Absolute Turkey
15 days
From
$ 1699
Duration15 days
This comprehensive tour of Turkey combines history and beaches, man-made wonders and natural phenomena, as well as a vibrant and welcoming culture. Begin your trip roaming the palaces and mosques of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre as you explore otherworldly Cappadocia. From the amazing white cliff waterfalls of Pamukkale to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, our local CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) will show you the region’s hidden gems and make sure your trip burns brightly in your memory long after you've left this crossroads of Asia and Europe.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
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 one of the following full-day activities to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Backstreets Walk or Dolmabahçe Palace Visit and Bosporus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. These activities are 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.
Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking one of the following full-day activities to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Backstreets Walk or Dolmabahçe Palace Visit and Bosporus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. These activities are 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.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Istanbul/Bolu
Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the city of Bolu.
Meals: B
Day 3: Bolu/Cappadocia
Transfer to the town of Göreme, the base for exploring Cappadocia. With 2.5 days free to explore, 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.
During one of the evenings, travel to a nearby village and enjoy dinner with a local family.
Drive to the Cappadocia region. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
The local dinner may take place on any night in Göreme based on the family's availability.
Enjoy a fantastic seasonal meal with a local family in rural Cappadocia.
Meals: B, D
Day 4-5: Cappadocia
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.
If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.
Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region.
Want to do more with your tour? Pre-booking is available for Cappadocia Balloon Ride and Whirling Dervishes.
Any of the optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival.
If you pre-booked the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, you will be flying today (weather permitting).
Any of the optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival.
If you pre-booked the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, you will be flying today (weather permitting).
Meals: B
Day 6: Cappadocia/Konya
Depart Göreme 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.
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.
Explore one of the many underground cities in the region. Visit Konya before spending the night in a local Turkish village. Visit a community park and cooperative, a project supported by G Adventures. Experience a homestay as the guest of a local family.
Traditional home-cooked meal in a local home.
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Konya/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, head for the greenery and teashops at one of Antalya's beautiful parks or catch some sun at a nearby beach.
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, head for the greenery and teashops at one of Antalya's beautiful parks or catch some sun at a nearby beach.
Wander the lovely seaside town of Antalya.
Meals: B
Day 8: Antalya/Kekova
Drive to the beautiful coastal village of Demre for lunch. After, board our boat for an unforgettable night on the Mediterranean Sea.
The boat trip includes sailing around Kekova Island, with plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and scenery.
Later, walk to Simena Castle to enjoy the views and archaeological ruins. Then opt to go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or just relax on deck.
The boat trip includes sailing around Kekova Island, with plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and scenery.
Later, walk to Simena Castle to enjoy the views and archaeological ruins. Then opt to go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or just relax on deck.
Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before sleeping aboard a boat under the stars on the Mediterranean Sea.
The evening may be very cold— please come prepared with appropriate shoes and clothing. We will provide bedding but it is recommended that you bring a personal sleep sheet to place inside.
Meals: B, D
Day 9: Kekova/Kaş
Wake up on board and enjoy breakfast in the fresh morning air. Opt for a swim before returning to Demre, and continuing on to the coastal town of Kaş.
Opt for a morning swim and some relaxation before travelling on to Kaş.
Meals: B
Day 10: Kaş/Selçuk
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 before continuing on to Selçuk.
Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis before continuing on to Selçuk.
Guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis en route to Selçuk.
Meals: B
Day 11: Selçuk
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.
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.
Visit ancient Ephesus. Optional visits to St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey as well as the nearby picturesque village of Şirince.
Meals: B
Day 12: Selçuk/Ayvalık
Ayvalik’s blend of Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned streets, and attractive harbour make this stop a highlight. The beach of Sarimsakli is a quick bus ride away and the harbour in town offers short cruises.
After exploring, head down to one of the waterside restaurants for a sunset drink or meal. Then enjoy the hospitality and beautiful views from the family-run pension in a restored Ottoman mansion.
After exploring, head down to one of the waterside restaurants for a sunset drink or meal. Then enjoy the hospitality and beautiful views from the family-run pension in a restored Ottoman mansion.
Spend the night in a converted Ottoman mansion. Visit the G-supported handicraft workshop during an orientation walk of Ayvalik, before enjoying free time in the surrounding area or opting for a boat trip or visit to the beach.
Meals: B
Day 13: Ayvalık/Çanakkale
Enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. After exploring the site, continue to the harbour town of Çanakkale, a busy port with a thriving student population.
Visit the ancient city of Troy en route to Çanakkale.
Meals: B
Day 14: Çanakkale/Istanbul
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.
Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.
Guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine.
Meals: B
Day 15: Istanbul
Your tour might be finished, but the adventure’s far from over. Pre-book one of the following activities to experience after your tour ends: Dolmabahçe Palace Visit and Bosporus Cruise or Istanbul Backstreets Walk. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. These activities are available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or they can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. These activities are available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or they can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Güneysinir Community Park , Güneysınır 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
- Overnight boat trip (Mediterranean sea, weather permitting)
- Ancient Hierapolis and Pamukkale entrance and guided walk
- Ephesus entrance and visit
- Ottoman mansion stay
- Troy entrance and guided visit
- Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private air-conditioned van, Boat, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (12 nts), Simple village homestay (1 nt), Boat (1 nt, multi-share, hotel stay if inclement weather)