Absolute Turkey
Experience Overview
This comprehensive tour of Turkey combines history and beaches, man-made wonders and natural phenomena, as well as a vibrant and welcoming culture. Begin your trip roaming the palaces and mosques of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre as you explore otherworldly Cappadocia. From the amazing white cliff waterfalls of Pamukkale to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, our local CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) will show you the region’s hidden gems and make sure your trip burns brightly in your memory long after you've left this crossroads of Asia and Europe.
Highlights
- Discover historic cities and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus
- Marvel at the extraordinary scenery of Cappadocia
- Enjoy dinner in a local family home
- Relax on an afternoon boat trip
- Live like a local in a Turkish village
Trip Details
Product Code: 2436
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private air-conditioned van, boat, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: ETAT
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Finishes: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Güneysinir Community Park , Güneysınır Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalık Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family, Çavuşin Your Local Living Moment: Turkish Village Homestay, Güneysınır
- Istanbul city walking tour
- Visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum
- Underground city exploration
- Afternoon boat trip (Mediterranean sea, weather permitting)
- Ancient Hierapolis and Pamukkale entrance and guided walk
- Ephesus entrance and visit
- Troy entrance and guided visit
- Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (13 nts), simple village homestay (1 nt).
- 14 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Transport
- Private air-conditioned van, boat, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,074 ($138 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until our evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt to join your CEO and fellow travellers for dinner.
Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking the following activity to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.
And don't worry if you can't decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, while any of the optional activities listed can be booked independently upon arrival in Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul/Bolu
Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the city of Bolu.
Day 3: Bolu/Cappadocia
Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the father of the Modern Turkish Republic, en route to Cappadocia region.
Transfer to the region of Cappadocia for 2.5 days of exploring. There will be plenty of time to tour the area by bike, visit neighbouring villages, trek regional valleys or try a hot air balloon ride.
During one of the evenings, travel to a nearby village and enjoy dinner with a local family.
Day 4-5: Cappadocia
Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region.
Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.
If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.
Day 6: Cappadocia/Güneysınır
Explore one of the many underground cities in the region. Visit Konya before spending the night in a local Turkish village. Visit a community park and cooperative, a project supported by G Adventures. Experience a homestay as the guest of a local family.
Depart Cappadocia and head to an underground city to explore. Have a quick lunch before journeying to the region of Konya.
Travel about 1 hour to a local village for a cozy homestay. On the way, visit Catalhoyuk, a uniquely well-preserved Neolithic site.
Upon arrival in the village, learn about local life and visit a community park and cooperative supported and developed by G Adventures before enjoying a home-cooked dinner tonight.
Day 7: Konya/Antalya
Wander the lovely seaside town of Antalya.
Arrive at Antalya around lunchtime.
With a free afternoon, wander the charming cobbled hillside streets of the district of Kaleici, a great place to stop and have a drink with amazing views of the marina below. For a break from the hustle and bustle, head for the greenery and teashops at one of Antalya's beautiful parks or catch some sun at a nearby beach.
Day 8: Antalya/Kaş
Spend the afternoon onboard a boat in the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before disembarking the boat and driving to our hotel for the evening.
Drive to the beautiful coastal village of Demre for lunch. After, board our boat for an afternoon on the Mediterranean Sea.
The boat trip includes sailing around Kekova Island, with plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and scenery.
Later, walk to Simena Castle to enjoy the views and archaeological ruins. Then opt to go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or just relax on deck.
Day 9: Kaş
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then explore as you see fit on a free day at the beautiful coastal town of Kaş.
Day 10: Kaş/Pamukkale
This afternoon, enjoy a guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Leave the beautiful sea behind and head to Pamukkale, passing through fruit orchards on the way.
Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis.
Day 11: Pamukkale/Selçuk
Enjoy free time this afternoon. Optional visits to St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey as well as the nearby picturesque village of Şirince.
Transfer to Selcuk this morning then enjoy a free afternoon.
Opt to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Or catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8 km) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.
Day 12: Selçuk
Explore Ephesus this morning then enjoy free time. Opt to visit one of the seven wonders of the world, Temple of Artemis.
