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Premium Turkey in Depth

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Premium Turkey in Depth

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Description

Get right into the heart of Turkish culture on this 15-day Premium adventure. Explore islands and a sunken city on a locally guided boat cruise, get hands-on in a Turkish cooking class using homegrown ingredients and join a local woman in her home for a specially prepared feast. Take guided tours of Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Antalya and more, and travel through diverse landscapes – from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia (where you can take a hot air balloon ride!) to the glittering Mediterranean Coast. Join local conservationists to learn about marine protection along the Manavgat coastline, then spend two days in Istanbul, exploring the colourful streets of Fener and Balat, the Grand Bazaar’s maze of textiles and the grand Suleymaniye Mosque. End your adventure with a toast on a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus.

Trip Name
Premium Turkey in Depth
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Step into a fairytale during your Feature Stay at a unique cave hotel in Cappadocia, which has elegantly decorated rooms carved from stone. Then, if you like, take a hot air balloon over the otherworldly landscape at sunrise.
  • Join an experienced local leader as you stroll the ancient streets of Ephesus, uncover the secrets of Sagalassos, explore the legendary ruins of Troy and discover Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and the Million.
  • Cruise around the hidden coves and islets of Turkey’s southern coast during an Exclusive Experience guided by a local couple who’ve been navigating the waters for years.
  • Feast your eyes on the best of Turkey's otherworldly sights, from the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale to the surreal rockscapes of Cappadocia.
  • Get to know the real Turkey on Exclusive Experiences, including an expert-led cooking class, a visit to the Manavgat coastline with local DEKAFOK conservationists and a traditional dinner at a local’s home in Cappadocia.

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., 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.

