Turkey is a country that's hard to pin down. Nestled on the
intersection of Europe and Asia, it's a spellbinding blend of familiar and
unfamiliar, a land in which the Romans, Ottomans and Byzantines have all made
their mark. From ancient ruins to modern cities, from sun-drenched coasts and
coves to olive groves and hillside villages and otherworldly rock formations,
its landscape is wonderfully diverse; and that's before we get to the heart of
Turkish culture by sampling its aromatic and flavourful cuisine, a fusion of
both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.
There are plenty of sights to see on this tour, including
the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the battlefields on the Gallipoli
Peninsula and the ruins of the lost city of Troy. For many a highlight is the geological
wonder of Cappdocia with its magical hoodoos and undulating valleys of pink and
white rock, over which we can take a hot air balloon ride.
We have no shortage of optional activities to take up,
including quad biking, horse-riding, and learning to make dolma and sarma at a
Turkish cooking class.
Given the uncertainties of travel caused by Covid-19, we have put together a comprehensive set of measures to give our customers more confidence in booking and travelling on trips in late 2020 and beyond. The key to these measures is flexibility, safety and financial security.
HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the amazing sights of Istanbul
Guided tour of Ancient Troy
Visit the Gallipoli Peninsular and the battlefields
Ancient ruins of Ephesus
Olympos Beach and Fire mountain
Ancient Mountain City of Termessos
Take an optional balloon ride over Cappadocia
Guided tour of the valley & underground cities of Cappadocia
WHAT TO EXPECT
A comfortable cultural and historical journey through a
country with well-developed infrastructure. There is no camping on this tour
and we'll be staying in good local hotels/hostels. The standard itinerary isn't
physically demanding, but there are opportunities to get involved with a few
active pursuits.
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Pay your respects to the fallen at Gallipoli on a guided tour through the battlefields
Guided tour around the ancient ruins of Troy
Guided Tour of Ephesus Ruins and the Terraced Houses
Hike up Chimera Mountain and witness the natural phenomenon of never ending fires emerging from the rocks.
Stop off for a visit to Termessos the ancient mountain top city
Guided tour of Cappadocia and underground troglodyte cities and caves
Border Information: If joining in Istanbul, you will most likely enter Turkey at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IATA code: IST).
There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10.00am - on arrival please look out for a note from your leader with more information about this important meeting.
The afternoon will be free to explore the many sights of the incredible exotic city of Istanbul, including the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus River, Hagia Sophia and the phenomenal Blue Mosque!
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Istanbul before the start of your trip with us - please contact your travel consultant if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Istanbul.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Explore the colossal markets of the Grand Bazaar - once the centre of all trading between Europe and Asia and the most visited tourist attraction in the world
Price: Free
See the splendour of Istanbul from a boat trip on Bosphorus Strait which marks the boundary of Europe and Asia
Half Day Cruise: 17 USD
Explore the phenomenal Blue Mosque built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I - a stunning icon of Istanbul
Entrance is free but can give a donation: Free
Visit the incredible Byzantine cathedral of Hagia Sophia built in the 6th century
Entrance to the gallery: 40 TRY
Explore the atmospheric underground Basilica Cisterns built by the Byzantines in the 6th century
Entrance: 20 TRY
Explore the majestic Topkapi Palace the huge palace of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years
Entrance & Treasury: 40 TRY
Day 2 - Gallipoli (20th September 2021)
This morning following breakfast we will depart Istanbul and begin our journey to the shores of Gallipoli.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Day 3 - Gallipoli (21st September 2021)
Today we will get an insight into what happened between the ANZAC, Allied and Turkish forces during the first World War and have a guided tour of the Battlefields and Anzac Cove.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Pay your respects to the fallen at Gallipoli on a guided tour through the battlefields
Included
Day 4 - Selcuk (22nd September 2021)
Today we will cross the Dardenelles by ferry and head to Helsik where we will do a short tour of the Troy Ruins.
We will then continue onto Selcuk where we will be staying for two nights. In the evening we will have free time to explore the area or simply relax in one of the many cafes or tea bars which are great for people watching.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Guided tour around the ancient ruins of Troy
Included
Day 5 - Selcuk (23rd September 2021)
Today we will have a full day to be able to explore the Ephesus Ruins and Terraced Houses.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Guided Tour of Ephesus Ruins and the Terraced Houses
Included
Day 6 - Pamukkale (24th September 2021)
Following breakfast we will drive inland towards the small village of Pamukkale.
After lunch we will have free time to visit the thermal hot springs and traverse through the travertine pools and terraces.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Admire the brilliant white travertine terraces and submerge yourself in the warm mineral rich pools and hot springs
Entrance to Hot Springs: 50 TRY
Day 7 - Olympos (25th September 2021)
Today we continue our drive south and aim to reach the popular beach town of Olympos just after lunch.
This evening we will walk up to the Chimera Fire Mountain and toast some marshmallows.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Hike up Chimera Mountain and witness the natural phenomenon of never ending fires emerging from the rocks.
Included
Day 8 - Olympos (26th September 2021)
Today we will have time to explore and participate in any optional activities if you wish or simply take a dip in the cool turquoise waters on one of the many beaches.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Half day Sea Kayaking adventure exploring the many different caves and beautiful coastline of the Southern Turkish Coast.
Sea Kayaking half day: 15 EUR
Olympus Adventures Canyoning
Canyoning - Full day: 45 EUR
Day 9 - Egirdir (27th September 2021)
After breakfast we will leave the beachside town of Olympos and make our way north.
We will have an included visit of Termessos on the way before continuing our journey towards Egirdir where we will stay in a local guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Stop off for a visit to Termessos the ancient mountain top city
Included
Day 10 - Goreme (28th September 2021)
We have an early start this morning to reach the small enchanting town of Goreme in the heart of the Cappadocia mountains.
In Goreme we will stay in a well-equipped hostel - please note that dorm beds are generally used here.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Head out for a fun evening of dinner and various Turkish dancing displays
Entrance & Show: 30 EUR
Witness the hypnotic Sufi Whirling Dervishes ceremony at an ancient caravanserai near Göreme
Entrance & Show: 35 EUR
Day 11 - Goreme (29th September 2021)
Today will be a full day to explore Goreme, including a guided tour of the enchanted valley of Cappadocia. There will also be an opportunity for a magical optional balloon ride over the valley during your time here (weather permitting).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Guided tour of Cappadocia and underground troglodyte cities and caves
Included
Optional Activities
Drive through the stunning landscape of Cappadocia on an ATV quad biking trip
2 hour ATV ride: 35 EUR
4 Hour ATV Ride: 65 EUR
8 hour ATV ride: 90 EUR
Discover the incredible scenery of Cappadocia on horseback
2 hour ride: 45 EUR
4 hour ride: 85 EUR
Take a hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia
Price: 240 EUR
Explore the ancient pre-iconoclastic Byzantine rock monastery of Zelve
Entrance Open Air Museum: 15 TRY
Goreme Open Air Museum
Entrance (on Red Tour): 30 TRY
Day 12 - Goreme (30th September 2021)
We will have one final day in Goreme to partake in any optional activities here in Goreme.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Day 13 - Istanbul (1st October 2021)
Today we will have a full day's drive west to arrive back in Istanbul, the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia.
In Istanbul we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
Day 14 - Istanbul - End Date (2nd October 2021)
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Istanbul. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your travel consultant if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation.
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