Turkey: Cave Churches & Fairy Chimneys
Turkey: Cave Churches & Fairy Chimneys
$699
Turkey: Cave Churches & Fairy Chimneys
7 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Antalya, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Ankara, Salt Lake, Cappadocia, Göreme, Konya, Antalya, Termessos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26462
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Cave Churches & Fairy Chimneys" tour. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll explore its bustling streets and iconic landmarks. Travel to Ankara to visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk before heading to the enchanting region of Cappadocia. Marvel at the surreal rock formations and ancient cave churches at the Goreme Open Air Museum. Continue to Antalya, stopping at the historic city of Termessos, and enjoy the stunning views from this mountaintop site. Throughout the tour, immerse yourself in local culture, savor delicious Turkish cuisine, and enjoy the camaraderie of a small group of fellow travelers. With simple hotel accommodations and a mix of private vehicles, local buses, and walking, this adventure is perfect for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arrive at any time.
Shake off that jet lag and prepare for an evening buzzing with excitement. Head out with your group and CEO for drinks at a favourite local spot. After, feel free to do some exploring in the area on your own or with some fellow travellers. Kick-off your adventure in Istanbul with lively music, and a healthy dose of fun.
Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking the following activity to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, while any of the optional activities listed can be booked independently upon arrival in Istanbul.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Day 2: Istanbul/Ankara
Location: Istanbul, Ankara
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
View the sights of Istanbul on an orientation walk with the CEO before travelling by bus to Ankara. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure after checking into the hotel.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy an orientation walk of Istanbul. Each walk varies, allowing your CEO to show off their favourite spots around the city. Pass by city highlights such as the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia (also known as the Aya Sofya), and the Blue Mosque. Walks may also include the atmospheric Spice Bazaar or breathtaking Grand Bazaar.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 3: Ankara/Cappadocia
Location: Ankara, Salt Lake, Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, visit Ataturk’s Mausoleum before setting off for the Cappadocia region. Make a stop on the way at Salt Lake, the second-largest lake in Turkey and enjoy the rest of the day to relax or to choose from some of the many optional activities available.
ACTIVITY: Visit a mausoleum commemorating the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The Mausoleum of Atatürk is located in Turkey's capital of Ankara and has become one of the sprawling city's must-see locations.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 4: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy some free time this morning. Opt to take part in a Hot Air Balloon excursion before touring the region and visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum. Explore the unique Open Air Museum, a site made up of a number of medieval painted cave churches. Carved by Orthodox monks, many of the churches are up to 1,000 years old and still retain their amazing colour and vibrancy. Enjoy the incredible landscapes and photo stop opportunities on the bus ride back to the hotel for the evening.
One of the best ways to explore Cappadocia is on foot. Opt to join a trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys. Ask your CEO about the many other walking and hiking options available in the area.
Additional Information: Want to do more with your tour? Book the Cappadocia Balloon Ride or Whirling Dervishes upon arrival by arranging it with your CEO.
If you book the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, you will be flying on Day 4 or 5 (weather permitting).
ACTIVITY: Explore the unique Open Air Museum, a site made up of a number of medieval painted cave churches. Carved out by Orthodox monks, many of the churches are up to 1,000 years old and still retain their amazing colour and vibrancy.
ACTIVITY: Climb aboard and settle in for a bus tour of the region, pinpointing several local highlights and providing many photo stops to fill your camera roll.
Day 5: Göreme/Antalya
Location: Göreme, Konya, Antalya
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart for Antalya this morning with a stop in Konya along the way for some time to explore, find some lunch or visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. After settling into the hotel in Antalya, head out with your CEO in the evening to get your bearings on a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 6: Antalya
Location: Termessos, Antalya
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head off with your CEO this morning to the impressive ruins of Termessos, one of the best-preserved ancient cities of Turkey perched at the top of a mountain. Explore the site and take in the amazing views before returning to Antalya for a free afternoon to explore, laze on the beach or relax. In the evening, head out with your CEO and fellow travel mates for a final night out on the town.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Take in the splendour of the ancient city of Thermessos. Found by the Solims who lived in the Psidia Region and born from the legend of Bellerophon. This mountaintop city is one of the best preserved sites in Turkey. It sits over 1,000 metres above sea level and the amphitheatre has stunning panoramic views of the Pamphylia region and the Taurus Mountains.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take the afternoon to explore the city or hit a local beach.
ACTIVITY: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Day 7: Antalya
Location: Antalya
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
What's Included
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group for a welcome moment.
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First Night Out Moment
Connect with new friends on your first night out.
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Big Night Out Moment
Enjoy a big night out in Antalya.
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Istanbul Orientation Walk
View the sights of Istanbul on an orientation walk.
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Visit to the Mausoleum of Atatürk
Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara.
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Göreme Open Air Museum Visit
Explore the unique Open Air Museum in Goreme.
