15 Days | Coastal cruising to city schmoozing – see it all, Turkish style
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Ferry, Local bus, Private Bus, Boat, Overnight Bus
Hotel (8 nights), Pension (3 nights), Multi-share guesthouse (2 nights), Overnight Bus (1 night)
- Gallipoli - Battlefields Tour
- Ayvalik - Copmadam Visit (trashyteyze / Tara Hopkins)
- Ayvalik – Orientation Walk
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
- Kekova - Turkish Coast day sailing
- Antalya - Kaleici Walking Tour
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
- Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
- Cappadocia - Sunset Hike
- Cappadocia - Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley
- Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
- Istanbul - Historical Peninsula Tour
- 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
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.
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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