Day 1 - Istanbul
Hoş geldin! Welcome to Turkey! Your adventure begins in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all once called home. If you’re arriving today, you’ll have a complimentary transfer to your hotel from the airport. If you arrive early, maybe grab lunch at one of the city’s many eateries. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After, you’ll head out with your local leader and small group to explore the Old City of Istanbul. Your leader will introduce you to some of the city’s historic treasures, including the dazzling Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and the Million – a stone road marker in use since the 4th century. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a stylish restaurant.
Day 2 - Canakkale
Rise and shine for an early breakfast, then begin the drive to Canakkale – a port city on the shores of the Dardanelles. Arrive in time to buy yourself some lunch, then head to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Thousands from across the world journey here each year to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the battles of 1915. Tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Head up to the memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair while your leader explains the significance of the events across the landscape. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for thousands of young men on both sides. After a day that will no doubt be full of sombre reflection, the evening is free for you to do as you wish in Canakkale.
Day 3 - Selcuk
Drive to Selcuk and stop along the way in Troy, where history and mythology sit side by side. Your leader will take you around the ancient city walls – there’ll be time for a photo op with a replica Trojan horse, too. Learn how the site has confounded historians and archaeologists, then continue to Selcuk. When you’ve checked into your accommodation, join your leader for an orientation walk around this sprawling town at the base of the ancient Ayasoluk Hill fortress, then visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient aqueducts.
Day 4 - Selcuk
Today, visit one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world – Ephesus. Learn what life here was like as you tour the ancient theatre, gymnasium, baths and restored Library of Celsus, and stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Later, drive past apple and peach orchards to the village of Sirince, where red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll taste locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all the above. Next, you’ll meet a local chef for a Turkish cooking class, using olive oil grown and made on-site and herbs and vegetables picked fresh from the garden. Learn how to make a range of small Turkish meze dishes using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labour with an evening dinner of the mouth-watering meze plates you’ve made together.
Day 5 - Pamukkale
After breakfast, travel to the town of Pamukkale. Named after its incredible travertine terraces, Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle.’ This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a collection of pools and terraces. As the water overflows, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with water that many believe has healing properties for circulation and the digestive system. Head up to the ruins of Hierapolis – an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC, where your leader will bring history to life and guide you through an ancient temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. You then have the evening free to spend how you wish.
Day 6 - Kas
Make the journey to the coastal town of Kas (meaning ‘eyebrow’) and begin exploring on a walking tour. Now primarily a holiday town, Kas is strewn with the remains of Lycian tombs, iconic, whitewashed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea and an ancient theatre where you can watch a spectacular sunset. The walk is sure to inspire your appetite, and your leader will be on hand to show you where to grab a great gozleme (stuffed Turkish flatbread). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this easygoing town – maybe sit back with a pomegranate cocktail or check out the local markets.
Day 7 - Kas
Set off for a boat cruise around the islands today, with a local family who use their unique knowledge and love of the local waters to share a distinctly traditional way of cruising and eating with travellers. On board, you’ll enjoy a range of freshly prepared local greens, zucchini fritters and maybe even some Turkish raki (an anise-flavoured alcoholic spirit). Sail from large bays to protected inlets where you can cool off with a swim. Kick back with a cold beer or learn how to play backgammon – Turkey’s most beloved game – and look out for the ruins of an ancient city submerged under the water. Return to Kas for an evening at your leisure.
Day 8 - Antalya
Travel from Kas along a scenic route, stopping at the ancient city of Phaselis. Here you’ll have time to stretch your legs among Roman ruins or cool off with a swim in the sea. Then, continue to Antalya, where your accommodation is tucked away near the beach. Once you’ve settled in, join your leader for an early evening walk around Kaleici (the Old City). See Hadrian’s Gate, the Old Roman Harbour and photo-worthy views of the Mediterranean. Tonight, you’ll experience Turkish family-style dining at a traditional meyhane (tavern) with plenty of shared plates, local drinks and live music.
Day 9 - Antalya