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Scenic Bus Tour of Cappadocia Region
Enjoy a scenic bus tour of the Cappadocia region.
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Termessos Visit
Explore the ancient city of Termessos.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise are not included.
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Meals
Meals other than breakfast are not included in the trip price.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as drinks, shopping, and tipping are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Turkey using a combination of private vehicles, local buses, and walking, ensuring a flexible and immersive experience.
Accommodation
Stay in simple hotels for 6 nights, offering basic amenities and a comfortable place to rest after a day of exploration.
Meals Included
6 breakfasts
Group Size
Max 18, avg 12.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Important Notes
RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Mar 11th - Apr 8th 2024, and Mar 1st - Mar 29th 2025. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.
EXTRAS
Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask your sales GCO or travel agent about booking.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
Breakfast
Turkish breakfasts are very different from your usual cereal and toast morning fare - when was the last time you had olives for breakfast? They pretty much universally consist of large slices of fresh "french style" white bread accompanied by slices of tomato, cucumber, white and yellow cheeses, olives, jam and honey. This is accompanied by tea (which a Turk would always choose!) or coffee (which is pretty much always instant coffee)You will of course want to sample the famous Turkish coffee, but it is usually taken after a big lunch or dinner, or in the late afternoon with a pastry.While we think these breakfasts are absolutely delicious, some travellers do find them a bit repetitive and enjoy buying market fruit the day before and eating this for breakfast.
Lunches
Will usually be simple and on the run. They are a great chance to try Turkey's delicious and healthy array of "fast foods".This may include, "gozleme", a type of Turkish savory crepe, "chorba", delicious lentil soup, and of course doner kebabs in both beef and chicken varieties. You won't want to miss the chance to try "pide", Turkish pizza, and lahmucan- thin crust pizza you fold greenery intoYou may also find "kumpir", Turkish stuffed potatoes.
Dinner
Most Turks start their dinners with a couple of mezes- small taster dishes such as grilled octopus, aubergine salad, and many more. You could also choose a soup made of fresh local ingredients. Main courses tend to be based around fresh seafood if you are near the coast (expect to pay around 500 - 600 lira for a whole fish) or the ubiquitous kebab- skewers of charcoaled meat which comes on bread with salad. There are plenty of variations of the kebab; many regions have their own speciality so be sure to ask your leader.
Desserts
Yum- it's all about the sugar. Baklava (about 65 TL a piece for the good stuff) is something of a national obsession and it is believed the best comes from the East. There are endless varieties of pastries and milk-based deserts available and you are sure to spend at least some time in a Turkish bakery taste testing.
Snacks
Don't miss munching on a simit, a Turkish pretzel, or perhaps some grilled sweet corn to get you through between meals.
Drinks
Tea, served in small tulip glasses, is the number one beverage of choice in Turkey. It is freshly brewed and a tea bag is a rare thing. Turkish coffee is wonderful thing to try. The national beer is named Efes and is very good (usually 160 - 170 TL a bottle). Wine is made in Turkey and is getting better every year. Expect to pay around 250 - 300 liras for a glass in a restaurant. Water is approximately 35 TL for a 1.5 litre bottle, soft drinks and juices are around 70 - 80 TL.
About Accommodation
The variety and local flavour of our accommodation is a favourite part of our European 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips. Although the properties we use are simply furnished and with few facilities, we base our choices on location, character and cleanliness. We will stay in a mixture of hotels, hostels, and private rooms in local households.
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We highly recommend using a backpack or light sports bag, whichever you find easiest to carry, plus a small daypack. Luggage space on public transport is limited. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them between transport and hotels (max. 15-20 mins walking), hopping on and off trains and public buses and up and down stairs.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a combination of private vehicles, local buses, and walking to get around.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will be staying in simple hotels for 6 nights during the tour.
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Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a Welcome Moment to meet your CEO and group, a First Night Out Moment to connect with new friends, and a Big Night Out Moment in Antalya. Additionally, there are visits to the Istanbul Orientation Walk, the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the Göreme Open Air Museum, and Termessos.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 18 people, with an average of 12.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age requirement for this tour is 18 years.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 breakfasts.
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What can I expect from the local cuisine during the tour?
Turkish breakfasts typically include fresh bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheeses, olives, jam, and honey, accompanied by tea or coffee. Lunches are often simple and on the go, featuring Turkish fast foods like gözleme, chorba, and doner kebabs. Dinners may start with mezes and include fresh seafood or kebabs. Desserts often feature baklava and other pastries, and tea is the most popular drink.
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What should I pack for this tour?
It's recommended to pack lightly, using a backpack or light sports bag, plus a small daypack. Be prepared to carry your own bags between transport and hotels, and consider the limited luggage space on public transport.
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Is there any special cultural consideration I should be aware of during the tour?
Yes, if your tour coincides with Ramadan, it's important to display increased cultural sensitivity. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those observing the fast.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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