Premium Turkey
Experience Overview
With endless architectural jewels, fascinating cultural sites and glistening seaside towns – this is the best of Turkey. On this nine-day Premium trip, explore the world-famous mosques in Istanbul, walk in the footsteps of ancient rulers in archaeological sites like Pergamon and Ephesus and see (almost) every inch of Cappadocia with an experienced and knowledgeable local leader by your side. Cruise the Bosphorus Strait on a private yacht, join a cooking class in Sirince and spend a night in your Feature Stay in specially restored cave suites.
Highlights
- Cruise the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, on a private yacht and marvel at the Istanbul skyline and artisan palaces, mansions and historical monuments on shore.
- Walk in the footsteps of ancient emperors and explore the archaeological UNESCO World Heritage sites of Pergamon and Ephesus.
- Discover the flavours of Turkey – tuck into a traditional home-cooked meal in Cappadocia and get tips from a local chef during a cooking class in Sirince.
- Join an exclusive carpet weaving demonstration at a social enterprise that’s keeping tradition alive and providing employment for local women.
- Explore subterranean cities, whimsical fairy chimneys and stay in some pretty incredible cave accommodation – this trip features some of the best experiences in Cappadocia.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1790
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,Boat,Plane
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ERPI
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Finishes: Istanbul , Turkey
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (3), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (6 nights),Feature Stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4856 ($540 /day)
Itinerary
Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure starts in Istanbul – the largest city in Europe. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your boutique hotel in the heart of the Old City. If you arrive early, maybe walk through the bustling bazaars or visit the 1500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage monument, Hagia Sophia. Tonight, join your local leader and small group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Then, take a short stroll to a local restaurant for a group dinner of Ottoman and Turkish cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers.
Included Activities:
- Istanbul - Welcome Dinner
- Istanbul - Welcome Meeting
Accommodation:
- DeCamondo Galata Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, explore Sultan Ahmet I’s Blue Mosque with your leader. With six minarets, 260 windows and its iconic, blue walls (made up of more than 20,000 Iznik ceramic tiles), the Blue Mosque is known as one of the most magnificent mosques in all of Istanbul. After, you'll head out to explore the rest of the city on an orientation walk. Make your way to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople) and explore the hippodrome and the decorative statues and obelisks. Then, practice some good-natured haggling with local artisans in the Grand Bazaar, packed with over 3000 stalls of handcrafted jewellery, textiles and books. Later, hop aboard a private yacht and take in the Istanbul skyline from the Bosphorus Strait – a waterway that separates Europe and Asia.
Included Activities:
- Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
- Istanbul - Orientation Walk
- Istanbul - Private Bosphorus Cruise
Optional Activities:
- Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) (2000 TRY)
Accommodation:
- DeCamondo Galata Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Kusadasi this morning, stopping at Pergamon along the way. When you arrive, take a cable car to the top of the hill and take in the views across the Bakircay Plain in Turkey’s Aegean region. At the top of the hill, explore crumbling ruins, including the colossal Temple of Trajan, the Hellenistic Theatre and the Altar of Zeus. After some time walking in the footsteps of ancient emperors, continue to Kusadasi. Tonight, settle into your hotel on the edge of the Aegean Sea – this will be your home away from home for the next three nights.
Included Activities:
- Pergamon - Ancient City Visit & Cable Car
Accommodation:
- La Vista Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, explore the ancient city ruins of Ephesus – a preserved Greco-Roman site. As you walk in the footsteps of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, discover how the ancient Romans lived. Stroll through the marble streets surrounding the ancient theatre and explore the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus. Then, join a carpet weaving demonstration and learn about the art of traditional carpet weaving from local social enterprise, Sultankoy – an organisation that provides local women with employment while protecting and developing the ancient tradition. After a picnic lunch here, you’ll learn all about Turkish recipes and flavours with a hands-on cooking class. Get to know the local chef as you prepare a traditional meal and feast on your creations together.
Included Activities:
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk - Sultanköy Carpet Demonstration & Picnic Lunch
- Sirince - Cooking Class
Accommodation:
- La Vista Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is free for you to explore Kusadasi at your own pace. Maybe book an optional tour to the Hierapolis Ancient City or unwind at Pamukkale’s mineral springs – a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its turquoise waters famed by a snow-white mineral build-up cascading over the cliffs. If you’d rather skip the optional tour and stay closer to town, why not stroll the seafront promenade and grab a bite to eat by the harbour or talk with the locals at the main bazaar.
Optional Activities:
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park (30 EUR)
Accommodation:
- La Vista Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, catch a flight to Kayseri. When you arrive, settle into your Feature Stay accommodation at the specially restored cave suites in the Old City centre. After checking in, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for home-cooked Turkish lunch. Then, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Goreme Open Air Museum, where you’ll find richly decorated rock-carved churches, monasteries and chapels. Later, join a tour of Cappadocia and discover the region’s highlights like Imagination Valley where rock formations, known as fairy chimneys, stand amid the orange-coloured landscape.
Included Activities:
- Izmir - Flight to Kayseri
- Cappadocia - Home-cooked lunch
- Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
- Cappadocia - Panoramic Sights Tour
Accommodation:
- Aya Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, explore the underground cities beneath Cappadocia. It’s believed that these intricate subterranean homes were created in the 8th and 7th centuries – you might spot remnants of subterranean wine cellars, stables and chapels. Then, visit the studio of a local ceramic master whose family has been in the pottery business for six generations. Learn the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics and discover how the rich clay from the red river is moulded into exquisite pieces. This afternoon, hike through Red Valley – named for the incredible red hues the rock formations throw at sunset. Tonight, maybe find a spot to watch the sunset, then head back to town for dinner with your group.
There’ll also be time today to take to the skies with an optional hot air balloon ride (at your own expense) if you wish.
