Turkey: Coastlines & Kebabs
15 days
From
$ 1199
Duration15 days
White cliffs and bright blue travertines (limestone pools) of Pammukkale and the glimmering Blue Mosque, experience the best of Turkey's historical highlights and natural wonders in one incredible tour. Begin your trip roaming the palaces of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre underground cities and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Stick to public bus and budget accommodation, which not only keeps costs down but gives you a chance to really meet the locals. From the ancient Roman streets of Ephesus to bustling bazaars, follow your curiosity and spend 15 days discovering the culture and natural beauty of this fascinating region.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Basic
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
There are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening. After, opt to head out to dinner in a local restaurant with the group.
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/Göreme
View the sights on an orientation walk, then spend some free time exploring the city. Travel by overnight bus to Cappadocia.
In the evening, set off for the bus station to board the overnight bus, departing at 6pm.
Meals: B
Day 3: Göreme
One of the best ways to explore Cappadocia is on foot. Opt to join a trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys guided by the CEO. Ask the CEO about the many other walking and hiking options available in the area.
There will be the chance to visit a local pottery centre – take the opportunity to create your own masterpiece. Watch a carpet demonstration to learn more about the process involved in making these Turkish works of art or go to a Turkish performance with group members to experience a taste of local dances and music.
There will be the chance to visit a local pottery centre – take the opportunity to create your own masterpiece. Watch a carpet demonstration to learn more about the process involved in making these Turkish works of art or go to a Turkish performance with group members to experience a taste of local dances and music.
Enjoy free time to explore Cappadocia. Opt to hike in the area, explore its underground cities, and enjoy the incredible fairy chimneys dotting the landscape. Consider a hot air balloon trip at sunrise.
Meals: B
Day 4: Göreme
One of the best ways to explore Cappadocia is on foot. Opt to join a trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys. Ask your CEO about the many other walking and hiking options available in the area.
Enjoy free time to explore Cappadocia.
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 have pre-booked the Hot Air Balloon Ride, you will be flying today. Sample the local cuisine of a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Any of the optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival.
If you have pre-booked the Hot Air Balloon Ride, you will be flying today. Sample the local cuisine of a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Göreme/Antalya
Enjoy more free time to explore beautiful Cappadocia. Overnight bus to Antalya.
Meals: B
Day 6: Antalya/Olympos
In the morning, set off for a journey along the coast. Passing through the stark Anatolian landscape, enter the richly forested mountain region which leads to the coast and the small village of Olympos. There is time to relax and hit the beach before taking a short drive in the evening to Olympos Mountain. Enjoy a brief walk to see the spectacle of the chimera, a phenomenon where flames mysteriously rise from cracks within the local rocks.
Upon arrival to Antalya, continue to the village of Olympos on the Mediterranean coast. Relax and enjoy the beaches of Olympos. Set off on a walk to see the flames of Mount Olympos at night.
Meals: B
Day 7: Olympos/Kekova
Continue to the beautiful coastal village of Kekova where we board our boat for an unforgettable night at sea.
Please note that even during these months the overnight boat trip will still be dependent on weather conditions. The facilities are very basic on board.
Meals: B, D
Day 8: Kekova/Fethiye
Back on land at Ucagiz, continue exploring the Turquoise Coast on the coastal town of Fethiye.
Meals: B
Day 9: Fethiye
Enjoy free time to explore Fethiye. Opt for a boat trip to it's near-shore islands, hike to Oludeniz lagoon or visit Butterfly valley.
Meals: B
Day 10: Fethiye/Pamukkale
Time to leave sea level behind, passing through fruit orchards we make our way to Pamukkale. In the afternoon, opt to visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale.
We also have the opportunity to explore the ancient site of Hierapolis built on top of the white "castle". This UNESCO World Heritage Site is evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the 2nd century BC.
We also have the opportunity to explore the ancient site of Hierapolis built on top of the white "castle". This UNESCO World Heritage Site is evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the 2nd century BC.
Enjoy free time to visit the beautiful white cliffs of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ancient site of Hierapolis.
Meals: B
Day 11: Pamukkale/Selçuk
Opt to visit the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus. One of the foremost cities of the world in its time, with a strategic location on the trade route, this well-preserved city is one of the best places in the world to get a real feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times.
Other options include a walk up to the remains of the St John Basilica, visit the mosque of Isa Bey or just wander the streets and cafes of this vibrant Turkish town. Catch a local “dolmus” bus 8kms to the picturesque village of Sirince where you can sample some of the local wine or shop for crafts. The beach at Pamucak is also within reach for the dedicated sunseekers.
Other options include a walk up to the remains of the St John Basilica, visit the mosque of Isa Bey or just wander the streets and cafes of this vibrant Turkish town. Catch a local “dolmus” bus 8kms to the picturesque village of Sirince where you can sample some of the local wine or shop for crafts. The beach at Pamucak is also within reach for the dedicated sunseekers.
Head back to the coastal town of Selçuk and check out the sights.
Meals: B
Day 12: Selçuk
Enjoy free time for optional visits to St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey as well as the nearby picturesque village of Şirince. Opt to pre book a traditional Selcuk cooking class.
Meals: B
Day 13: Selçuk/Çanakkale
Travel to Çanakkale. Upon arrival, opt to visit the world famous Troy.
In the afternoon, opt to visit Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name.
Enjoy the harbour town of Çanakkale, a busy port with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly, enjoying the atmosphere of the night.
In the afternoon, opt to visit Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name.
Enjoy the harbour town of Çanakkale, a busy port with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly, enjoying the atmosphere of the night.
Travel north, then opt to visit Troy and Gallipoli.
Meals: B
Day 14: Çanakkale/Istanbul
We'll continue our journey to Istanbul where there will be the opportunity to continue your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping. Why not top off a wonderful adventure with an optional dinner at one of Istanbul's atmospheric restaurants.
Back to the big city for one last night with the group.
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.
Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days. Please ask at the time of booking.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Orientation walk of Istanbul
- Overnight boat trip with dinner (Aegean Sea)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Public bus, Boat, Walking -
Accommodation
Simple hotels (11 nts), Overnight buses (2 nts), Boat (1 nt, multi-share, Nov-Apr spent in a hotel)