Today, you’ll travel to the Manavgat region for a Signature Experience with DEKAFOK. This important conservation initiative focuses on protecting marine life while creating a balance between tourism and the natural environment. Meet the local DEKAFOOK conservationists, who will walk along the coastline with you and share more about their work, ongoing research and education efforts. Then, take a boat trip along the Manavgat River with the conservationists, where you’ll take in the region’s lush landscapes from a different perspective and hear more insights about the region’s marine environments and the impacts of the growing tourism industry. Enjoy lunch onboard as you drift through this scenic setting. Later, return to your hotel in Antalya, where you can unwind after a day of discovery.
Day 10 - Cappadocia
Set out this morning on your journey from Antalya to Cappadocia, with a great stop along the way – the peaceful lakeside town of Beysehir. It’s home to the expansive Lake Beysehir – the largest freshwater lake in Turkey – surrounded by unspoilt nature and mountain views. Here, visit the remarkable Esrefoglu Mosque, a rare example of Seljuk wooden architecture, known for its intricately carved pillars and unique flat wooden ceiling that has stood for over 700 years. Take some time to relax by the lake and enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish. Soak up the tranquil atmosphere before continuing your journey inland. Arrive in Cappadocia later in the day and head out on a short orientation walk to get your bearings, then settle in and enjoy a well-earned rest ahead of tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 11 - Cappadocia
Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast overlooking the valley, then step back in time at the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face as your leader shares stories of the civilisations who lived here. Next, you’ll visit a carpet-weaving cooperative that empowers women by giving them the tools to produce one-of-a-kind traditional rugs. Hear local insight into the history of carpet weaving and see how the intricate pieces are made. Later in the afternoon, go on a short walk through the cheekily named Love Valley, famous for its phallic rock formations. Then, head back to your hotel and perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day.
Day 12 - Cappadocia
Take a morning walk to see the fascinating rock formations of the Kizilcukur Valley. After lunch, head toward the red river of Avanos and descend to Ozkonak to explore an underground city hollowed out of tufa rock that dates to 400 BC. Return to the surface and visit the studio of a local ceramic master. Speak with a local artist who’ll explain the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics. Discover the rich clay from the red river and watch how it’s moulded into exquisite pieces. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into the home of a local family who’ll prepare a special homecooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your hosts and top off the night with some Turkish delight.
Day 13 - Istanbul
Say goodbye to Cappadocia this morning and return to where it all began – Istanbul. When you arrive, settle into your hotel, then head out to continue exploring the city. Wander through the historic neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat, known for their colourful houses, cobbled streets and rich cultural heritage. Along the way, you’ll come across centuries-old churches, including the striking Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and other hidden gems that reflect the area’s deep-rooted Greek Orthodox history. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere, discover local cafes and perhaps capture a few photos of the vibrant facades before returning for the evening.
Day 14 - Istanbul
After a relaxed morning, continue your day uncovering treasures of a different kind in Grand Bazaar, where over 3000 shops line 61 bustling streets. Meet a few local characters, practise your haggling skills, sip a traditional Turkish coffee and take your time browsing everything from handwoven textiles to intricate ceramics. Then, visit the elegant Rustem Pasha Mosque, famed for its vibrant Iznik tiles, before heading up to the grand Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece offering sweeping views over the city. Later, step aboard a private cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where you can unwind with a drink in hand as the city slowly shifts from day to night. Drift between two continents as you take in some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights from the water – from leafy shores and elegant Ottoman mansions to landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace. Stretching between Europe and Asia, the Bosphorus is the heart of the city and the vital link connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara – and there’s no better way to experience its beauty than from the deck as the sun sets. This evening, join your group for a farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s excellent restaurants to celebrate a well-travelled trip.
Day 15 - Istanbul
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you want to spend some more time in Istanbul, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-08-202620-08-2026AUD $ 6,518-
09-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 8,064-
16-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 8,091-
20-08-202603-09-2026AUD $ 10,060-
23-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 9,760-
30-08-202613-09-2026AUD $ 9,086-
01-09-202615-09-2026AUD $ 10,745-
