The Best of Turkey

G Adventures · 8 days
The Best of Turkey
8 Days
From AUD $1274 Was AUD $1699
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

The Best of Turkey

The Best of Turkey

G Adventures · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

This trip is ideal for the traveller who is short on time but wants to experience as much of Turkey’s stunning scenery and fascinating history as possible.

Highlights

  • Explore ancient historic cities
  • Discover ancient Roman ruins and amazing natural scenery
  • Taste delicious local cuisine
  • Walk through the astonishing white pools of Pamukkale.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private air-conditioned van, plane, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Istanbul, Turkey

Finishes

Istanbul, Turkey

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

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.
2

Day 2: Istanbul/Çanakkale

Set off from Istanbul and take a guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale for the night.
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.

It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.
3

Day 3: Çanakkale/Ayvalık/Bergama

Enjoy a guided visit of Troy before arriving at Ayvalik. Visit a women's handicraft shop, a G Adventures supported project. Opt to enjoy a half-day boat trip.
Enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik. Be charmed by the blend of old Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned streets, and an attractive harbour.

In the afternoon, opt to charter a small boat from the harbour to cruise this beautiful area. After, head to waterside restaurants for a sunset drink.
4

Day 4: Bergama/Selçuk

Visit ancient Ephesus before continuing on to Selçuk.
Enjoy a free morning in Bergama before travelling to Selçuk, the base for exploring the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.

Head to town and enjoy some free time to explore.
5

Day 5: Selçuk

Opt to visit St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey or the nearby picturesque village of Şirince.
With free time, choose 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. Another option is to catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8km/5 mi) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.
6

Day 6: Selçuk/Pamukkale

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

This UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis is evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the second century BC.
7

Day 7: Pamukkale/Istanbul

Hop on a morning flight to İstanbul. Take a guided orientation walk before free time to explore some highlights, including the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace or Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya).
Take a short flight to İstanbul. After settling in, depart for a walking tour of the city.

Each tour will be a bit different, allowing your CEO to point out their favourite spots. See highlights that may include the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) and the Topkapi Palace. With a little extra time, return to explore these sights in depth.
8

Day 8: 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.
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.

From
AUD $1699

AUD $1,274
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
25% Off

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

This trip is ideal for the traveller who is short on time but wants to experience as much of Turkey’s stunning scenery and fascinating history as possible.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 Oct 2025

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
4.0
Marko K.
Traveled, September 2023

10/08/2023

Overall it was good but hotel in Istanbul could be better, we could have some dinner included in the price and of course there's always room for making things better from organization point of view. I also think a big factor on positive experience is the chemistry of the group and in this one I think it was OK but I'd prefer more people between 28 and 42 years that are very open. This is not discrimination, it's not to see all the people connect. it's more in a sense what contributes to my overall enjoyment.

5.0
Kendra S.
Traveled, September 2023

10/08/2023

G Adventures does an excellent job of providing different styles and including information in your details. I like the size of the tours and the flexibility in that you don't stay with your group for the FULL days and that free time is built in to each day. This is now my second G Adventures and the people I met were all kind and for the most part it was a good group.

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