Turkey Encompassed

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
Turkey Encompassed
15 Days
From AUD $4855
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Turkey Encompassed

Turkey Encompassed

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
4.6
20 Reviews
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Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience the stunning sights and tantalising tastes of Turkey on this two-week adventure that takes in all the highlights and then some.

Highlights

  • Spend three nights staying in the incredible region of Cappadocia, explore the caves, chimneys and the honeycombed terrain of this fascinating place.
  • Discover the iconic sites of Gallipoli, Ephesus and Pamukkale with your locally-based leader by your side to teach you all about the history and culture intertwined here.
  • Be welcomed into a local cave home and treated to a special home-cooked lunch prepared by your host. Tuck into delicious food and friendly conversations and top off your meal with a bite of traditional Turkish delight.
  • Rub shoulders with friendly locals during a relaxing boat cruise through a series of picturesque islands and enjoy another homemade Turkish lunch with your hosts on board.
  • Marvel at Istanbul's most revered sites during a guided walk where you'll discover the 17th century Blue Mosque, and head to the ancient Hippodrome to see intriguing monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private Bus,Boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Istanbul, Turkey

Finishes

Istanbul, Turkey

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Istanbul
Hosgeldiniz! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home. Meet your leader and fellow travellers at a 6 pm welcome meeting and after, maybe head out together to seek out some tasty Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) (200 TRY)
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) (2000 TRY)
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower (30 EUR)
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia (25 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Beypazari
Kickstart the day with a leisurely guided walk and discover some of Istanbul’s most revered sites. Visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque and learn more about its one-of-a-kind architecture, with its six minarets and 20,000 dazzling handmade Iznik tiles. Next, head to the ancient Hippodrome, with and marvel at the intriguing monuments, like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Later this morning, travel by private vehicle to the beautiful rural town of Beypazari. The town's historic houses and welcoming community reflects the essence of Turkish culture. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore the streets of this quaint town.

Included Activities:

  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
  • Istanbul - City Tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Cappadocia
Spend your morning visiting the Living Museum of Beypazari, which offers re-enactments and interactive experiences that will serve you a deeper understanding of traditional Turkish folk culture. Afterward, drive onwards to Cappadocia, a beautifully diverse landscape of cones, needles and columns, fashioned by nature from the soft volcanic tuff rock. Its unique, honeycombed terrain consists of a network of caves, scooped out to make churches and dwellings, known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people in this region lived on the land, but in times of war, they took to living underground. With no activities planned for the rest of the day, you’re free to explore the intriguing towns at your own pace.

Included Activities:

  • Beypazari - Yasayan Muze (Living Museum of Beypazari)

Optional Activities:

  • Goreme - Whirling dervish performance (30 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Cappadocia
This morning you have the option to take a hot air balloon flight, a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch on as the sun illuminates the skyline dotted with balloons. Even if you'd prefer not to take a flight, it's still worth waking up for this truly incredible sight. Later in the morning, head out to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex and Christian sanctuary of carved houses, churches and monasteries. The museum was one of the earliest centres for religious education and there are at least ten churches and chapels in the complex, dating between AD 900 and 1200. Enter the cave chapels and witness the exquisite colour of the biblical frescoes found within. The Dark Church has a particularly stunning interior, which you may choose to visit at an additional cost. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish - perhaps consider a sunset hike, ask your leader for the best places.

Included Activities:

  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum

Optional Activities:

  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight (200 EUR)
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight (230 EUR)
  • Goreme - The Dark Church Entry (6 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Cappadocia
After breakfast this morning, take a walk through the surrounding valleys and discover the fascinating rock formations and fairy chimneys, as well as manmade cave chapels from early Christian times. Be warmly welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a local woman who will prepare a special home-cooked lunch for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and perhaps top off the meal with some local Turkish delight. Continue your explorations at the red river of Cappadocia – famous for its clay which is still used to make magnificent pieces of art. Meet a local potter and learn about this ancient craft and perhaps take the opportunity to purchase a hand-crafted souvenir. Continue your journey into the valleys of Cappadocia, stopping at Devrent Valley and Pasabag Valley. After a day of exploration, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Included Activities:

  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Pasabag and Devrent Valley walk
  • Cappadocia - Home-cooked lunch

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Konya
Spend your last morning in Cappadocia exploring the Underground City of Ozkonak - an ancient metropolis made up of subterranean labyrinths and dwellings. This afternoon, travel to the city of Konya, where the mystic Sufi practice of 'whirling' originates. On arrival, enjoy an orientation walk of the town followed by a guided tour of the Mevlana Museum, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into the history of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes.

Included Activities:

  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
  • Cappadocia - Ozkonak Underground City

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Antalya
This morning, drive across the magnificent Taurus Mountains to reach one of Turkey's true coastal gems, Antalya. Your leader will introduce you to the delights of the Old City with an orientation walk along its cobblestoned streets. Visit the clock tower, Hadrian’s Gate and the old Roman Harbour before venturing into the historical zone of Kaleici – an area within Antalya’s historic centre that’s protected from modern development. This area is home to relics of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman occupations. Afterwards, feel free to swim, relax and enjoy stellar views of the crystal blue Mediterranean.

