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Peregrine Travel Centre

Classic Turkey

Classic Turkey

From $ 3,995 AUD

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Description

Explore the best of Turkey on this 10-day adventure. Get off to a great start with a Bosphorus sunset in Istanbul, then check out Bolu’s Ottoman architecture, discover the prehistoric settlement of Catalhoyuk and admire the icons of Greco-Roman Ephesus. Walk among the lunar-like terrain of Cappadocia (or soar over it in a hot-air balloon, if you like), dip into the thermal pools of Pamukkale and feast on homecooked Turkish specialties. From ancient relics to the turquoise waters of the coast, and all the warm hospitality in between, you’ll unveil the layers of Turkey with an expert local leader by your side.

Trip Name
Classic Turkey
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Walk the honeycombed terrain of Cappadocia, explore the underground city, dig into a hearty dinner in a cave home and stay in a charming cave hotel. If you like, you can also take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride for a look at the lunar-like landscape from above.
  • Learn about the fascinating history of the region from the prehistoric Catalhoyuk to the magnificent ruins of Greco-Roman Ephesus – you can find out if Cleopatra has really bathed in the thermal pools of Pamukkale.
  • Savour delicious gozleme during a cooking demonstration in Selçuk, and experience the heart and soul of Turkish cuisine at a women-run cooperative restaurant, where your visit helps support their independence and economic empowerment.
  • Experience a change of pace and scenery in Bolu. Explore the well-preserved Ottoman architecture in its historical town and enjoy the local cuisine that the town – it has a reputation as the birthplace of Turkey’s great master chefs!
  • Explore Antalya’s historic zone of Kaleici, then maybe relax at the beach or bathe in the Mediterranean sun during a relaxing free afternoon – you may very well be tempted to extend your stay.

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 may be 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., HOT AIR BALLOON CAPPADOCIA: The optional hot air balloon activity is weather-dependent. In bad weather, especially high winds, the balloons are unable to fly. Your trip leader will communicate any updates from the activity operator and Civil Aviation Authority to you., LUGGAGE LIMIT: Please note that there is a luggage limit for this trip of one piece per person (a carry-on bag is in addition to this), no more than 20kgs.

Day 1 - Istanbul
Hos 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. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 3 pm, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. After, head out with your group for a short orientation walk and join in a public cruise of the Bosphorus Strait for a fantastic view of the cityscape of Istanbul of its old and new, Europe and Asia.
Day 2 - Bolu
You’ll depart Istanbul this morning, heading to Bolu. On the way, stop at Demirciler Village to visit a women-run coop restaurant. Learn their story of self-sufficiency, how they renovated an unused village school and transformed it into a countryside restaurant serving traditional, local food. Of course, you’ll also get to enjoy their excellent cooking, and the women will show you a few tricks to try at home! When you arrive in Bolu, get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader through the historic Old Town and around Yukari Tashan and Beyazit Mosque, full of well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Bolu is also famous for its fantastic Ottoman cuisine, so ask your leader for suggestions on where to grab some dinner tonight.
Day 3 - Cappadocia
Today, you’ll head to Cappadocia – the city famed for its fairytale-like spires and sky full of hot air balloons. It’s a bit of a long travel day today, so make sure to have your favourite audio books on hand. When you arrive in the early afternoon, you’ll visit Kaymakli Underground City – a maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight layers beneath the earth’s surface and one of the largest underground settlements in the region! You’ll see the stables, kitchens and wineries that have been discovered underground, then sit down for Turkish tea while taking in the surreal panorama view of Cappadocia landscape at sunset. Enjoy a free evening. Maybe ask your leader for the best spots for dinner or get some rest for your early start tomorrow (if you’re taking on the highly recommended hot-air balloon ride!).
Day 4 - Cappadocia
This morning, you have the option to take a hot-air balloon ride – a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch the sun illuminate the distinctive Cappadocian landscape. Even if you don’t opt to take the flight, it’s still worth waking up for the incredible sight of sunrise, with hot air balloons scattered across the brightening sky. Later in the morning, head out to the Goreme Open Air Museum – a monastic complex and Christian sanctuary of carved houses, churches and monasteries. The museum was one of the earliest centres for religious education and there are at least 10 churches and chapels in the complex, dating between AD900 and 1200. Enter the cave chapels and see the exquisite colours of the biblical frescoes. This afternoon, walk through one of the nearby valleys with your leader. It could be the Valley of Love where the fairy chimneys and their distinctive phallic shape will provide nothing if not an amusing afternoon. In the evening, you’ll be welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a local woman who will prepare a special homecooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your host and top off the meal with some local Turkish delight.
Day 5 - Konya
You’ll have a free morning today, so if you’ve not had the chance for a hot-air balloon flight, this is your chance. Then, drive to Konya, stopping at Catalhoyuk along the way. This settlement offers a window into the shift from nomadic life to settled communities 9000 years ago through its mudbrick homes, early wall paintings and evidence of plant and animal domestication. When arrive in Konya, the rest of the day is free. Maybe go see a dervish dance or visit The Mevlana Museum – home to 13th-century philosopher, poet and religious leader Rumi’s tomb.
Day 6 - Pamukkale
Today, drive on to Pamukkale, best known for its mineral-rich thermal waters that flow spectacularly down a terraced hillside, nicknamed ‘cotton castle.’ Take a restorative dip in the hot springs and explore the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis – an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC. Your leader will bring history to life and guide you through the ancient temple, fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and impressive theatre. Tonight, you have a free evening to keep exploring Pamukkale at your own pace.
Day 7 - Selcuk
Today, make your way to Selcuk, your base for visiting Ephesus. Selcuk itself is culturally rich and retains many Turkish traditions. On the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill lie several historical buildings and you’ll see the Isa Bey Mosque – a beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk Turkish architecture – and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built over the supposed burial site of the saint. Follow your leader on an orientation walk, then enjoy a free afternoon.
Day 8 - Selcuk
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ephesus today – one of Turkey’s most important ancient sites. Explore this beautifully preserved city with your leader as they reveal its colourful 1500-year history. As you explore, the sophistication of this former metropolis will reveal itself – it had running water, public toilets, a renowned medical institute and Roman baths. The theatre is well-preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but the marvellous library might just be the highlight. Later, stop for lunch at a family-run restaurant where you’ll feast on gozleme (the popular Turkish flatbreads filled with spinach and feta, spicy potato or meat) that’s made fresh before your eyes. The afternoon and evening are free for you to keep exploring at your own pace.
Day 9 - Antalya
This morning, leave Selcuk behind and drive on to your final stop – Antalya. Your leader will introduce you to the delights of the Old City with an orientation walk along its cobblestone streets. Visit the clock tower, Hadrian’s Gate and the Roman Harbour before venturing into the historical zone of Kaleici – an area within Antalya’s historic centre that’s protected from modern development. This area is home to relics of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman occupations. Later, you’ll have some free time to swim, relax and soak up the amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea. Maybe head out with your group for a final dinner, celebrating a great journey through Turkey as you overlook the blue Turkish coast at sunset.
Day 10 - Antalya
With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend a few more days checking out the sights of Antalya, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-03-202727-03-2027AUD $ 3,995-
08-04-202717-04-2027AUD $ 3,995-
22-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 3,995-
06-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 3,995-
20-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 3,995-
03-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 3,995-
01-07-202710-07-2027AUD $ 3,995-
15-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 3,995-
05-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 3,995-
02-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 3,995-
16-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 3,995-
30-09-202709-10-2027AUD $ 3,995-
07-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 3,995-
14-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 3,995-
21-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 3,995-

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Transport

Private Bus, Boat

Map

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