Absolute Turkey

G Adventures · 15 days

4.3

20 Reviews

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

This comprehensive tour of Turkey combines history and beaches, man-made wonders and natural phenomena, as well as a vibrant and welcoming culture.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalık Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family, Çavuşin Your Local Living Moment: Turkish Village Homestay, Güneysınır
Istanbul city walking tour
Visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum
Underground city exploration
Afternoon boat trip (Mediterranean sea, weather permitting)
Ancient Hierapolis and Pamukkale entrance and guided walk
Ephesus entrance and visit
Troy entrance and guided visit
Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts), simple village homestay (1 nt).

14 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Transport

Private air-conditioned van, boat, walking.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Highlights

Discover historic cities and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus
Marvel at the extraordinary scenery of Cappadocia
Enjoy dinner in a local family home
Relax on an afternoon boat trip
Live like a local in a Turkish village

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private air-conditioned van, boat, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Istanbul, Turkey

Finishes

Istanbul, Turkey

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul

Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until our evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt to join your CEO and fellow travellers for dinner.

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.

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Accommodation - Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul/Bolu

Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the city of Bolu.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Accommodation - Soylu Hotel Bolu

Day 3: Bolu/Cappadocia

Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the father of the Modern Turkish Republic, en route to Cappadocia region.
Transfer to the region of Cappadocia for 2.5 days of exploring. There will be plenty of time to tour the area by bike, visit neighbouring villages, trek regional valleys or try a hot air balloon ride.  

During one of the evenings, travel to a nearby village and enjoy dinner with a local family.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.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.Activity - Enjoy seasonal homemade dishes, and talk with friendly hosts about life in rural Cappadocia.Accommodation - Ciner Hotel Cappadocia

Day 4-5: Cappadocia

Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region.
Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.

If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Be inspired by the natural beauty of the historic Göreme Open Air Museum, a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by Orthodox monks. Tour the more than 10 caves on site, and enjoy the color and vibrancy of many of the churches that are up to 1,000 years old.Free_time - Free time to explore the region any way you like.Accommodation - Ciner Hotel Cappadocia

Day 6: Cappadocia/Güneysınır

Explore one of the many underground cities in the region. Visit Konya before spending the night in a local Turkish village. Enjoy the Mevlana Museum and learn about Mevlana Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet. Experience a homestay as the guest of a local family.
Depart Cappadocia and head to an underground city to explore. Have a quick lunch before journeying to the region of Konya.

Travel about 1 hour to a local village for a cozy homestay. On the way, visit Catalhoyuk, a uniquely well-preserved Neolithic site.

Upon arrival in the village, learn about local life and visit a community park and cooperative supported and developed by G Adventures before enjoying a home-cooked dinner tonight.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit one of the underground cities (there are approximately 30 in the region) that were famously used as hiding places for Christians escaping the persecution of the Roman Empire between the fifth and tenth centuries. See how people transferred their surface lives to this underground world – there are cellars, rooms for food storage, kitchens, churches, stables, wine and oil presses, and shafts for ventilation. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. Learn more about the mystic Islamic sect known as the Whirling Dervishes.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore this interesting Neolithic proto-city settlement – there are no streets, and houses are closely clustered with rooftop access for travel. Witness the cultural evolution from the first settlers in 7500 BC to the remnants of the urban centre we see today.Activity - Take the opportunity to learn about local Turkish life on this village homestay. Join the group in a community experience; bathroom facilities and sleeping arrangements (in the living room) are shared.Accommodation - GuneySinir Village Stay

Day 7: Konya/Antalya

Wander the lovely seaside town of Antalya.
Arrive at Antalya around lunchtime.

With a free afternoon, wander the charming cobbled hillside streets of the district of Kaleici, a great place to stop and have a drink with amazing views of the marina below. For a break from the hustle and bustle, opt to relax with a traditional Turkish hammam scrub, head for the greenery and teashops at one of Antalya's beautiful parks or catch some sun at a nearby beach.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend free time exploring the city of Antalya. Take advantage of its parks and beaches or duck into a museum or two.Accommodation - Gurtas Hotel Antalya

Day 8: Antalya/Kaş

Spend the afternoon onboard a boat in the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before disembarking the boat and driving to our hotel for the evening.
Drive to the beautiful coastal village of Demre for lunch. After, board our boat for an afternoon on the Mediterranean Sea.

