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HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKEY
Istanbul . Çanakkale . Selçuk. Izmir . Konya . Cappadocia
Turkey rewards visitors with rich history, breathtaking landscapes and outstanding Mediterranean cuisine, making it a well-rounded destination for all travelers.
Starting in Istanbul, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, where ancient meets modern. Explore the stunning Hagia Sophia, wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, and take a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus to witness the city's unique skyline.
Next, head to Canakkale, which serves as a gateway to the historic site of Troy. Here, you can walk among the ruins and learn about the legendary tales of the Trojan War.
Continuing your journey, Selcuk is home to the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, where you can marvel at the Library of Celsus and the grand amphitheater.
Izmir, a vibrant coastal city, offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Stroll along the waterfront and indulge in delicious local cuisine.
As you travel to Konya you'll experience the spiritual heart of Turkey, known for its whirling dervishes and the beautiful Selimiye Mosque.
Finally, no trip to Turkey is complete without a visit to Cappadocia. Famous for its unique rock formations and fairy chimneys, this region offers breathtaking hot air balloon rides sunrise, providing stunning views of the surreal landscapes below.
Details
Duration:
8 days / 7 nights
Price:
From $1799 per person sharing
Departures:
Daily, year round
Includes:
Transportation by bus, ferry and plane.
2 nights Istanbul hotel
1 night Çanakkale guesthouse
1 night Selçuk guesthouse
1 night sleeper train Selcuk - Konya
2 nights Cappadocia guesthouse
Locally guided experiences as per itinerary
Cooking lesson
Craft co-op visit
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Sustainable/Responsible notes:
Where available, public transportation is used on this journey. In Turkey, long distance buses have reclining seats, air conditioning and usually serve drinks and sometimes snacks. Ferries provide a welcome change from land travel.
Accommodation beyond Istanbul is in small, family-run guesthouses, or locally-owned hotels in excellent locations.
A visit to a women's craft co-op provides an opportunity to buy unique souvenirs and support community members.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Istanbul
Arrive at any time and make your way to your Istanbul hotel. Rest of day at leisure, or add a guided walking tour of the city.
Stay: Hotel Centrum, or similar
Day 2 Istanbul - Canakkale
Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Gallipoli is where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the somber story. In the afternoon, continue by ferry to the harbor town of Çanakkale. In the evening, the town's waterfront is a lively place where students at the local university like to gather.
Stay: Grand Anzac Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 3 Canakkale - Selcuk
Set off from Çanakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy, made famous by Homer’s “Iliad”. Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were discovered in the mid-19th century. Don't miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.
Continue to Ayvalik and stop by the Cöpmadam handicraft co-op where all goods are made out of recycled materials. The co-op supports the local women who work there.
Travel south to the town of Selçuk for the night.
Stay: Cenka Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 4 Selcuk | Izmir - Konya
Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Take in its massive, well-preserved theater, 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. Return to Selçuk to take part in a cooking demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch.
In the afternoon, transfer to the city of Izmir for free time at the old Kemeralti bazaar, then board an overnight train bound for Konya.
Stay: Overnight sleeper train (B, L)
Day 5 Konya - Cappadocia
Disembark the train in Konya and enjoy breakfast at a nearby restaurant. 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 before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region, where you will check into your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating region.
Stay: Grand Uchisar Hotel , or similar (B)
Day 6 Cappadocia
Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city. Built between the 8th and 7th Century BC, Kaymakli was carved out of the rock and consists of nearly a hundred tunnels with vast amounts of storerooms, ventilation shafts and a church. Enjoy free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family.
Stay: Grand Uchisar Hotel , or similar (B)
Day 7 Cappadocia - Istanbul
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, try some street food or shop for souvenirs.
Stay: Hotel Centrum, or similar (B)
Day 8 Depart
Your journey is over...unless you opt to add extra time in Istanbul.
(B)