Experience Overview
Set out on a five-day trip through Turkey, packed full of ancient monuments and local moments. Wander through Turkey's capital of Ankara, learn about the country's deep history, explore the Mausoleum of Atatürk and then roam around the picturesque streets of Eskişehir, enjoying a gondola ride on the Porsuk river. Stroll the lively streets of Istanbul with your local leader and let them show you where to get the best islak burger in town. This trip is designed so that even if you’re short on time, you can explore the backroads of Turkey and uncover all the good stuff.
Highlights
- Discover UNESCO world heritage site - Hattusas Ancient Site - known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences.
- Explore Turkey's capital of Ankara during a guided orientation walk that will lead you to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic.
- 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.
- Be mesmerised by the picturesque streets of Eskişehir and enjoy a gondola ride on the city's Porsuk river.
- Wander the continent-straddling metropolis of Istanbul, strutting your stuff with the locals on a popular street, sipping rich coffee and discovering the secret corners of the city.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1799
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private Bus,Train,Tram,Funicular
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ERRV
Starts: Cappadocia/Ankara, Turkey
Finishes: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4), Lunch (2),Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $544 ($109 /day)
Itinerary
Gunaydin! Your trip begins bright and early at 8.30 am with a welcome meeting in Cappadocia. Once the formalities are out of the way, we'll make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage – Hattusa Ancient Site. This site is the former capital of the Hittite Empire, known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences. You'll have time to explore the site with your local leader and discover the Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya before we make our way to Ankara for the evening.
Included Activities:
- Bogazkale - Hattusha UNESCO Archaeological Site
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, you'll enjoy an orientation walk through the city with your locally based leader. First up, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic. Then we'll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations where you'll be guided through the deep history of Turkey. You'll enjoy a stop at a traditional local spot for lunch, your leader will guide you in choosing the best delicacies to try. The afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish. Maybe visit the Castle of Ankara and the Haci Bayram Mosque which is located next to the temple of Augustus from Roman era. "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" (The Works of the Deified Augustus) was written on the walls of the Ankara Augustus-Roman Temple in two languages and painted red.
Included Activities:
- Ankara - Orientation Walk
- Ankara - Mausoleum of Ataturk
- Ankara - Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Optional Activities:
- Ankara - Independence War Museum (6 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, you'll take a fast train to Eskisehir. Drop your bags at the hotel and hit the street to start exploring this fascinating city. First stop – Eskisehir Odunpazari Village, where you can wander the quaint and colourful houses. For lunch, head to a local restaurant run by four sisters and their mother for a cooking demonstration. You’ll make ci borek, a traditional Turkish dish made from thin dough layers filled with ground meat, onions, and spices. Learn how to prepare the filling and dough before the chefs cook up and serve your flavoursome creations. In the afternoon, you might like to visit one of the many museums in the area or jump on a short gondola along the Porsuk River.
Included Activities:
- Eskisehir - Odunpazarı Village Visit
- Eskisehir - Ci Borek Cooking Demonstration
Optional Activities:
- Eskisehir - Gondola Ride (50 TRY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, we'll depart on a train bound for Istanbul. This afternoon, your tour leader will introduce you to the lively Taksim district, the beating heart of modern Istanbul. Walk across the Golden Horn in view of the medieval Galata Tower. Board one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, operating since 1875, for the short journey 500 metres to Taksim. Alight at Istiklal Caddesi, arguably the city’s most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, and take a walk among the local people who call this city home. Try an islak burger (a burger drenched in sauce) and visit a hidden local coffee house. Maybe stay with your travel companions for an optional celebratory dinner and take advantage of the late-night entertainment.
Included Activities:
- Istanbul - Taksim District Orientation Walk
- Istanbul – Street Food Tasting (Wet Burger)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation any time after breakfast. If you plan to stay on to see all Istanbul has to offer – which is highly recommended – we are happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking to see if this is an option.
