18 Days | Coastal cruising and chimney viewing, from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Travel from Istanbul through the very best of Turkey – Gallipoli, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia and Ankara – and discover the people, cultures, cuisine and landscapes that make this country such a treasure. Historically rich with its medieval Ottoman period and chronicle of Gallipoli, and fashionably chic with the cosmopolitan buzz of Istanbul and celebrity getaway of Antalya, Turkey is an unmissable country that overflows with character. Pay your respects in Gallipoli, hike into the Valley of Love in Cappadocia, cruise the south coast on a traditional gulet and understand why Istanbul is considered the centre of the world. Take 18 days with Intrepid to get the absolute best out of this intriguing nation.
Trip overview
- 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
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- ERRTC
- Explore the continent-straddling metropolis of Istanbul, and step back in time to when it was Constantinople with the backstreets of the Grand Bazaar and at the Hagia Sophia.
- Reflect on battles fought and lives lost with a moving visit to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a serene stretch of coastline where it's now hard to picture the horrors of war.
- Spend two days exploring the cliffside waterfalls, cobblestone alleyways and ancient ruins of Antalya, a city on the Mediterranean Coast.
- 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.
- Discover UNESCO world heritage site - Hattusas Ancient Site - known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences.
- This is a trip 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. The weather can be hot in July and August, but this is also the best time to enjoy the clear water of the Mediterranean – don’t forget your swim gear.
- You’ll need your walking shoes, a hat, some sunscreen, and a daypack to explore the historical sites. All site tours are guided, but you can wander at your own pace if you prefer.
- Public transport is better for the environment, and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life, but keep in mind that local transport between locations on this trip can be pretty basic. Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions, so books, podcasts and car games will be your best friend.
Itinerary
Inclusions
16 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Public Bus, Private Vehicle, Train, Tram, Funicular
Hotel (15 nights), Pension (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night)
- Istanbul - Orientation Walk
- Gallipoli - Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
- Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
- Kekova - Turkish Coast day sailing
- Konya - Leader led orientation walk
- Cappadocia - Valley walk
- Bogazkale - Hattusha UNESCO Archaeological Site
- Ankara - Orientation Walk
- Ankara - Mausoleum of Ataturk
- Ankara - Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Eskisehir - Odunpazarı Village Visit
- Eskisehir - Ci Borek Cooking Demonstration
- Istanbul - Taksim District Orientation Walk
- Istanbul – Street Food Tasting (Wet Burger)
- Istanbul - Spice Market - Free
- Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200
- Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY1700
- Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (inc. massage) - EUR100
- Istanbul - Galata Tower - EUR30
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
- Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - EUR15
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit - EUR40
- Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - EUR15
- Selcuk - Basilica of St John - EUR6
- Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) - EUR15
- Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool - TRY340
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park - EUR30
- Kayakoy - Village visit - EUR3
- Antalya - Antalya Museum - EUR15
- Antalya - Aspendos Ancient City - EUR15
- Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30
- Goreme - Open Air Museum - EUR20
- Cappadocia - Derinkuyu Underground City - EUR13
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR275
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR325
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City - EUR13
- Ankara - Independence War Museum - EUR6
- Eskisehir - Gondola Ride - TRY50
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This is a combination trip and the composition of your group may change throughout your trip.
3. 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: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
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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