Included Activities:
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
- Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
- Cappadocia - Red Valley Hike
Optional Activities:
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight (200 EUR)
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight (230 EUR)
- Cappadocia - Turkish Night with Dinner (50 EUR)
- Cappadocia - Whirling Dervish Performance with transport (40 EUR)
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Sightseeing from the Valley (20 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Aya Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, say goodbye to Cappadocia and return to where it all began – Istanbul. When you arrive, maybe explore the European side of the city or take trip across the Bosphorus – your leader will have the best recommendations for things to see and do. This evening, maybe join your group for an optional farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s excellent restaurants to celebrate a well-travelled trip.
Included Activities:
- Istanbul - Farewell Dinner
Accommodation:
- DeCamondo Galata Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, your Turkish adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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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
Kristine - Traveled, September 2023
I was blown away by all that Türkiye has to offer. In order to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, it pays to go with the convenience and comfort of Intrepid’s Premium tours. I would not have enjoyed it otherwise. Great small group too and our fearless leader Birsen!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Vivianna - Traveled, September 2023
It was a wonderful experience with diverse activities and with a fantastic group. I will never forget !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2023
Mike - Traveled, September 2023
Intrepid’s tour of Turkey is excellent. Our guide Iskender - who is simply the best - brought us to beautiful sites, shared history and stories with us, kept us well fed with delicious local flavors, and lodged us in excellent accommodations. A terrific experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Dale - Traveled, September 2023
This trip involved some extraordinary places, and out tour guide Eskendar really rounded out our understanding of the background stories and history behind the sites we visited. It was very well organised and we were looked after well. It was also a lot of fun with some nice fellow travellers from different places in the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Mike - Traveled, September 2023
Intrepid’s tour of Turkey is excellent. Our guide Iskender - who is simply the best - brought us to beautiful sites, shared history and stories with us, kept us well fed with delicious local flavors, and lodged us in excellent accommodations. A terrific experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Annahid - Traveled, July 2023
This trip exceeded all expectations with wonderful hotels, amazing meals and the perfect destinations and historical information. Our tour guide was amazing. Can’t recommend enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2023
Anderson - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was fantastic! Soner - 'Sonny' - our guide went above and beyond to ensure we had the richest experience of Turkey that we possibly could. The itinerary packed in a lot of sight seeing, experiences and optional extras within a short period of time. Whilst the modes of transport and noteworthy accommodation ensure you are able to fully appreciate and enjoy your time in Turkey. My only regret is that I wasn't there longer!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2023
Karemie - Traveled, June 2023
Absolutely loved this tour. It was my first time in Turkey & it was a great way to immerse myself without being overwhelmed with a great guide (Soner) and with having wonderful accommodation. Well balanced with a lot of information based in history, archaeology, art & architecture as well as some free time & a great selection of restaurants & cultural experiences. While you are ‘on the go’ for a few days they are absolutely worth it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Katherine - Traveled, May 2023
Please go on this trip. The itinerary is well though through and locations are wonderful. Our guide Can was so knowledgeable and thoughtful. He made the trip an absolute delight
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, May 2023
Cannot recommend premium Turkey and our guide Can Demir enough!!! Super relaxing itinerary and perfectly planned with our knowledgeable guide Can Demir.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
Daniel - Traveled, May 2023
Premium Turkey with Intrepid changed my perception of what a great vacation can be. Can’t recommend it enough. Trust me: don’t think, just do it. You’ll be grateful you did.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
David - Traveled, April 2023
8 day Intrepid tour of Turkey was excellent in every respect including places visited, accommodation, transport, food, cultural experiences with a knowledgeable and personable tour guide. My wife and I highly recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2023
Kerry - Traveled, May 2023
The 8 Day Premium Turkey trip is a great way to see some key highlights in just 1 week. We had Nilufer as a guide and she was fantastic. A great mix of history and understanding of the country and its people. The cooking class was a brilliant experience. All of the accommodation and food is amazing. The dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia is a wonderful end to a great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, March 2023
We premiered the 8-day Premium Turkey tour, and had a delightful time! Our guide, Nilufer, was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She moved transit around at our request to facilitate more time in Cappadocia, and recommended multiple great restaurants. The hotels were also superb. Would definitely go again on another tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2023
Liz - Traveled, March 2023
Every detail about the tour was wonderful. Our guide, Nilufer, was so knowledgeable and fun! We saw a lot of the country in the time we had. The activities, meals, and inclusions are awesome! I highly recommend the 8-day premium tour of Turkey!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2023
Marina - Traveled, July 2024
This was the best trip I’ve ever been on, and Hayati was an exceptional tour guide whose enthusiasm and expertise truly stood out. From the moment we arrived until the very end of our journey, he was consistently attentive, accommodating, and full of energy. The itinerary was already impressive, but he elevated the experience even further with his engaging insights and passion for the destinations. I would truly recommend this trip to anyone going to Turkey and Hayati as a tour guide for any destination.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2024
Mariah - Traveled, July 2024
Amazing trip, with an incredible guide, great accommodations, saw and learned so much!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2024
Christopher - Traveled, June 2024
This trip was a quick introduction to Turkey and hit many of the highlights of the country in a very short time. Istanbul is an amazing city, far more cosmopolitan than I ever imagined and not to be missed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2024
Tracey - Traveled, June 2024
Highly recommend. The itinerary had everything you would want for a short trip to Turkey. Can, our leader, was brilliant. Highly knowledgeable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2024
Teri - Traveled, May 2024
This was our 2nd Intrepid tour. We highly recommend them. Each guide has taken great care of us and their knowledge and love for their country shines through. Our drivers were fantastic as well. Those steep and windy roads a challenge. We really enjoyed each Intrepid tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2024
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