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Peregrine Travel Centre

Eastern Turkey Explorer

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Eastern Turkey Explorer

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Description

Journey from Istanbul to Antalya on this 11-day adventure, where you’ll see ancient ruins, bustling villages and sunken cities. Visit the historical towns of Sanliurfa and Mardin, take in golden hour on top of Mt. Nemrut and set off on a tasting trail in baklava’s birthplace. Cruise through Euphrates, sit down to a home-cooked meal at Nahil Guesthouse and learn about the dawn of human civilization as you walk through the archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe and Catalhoyuk.

Trip Name
Eastern Turkey Explorer
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
11
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Visit Gobekli Tepe, Catalhoyuk and Mt Nemrut. Learn about the layered history and evolving civilization of the region as you wander through these archaeological sites.
  • Indulge in a home-cooked meal at Nahil Guesthouse – an organisation committed to providing fair work and support for local women. Then, try some local dishes on a street food tour in Gaziantep – the birthplace of baklava!
  • Travel through the rugged Mesopotamian landscape to Mardin. Walk past the historic madrasahs and lively bazaars, visit the Living Museum and meet local copper workers and telkari artists.
  • Walk through the Halfeti countryside, then cruise along the Euphrates River on a boat tour and see the sunken city up close, where minarets and rooftops rise above the water.
  • Take part in the Sanliurfa tradition of Sira Gecesi. Explore the city’s nightlife, which is brought alive by music and dance to celebrate human connection and the beauty of life.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Istanbul
Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Istanbul – the only city in the world to straddle two continents. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the streets in the Sultanahmet District, head to a local hangout for panoramic views of the Marmara Sea or visit the ancient hippodrome and the Blue Mosque. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and dig into an authentic Turkish kebab.
Day 2 - Sivas
This morning, you’ll board a train and travel to Sivas – the heart of Anatolia. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcast. When you arrive, take an orientation walk through the city’s old quarters, known for its impressive Seljuk architecture. Along the way, visit the Cifte Minare and Buruciye Madrasahs and learn about the region’s history before returning to Sivas for a free evening.
Day 3 - Adiyaman
Depart Sivas this morning and travel southeast to Adiyaman. When you arrive, visit one of Turkey’s most iconic sites, Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO site that dates back to the 1st century BC. Stop at the ancient Roman Cendere Bridge before reaching the summit for sunset. Unwind as the giant stone heads start to glow in the golden evening light and learn about the story and history layered into this magnificent site.
Day 4 - Mardin
Set off early this morning to the ancient city of Mardin. On the way, you'll stop in Diyarbakır – known for its black basalt walls, rich Kurdish culture and tasty local food. If you're hungry, be sure to try a liver kebab (a true local favourite). Then, continue through the rugged Mesopotamian landscape to Mardin – a hilltop city with golden stone buildings and sweeping views all the way to Syria. After checking into your accommodation, join your leader on a short walk around the area to help you get your bearings. Then you’re free to explore the city’s winding streets – maybe with a glass of local Syriac wine to end the day.
Day 5 - Mardin
After breakfast, take a guided walk through Mardin’s old streets. Explore the city’s main sights with your local leader, walk past the historic madrasahs and lively bazaars. After, visit the Living Museum and meet local artisans, including copper workers and telkari (fine silver filigree) artists, who are keeping the centuries-old tradition alive. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the beautiful Deyrulzafaran Monastery and the historic Kasımiye Medrese just outside the city.
Day 6 - Sanliurfa
