Best of Turkey
Experience Overview
Get your Turkish delights on a 15-day adventure in Istanbul. This trip is a mix of ancient ruins and modern cities, Islamic mysticism and Ottoman influence, inland discoveries and coastal cruising, and everything in between! Discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about its significance during the First World War, unlock the secrets of the ancient city of Ephesus, admire Oludeniz’s Blue Lagoon from high up on the ancient Lycian Way and swim in the Mediterranean on a traditional gulet cruise from Kas. From the winding laneways of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to the bizarre landscapes of Cappadocia, take the plunge and discover a new way of experiencing Turkey.
Highlights
- Discover the ancient and modern lives within Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history in the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, discover a WWI battlefield in Gallipoli, and immerse yourself in the vibrant vibe of the university town Eskesihir.
- Take in the dizzying diversity of this epic landscape with a visit to the stunning natural hot springs of Pamukkale, a cruise along the picture-perfect Turkish coast over Sunken Cities, and an optional hot-air balloon ride over the fairy-tale land of Cappadocia.
- Get to know the friendly locals over a home-cooked dinner in Cappadocia, then get treated to a Turkish BBQ feast by your local hosts in Kayakoy
- Pull on your walking shoes and set out on a half-day trek along a section of rugged coastline, following part of the ancient walking trail of the Lycian Way and exploring the exotic landscape of Cappadocia on a short hike in the valley.
- Get among local life, from taking local buses and trains to enjoying a traditional gulet (boat) trip and staying in one of the cave hotels that Cappadocia is famed for.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1802
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Bus,Public Bus,Train,Dolmus,Gulet (boat)
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ERSI
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Finishes: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights),Guest house (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,340 ($223 /day)
Itinerary
Hoş geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure kicks off in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all called home. There’s a welcome meeting at 1 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. After, maybe get out and explore the frenetic streets of Turkey's crown-jewel metropolis. Your group leader will take you on a walking tour of the nearby neighbourhoods so you can get your bearings on what’s around. Later, why not gather together your new pals and seek out some Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe.
Included Activities:
- Istanbul - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) (1700 TRY)
- Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (inc. massage) (100 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 this morning, hit the road to Canakkale – a port city on the southern shore of the Dardanelles. You’ll stop along the way to explore Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events and history embedded in this area. Your guide will take you to ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and ANZAC commemorative Site. You’ll also take in the views across the Dardanelles Strait and the Gallipoli Peninsula. This evening, we’ll spend the night in Canakkale with free time to grab dinner and get ready 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 Selcuk with a stop in Troy – where history and mythology sit side-by-side. You’ll wander the ancient city walls with your leader and even get a chance to enjoy a photo op with a replica Trojan Horse. You’ll learn more about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists, before continuing on to Selcuk, which will be your base for exploring the nearby ruins of Ephesus tomorrow. After arrival in the town, on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll follow your leader on an orientation walk, passing Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built by Justinian I in the sixth century. A short distance out of Selcuk is one of the ancient world's Seven Wonders – the Temple of Artemis – although, sadly, only a single column (of 127 originally) remains. It was destroyed in AD401, after being successively damaged by floods, a Greek arsonist seeking notoriety, and the Goths. You’ll arrive in Selcuk with enough time to check in to the guesthouse and then take a leader-led orientation walk around town.
Included Activities:
- Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
- Troy - Archaeological site visit
Optional Activities:
- Selcuk - Basilica of St John (6 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a private minivan to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. Once the capital city of Roman Asia Minor, the city has a fascinating history, which really comes alive with a local guide to enhance your experience. 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, equipped with running water, public toilets, a medical institute, and Roman baths. The theatre is well preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but it's perhaps the magnificent library that is the most striking. Enjoy some free time afterwards to explore this lovely town at your will.
