Turkey Highlights

Turkey Highlights

1,485 Views
8 Days From

$2090

$1776

Turkey Highlights

8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Hippodrome, Istanbul, Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Suleymaniye Cami, Istanbul, Gallipoli, ANZAC Cove, Canakkale, Troy, Selcuk, Isa Bey Mosque, Sirince, Ephesus, Izmir, Konya, Mevlana Museum, Cappadocia, Kaymakli Underground City, Urgup, Goreme Open Air Museum, Bosphorus

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ERSK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2090 $1776 (USD) Operator discount: -$314 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Turkey Highlights" tour. Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus, where history comes alive amidst the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Savor the flavors of local fruit wines in a charming Greek Ottoman village and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a family in Cappadocia. Experience the unique charm of a traditional cave hotel and explore the hidden gems of Istanbul's Old City, including the iconic Blue Mosque. Delve into the poignant history of Gallipoli with a guided tour, and marvel at the archaeological wonders of Troy. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring an enriching and memorable adventure in Turkey.

Highlights

  • Uncover over 2000 years of history at the ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.

  • Taste local fruit wines in the Greek Ottoman village of Sirince and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family in Cappadocia.

  • Explore the back streets of Istanbul’s Old City, discovering iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye Cami.

  • Join a guided tour in Gallipoli to hear tales of bravery and comradeship from WWI.

  • Visit the ancient city of Troy and learn about its historical significance.

  • Experience the unique landscape of Cappadocia with a walk through its valleys and a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City.

  • Visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya, closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul, Hippodrome, Istanbul, Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Suleymaniye Cami, Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Hos 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 – with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After you’ve met your local leader and group, you’ll head out for a guided tour of the Old City. Visit the ancient hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Suleymaniye Cami. This evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and dig into an authentic Turkish kebab.

Included Activities:
-Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)

Optional Activities:
-Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat)
-Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem)
-Istanbul - Galata Tower
-Istanbul - Hagia Sophia
-Istanbul - Archaeology Museum
-Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

Day 2: Canakkale

Location: Gallipoli, ANZAC Cove, Canakkale

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, hit the road to Canakkale – a port city on the southern shore of the Dardanelles. On the way, you’ll stop for a guided tour of Gallipoli to learn about the significant events that took place here during WWI. Your guide will take you to ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Make sure your camera is charged – the views of the Dardanelles Strait and the Gallipoli Peninsula here are gorgeous. This evening, you’ll spend the night in Canakkale with free time to grab dinner and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.

Included Activities:
-Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards

Day 3: Troy - Sirince - Selcuk

Location: Troy, Selcuk, Isa Bey Mosque, Sirince

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, drive to the ancient city of Troy. Explore the ruins with your leader, snap a photo with a replica Trojan Horse and learn about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists for centuries. Then, continue to Selcuk which sits on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill. Head out with your leader for an orientation walk, passing Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Then, drive to the nearby village of Sirince to taste locally produced fruit wines. This authentic Greek Ottoman village seems to have been overlooked by modern development and the unique architecture makes for a great photo. When you return to Selcuk, you have a free night.

Included Activities:
-Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
-Troy - Archaeological site visit
-Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk

Day 4: Ephesus/Overnight Train

Location: Ephesus, Selcuk, Izmir, Konya

Accommodation: Overnight train

Accommodation Name: Overnight train

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, take a private minivan to the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities. Once the capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus has a fascinating history that really comes alive with a local guide to show you around. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible shape, and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory over 2000 years ago with running water, public toilets, a medical institute and Roman baths. The Great Theatre is well-preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but the Library of Celsus is the most striking. Then, have lunch and maybe watch the local ladies make gozleme. You'll have some free time this evening before transferring to Izmir to board an overnight train to Konya.

Included Activities:
-Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
-Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
-Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch

Optional Activities:
-Selcuk - Basilica of St John
-Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum
-Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry

Day 5: Konya / Cappadocia

Location: Konya, Mevlana Museum, Cappadocia, Kaymakli Underground City, Urgup

Accommodation: Hotel

Wake up in Konya, a historic Turkish city closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed by Rumi, a famous Sufi mystic in the 13th century. Visit the Mevlana Museum, maybe watching an optional whirling dervish dance, and stretch your legs in town before hitting the road to Cappadocia. Look out for the fairy chimneys, the hallmark of the region's otherworldly landscape, as you drive across the Anatolian plains and stop at an underground city used as a safe haven during wartimes. Arrive in the town of Urgup in the late afternoon in time for a sunset walk in the valley. Your accommodation tonight is a traditional cave hotel that overlooks the valley.

Included Activities:
-Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
-Konya - Mevlana Museum

Optional Activities:
-Goreme - Whirling dervish performance

Day 6: Cappadocia

Location: Cappadocia, Goreme Open Air Museum

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, take an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia at sunrise. If you don’t fancy it, you’ll still have an amazing view of the skyline dotted with balloons from the ground. Later this morning, enjoy a scenic walk through the valleys with your leader, featuring fairy chimneys, deserted rock-cut homes and cave churches. In your free time today, maybe visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings cut into the cliff. This evening, you’ll be warmly welcomed into a local home where you'll share a special home-cooked dinner with the family.

