G-Adventures logo

Complete Turkey

15 days, Istanbul to Kars

Map of the route for Complete Turkey
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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.

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.

1

Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow

Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
Istanbul8h-10h

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.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)
Hotel

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.

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.

It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.

Private Vehicle
Istanbul – Gallipoli Peninsula4h260km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour
Gallipoli Peninsula2h30m-3h

Visit 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.

Ferry
Gallipoli Peninsula – Çanakkale19m

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Accommodation

Grand Anzac Hotel Canakkale (or similar)
Hotel

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.

Visit the nearby historic and world-famous city of Troy and then visit the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation, which support the local women who work in the workshop. Continue south to Selçuk for the next couple of nights.

Troy Visit
Troy – Çanakkale1h-2h 1-2km

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
Ayvalık – Selçuk2h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Çanakkale – Troy45m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Troy – Ayvalık2h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit

Visit the G-supported çöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation. All products are made out of recycled goods and by making a purchase it will directly support the local women who work in the workshop and over time has contributed to over 500 women who have been part of the project.

Accommodation

Cenka Hotel Selcuk (or similar)
Hotel

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.

Tour the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus for a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years before in this part of what is now Turkey. After driving back to Selçuk, learn all about how to make "Turkish pizza," called pide before transferring north to the city of Izmir for some exploration before hopping on the overnight train.

Ephesus Visit
Selçuk2h-3h

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.

Your Foodie Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch

Lean all about the preparation of pide, a savoury flatbread often affectionately referred to as "Turkish pizza." See how they are traditionally prepared by flattening wheat dough then topping with cheese, tomatoes and other ingredients before cooking in a hot oven. Enjoy the finished results for lunch.

Private Vehicle
Selçuk – İzmir1h80km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk of Kemeralti Old Bazaar
İzmir1h-1h30m

Set out on foot with your CEO on an orientation walk of the Kemeralti Old Bazaar, in Izmir. Wander amongst the traditional food stores before taking some free time in Izmir to explore.

Overnight Train (beds)
İzmir – Konya13h560km

Curl up in shared, private sleeper cabins and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.

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.

Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area.

Mevlana Museum Visit
Konya30m

Visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. Learn more about the mystic Islamic sect known as the Whirling Dervishes.

Private Vehicle
Konya – Cappadocia3h233km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Akuzun Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

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.

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.

Hike Through the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia
Cappadocia1h30m-2h 10km

Immerser yourself into the surreal and spectacular landscapes of Cappadocia on a hike through the iconic and aptly-named "fairy chimney" formations.

Kaymakli Underground City
Kaymaklı1h30m

Visit the ancient and expansive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli Underground City. Thought to have been built between the 8th and 7th Century BC, Kaymakli was carved out of the rock and consists of nearly a hundred tunnels with vast amounts of storerooms, ventilation shafts and a church.

Free Time
Cappadocia

Take advantage of free time in the Cappadocia area to choose from a number of optional activities or relax at the hotel.

Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family

Enjoy seasonal homemade dishes, and talk with friendly hosts about life in rural Cappadocia.

4

Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Pottery Center Visit
Göreme1h-2h
Free

Learn more about the infamous local art of pottery making and take advantage of the opportunity to create your own masterpiece.

Carpet Demonstration
Free

Enjoy an informative demonstration of one of the oldest art-forms in Turkish history. Gain a greater appreciation for the labour and workmanship involved in weaving rugs and carpets as you learn about the process.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
Göreme

Cappadocia 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. Take to the skies in one of the most favoured places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride.

Turkish Bath
Göreme
75EUR per person

Take along a towel, soap, and shampoo, and experience a bath like no other. Following your bath, you will enjoy 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.

Accommodation

Akuzun Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

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.

Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.

Plane
Cappadocia – Istanbul1h15m-1h30m675km

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

6

Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Archaeological Museum
Istanbul
15EUR per person

Opened in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Home to a classical statuary, artifacts, and sarcophagi - including the stunning sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon - this museum presents one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse into the life of ancient Turks.

Dolamabahçe Palace
Istanbul
1200TRY per person

Built in the early 1800s, the Dolamabahçe Palace is the largest and the most important palace of the Ottoman Empire, after the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its grandeur.

Galata Tower
Istanbul
30EUR per person

Climb up the Galata Tower - one of Istanbul's oldest architectural landmarks - for an amazing panoramic view of the city. To get the full experience, time your visit with the call to prayer that happens at sunset.

Basilica Cistern
Istanbul
900TRY per person

Built 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
Istanbul1h-2h
25EUR per person

Visit 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
Istanbul1h-2h 1-2km
1500TRY per person

Take 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.

Accommodation

Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)
Hotel

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.

Your Discover Moment
Istanbul Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Istanbul, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking in the greatness of Hagia Sophia, go beneath the surface for a visit to Basilica Cistern, or wander around the Historic Areas. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

Accommodation

Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul (or similar)
Hotel

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.

