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya before we make our way to Ankara for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bogazkale - Hattusha UNESCO Archaeological Site
Optional Activities
  • Cappadocia - Goreme - Open Air Museum - TRY150
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City - TRY100
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
This trip starts in Goreme, Cappadocia, at 8.30 am. Please see the ‘Joining Point Description’ in the Essential Trip Information. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time and leaving immediately afterwards. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know.

If you require additional accommodation at the beginning of your trip, we'll be happy to book it for you (subject to availability). Please speak to an Intrepid representative or travel agent for details.

Travelling time today: approximately 6 hours.
After breakfast this morning, you'll enjoy an orientation walk through the city with your locally based leader. First up, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic. Then we'll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations where you'll be guided through the deep history of Turkey. Finally, we’ll visit the Castle of Ankara and our last stop will be the Haci Bayram Mosque which is located next to the temple of Augustus from Roman era. "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" (The Works of the Deified Augustus) was written on the walls of the Ankara Augustus-Roman Temple in two languages and painted red. You'll enjoy a stop at a traditional local spot for lunch, your leader will guide you in choosing the best delicacies to try. The afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ankara - Orientation Walk
  • Ankara - Mausoleum of Ataturk
Optional Activities
  • Ankara - Independence War Museum - TRY30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
After breakfast this morning, you'll take a fast train to Eskisehir. Drop your bags at our hotel and hit the street to start exploring this fascinating city. First stop - a gondola ride along the Porsuk River to get a glimpse into why they call this the Venice of Turkey. Once back on dry land, you'll visit Eskişehir Odunpazarı Village where you'll dig into a ci börek tasting at a locally run restaurant before wandering the quaint and colourful houses nearby. In the afternoon, you might like to visit one of the many museums in the area.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Eskisehir - Gondola Ride
  • Eskisehir - Odunpazarı Village Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Travel time today: approximately 2 hours.
After breakfast this morning, we'll depart on a train bound for Istanbul. This afternoon, your tour leader will introduce you to the lively Taksim district, the beating heart of modern Istanbul. Walk across the Golden Horn in view of the medieval Galata Tower. Board one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, operating since 1875, for the short journey 500 metres to Taksim. Alight at Istiklal Caddesi, arguably the city’s most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, and take a walk among the local people who call this city home. Try an islak burger (a burger drenched in sauce) and visit a hidden local coffee house. Maybe stay with your travel companions for an optional celebratory dinner and take advantage of the late-night entertainment.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - Taksim District Orientation Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today: approximately 3 hours.
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation any time after breakfast. If you plan to stay on to see all Istanbul has to offer – which is highly recommended – we are happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking to see if this is an option.
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY320
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

4 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Private Bus, Train, Tram, Funicular

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Bogazkale - Hattusha UNESCO Archaeological Site
  • Ankara - Orientation Walk
  • Ankara - Mausoleum of Ataturk
  • Eskisehir - Gondola Ride
  • Eskisehir - Odunpazarı Village Visit
  • Istanbul - Taksim District Orientation Walk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip commences in Goreme in Cappadocia and finishes in Istanbul. Overnight buses are readily available for booking from Istanbul to Cappadocia and the region is serviced by two airports, Kayseri and Nevsehir. Additional accommodation is available for pre-booking with your booking agent.
3. Please refer to the joining instructions in this essential trip information document for the exact meeting place to join this trip. If you would like to be picked up at an alternative location in Goreme, please advise your booking agent 15 days prior to departure.
4 Turkey is a world of endless possibilities – that’s why our trips are designed so they fit together. This means that while you might just be starting your trip, some of your new travel mates may have been travelling together for a week or more on a previous adventure. They will definitely have some great tips for you.
5. 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 - 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.

View Essential Trip Information

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