Included Activities:
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
Optional Activities:
- Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum (10 EUR)
- Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) (15 EUR)
- Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry (15 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
A train ride inland through mountainous landscapes brings you to one of Turkey's most photographed sites – Pamukkale – which literally translates to ‘cotton castle’. Here, natural hot springs with a high calcium content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, leaving the earth bright white, hence the ‘cotton’. Though you won't be able to bathe in these travertines, you can wade through them, and these pools are said to have many healing properties. Take some time to visit the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis and have a dip in what used to be Cleopatra’s old pool. You can also check out the other ruins of the city – Hierapolis is known for its abundance of temples and religious structures, vast necropolis, amphitheatre and strange tombs.
Included Activities:
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
Optional Activities:
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis Museum - Free
- Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool (340 TRY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a bus ride south – off the tourist trail – to the village of Kayakoy. This small town acts as your base for exploring the Mediterranean coast, including the resort town of Fethiye and the renowned Blue Lagoon. Kayakoy was once a thriving place and now it’s considered a ghost village, as its ancient stone houses were abandoned after their Greek inhabitants left Turkey during the great population exchange of the 1920s. Now protected by the Turkish government, it provides the opportunity to see an untouched, traditional Turkish town in quite an eerie location. One church in the lower area of the village, Kataponagia, is of particular interest due to an interesting room out the back – it was used to collect the bones of the dead. Pay to wander the ruins, enjoy the solitude, or simply chill out with a game of backgammon and sip tea with the locals.
Included Activities:
- Kayakoy - Village visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, set out on a half-day trek along a section of rugged coastline, following part of the ancient walking trail of the Lycian Way to nearby Oludeniz, where you can swim in the Blue Lagoon. You’ll walk up a steep rocky path up the hillside, make your way through forest, and then up a hill with fantastic views out across the Mediterranean. At the final descent into Oludeniz, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking view of an arching peninsula of white sand beach separating the crystal waters from its lush banks and the town’s trademark panorama. The myriad hues of colour between the waters and pine-forested hills is a sight to behold, and you’ll soon realise why this is one of the most photographed beaches in Turkey. This evening, join your hosts for a Turkish barbecue dinner, relaxing in their garden and enjoying some delicious local food and lively company.
Included Activities:
- Lycian Way - Hike from Kayakoy to Oludeniz Beach
- Kayakoy - Home-cooked Turkish BBQ dinner
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Make your way the short distance from Kayakoy to Fethiye by dolmus – a Turkish shared taxi. From there, take a public bus to Kas, with some spectacular coastal scenery along the way. The picturesque village of Kas – whitewashed buildings covered in bougainvillea and cobbled streets – is the southernmost of all the Turkish resorts. The best places in town to swim are from the waterfront restaurants that have their own private water access. For the price of an occasional drink, you get your own deck chair, umbrella and unbeatable views. When the sun goes down there is the chance to explore the handicraft markets, where you can find beautiful handmade wares with a distinctly Turkish flavour.
Included Activities:
- Kas - Leader led orientation walk
- Kas - Handicraft market
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, head to the shimmering turquoise waters on your gutlet and enjoy a day of fun, swimming, sun bathing and cruising over the ancient Sunken cities, with your lunch included on board. Disembark in the late afternoon and transfer back to your accommodation.
Included Activities:
- Kekova - Turkish Coast Cruising & Sunken Cities
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a private bus inland towards Konya. While it’s a long day of travel, the scenery will keep you entertained as you cross the Toros Mountain range. The city is closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed by Celaleddin Rumi – one of Islam's greatest Sufi mystics. Mevlana – ‘our master’ – as he came to be known, believed that music and dance could induce a state of love and divine union, and so devised the whirling sema ritual. In town, you can visit the original Tekke of Mevlana, which holds many relics and is also the final resting place for Rumi. Get your bearings on an orientation walk to Aladdin Hill in Konya’s centre. On the side of the hill are the sheltered remains of the palace of the Seljuk Sultans of Rum, while beneath the Alaettin Mosque are artefacts dating back to the Stone Age. Tonight, perhaps enjoy a refreshing tea or try some central Anatolian cuisine.