Start your day with one of the most significant sites of human civilization - Gobekli Tepe – an archaeological site over 11,600 years old which features the oldest known megaliths! As you walk through the site, see the tall T-shaped stone pillars, decorated with animals and symbols, and learn about the religious rituals that existed long before farming began. After, head to Sanliurfa, also known as the City of Prophets. When you arrive, listen to the inspiring story of Nahil Guesthouse, an organisation that's committed to supporting the livelihood of local women, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch. The afternoon is free. Maybe visit the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum, which displays artifacts from Gobekli Tepe and the region or stroll through the bazaars. Tonight, maybe join Sira Gecesi Night – a tradition in Sanliurfa that's now been revived with music and dances to celebrate human connections and the beauty of life.
Day 7 - Gaziantep
Before heading to Gaziantep this morning, you’ll stop in Halfeti – a small town that's part of the global Cittaslow (slow city) network. Located by the Euphrates River, Halfeti is famous for the old village of Savasan, partially submerged after the Birecik Dam was built. The sunken mosque and abandoned stone houses tell a quiet story of the past. Then, set off on a scenic hike along the Degirmendere Trail. This lesser-known path winds through wild landscapes of rocks and lakes. After the hike, take a boat tour on the Euphrates to see the sunken city up close, where minarets and rooftops rise above the water. Later this afternoon, you’ll arrive in Gaziantep. Maybe find a local restaurant for dinner or try some of the city’s famous pistachios and baklava.
Day 8 - Gaziantep
Gaziantep is Turkey’s undisputed culinary capital and a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy – which is why today is all about tasting the local flavours! You’ll start the day like the locals do with a hot bowl of Beyran soup (a mix of meat, rice, garlic and spices). Then, set off through the streets on a food crawl, sampling some of the city’s signature dishes including ali nazik (smoked mashed eggplant topped with spiced beef), katmer (flaky pastry with clotted cream and pistachios) and Turkish coffee (sometimes infused with pistachio for a local twist). You’ll then discover the birthplace of baklava, where layers of golden pastry are made with great care. See the spice markets and coppersmith bazaar, where you can buy handmade souvenirs or fragrant local spices.
Day 9 - Konya
After breakfast, you’ll travel into the heart of Anatolia to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Catalhoyuk – one of the world’s oldest and best preserved Neolithic settlements. Explore the closely packed mudbrick houses and learn about daily life in this early community. After, drive to Konya, passing through wide plains and beautiful Anatolian landscapes. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 10 - Antalya
This morning, head south toward the Mediterranean coast, stopping for lunch in Ormana Village – an old Yoruk settlement tucked in the Taurus Mountains. Located near the streams that feed the Manavgat River, Ormana is part of the Ibradi District, whose ancient name means 'land of abundant waters’. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with stone and timber houses, some restored and others still holding stories of the past. Then continue to Antalya – a lively coastal city blending Roman history with beach-town vibes. The rest of the day is free – maybe explore the Old Town’s Ottoman mansions and Roman harbour or relax at a seaside café as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – a great chance to reflect on the week, share stories and celebrate the memories made across Turkey.
Day 11 - Antalya
As there are no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Antalya longer, just chat to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-04-202614-04-2026AUD $ 4,311-
18-04-202628-04-2026AUD $ 5,390-
02-05-202612-05-2026AUD $ 5,390-
09-05-202619-05-2026AUD $ 5,390-
16-05-202626-05-2026AUD $ 5,295-
31-05-202610-06-2026AUD $ 4,660-
22-08-202601-09-2026AUD $ 4,520-
29-08-202608-09-2026AUD $ 5,590-
05-09-202615-09-2026AUD $ 4,830-
12-09-202622-09-2026AUD $ 5,495-
15-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 4,630-
19-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 5,560-
26-09-202606-10-2026AUD $ 4,790-
03-10-202613-10-2026AUD $ 4,860-
10-10-202620-10-2026AUD $ 5,430-
03-04-202713-04-2027AUD $ 4,720-
17-04-202727-04-2027AUD $ 4,720-
01-05-202711-05-2027AUD $ 4,720-
28-08-202707-09-2027AUD $ 4,720-
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $ 4,910-
18-09-202728-09-2027AUD $ 4,910-
25-09-202705-10-2027AUD $ 4,910-
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $ 4,720-

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights)

Transport

Private Bus, Boat, Train

Map

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