The boat trip includes sailing around Kekova Island, with plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and scenery, as well as a gorgeous view of Simena Castle from the water.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Come aboard for an afternoon trip off the gorgeous coast of Turkey (dinner is included and cold drinks can be purchased). Sit back, relax, and enjoy the crystal clear waters Turkey is famous for.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Kekova Hotel Kas

Day 9: Kaş

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then explore as you see fit on a free day at the beautiful coastal town of Kaş.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend some time exploring the cafés lining the cobblestoned streets of Kaş. Accommodation - Kekova Hotel Kas

Day 10: Kaş/Pamukkale

This afternoon, enjoy a guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Leave the beautiful sea behind and head to Pamukkale, passing through fruit orchards on the way.

Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle with comfort stops along the way.Activity - Tour the white cliffs of Pamukkale to learn about this World Heritage-listed site and natural wonder. Made up of 17 hot water springs, the cliffs are formed when the calcium carbonate hardens with time. Explore the ancient site of Hierapolis built on top of the white "castle." See the large, ancient baths within the city (thought to be evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since second century BC).Accommodation - Anya Resort Hotel Pamukkale

Day 11: Pamukkale/Selçuk

Enjoy free time this afternoon. Optional visits to St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey as well as the nearby picturesque village of Şirince.
Transfer to Selcuk this morning then enjoy a free afternoon.

Opt to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Or catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8 km) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.Free_time - Your free time is just that — yours. Use the afternoon to explore the area any way you like.Accommodation - Cenka Hotel Selcuk

Day 12: Selçuk

Explore Ephesus this morning then enjoy free time. Opt to visit one of the seven wonders of the world, Temple of Artemis.
Visit the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.

After, head to town and enjoy some free time to explore. Opt to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Or catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8 km) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Your free time is just that — yours. Use the afternoon to explore the area any way you like.Activity - Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times. Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, which dominates the view down Harbour Street. See the two-story library, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. Built in AD 125, it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.Accommodation - Cenka Hotel Selcuk

Day 13: Selçuk/Çanakkale

Visit the ancient city of Troy en route to Çanakkale.
Enjoy a carpet demonstration, Turkey's oldest art form, before visiting the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the world-famous city of Troy before continuing to the harbour town of Çanakkale, a busy port with a thriving student population.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy an informative demonstration of one of the oldest art-forms in Turkish history. Gain a greater appreciation for the labour and workmanship involved in weaving rugs and carpets as you learn about the process.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the G-supported çöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation. All products are made out of recycled goods and by making a purchase it will directly support the local women who work in the workshop and over time has contributed to over 500 women who have been part of the project. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - See historic Troy, made famous by Homer’s “Iliad,” (and more recently by Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt). Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were found in in the mid-19th century. Imagine what a great city this must have been, while taking a tour of the remains. Don't miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Bogaz Hotel Canakkale

Day 14: Çanakkale/Istanbul

Guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine.
Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.

Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Once in the Gallipoli peninsula, transfer by bus to the Gallipoli battlefields (20 mins).Activity - Visit this moving and beautiful site, a great complement to any trip to Turkey, even for those not familiar with the Battle of Gallipoli. Tour the grounds to see ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Learn how the Turks fought off the numerically superior, but badly commanded, Allied forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later; this battle holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as both nations lost many soldiers.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul

Day 15: Istanbul

Depart at any time.
Your tour might be finished, but the adventure's far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.

And don't worry if you can't decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $2749

AUD $2,061

(Tour only)

Offer ends 24 Mar, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

This comprehensive tour of Turkey combines history and beaches, man-made wonders and natural phenomena, as well as a vibrant and welcoming culture.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Mar 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Cassandra S.

Traveled, October 2023

11/12/2023

I love every aspect of the trip. The planning and organisation was seamless. The group of people we travelled with was fantastic - all very kind and down to earth people (these trips seem to attract like minded people). Our guide Gonca was fantastic and continually went above and beyond for us. And our driver was also amazing.

5.0

Catherine P.

Traveled, October 2023

11/12/2023

If someone I know is interested in this type of travel (small-group experiences, interesting itineraries, etc.) I would not hesitate to recommend G Adventures. Every tour I have been on has been phenomenal, such great experiences and great value for money.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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