Turkey Highlights
From CAD $2145
Guarantee
Kleine Gruppe
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Journey through Turkey on an eight-day adventure from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Begin in Istanbul, where you’ll explore the Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Cami and the Grand Bazaar. Then, discover Gallipoli’s historic WWI battlefields before travelling to the Aegean Coast to soak up the sun, salt and history of ancient Ephesus. Catch an overnight train to Konya, then continue to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, where cave dwellings (including your hotel) are carved into the cliffs and hot air balloons dot the skyline. Finish your adventure back in Istanbul, where East meets West.
Highlights
- Uncover over 2000 years of history at the ruins of Ephesus. Wander the Library of Celsus, hear your voice echo in the Great Theatre and learn about the wealthy residents who lived in the Terrace Houses.
- Taste local fruit wines in one of Turkey’s best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages and share a home-cooked meal with a local family in Cappadocia.
- Stay a little differently – spend a night in a traditional cave hotel overlooking a valley in the heart of Cappadocia.
- Explore the back streets of Istanbul’s Old City with your leader. Uncover stories of iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye Cami, find hidden hangouts and get insider tips on what to eat.
- Join a guided tour in Gallipoli to listen to tales of bravery and comradeship of the heroic soldiers who fought here in WWI.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1804
Tour Type: Kleine Gruppe
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Bus,Public Bus,Overnight Train,Plane
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ERSK
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Finishes: Istanbul , Turkey
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Overnight Train (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2145 ($268 /day)
Itinerary
Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all once called home – with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After you’ve met your local leader and group, you’ll head out for a guided tour of the Old City. Visit the ancient hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Suleymaniye Cami. This evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and dig into an authentic Turkish kebab.
Included Activities:
- Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
Optional Activities:
- Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) (200 TRY)
- Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) (2000 TRY)
- Istanbul - Galata Tower (30 EUR)
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia (25 EUR)
- Istanbul - Archaeology Museum (15 EUR)
- Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (17 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, hit the road to Canakkale – a port city on the southern shore of the Dardanelles. On the way, you’ll stop for a guided tour of Gallipoli to learn about the significant events that took place here during WWI. Your guide will take you to ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Make sure your camera is charged – the views of the Dardanelles Strait and the Gallipoli Peninsula here are gorgeous. This evening, you’ll spend the night in Canakkale with free time to grab dinner and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.
Included Activities:
- Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, drive to the ancient city of Troy. Explore the ruins with your leader, snap a photo with a replica Trojan Horse and learn about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists for centuries. Then, continue to Selcuk which sits on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill. Head out with your leader for an orientation walk, passing Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Then, drive to the nearby village of Sirince to taste locally produced fruit wines. This authentic Greek Ottoman village seems to have been overlooked by modern development and the unique architecture makes for a great photo. When you return to Selcuk, you have a free night.
Included Activities:
- Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
- Troy - Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a private minivan to the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities. Once the capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus has a fascinating history that really comes alive with a local guide to show you around. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible shape, and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory over 2000 years ago with running water, public toilets, a medical institute and Roman baths. The Great Theatre is well-preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but the Library of Celsus is the most striking. Then, have lunch and maybe watch the local ladies make gozleme. You'll have some free time this evening before transferring to Izmir to board an overnight train to Konya.
Included Activities:
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
- Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
Optional Activities:
- Selcuk - Basilica of St John (6 EUR)
- Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum (10 EUR)
- Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry (15 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Overnight train (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up in Konya, a historic Turkish city closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed by Rumi, a famous Sufi mystic in the 13th century. Visit the Mevlana Museum, maybe watching an optional whirling dervish dance, and stretch your legs in town before hitting the road to Cappadocia. Look out for the fairy chimneys, the hallmark of the region's otherworldly landscape, as you drive across the Anatolian plains and stop at an underground city used as a safe haven during wartimes. Arrive in the town of Urgup in the late afternoon in time for a sunset walk in the valley. Your accommodation tonight is a traditional cave hotel that overlooks the valley.
Included Activities:
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
- Konya - Mevlana Museum
Optional Activities:
- Goreme - Whirling dervish performance (30 EUR)
- Goreme - Turkish Night with Dinner (50 EUR)
- Nevsehir - Whirling Dervish Tour (40 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia at sunrise. If you don’t fancy it, you’ll still have an amazing view of the skyline dotted with balloons from the ground. Later this morning, enjoy a scenic walk through the valleys with your leader, featuring fairy chimneys, deserted rock-cut homes and cave churches. In your free time today, maybe visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings cut into the cliff. This evening, you’ll be warmly welcomed into a local home where you'll share a special home-cooked dinner with the family.
Included Activities:
- Cappadocia - Valley walk
- Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
Optional Activities:
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight (200 EUR)
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight (230 EUR)
- Goreme - Valley Tour (20 EUR)
- Goreme - Open Air Museum (including entrance & transport) (min. 4 participants) (30 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Cappadocia and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul (expect to arrive between 1 pm and 4 pm). After checking in to your hotel, take an evening stroll to one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods – a place where tool-selling tradesmen share space with cool cafes and galleries. For dinner, perhaps try a local street food favourite, balik ekmek (fish sandwich) and cleanse the palate with a baklava. Maybe check out a few bars with your group to say serefe (cheers) to your time in Turkey, or enjoy a farewell cay (Turkish tea) overlooking the Bosphorus.