Included Activities:
-Cappadocia - Valley walk
-Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home

Optional Activities:
-Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight
-Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight
-Goreme - Open Air Museum

Day 7: Cappadocia to Istanbul

Location: Cappadocia, Istanbul, Bosphorus

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Cappadocia and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul (expect to arrive between 1 pm and 4 pm). After checking in to your hotel, take an evening stroll to one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods – a place where tool-selling tradesmen share space with cool cafes and galleries. For dinner, perhaps try a local street food favourite, balik ekmek (fish sandwich) and cleanse the palate with a baklava. Maybe check out a few bars with your group to say serefe (cheers) to your time in Turkey, or enjoy a farewell cay (Turkish tea) overlooking the Bosphorus.

Day 8: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your Turkey adventure comes to an end after breakfast, and there are no activities planned. However, if you'd like to spend more time in Istanbul, we’re happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).

What's Included

  • Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)

    Enjoy a guided walking tour of Istanbul's Old City, exploring iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye Cami.

  • Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards

    Join a fully guided tour of Gallipoli, visiting ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites.

  • Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting

    Visit the village of Sirince and taste locally produced fruit wines.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the Bosphorus Boat Cruise, Topkapi Palace visit, and hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia are not included.

  • Internal Flight Luggage Restriction

    Internal flights in Turkey have a luggage restriction of 15 kg checked and 8 kg cabin, which is not included in the tour package.

  • Single Supplement

    A single supplement is available for those who prefer not to share a room, excluding the overnight train.

Included Activities

  • Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
  • Ephesus - Guided Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
  • Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
  • Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
  • Sirince - Wine Tasting
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Valley Walk

Transport

  • There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. Windy roads, rough surfaces and cramped conditions make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort.

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

  • 1. This trip starts in Istanbul on Day 1 at 1 pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Istanbul.
  • 2. There is an internal flight on this trip and most internal flights in Turkey have a luggage restriction of 15 kg checked and 8 kg cabin.
  • 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 (Overnight train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Mode of Transport

Travel involves long days and rough conditions on less-traveled routes, with early departures to maximize destination time. Expect windy roads, rough surfaces, and cramped conditions. Consider medication for travel sickness if needed. An internal flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul is included.

Accommodation

Experience a unique stay in a traditional cave hotel in Cappadocia, offering stunning valley views. Accommodation throughout the tour may vary, with similar standards maintained. Early arrivals may require luggage storage until check-in, with shared day rooms available on some trips.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique accommodation experience is included in the tour?

    During the tour, you will have the opportunity to stay in a traditional cave hotel overlooking a valley in the heart of Cappadocia.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Gallipoli?

    During the visit to Gallipoli, you will join a guided tour to listen to tales of bravery and comradeship of the heroic soldiers who fought there in WWI. The tour includes visits to ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and the ANZAC Commemorative Site.

  • What activities are included in the visit to Ephesus?

    In Ephesus, you will have a guided tour of the archaeological site, which includes exploring the well-preserved ruins such as the Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus. You will also visit the Temple of Artemis and enjoy a gozleme making demonstration and lunch.

  • What cultural experiences are offered in Cappadocia?

    In Cappadocia, you can enjoy a scenic valley walk with views of fairy chimneys, deserted rock-cut homes, and cave churches. Additionally, you will have a special home-cooked dinner with a local family, providing an authentic cultural experience.

  • What is the transportation like during the tour?

    The tour involves some long travel days and rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes, with windy roads and rough surfaces. On some long travel days, early departures are necessary to optimize time at the next destination. If you experience travel sickness, it is recommended to consider medication to ease discomfort.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

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24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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V Open (Google Reviewer)  

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john whelan (Google Reviewer)  

We booked the 10 day...

28-Feb-2025

We booked the 10 day Group Explorer package with them for Vietnam and Wow !!! . It was fantastic. We were initially a bit anxious, but that all settled after day one. There is a fair bit of travelling and moving involved, but we'll woth it as you get to see and experience loads .Our Guide Huy was brilliant and looked after us really well from local knowledge to restaurants and tour information and activities . It's worth doing folks with intrepid . Well done, keep up that standard of service.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

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Declan Curry (Google Reviewer)  

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I have recently completed the Premium India In Depth tour. A most wonderful introduction to this amazing continent. From the Taj Mahal to Tigers 🐅 in the wild , dining whe the locals eat and a couple of meals with families was a great way to embrace the people and their culture. Magnificent architecture,be it Forts or Shrines. The most informative and inspiring of guides was great to have with us. Mumbai to Delhi and 6 more cities plus A Safari included. Best trip to experience India 🇮🇳. Prepare to have all your senses assaulted . Go for it.

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

May 04, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$2110 $2004 (USD)

Operator discount: -$106 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 06, 2025 - May 13, 2025
$2350 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

May 08, 2025 - May 15, 2025
$2265 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$2090 $1881 (USD)

Operator discount: -$209 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 13, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$2180 $1962 (USD)

Operator discount: -$218 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 20, 2025 - May 27, 2025
$2280 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

May 22, 2025 - May 29, 2025
$2265 (USD)

Friday - Friday

May 23, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$2050 $1845 (USD)

Operator discount: -$205 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$2350 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 27, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$2345 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

May 29, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025
$2090 $1776 (USD)

Operator discount: -$314 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$2130 $1917 (USD)

Operator discount: -$213 (USD)

Prices last published on 21-Apr-2025

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for Extra Savings

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