Included Activities:

  • Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Antalya - Kaleici visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Kas
Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Antalya Museum, home to an excellent collection of Turkey’s archaeological treasures. The beautifully preserved statues in the Hall of Gods, Heracles now among them, are not to be missed. Continue to the seaside village of Kas – its whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea, as well as an ancient Greek theatre, make this a great place to explore on foot. If you feel like cooling off with a refreshing dip, why not head to one of the waterfront restaurants which often have their own private water access? When the sun goes down there’s the chance to explore the handicraft markets, where you can find beautiful handmade wares with a distinctly Turkish twist. For dinner this evening, make sure you sample the delicious, freshly-caught seafood.

Included Activities:

  • Antalya - Antalya Museum
  • Kas - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Kas
Today you’ll drive to Kekova where you’ll board a local boat and take a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful and picturesque islands, each with distinctive rock formations – keep your eyes peeled for the ancient houses submerged in the clear water. For lunch, enjoy a homemade Turkish meal onboard before arriving in the settlement of Ucagiz, a township of stone houses draped in colourful flowers. Explore this quaint township before continuing to cruise to beautiful protected inlets – perfect for a refreshing dip just off the boat. Return to Kas for the evening.

Included Activities:

  • Kas - Sailing trip with seafood lunch

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Pamukkale
Today you'll drive to Pamukkale, best known for its mineral-rich thermal waters that flow spectacularly down a terraced hillside. Take a restorative dip in these thermal hot springs and explore the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis. The city was an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC. Your leader will bring history to life and guide you through an ancient temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. Tonight, you can enjoy a free evening in Pamukkale.

Included Activities:

  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Sirince - Selcuk
It’s an early start this morning as you make your way to Selcuk, your base for visiting Ephesus. Selcuk itself is culturally rich and retains many Turkish traditions. On the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll see the Isa Bey Mosque, a beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk Turkish architecture (the Mosque is under renovation at the moment, but we'll get a good look at it from outside), and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built over the supposed burial site of the saint. On your way to Selcuk, drive past apple and peach orchards to the quaint village of Sirince, where charming red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all of the above! Arrive in Selcuk and take a leader-led orientation walk of the town before an evening at leisure.

Included Activities:

  • Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Selcuk
Today you'll visit Ephesus, one of Turkey's most important ancient sites. Explore this beautifully preserved classical city with your leader, who will bring its colourful 1500-year history to life. Watch in awe as the sophistication of this former metropolis reveals itself: it had running water, public toilets, a renowned medical institute, and Roman baths. The theatre is well-preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but the marvellous library might just be the highlight. Later you will stop for lunch at a family-run restaurant, where you’ll feast on gozleme – the famous and very popular Turkish pancake – made fresh before your eyes. The afternoon and evening is yours to explore.

Included Activities:

  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch

Optional Activities:

  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry (15 EUR)
  • Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum (10 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Canakkale
This morning, travel to the waterside town of Canakkale. On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk of this exciting university city perched on the Dardanelles. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. You might like to see the Trojan horse used in the film Troy in 2004, which was later gifted to the city. Canakkale has a great range of dining options – ask your leader for some recommendations. Afterwards, why not take a stroll along the waterfront and sample some dondurma, a type of Turkish ice-cream.

Included Activities:

  • Canakkale - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Gallipoli / Istanbul
Today you’ll cross the Dardanelles and head to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of enormous significance to Australians and New Zealanders. Turkey's most westerly point may feel serene; however, this coastal point was once a major backdrop of the Great War. Visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove, then head up the hill to pay homage at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials. From the Ataturk Memorial you can look down on the blue waters of the Dardanelles and see them in a more sombre light, you'll also find the remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers around this area. After touring the former battlefields, head back to Istanbul where your journey began, arriving late afternoon or early evening. Perhaps join your fellow travellers for a group dinner to celebrate your journey.

Included Activities:

  • Gallipoli - Battlefields visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
15
Day 15: Istanbul
Your Intrepid trip comes to an end this morning. If you wish to spend some more time in Istanbul, we would be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
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 $4,855
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Experience the stunning sights and tantalising tastes of Turkey on this two-week adventure that takes in all the highlights and then some.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 17 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
Christine
Traveled, March 2024

03/29/2024

If you are considering going on this tour, stop thinking about it and book it. Late March can be chilly, but it isn't crowded and it is a fascinating country. Our guide, Alp, was fantastic.

5.0
Carolyn
Traveled, March 2024

03/29/2024

The Turkey Encompassed tour was outstanding. The knowledge of our tour guide Alp was amazing. The experiences we had were fantastic. We loved everything about this tour and would certainly highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to visit Turkey.

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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