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 2Overnight bus from Istanbul to Goreme
View the sights on an orientation walk, then spend some free time exploring the city. Travel by private, overnight bus to Cappadocia.
In the evening, board the private, overnight bus, departing at 6pm from your 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.
Free Time
With so much to see and do, don't waste any time.
Overnight Bus
Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Basilica Cistern
900TRY per personBuilt in 532 AD, the Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern (underground water storage) of Istanbul. Spot the pillar bases carved in the likeness of Medusa.
Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit
25EUR per personVisit the Hagia Sophia, one of the most important and breathtaking icons of ancient Byzantine architecture. The domes and buttresses of the mosque punctuate the skyline of Turkey's capital and stand tall as a symbol of national pride.
Topkapi Palace Visit
1500TRY per personTake a step back in time with a visit to the Topkapi Palace. Once home to the Ottoman sultans and their harems, it's now a museum hosting a number of collections, ranging from porcelains found in Europe, Asia and China to Ottoman-era weaponry.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Göreme
Opt to try a hot air balloon trip during sunrise. Then, after breakfast visit the Goreme Open Air Museum on foot.
Free Time
There is something for everyone to do in this beautiful region of Turkey. Get out there!
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.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
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.
Turkish Night
50EUR per personAttend a "Turkish night" and enjoy a delicious multi-course meal followed by local entertainment.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Cappadocia
Today enjoy free time to explore Cappadocia, hike in the area, explore its underground cities, and enjoy the incredible fairy chimneys dotting the landscape. Opt to join the bus tour and visit the different valleys stopping for photos along the way.
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).
Free Time
There is something for everyone to do in this beautiful region of Turkey. Get out there!
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 5Overnight bus from Goreme to Olympos
Enjoy more free time to explore beautiful Cappadocia. Opt for a soak in a Turkish Bath before your overnight bus to Antalya.
Free Time
Enjoy a final day to explore beautiful Cappadocia.
Overnight Bus
Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Turkish Bath
75EUR per personTake along a towel, soap, and shampoo, and enjoy a scrub like no other. Then experience a traditional foam massage, included in the entrance fee. Get some tips from the friendly locals – they’ll show you the correct protocol. Make sure to check the hours as the bathhouses are strictly segregated, usually being used by men in the morning and evenings, and women in the afternoons.
Pottery Center Visit
FreeLearn more about the infamous local art of pottery making and take advantage of the opportunity to create your own masterpiece.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Olympos
Upon arrival to Antalya, continue to the village of Olympos on the Mediterranean coast. Relax and enjoy the beaches of Olympos. Opt to set off on a walk to see the flames of Mount Olympos at night.
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 opting to take 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.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Do as much or as little as you'd like during some free time.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Olympos Mountain Flames Walk
2-4USD per personOpt to take a shuttle to Çıralı before setting off on an evening walk to view the spectacle of the chimera, a natural phenomenon where flames mysteriously rise from the cracks of the local rocks.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Olympos/Kekova
Continue 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.
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
From Ucagiz continue exploring the Turquoise Coast to the coastal town of Fethiye.
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
Enjoy free time to visit the beautiful white cliffs of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ancient site of Hierapolis.
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.
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 back to the coastal town of Selçuk. In the late afternoon visit one of the best preserved sites, Ephesus.
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.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
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
Enjoy free time for an optional traditional Selcuk cooking class.
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.
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.
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Çanakkale/Istanbul
In the morning, option to visit Gallipoli Peninsula before driving to the big city for one last night 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.