G-Adventures logo

Complete Turkey

15 days, Istanbul to Kars

15 days

Istanbul to Kars

From$3299USD
Valid on Oct 16 2026
Trip Code: ETTK

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: Classic

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max16, avg 12

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

15 days

Istanbul to Kars

From$3299USD
Valid on Oct 16 2026
Trip Code: ETTK

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 15

Map of the route for Complete Turkey

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Istanbul

Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Head out for an optional group dinner and take a walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments lit up at night.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Istanbul/Çanakkale

Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Çanakkale/Selçuk

Set off from Çanakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik and stop by the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft coop before travelling south to the town of Selçuk for the night.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Çöp(m)adam Visit

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Selçuk/İzmir

Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Back in Selçuk, take part in a 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 an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Foodie Moment Pide Demonstration and Lunch

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5Konya/Cappadocia

Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Cappadocia

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 before some 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Local Living Moment Dinner with Local Family

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 7Cappadocia/Istanbul

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Istanbul

Enjoy a full free day to explore Istanbul's many historic sites, vibrant bazaars and incredible restaurants. Head out in the evening for an optional dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Istanbul/Adıyaman

Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. Settle in for lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam before continuing on to the Mt. Nemrut area. Visit the funerary monument, Karakus, the Cendere bridge, then ascend to the summit of Mt. Nemrut for sunset. Continue on to Adiyaman where you can settle in for the night and enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10Adıyaman/Sanliurfa

After an early breakfast, transfer to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Karahantepe. You'll be welcomed into a local home for lunch before continuing on to the ancient and impressive archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe. Afterwards, transfer to the nearby town of Urfa for the night and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Local Living Moment Lunch with a Local Family

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 11Sanliurfa/Mardin

Travel to Mardin after breakfast this morning. Mardin's old town is protected by UNESCO and is considered to be an open-air museum. Explore the historic limestone architecture and learn about the interesting landmarks throughout. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or time to relax before joining the CEO for an optional dinner in the evening.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Mardin/Van

Settle in for a drive to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Upon arrival to the lakeside town of Gevas, board a boat to Akdamar Island for a CEO-led walk, then head back to your hotel in Van. Enjoy a free evening to end the day.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Van/Kars

Visit the Van Citadel this morning, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. From there transfer to the previous capital of the Republic of Ararat, Dogubeyazit. Explore Ishak Pasha Palace then take in views of Mt. Ararat and across the mountains where the possible resting place of Noah's Ark is said to be located. Continue on to Kars for a brief orientation walk, then settle in for the evening with free time.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Kars

Drive to Ani this morning, known as the city of 1001 churches,. Explore the Ani complex with your CEO, seeing the many religious buildings, palaces and forts before heading back to Kars for a free evening and optional final dinner out with the group.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Kars

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalık
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Foodie Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch, Selçuk
  • Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family, Çavuşin
  • Your Discover Moment: Istanbul
  • Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Karahan
  • Istanbul evening orientation walk
  • Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit
  • Troy entrance and guided visit
  • Ephesus entrance and visit
  • Orientation walk in the old Kemeralti bazaar in Izmir
  • Tour the Mevlana Museum
  • Tea at sunset from a viewpoint over Cappadocia
  • Hike through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia
  • Kaymakli underground city exploration
  • Internal flight
  • Visit the Karakus Tumulous Monument
  • Sunset from the summit of Mt Nemrut
  • Gobekli Tepi archaeological site visit
  • Walking tour of Mardin
  • Boat ride on Lake Van
  • Walking exploration of Akdamar Island
  • Visit Van Castle
  • Ishak Pasha Palace Tour in Doğubeyazıt
  • Tour the Ari Complex
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (13 nts), overnight train (1 nt).

Meals

14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Allow USD260-340 for meals not included.

Transportation

Plane, private vehicle, ferry, boat, walking

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise - From $90.00

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.

My Own Room - From $999.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Complete Turkey

| 15 days - Istanbul to Kars - from $3299 USD