Premium Turkey

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
Premium Turkey
9 Days
From AUD $5935
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Premium Turkey

Premium Turkey

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
4.4
20 Reviews
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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

With endless architectural jewels, fascinating cultural sites and glistening seaside towns – this is the best of Turkey.

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.
  • Explore subterranean cities, whimsical fairy chimneys and stay in some pretty incredible cave accommodation – this trip features some of the best experiences in Cappadocia.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Boat,Plane

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Istanbul, Turkey

Finishes

Istanbul , Turkey

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
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 boutique hotel in the heart of the Old City. 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.

Included Activities:

  • Istanbul - Welcome Dinner
  • Istanbul - Welcome Meeting

Accommodation:

  • DeCamondo Galata Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Istanbul
After breakfast, explore Sultan Ahmet I’s Blue Mosque with your leader. With six minarets, 260 windows and its iconic, blue walls (made up of more than 20,000 Iznik ceramic tiles), the Blue Mosque is known as one of the most magnificent mosques in all of Istanbul. After, you'll head out to explore the rest of the city on an orientation walk. Make your way to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople) and explore the hippodrome and the decorative statues and obelisks. 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.

Included Activities:

  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
  • Istanbul - Orientation Walk
  • Istanbul - Private Bosphorus Cruise

Optional Activities:

  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) (2000 TRY)

Accommodation:

  • DeCamondo Galata Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Pergamon - 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. At the top of the hill, 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.

Included Activities:

  • Pergamon - Ancient City Visit & Cable Car

Accommodation:

  • La Vista Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Ephesus - 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 the art of traditional carpet weaving 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.

Included Activities:

  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Sultanköy Carpet Demonstration & Picnic Lunch
  • Sirince - Cooking Class

Accommodation:

  • La Vista Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
5
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park (30 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • La Vista Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
6
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 home-cooked Turkish lunch. Then, explore the 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.

Included Activities:

  • Izmir - Flight to Kayseri
  • Cappadocia - Home-cooked lunch
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia - Panoramic Sights Tour

Accommodation:

  • Aya Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Cappadocia
After breakfast, 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 whose family has been in the pottery business for six generations. 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 the rock formations throw at sunset. Tonight, maybe find a spot to watch the sunset, then head back to town for dinner with your group. There’ll also be time today to take to the skies with an optional hot air balloon ride (at your own expense) if you wish.

Included Activities:

  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Red Valley Hike

Optional Activities:

  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight (200 EUR)
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight (230 EUR)
  • Cappadocia - Turkish Night with Dinner (50 EUR)
  • Cappadocia - Whirling Dervish Performance with transport (40 EUR)
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Sightseeing from the Valley (20 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Aya Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
8
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 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.

Included Activities:

  • Istanbul - Farewell Dinner

Accommodation:

  • DeCamondo Galata Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
9
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.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • 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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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.
AUD $5,935
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

With endless architectural jewels, fascinating cultural sites and glistening seaside towns – this is the best of Turkey.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 21 Mar 2027

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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
4.5
Kristine
Traveled, September 2023

10/08/2023

I was blown away by all that Türkiye has to offer. In order to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, it pays to go with the convenience and comfort of Intrepid’s Premium tours. I would not have enjoyed it otherwise. Great small group too and our fearless leader Birsen!

5.0
Vivianna
Traveled, September 2023

10/03/2023

It was a wonderful experience with diverse activities and with a fantastic group. I will never forget !

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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