Optional Activities:
- Istanbul - Water Marbling (35 EUR)
- Istanbul - Private Bosphorus Cruise Sunset with Soft Drinks (560 EUR)
- Istanbul - Beyoglu Night Tasting Trail (85 EUR)
- Istanbul - Coffee Workshop (32 EUR)
- Istanbul - Mosaic Lamp Workshop (50 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your Turkey adventure comes to an end after breakfast, and there are no activities planned. However, if you'd like to spend more time in Istanbul, we’re happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
David - Traveled, October 2024
I expected that Türkiye was going to be a fascinating place to visit, and this tour absolutely met that expectation - but was blown out of the water by our guide Ahmet’s amazing work managing our group! Definitely one I’ll recommend to all of my friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2024
Peter - Traveled, October 2024
Just finished a week long tour through Turkiye and it was amazing. The sights were exceptional and our tour leader, Ahmet, was awesome. He added so much context to each location that we visited and organised every aspect exceptionally. Great tour group of 6 people as well - everyone got on really well. Highly recommend the 8 day tour (or longer if you have the time).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2024
Isabelle - Traveled, October 2024
This trip is jam-packed with so many wonderful experiences. Can is a phenomenal guide and will remain a lifelong friend. Don’t think, just book!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2024
Rob - Traveled, October 2024
Intrepid provide a short tour that enables you to visit the iconic sites, Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus and Cappadocia. But they are not simply visited, they come alive as you experience their history, their architecture and their secrets. Couple that we really good accommodation, food and an informative guide and you have a great package.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2024
Jose - Traveled, October 2024
This trip that i did in turkey around of the country was great, to visit troy, kapadokia those places are wonderful i would like to come back and visit more. I was happy with everything. Intrepid is great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2024
William - Traveled, October 2024
A wonderful adventure, with a great guide, good food and many laughs
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2024
Elys - Traveled, October 2024
Turkey Highlights is an incredible itinerary providing an introduction to Turkey. Experiencing Anzac Cove and the Gallipoli peninsula, soaking up the thousands of years of history of Troy and Ephesus, and roaming the moonlike landscape (and floating above it if lucky enough with the weather!) of Cappadocia were all a once in a lifetime experience. I strongly recommend leaving yourself an extra day or two in Istanbul to fit in all it has to offer, but overall this trip was amazing - 100/10 would highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2024
Beth - Traveled, October 2024
Travelling with Intrepid through Turkey was such a greasy experience. I absolutely loved the trip and our guide Erdim was absolutely fantastic!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Karen - Traveled, October 2024
Erdim is the lovely and approachable tour guide, he kept the group on track and was extremely informative, a true historian and his passion for his job shines through his delivery of the tour. Erdim went above and beyond his role and made our experience of Turkey one never to forget! Thankyou so much Erdim, you sure are one of a kind and we will miss you! We absolutely loved this trip and highly recommend Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Rebecca - Traveled, October 2024
Incredible trip. Every day was truly a highlight. I could not imagine a more comprehensive tour of Turkey. Highly recommend! Local guide and small group is a bonus
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2024
Deepak - Traveled, October 2024
Being a toyr novice, I was unsure however this trip was excellent from its destinatons, organisation to its tour leader. I would highly recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
Lisa - Traveled, October 2024
This was my first tour, it met all my positive expectations. Turkey is a fascinating place and I went to places I wouldn’t have got to on my own. Highlights of the Highlights trip for me were Ephesus, Cappadocia and the meal provided by a local family in Avanos. Definitely recommend for first time travellers to Turkey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
Xiaoyan - Traveled, October 2024
This trip is awesome. I have learned so much about Turkish culture, history and beyond. The tour leader is very helpful and friendly. I will definitely recommend it to my friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
Angelica - Traveled, October 2024
This was my first tour with intrepid and I had a wonderful experience, will definitely do more tours in the future! The tour guide was amazing, I met wonderful people from around the world in the group, we toured Turkey ???? and visited the most beautiful sites! It was a dream come true, and Intrepid made it possible and effortless to visit so many places in one week!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
Paula - Traveled, October 2024
Excellent quick trip in Turkey. Itinerary, transport and included tours were very good. Hotels acceptable but could be better. Would definitely recommend and would travel with Intrepid again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Thomas - Traveled, October 2024
Great trip that takes in a lot of Türkiye’s highlights in a short amount of time. Cappadocia is a place that stands out for the activities you can do there and its unique landscape, but all the other places visited are worth seeing too. Some long drives but necessary to take in all the different sights on offer, all in all a very recommendable trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2024
Julie - Traveled, October 2024
Intrepid provide great itineraries, covering major places of interest. I love the use of local transport, eating with local families, and the extensive knowledge of the guides. The small group size allows for easier navigation of tourist sites. Accommodation is conveniently located, allowing exploration in your free time. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2024
Mark - Traveled, October 2024
Turkish tour was terrific. Visited Gallipoli and many other historic sites, getting a sense of their significance and beauty in the world. But, you must have a good level of fitness and content with basic accommodation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2024
Laura - Traveled, October 2024
Turkey Highlights is a great way to see the best of Türkiye! The country has so much history and culture, most of which can't be experienced until you're there. The transport and accommodation is comfortable, and the group size means you'll know everyone and make some great friends!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2024
Margaret - Traveled, October 2024
This tour was a great way to see Turkey as only had a short time. We saw and did a lot in this time. It is a busy tour but we still had time to do things on our own. The hot air balloon ride was just worth the early morning rise. And the meal with a local family, all our group said was the best meal in Turkey Train ride I found comfortable. You do lot travelling on this tour Hande our tour leader was very good .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2024
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