Turkey: Coastlines & Cappadocia
15 days, Istanbul to Istanbul
Itinerary
Day 1Istanbul
Arrive at any time.
Shake off that jet lag and prepare for an evening buzzing with excitement. Head out with your group and CEO for drinks at a favourite local spot. After, feel free to do some exploring in the area on your own or with some fellow travellers. Kick-off your adventure in Istanbul with lively music, and a healthy dose of fun.
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.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Welcome Dinner
You've arrived! Why not share a meal and a drink with your new travel mates?
Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
Go even deeper into Istanbul, discovering diverse and lesser-visited districts with your CEO, and some of the best photography spots in the city! Today we will walk along the ancient Constantinople city walls; see Tekfur Palace(the Blaherne Palace) which has got thick walls adjacent to the landwalls ; stroll through the photogenic Fener (Greek) and Balat (Jewish) districts, known for their colourful wooden houses; enjoy lunch together; and cruise the Bosphorus Strait for stunning views of Ottoman palaces and the city skyline.
Please note: this is a full day (6+ hours) day excursion. Lunch is included. Your CEO will collect you from the hotel lobby at 9am. Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and modest clothing/coverings for shoulders and upper legs for visiting religious sites.
There will be a welcome note at the reception with more details from your CEO, so please check on arrival.
Day 2Istanbul/Ankara
View the sights of Istanbul on an orientation walk with the CEO before travelling by bus to Ankara. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure after checking into the hotel.
Istanbul Orientation Walk
Enjoy an orientation walk of Istanbul. Each walk varies, allowing your CEO to show off their favourite spots around the city. Pass by city highlights such as the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia (also known as the Aya Sofya), and the Blue Mosque. Walks may also include the atmospheric Spice Bazaar or breathtaking Grand Bazaar.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Ankara/Cappadocia
After breakfast, visit Ataturk’s Mausoleum before setting off for the Cappadocia region. Make a stop on the way at Salt Lake, the second-largest lake in Turkey and enjoy the rest of the day to relax or to choose from some of the many optional activities available.
Visit to the Mausoleum of Atatürk
Visit a mausoleum commemorating the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The Mausoleum of Atatürk is located in Turkey's capital of Ankara and has become one of the sprawling city's must-see locations.
Private Vehicle
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Turkish Night
50EUR per personAttend a "Turkish night" and enjoy a delicious multi-course meal followed by local entertainment.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Cappadocia
Enjoy some free time this morning. Opt to take part in a Hot Air Balloon excursion before touring the region and visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum. Explore the unique Open Air Museum, a site made up of a number of medieval painted cave churches. Carved by Orthodox monks, many of the churches are up to 1,000 years old and still retain their amazing colour and vibrancy. Enjoy the incredible landscapes and photo stop opportunities on the bus ride back to the hotel for the evening.
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.
Want to do more with your tour? Book the Cappadocia Balloon Ride or Whirling Dervishes upon arrival by arranging it with your CEO.
If you book the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, you will be flying on Day 4 or 5 (weather permitting).
Göreme Open Air Museum Visit
Explore the unique Open Air Museum, a site made up of a number of medieval painted cave churches. Carved out by Orthodox monks, many of the churches are up to 1,000 years old and still retain their amazing colour and vibrancy.
Bus Tour
Climb aboard and settle in for a bus tour of the region, pinpointing several local highlights and providing many photo stops to fill your camera roll.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Cappadocia Trekking Tour
FreeExplore Cappadocia by foot and trek past old houses, churches, and orchards, all boasting fabulous views. Finish the trek in the town of Uçhisar, which is well worth exploring. Be sure to see the natural castle-like fortress that's riddled with man-made cave homes and dovecotes, and dominates the skyline of Cappadocia. This is a great place to take a lunch break in one of the many restaurants before catching a local bus back to Göreme.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
290EUR per personCappadocia is captivating from the ground, but that’s just the half of it. See the seemingly hand-painted landscapes of Cappadocia as they deserve to be seen, from the air aboard a hot air balloon. Get up early and enjoy a simple breakfast before climbing in the basket and taking to the skies in one of the most favoured places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride.
Whirling Dervishes
Witness this spellbinding dance-like worship, practiced by followers of the Mevlevilik Sufi order.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Göreme/Antalya
Depart for Antalya this morning with a stop in Konya along the way for some time to explore, find some lunch or visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. After settling into the hotel in Antalya, head out with your CEO in the evening to get your bearings on a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Antalya
Head off with your CEO this morning to the impressive ruins of Termessos, one of the best-preserved ancient cities of Turkey perched at the top of a mountain. Explore the site and take in the amazing views before returning to Antalya for a free afternoon to explore, laze on the beach or relax. In the evening, head out with your CEO and fellow travel mates for a night out on the town.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Termessos Visit
Take in the splendour of the ancient city of Thermessos. Found by the Solims who lived in the Psidia Region and born from the legend of Bellerophon. This mountaintop city is one of the best preserved sites in Turkey. It sits over 1,000 metres above sea level and the amphitheatre has stunning panoramic views of the Pamphylia region and the Taurus Mountains.