Visit the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.
After, head to town and enjoy some free time to explore. Opt to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Or catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8 km) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.
Day 13: Selçuk/Çanakkale
Visit the ancient city of Troy en route to Çanakkale.
Enjoy a carpet demonstration, Turkey's oldest art form, before visiting the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the world-famous city of Troy before continuing to the harbour town of Çanakkale, a busy port with a thriving student population.
Day 14: Çanakkale/Istanbul
Guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine.
Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.
Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.
Day 15: Istanbul
Depart at any time.
Your tour might be finished, but the adventure's far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.
And don't worry if you can't decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Cassandra S. - Traveled, October 2023
I love every aspect of the trip. The planning and organisation was seamless. The group of people we travelled with was fantastic - all very kind and down to earth people (these trips seem to attract like minded people). Our guide Gonca was fantastic and continually went above and beyond for us. And our driver was also amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2023
Catherine P. - Traveled, October 2023
If someone I know is interested in this type of travel (small-group experiences, interesting itineraries, etc.) I would not hesitate to recommend G Adventures. Every tour I have been on has been phenomenal, such great experiences and great value for money.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2023
Elizabeth P. - Traveled, October 2023
The quality of the tour guide- her knowledge, ease with people and obvious connection tot he local people. The small group size and the actual itinerary
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2023
Thomas J. - Traveled, October 2023
We enjoy G Adventures style. Some may want added luxury hence the 8!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2023
Jessamy R. - Traveled, October 2023
Competitive prices, informed guides, very well organised with good communication, range of options
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2023
Megan V. - Traveled, October 2023
Great itineraries with a variety of experiences culturally and in nature and the best guides in the business.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2023
Kristina B. - Traveled, October 2023
I love G Adventures tours, in the past I would have given a 10, however for the recent tour we have a very disengaged tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Rachel K. - Traveled, October 2023
Risky depending on the guide and the people on your shuttle. 15 people was too many for what I was considering a small group with G Adventures. We were crammed in the van and service went down for each individual.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Shirley C. - Traveled, October 2023
too much time in a bus and too much time attending places that felt like the guide wa sgetting a kickback. 15 people was too many very diverse group interests that didn't mesh and a guide who was preoccupied finding booze and taking up with one of the girls. his distraction was obvious and getting info was like pulling teeth. the info he did give was often incorrect.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Jordan A. - Traveled, October 2023
Safe travelling, people connections, many many different types of tours
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Chelsea F. - Traveled, October 2023
Very disappointed with this tour. I've done G Adventures tours in the past and this was by far the worst. Barely anytime at most hot spot locations, skipped things on the itinerary because the tour guide couldn't be bothered or his buddy (tour member) didn't want to do it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Kristina B. - Traveled, October 2023
I love G Adventures tours, in the past I would have given a 10, however for the recent tour we have a very disengaged tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Bradford S. - Traveled, October 2023
Great tour for reasonable price
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Elizabeth R. - Traveled, October 2023
Great guides, flexible travel, range of locales
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Gale H. - Traveled, October 2023
This is my second GAdventre tour. With both I have found the itinerary faboulous. The pace of the tours was just right. I feel my time was fully engaged without finding myself exhausted. The staff is responsive. The van was comfortable and always kept clean. The price was a value. The accommodations were very good and I loved that I was able to have my own room without 'breaking the bank'.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Erik S. - Traveled, October 2023
G Adventures offers a great experience with a small group at a good value.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Geoffrey R. - Traveled, October 2023
Had an excellent time with an incredible CEO
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Glenda M. - Traveled, October 2023
I know which of my friends would enjoy this type of adventure
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Michael G. - Traveled, October 2023
Because our tour guide (Ishan) was so knowledgeable and professional throughout our whole tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Tamara S. - Traveled, October 2023
, November 5 Overall I found the formula of having ~10 to 15 people together was ideal to connect with people and share a wonderful experience together. The CEO was extremely knowledgeable and not having to worry the logistics of the trip allowed me to focus on the positive sides of travelling. There is much value as well in the piece of mind provided by having a CEO and a group to go to for support.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
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