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Peregrine Travel Centre

Premium Turkey

Premium Turkey

From $ 6,595 AUD

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Description

Showcasing endless architectural jewels, fascinating cultural sites and glistening seaside towns, this nine-day Premium trip is the best of Turkey. Explore Istanbul’s world-famous mosques, walk in the footsteps of ancient rulers in archaeological sites like Pergamon and Ephesus and see (almost) every inch of Cappadocia, including a private wine tasting in a hidden valley. 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 – all this and more with an experienced and knowledgeable local leader by your side!

Trip Name
Premium Turkey
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
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.
  • Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting in a hidden valley in Cappadocia, with seasonal lavender blooms, native greenery and sunset views depending on the time of year.

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
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 hotel. 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.
Day 2 - Istanbul
After breakfast, make your way to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople) and join your leader for an orientation walk. Begin with the Hippodrome, once the social and sporting heart of the Byzantine Empire, and see the decorative statues and obelisks. Then, visit Sultan Ahmet I’s Blue Mosque – with its six minarets, 260 windows, and iconic blue walls made from more than 20,000 Iznik ceramic tiles, it is considered one of the most magnificent mosques in all of Istanbul. 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.
Day 3 - Kusadasi
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. Up here, 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.
Day 4 - Kusadasi
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 this traditional art 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.
Day 5 - Kusadasi
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.
Day 6 - Cappadocia
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 homecooked Turkish lunch. Then, explore a 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.
Day 7 - Cappadocia
You have the option this morning to take to the skies in a hot air balloon either before or after sunrise! After, have breakfast, then 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. 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 that appear at sunset. After, head to a hidden valley nearby for a private wine tasting – an Exclusive Experience. If you’re travelling between June and September, you’ll be treated to an explosion of blooming lavender, while other parts of the year are lush with native plants. Later, head back to town for dinner with your group.
Day 8 - Istanbul
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 a 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.
Day 9 - Istanbul
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 7,590-
20-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 6,595-
27-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 7,660-
04-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 7,390-
11-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 6,730-
21-03-202729-03-2027AUD $ 6,895-
18-04-202726-04-2027AUD $ 6,895-
02-05-202710-05-2027AUD $ 7,100-
23-05-202731-05-2027AUD $ 7,310-
30-05-202707-06-2027AUD $ 7,310-
13-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 7,100-
27-06-202705-07-2027AUD $ 6,895-
18-07-202726-07-2027AUD $ 6,895-
05-09-202713-09-2027AUD $ 7,100-
12-09-202720-09-2027AUD $ 7,310-
19-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 7,310-
26-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 7,310-
03-10-202711-10-2027AUD $ 7,100-
10-10-202718-10-2027AUD $ 7,100-
17-10-202725-10-2027AUD $ 6,895-
19-03-202827-03-2028AUD $ 7,240-
16-04-202824-04-2028AUD $ 7,240-
30-04-202808-05-2028AUD $ 7,455-
21-05-202829-05-2028AUD $ 7,675-
28-05-202805-06-2028AUD $ 7,675-
11-06-202819-06-2028AUD $ 7,455-
25-06-202803-07-2028AUD $ 7,240-
16-07-202824-07-2028AUD $ 7,240-
03-09-202811-09-2028AUD $ 7,455-
10-09-202818-09-2028AUD $ 7,675-
17-09-202825-09-2028AUD $ 7,675-
24-09-202802-10-2028AUD $ 7,675-
01-10-202809-10-2028AUD $ 7,455-
08-10-202816-10-2028AUD $ 7,455-
15-10-202823-10-2028AUD $ 7,240-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (6 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

Map

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