Free Time
Take the afternoon to explore the city or hit a local beach.
Your Big Night Out Moment:
Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Antalya/Kekova
Travel to the beautiful coastal village of Kekova and spend the afternoon onboard a boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before disembarking the boat and driving to our hotel for the evening.
Local Bus
climb aboard, settle in, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation Walk Kekova
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Afternoon Boat Trip
Come aboard for an afternoon trip off the gorgeous coast of Turkey (dinner is included and cold drinks can be purchased). Sit back, relax, and enjoy the crystal clear waters Turkey is famous for.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 8Kekova/Fethiye
Hit the road again today for the drive along the Turquoise Coast to the seaside town of Kaş. Wander the pedestrian streets, browse the colourful shops the and find some lunch before continuing to Fethiye in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the day to relax.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now if your time to explore.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Fethiye
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.
Free Time
Fethiye is a popular tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. Visitors can choose from countless activities and attractions, ranging from active adventures to cultural explorations. Go canyoneering in the Sakilikent Gorge, enjoy a wide range of water sports, or trek between Kayakoy and Oludeniz (one of the world's most famous hikes). Head to Fethiye Museum to discover the area’s past and be sure to soak in the scenic views of Fethiye’s beautiful harbor, which boasts a speckling of charming islands.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Fethiye/Pamukkale
Travel inland today, passing through fruit orchards on the way to Pamukkale. In the afternoon, visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and 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. Back in town, join your CEO to find one of their local favourate places to eat on an optional dinner out.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, settle in, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Get out and explore more of this beautiful country.
Hierapolis and Pamukkale Visit
Tour the white cliffs of Pamukkale to learn about this World Heritage-listed site and natural wonder. Made up of 17 hot water springs, the cliffs are formed when the calcium carbonate hardens with time. Explore the ancient site of Hierapolis built on top of the white "castle." See the large, ancient baths within the city (thought to be evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since second century BC).
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Swim in an Ancient Pool
340TRY per personTake a plunge into an ancient swimming pool, preserved from the second century BC. Wade around in the thermally heated fresh mineral water around fallen marble columns, capitals, and plinths said to have come from the nearby Temple of Apollo. Kick back and relax, but don't forget admission is limited to two hours. Please bring a swimsuit if you wish to take part in this activity.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Pamukkale/Selçuk
Head to the coastal town of Selçuk. In the late afternoon visit one of Turkey's best preserved and well-known sites, Ephesus, followed by a photo stop at the Temple of Artemis. Transfer back to the hotel this evening for free time.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Ephesus Visit
Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times. Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, 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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Selçuk
Take advantage of a full free day in Selçuk. Maybe visit the nearby village of Sirince, hop between some of the great bars and restaurants in town, or join a traditional cooking class. Regroup in the evening to share stories over an optional dinner out with the group.
Free Time
Get out and see the sights.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Pide Lunch & Demonstration, Selcuk
Visit one of the local restaurants of Selçuk where you will unlock the secrets of Turkish cuisine. Observe the preparation of a delicious traditional meal, consisting of an appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert (with potential vegetarian options). The best part? At the end of the demonstration, sit down and savour the dishes with the rest of the class!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Selçuk/Çanakkale
Travel north to Canakkale and visit the Legendary Troy en route. This evening, explore on your own with free time.
Travel to Çanakkale. On the way, visit the world famous Troy.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Troy Visit
See historic Troy, made famous by Homer’s “Iliad,” (and more recently by Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt). Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were found in in the mid-19th century. Imagine what a great city this must have been, while taking a tour of the remains. Don't miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Çanakkale/Istanbul
In the morning, travel to the battlefield of Gallipoli for the option to visit with a tour or enjoy some free time. Continue travelling to Istanbul in the afternoon, arriving in the evening for one last night out with the group.
Opt to visit Gallipoli early in the morning, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name.
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.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Big Night Out Moment:
Let your CEO lead you through some of Istanbul's coolest and most vibrant neighbourhoods, Karaköy and Taksim, to party like a local!
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour
250TRY per personVisit this moving and beautiful site, a great complement to any trip to Turkey, even for those not familiar with the Battle of Gallipoli. Tour the grounds to see ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Learn how the Turks fought off the numerically superior, but badly commanded, Allied forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later; this battle holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as both nations lost many soldiers.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Istanbul
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.
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.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.