03-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 10,745-
06-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 10,295-
08-09-202622-09-2026AUD $ 10,290-
10-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 10,160-
12-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 9,560-
13-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 10,660-
15-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 10,745-
17-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 10,745-
20-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 10,130-
22-09-202606-10-2026AUD $ 10,090-
24-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 10,460-
27-09-202611-10-2026AUD $ 10,690-
29-09-202613-10-2026AUD $ 10,160-
01-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 9,995-
04-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 10,745-
08-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 10,745-
11-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 9,695-
13-10-202627-10-2026AUD $ 9,195-
15-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 9,390-
18-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 9,295-
20-10-202603-11-2026AUD $ 10,090-
25-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 9,030-
29-10-202612-11-2026AUD $ 10,560-
14-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 9,635-
21-03-202704-04-2027AUD $ 9,555-
28-03-202711-04-2027AUD $ 9,555-
01-04-202715-04-2027AUD $ 9,555-
04-04-202718-04-2027AUD $ 9,840-
08-04-202722-04-2027AUD $ 9,840-
11-04-202725-04-2027AUD $ 9,840-
15-04-202729-04-2027AUD $ 10,260-
20-04-202704-05-2027AUD $ 10,130-
25-04-202709-05-2027AUD $ 10,130-
27-04-202711-05-2027AUD $ 10,130-
29-04-202713-05-2027AUD $ 10,130-
02-05-202716-05-2027AUD $ 10,130-
04-05-202718-05-2027AUD $ 10,130-
06-05-202720-05-2027AUD $ 10,130-
18-05-202701-06-2027AUD $ 10,130-
20-05-202703-06-2027AUD $ 9,840-
23-05-202706-06-2027AUD $ 9,840-
25-05-202708-06-2027AUD $ 9,840-
27-05-202710-06-2027AUD $ 9,840-
30-05-202713-06-2027AUD $ 9,840-
03-06-202717-06-2027AUD $ 9,840-
06-06-202720-06-2027AUD $ 9,840-
10-06-202724-06-2027AUD $ 9,555-
13-06-202727-06-2027AUD $ 9,555-
20-06-202704-07-2027AUD $ 9,555-
27-06-202711-07-2027AUD $ 9,555-
04-07-202718-07-2027AUD $ 9,555-
18-07-202701-08-2027AUD $ 9,555-
25-07-202708-08-2027AUD $ 9,555-
01-08-202715-08-2027AUD $ 9,555-
08-08-202722-08-2027AUD $ 9,840-
15-08-202729-08-2027AUD $ 9,840-
22-08-202705-09-2027AUD $ 10,130-
29-08-202712-09-2027AUD $ 10,130-
31-08-202714-09-2027AUD $ 10,130-
02-09-202716-09-2027AUD $ 10,320-
05-09-202719-09-2027AUD $ 10,320-
07-09-202721-09-2027AUD $ 10,320-
09-09-202723-09-2027AUD $ 10,320-
12-09-202726-09-2027AUD $ 10,320-
14-09-202728-09-2027AUD $ 10,320-
16-09-202730-09-2027AUD $ 10,320-
18-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 10,320-
19-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 10,320-
21-09-202705-10-2027AUD $ 10,320-
23-09-202707-10-2027AUD $ 10,320-
26-09-202710-10-2027AUD $ 10,320-
28-09-202712-10-2027AUD $ 10,320-
30-09-202714-10-2027AUD $ 10,320-
03-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 10,320-
07-10-202721-10-2027AUD $ 10,130-
10-10-202724-10-2027AUD $ 10,130-
12-10-202726-10-2027AUD $ 10,130-
14-10-202728-10-2027AUD $ 9,840-
17-10-202731-10-2027AUD $ 9,840-
21-10-202704-11-2027AUD $ 9,840-
24-10-202707-11-2027AUD $ 9,555-
26-10-202709-11-2027AUD $ 9,555-
28-10-202711-11-2027AUD $ 9,555-
12-03-202826-03-2028AUD $ 10,030-
19-03-202802-04-2028AUD $ 10,030-
26-03-202809-04-2028AUD $ 10,030-
30-03-202813-04-2028AUD $ 10,030-
02-04-202816-04-2028AUD $ 10,030-
06-04-202820-04-2028AUD $ 10,330-
09-04-202823-04-2028AUD $ 10,330-
13-04-202827-04-2028AUD $ 10,330-
18-04-202802-05-2028AUD $ 10,635-
23-04-202807-05-2028AUD $ 10,635-
25-04-202809-05-2028AUD $ 10,635-
27-04-202811-05-2028AUD $ 10,635-
30-04-202814-05-2028AUD $ 10,635-
02-05-202816-05-2028AUD $ 10,635-
04-05-202818-05-2028AUD $ 10,635-
11-05-202825-05-2028AUD $ 10,635-
16-05-202830-05-2028AUD $ 10,635-
18-05-202801-06-2028AUD $ 10,330-
21-05-202804-06-2028AUD $ 10,330-
23-05-202806-06-2028AUD $ 10,330-
25-05-202808-06-2028AUD $ 10,330-
28-05-202811-06-2028AUD $ 10,330-
01-06-202815-06-2028AUD $ 10,330-
04-06-202818-06-2028AUD $ 10,330-
08-06-202822-06-2028AUD $ 10,030-
11-06-202825-06-2028AUD $ 10,030-
18-06-202802-07-2028AUD $ 10,030-
25-06-202809-07-2028AUD $ 10,030-
02-07-202816-07-2028AUD $ 10,030-
16-07-202830-07-2028AUD $ 10,030-
23-07-202806-08-2028AUD $ 10,030-
30-07-202813-08-2028AUD $ 10,030-
06-08-202820-08-2028AUD $ 10,330-
13-08-202827-08-2028AUD $ 10,330-
20-08-202803-09-2028AUD $ 10,330-
27-08-202810-09-2028AUD $ 10,635-
29-08-202812-09-2028AUD $ 10,635-
31-08-202814-09-2028AUD $ 10,835-
03-09-202817-09-2028AUD $ 10,835-
05-09-202819-09-2028AUD $ 10,835-
07-09-202821-09-2028AUD $ 10,835-
10-09-202824-09-2028AUD $ 10,835-
12-09-202826-09-2028AUD $ 10,835-
14-09-202828-09-2028AUD $ 10,835-
16-09-202830-09-2028AUD $ 10,835-
17-09-202801-10-2028AUD $ 10,835-
19-09-202803-10-2028AUD $ 10,835-
21-09-202805-10-2028AUD $ 10,835-
24-09-202808-10-2028AUD $ 10,835-
26-09-202810-10-2028AUD $ 10,835-
28-09-202812-10-2028AUD $ 10,835-
01-10-202815-10-2028AUD $ 10,835-
05-10-202819-10-2028AUD $ 10,635-
08-10-202822-10-2028AUD $ 10,635-
10-10-202824-10-2028AUD $ 10,635-
12-10-202826-10-2028AUD $ 10,330-
15-10-202829-10-2028AUD $ 10,330-
19-10-202802-11-2028AUD $ 10,330-
22-10-202805-11-2028AUD $ 10,030-
24-10-202807-11-2028AUD $ 10,030-
26-10-202809-11-2028AUD $ 10,030-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (11 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

Map

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