Plane
Istanbul – Adiyaman2h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Private Vehicle
Adiyaman – Atatürk Dam1h57km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Atatürk Dam – Karakuş30m-45m44km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Karakus Tumulus Visit
Karakuş30m

See the Karakus Tumulous, a 35m high artificial mound built atop a hill, for Queen Isias and Princess Antiochis. Built between 30-20 BC, this site boasts limestone columns and acts as a funerary monument for royal women from the Kommagene family.

Private Vehicle
Karakuş – Mt Nemrut1h30m50km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Mt Nemrut Sunset Experience
Mt Nemrut2h

Revel in the stunning vistas and colourful sunset at Mt. Nemrut's summit.

Private Vehicle
Mt Nemrut – Adiyaman2h90km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

White Star Hotel Adıyaman (or similar)
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.

Private Vehicle
Adiyaman – Karahan2h30m175km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family

Be welcomed into a traditional home in Karahan Tepe for a lunch with a local family. Enjoy a cultural immersive experience with typical regional food.

Private Vehicle
Karahan – Göbekli Tepe1h60km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Göbekli Tepe Archaeological Site Visit
Sanliurfa1h

Explore the world’s oldest temple on a visit to Gobekli Tepe. Built approximately 11,600 years ago, the site is composed of large limestone pillars erected in a series of rings. Stroll around the site, check out the animal bas-reliefs that adorn the pillars, and contemplate the feat of constructing these impressive structures millennia ago.

Private Vehicle
Göbekli Tepe – Sanliurfa30h20km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Şanlıurfa Uludağ Otel (or similar)
Hotel

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.

Private Vehicle
Sanliurfa – Mardin2h30m200km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Mardin UNESCO City Tour
Mardin1h30m 2km

The city of Mardin was strategically built at the top of a steep hill around the 11th century BC, overlooking the Tigris River. Mardin was the site of many religions and cultures over the previous centuries and was annexed by the Ottoman turks in the 16th century. Full of historically significant landmarks, UNESCO has protected the site, which now acts as an open-air museum. Explore Kasimiya Madrassa and the Deyrulzafaran Monastery.

Walking Tour Mardin
Mardin1h 2km

Explore on foot pausing to enjoy the Great Mosque, the Virgin Mary Church, and the local architecture outside the old town.

Free Time
Mardin Afternoon

There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

2

Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Latifiye Mosque
Mardin

Wander through the Mosque, built in 1371 Abdüllatif bin Abdullah, the minaret built by the Governor of Egypt, Muhammed Ziya Tayyar Pasha, and the most recent minaret built by the Governor of Mosul, Gürcü Mehmet Pasha in 1845. Witness the impressive dome, colourful stones, and geometric motifs. A true architectural masterpiece.

Tellallar Bazaar
Mardin

Take in some shopping in the Tellallar Bazaar, a shopping street, home to handicraft shops in a traditional bazaar style.

Accommodation

Kaya Ninova Hotel Mardin (or similar)
Hotel

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.

Private Vehicle
Mardin – Gevaş5h400km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Walking Tour Akdamar Island
Akdamar30m 1km

Explore Akdamar on foot with the help of your CEO. Witness the 10th century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral, then wander around with free time.

Boat
Akdamar – Van30m1km

Travel by boat and on foot to your hotel in Van.

Free Time
Van

There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

Akdamar Island Boat Trip
Gevaş – Akdamar Adası30m

Come aboard for a memorable boat trip to Akdamar Island on beautiful Lake Van. Tour the island's historic sites, and see the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, built between AD 915-921.

Accommodation

Van Life Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

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.

Private Vehicle
Van – Doğubayazıt2h30m170km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Doğubayazıt – Kars2h15m-2h30m175km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk Kars
Kars

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main landmarks, and ATMs.

Van Castle
Van1h

Explore the Citidel, a massive stone fortification, housing a "royal stable" carved from rock, where oxen and sheep were held prior to acting as sacrifice to the Gods.

Ishak Pasha Palace
Doğubayazıt1h 1km

This stunning 18th century palace located on the silk road is situated an imposing platform, boasting a mix of Anatolian, Iranian, and North Mesopotamian architectural styles. Explore this historical Turkish palace and take in breathtaking views of Mt. Ararat.

Accommodation

Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars (or similar)
Hotel

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.

Private Vehicle
Kars – Ani1h15m-1h30m45km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ani Visit
Kars1h-2h

Be transported to centuries past visiting historical Ani. Once the capital of the Armenian Empire, Ani was located at the crossroads of many important trade routes. When the medieval city was flourishing, the buildings were some of the most complex and beautiful around. Walk among hundreds of churches that rest in ruin today – the abandoned city creates a dramatic setting against the surrounding landscape.

Private Vehicle
Ani – Kars1h15m-1h30m45km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Kars Afternoon

There's plenty to see and do; now is the time to explore.

1

Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Kars Museum
Kars

Explore the 18 showcases housed in the museum's archaeology halls, offering a glimpse at fossils, spearheads, jewellery, and etc. Artifacts range from the Paleolithic and Periods all the way to the Principalities Period. In the ethnography hall, you'll find another 16 showcases displaying woven carpets, silver belts, kitchen utensils, etc. dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Round out your experience in the garden where ram and sheep tombstones from the 13th and 14th centuries are exhibited.

Accommodation

Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Kars

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Complete Turkey

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