Included Activities:
- Konya - Mevlana Museum
Optional Activities:
- Konya - Karatay Museum (3 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Konya this morning by bus and head to The Cappadocian town of Urgup – with a vibrant, modern downtown area, plenty of boutique hotels built into the surrounding caves, it’s perfectly positioned to springboard you into your Cappadocia explorations tomorrow. The surrounding areas are honeycombed with caves scooped out to make churches and dwellings that are known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people in this region lived on the land, but in times of war or persecution they took to living underground. This is a fascinating place, get prepared see some incredible stuff! Follow your leader on an orientation walk on arrival. This evening, you’ll get to settle in and enjoy a special stay in a cave hotel – accommodation that is specific to this area. Don't forget to pack sturdy walking shoes or boots and a comfortable daypack for exploring the valleys of Cappadocia.
Included Activities:
- Cappadocia - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Goreme - Whirling dervish performance (30 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is an ideal time to discover Cappadocia’s unique landscapes from above – in a hot air balloon! Although this activity isn’t included, it's a highly recommended experience that most travellers opt for to see the wondrous desert scenes at sunrise. This afternoon, take a walk through one of the nearby valleys with your group leader. It could be the Valley of Love where the fairy chimneys, deserted rock cut homes, and churches with frescoes will astound you, or any of the other fantastic scenic routes that your leader knows. There’ll also be some time this afternoon to visit the Open Air in Goreme if you wish. It’s a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings, and one of the earliest centres for religious education. There are at least 10 churches and chapels in the museum area, dating between AD900 and 1200, each one named after a prominent attribute by the local villagers, who were exploring these caves long before there was an entrance fee. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into a local cave home. The family will prepare a special home-cooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and perhaps top off the night with some Turkish delight.
Included Activities:
- Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
- Goreme - Valley walk
Optional Activities:
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight (310 EUR)
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight (260 EUR)
- Goreme - Open Air Museum (20 EUR)
- Goreme - Underground city (13 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to the fairytale Cappadocia and head to Eskisehir this morning. A fascinating city, often known as the ‘students’ city by the locals, is a change of scene, and you can expect a refreshing and vibrant vibe. Arrive in the afternoon and visit Eskişehir Odunpazarı Village, wander the quaint and colourful houses nearby with your leader. Enjoy some free time later this afternoon, where you may like to take a gondola ride along the Porsuk River to get a glimpse into why they call this the Venice of Turkey.
Included Activities:
- Eskisehir - Odunpazarı Village Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, depart on a fast train bound for Istanbul. The afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. This glorious city is a gorgeous spot to toast to a great adventure and your leader will be able to recommend the best places to visit and eat, depending on your interests. Tonight, why not toast to newfound friends and an epic adventure with an optional dinner.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, your Turkish adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend a few more days checking out the sights of Istanbul, just speak to your booking agent.