Optional Activities:
- Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) (1700 TRY)
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia (25 EUR)
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
Sophie - Traveled, October 2023
This is a great introduction to Turkey-our guide Kübra was outstanding-nothing was too much trouble and her unfaltering kindness and warmth really made the trip. Turkey is a wonderful country and this gives you a good insight into what it has to offer-Istanbul was fabulous
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Marialyce - Traveled, October 2023
Skip this trip. Go to Cappadocia and explore it on your own. Take the train to Ankara and explore the mausoleum and learn about Ataturk. Then go to Istanbul by train. The time spent getting from Cappadocia to Istanbul is not a great use of resources, and our guide was less than than enthusiastic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Vipin - Traveled, September 2023
This is a really good trip to get a feel for Turkey and see some interesting places. Turkey Backroads is quite short so there are longer trips available but for a short one this is really good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Janet - Traveled, September 2023
We loved the Turkey Backroads trip. The people we encountered were friendly and warm. Our tour guide was excellent and knowledgeable. The only recommendation I’d give is that this trip should include time in Cappadocia.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Joanne - Traveled, September 2023
I have travelled many times with Intrepid & I’m always happy with their choice of accommodation & travel options (train bus boat etc) On my last trip our guide Melike was outstanding, a walking history book, sharing so much knowledge. Look after her Intrrpid, she’s a great asset to your company.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Liv - Traveled, August 2023
10/10 the trip is great and so much fun, have already recommended it to my friends and family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/13/2023
Aashna - Traveled, July 2023
False advertisement and inaccurate itinerary details so be cautious when you book intrepid. I expected better
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2023
Frances - Traveled, June 2023
I had a fabulous time on this tour .. So many different places to see and learn about .. it was just fabulous ! Turkey has so much to offer with incredible History !. Ziver out tour guide was Amazing . Highly recommended
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2023
Rachel - Traveled, April 2023
Ozgur was a total delight - he was flexible and incorporated everyone's interests, but his own selections of food and sights was exceptional. He could also answer any question, including pop cultural references...it was like traveling with my own friend from Turkiye.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2023
Alicia - Traveled, April 2023
Despite the change in Itinerary, I had a truly incredible experience. Özzie was so so knowledgeable and I learnt so much from him. He has so much enthusiasm and he really made the tour for me. The cities we went to were truly non-touristic and I loved them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2023
Sam - Traveled, April 2023
This trip is a great introduction to Turkey! The cities and sights visited during the tour are great, and the trip ends and begins in amazing locations. Make sure to include extra time at the start and end of your trip to explore the amazing things Goreme and Istanbul, respectively, have to offer
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2023
Alyssa - Traveled, August 2022
A fantastic trip in which we definitely saw the backroads of Turkey. The drive through the mountains to Adiyaman was stunning. The homestay was a big highlight and the food in Eastern Turkey was incredible. A really special experience to visit places where tourists are rarely seen. Highly recommend taking this trip to see how beautiful and unexplored Eastern Turkey is.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2022
Garrett - Traveled, August 2022
Turkey Backroads was such a great trip and a really fun and safe way to explore central and east Turkey with the comfort of being on a tour with a private vehicle. Sunset at Mt Nemrut is not to be missed and our guide Tolga was fantastic. If you're reading this while looking at the Turkey Backroads tour I would consider doing Turkey Explored which is a fuller itinerary that includes this one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2022
Virginia - Traveled, June 2022
Amazing insight into the history and lives of the people of East Turkey. Leave the touristic areas to immerse yourself in authentic Turkey. If you are passionate about ancient history or just love meeting locals, this is the trip for you. Before and after the trip, also experience Capadoccia and Istambul as they are must-dos when it comes to visiting Turkey. I would not advise travelling in summer due to the heat unless you are used to it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2022
Ruth - Traveled, April 2022
Perfect itinerary for discovering Turkey's rich cultural heritage and history. Every day provided an amazing new adventure. We particularly loved the homestay and the inclusion of Gobekli Tepe was an unexpected bonus! Highly recommended for Turkey lovers and those interested in UNESCO heritage sights. Memories will last a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2022
Gregory - Traveled, March 2022
Fantastic trip, great Itinerary, great guide (Mete), great group of people. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2022
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