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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
Anita - Traveled, September 2023
A great itinerary to discover Turkey. I enjoyed every day of the trip and learned a lot about the history, culture, food & the lives of ordinary people of the country. I recommend this journey of discovery to anyone who hasn't been to Turkey before and it'll blow your mind away. Highlights for me were the night sleeping under the stars on the boat, the swims we had, the Turkish bath and Hot air balloon ride... & the rest...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
NAZLEY - Traveled, September 2023
This was my first international trip and doing it solo, I decided to sign up with Intrepid for the Best of Turkey tour. This was the best decision I could have made! The entire tour was jammed packed with adventures, laughter and happiness. We had an amazing mix of people and our tour guide, Nehir, was just fun and very knowledgeable. He was a fountain of information :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Nicole - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was truly magic. From the boat trip to hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. Beautiful places, great food and a fabulous and knowledgeable guide and a great group means I the only fault I have is that the tour had to end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2023
Tansy - Traveled, September 2023
Turkiye is an amazing destination with a great mix of culture, history and food. Ece was a great tour leader who made the trip special for all the group. Don't hesitate, just go!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Amy - Traveled, September 2023
Thank you to our tour leader Ece for making this trip so fantastic! I've never been on an Intrepid tour before so wasn't sure what to expect, but the itinerary was great and well-organised, with a good balance of activities. Ece was always there to help with anything we needed, and organised heaps of extras like hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. She even taught us some Turkish, tesekkürler!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Julia - Traveled, September 2023
Don't be intimidated by the packed itinerary, Turkey has so much to see and you'll be glad you were able to see this much (you can rest on the bus!). The places you go are so vastly different, each a bucket list experience or sight in and of itself. I was coming from North America and I felt safe in most areas, and sights like Pamukkale blew my socks off, oh and the overnight boat stay is one of the best parts. Learn some key Turkish words and phrases, go to a Hammam, get your Turkish coffee read, try all the different foods and bring cover-ups for mosques (they are so ornately painted inside you have to see them firsthand). Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
Michael - Traveled, August 2023
This trip gives you a good insight on Turkey and its culture. You cover a lot of ground in a short time, but it's well worth it. Would do it again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Rattana - Traveled, October 2023
This trip offered highlights of Turkey. Lots of history I learned although couldn’t remembered them all. I found it’s easier to bring cash to exchange than ATM as they are widely accepted and better rates. Keep some small changes for public toilets, they are 5 liras, some places 10. The boat ride was great and meals on board was amazing. Our guide did a great job on transportation arrangements, things went smoothly. Lots of riding from cities to cities but we have some breaks so it was nice. Lots to see in Istanbul so give it extra days to explore.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Jane - Traveled, October 2023
This was a great introduction to Turkey, led by our very competent guide, Cemal. We enjoyed the train ride, the day on a boat, and the experience of taking public transportation. We covered a lot of ground many days, but it was all interesting — it felt like we saw a great deal of the interesting country of Turkey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
lisa - Traveled, October 2023
Turkey was such a beautiful place to visit. It had everything....great food, great history, great people, great experiences. Our tour guide was fantastic!! And Intrepid is a great travel company, they made it all easy and amazing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Marie - Traveled, March 2024
Wow. This tour of Turkey was amazing. I had wonderful exposure to an ancient culture that is still alive today. The generosity of the people to share and welcome you into their lives continues to astound me. Thanks Furkan and Turkey
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Annette - Traveled, March 2024
The varied locations covered within this trip are magnificent. I enjoyed the generousness and gentleness of Turkish people was much appreciated and not what I expected.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Chris - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid’s Best of Turkey trip is an amazing introduction to the culture, history, people and geography to a part of the world which has been so important from the past right up until the present day. It includes a balanced range of activities and features. I loved this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Cheryl - Traveled, September 2023
Turkey is an amazing country to visit and our 15 days The best if Turkey covered all the main places. The trip was very interesting and the itinerary was varied. Berk our leader made sure everything was well organised. Turkey is definitely a must see place and this trip will give you an amazing glimpse into all that Turkey has to offer
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Emily - Traveled, September 2023
Fantastic Best of Turkey trip. Has something of everything. Old ruins, swimming in the ocean and ballooning over fairy chimneys. Amazing country, great guide in Ilter and just a well designed tour of the country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Alana - Traveled, September 2023
We really enjoyed this trip - such a beautiful and diverse country! Our guide was also amazing and went above and beyond!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Roslyn - Traveled, September 2023
This was my first time using Intrepid Travel and my first time on a small group holiday. The trip was excellent from start to finish. Our guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and each day brought a new adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Debbie - Traveled, October 2023
The team leader makes the experience memorable. Her knowledge and can do attitude reflects the experience of the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2023
Nathan - Traveled, October 2023
Had a fantastic time on this trip. I got to see so much history, as well as some fantastic natural scenery. Got to meet a lot of great people and try a bunch of great food also.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2023
Wayne - Traveled, October 2023
Highly recommend this trip. Our guide was knowledgeable and shared the history and culture of Turkey with us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
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