Signature: Turkey's Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Istanbul Your Welcome Moment: Byzantine Cistern Welcome Dinner, Istanbul Signature Moment: Bodrum Museum Of Underwater Archaeology, Bodrum Your Foodie Moment: Local Farm Visit, Bodrum Your Foodie Moment: Bodrum Area Vineyard Visit, Bodrum Signature Moment: Ephesus Guided Visit and Exclusive Dinner, Selcuk Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class and Lunch, Cappadocia. Arrival and Departure Transfer. Hagia Sophia including special access exclusive visits to hidden rooms. Istanbul Private Evening Bosphorus Strait Cruise. Istanbul Walking tour. Istanbul Topkapi Palace Visit. Ancient site of Halicarnassus visit. Bodrum community enterprise village weaving workshop. Apollo Temple of Didyma Visit. Miletus Visit. Orientation Walk of Kemeralti Old Bazaar İzmir. Selçuk. Ankara Guided Tour. Visit to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Ankara. Private dinner at a Historic Mansion in the Ankara Castle District, Ankara. Stop at Hattuşa a UNESCO World Heritage Site guided visit of the ancient city. Cappadocia Göreme Open Air Museum Guided Tour. Tour of Derinkuyu Underground City. Cappadocia Gentle Jeep tour among the fairy chimneys around sunset. Cappadocia private farewell dinner hosted at the Güray Museum, Cappadocia. Internal flights. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Descend into a 4th-century underground reservoir for a welcome feast among marble columns at a Byzantine cistern dinner, Enjoy a private dinner by the Library of Celsus at Ephesus, Join a museum historian for a private exploration of Turkey’s ancient civilizations at the Anatolian Museum, Gain special access to research laboratories to learn the secrets of maritime history at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Traverse the "alien" landscape of Cappadocia by jeep as the sun sets over the fairy chimneys

This compiled itinerary represents our thoughtfully designed plan, provided in good faith and correct at the time of publication. However, to ensure we deliver the most rewarding experience possible, our itineraries remain dynamic; we continuously refine our routes based on research, field insights, and guest feedback, meaning details may evolve between the release of our annual directory and your departure. Flexibility is a cornerstone of our travel philosophy, and while we intend to follow the path described, the nature of exploring unpredictable environments means alterations may occur, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed. We invite you to view these travel times and details as an approximate guide rather than a strict contract, and we kindly ask that you review a final copy of your Trip Details a few days prior to departure to ensure you have the most current information for your upcoming expedition.

Every National Geographic Signature departure is accompanied throughout by a dedicated National Geographic Expedition Leader, whose purpose is to ensure a seamless experience so you can fully immerse yourself in the destination. Your Expedition Leader offers deep insight into the landscapes you traverse, suggests enriching independent activities, recommends exceptional local dining venues, and connects you with our community friends along the way. Rather than acting as conventional guides, they possess a broad, sophisticated understanding of the historical, cultural, religious, and social tapestry of the region. To offer the ultimate perspective, we complement their expertise with specialist local guides whose deep regional knowledge adds profound depth to specific sites—delivering a masterfully balanced exploration.

Max. 22, Avg. 16

9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners

Private Vehicle, Walking, Jeep, Plane, Boat

Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.

Hotel (9 nights)

To review the specific details of your starting property, please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent. A seamless arrival transfer is included for guests landing on the first day of the itinerary, or up to three days prior if your pre-trip accommodations were arranged directly through G Adventures at our starting property. To maintain the exceptional quality and continuity of your experience, all scheduled services must run consecutively. Upon arriving at the starting property, where check-in begins typically by 3:00PM, please look for a dedicated notice from your National Geographic Expedition Leader at the reception desk. This message will outline the specific details for our evening welcome reception and meeting—typically held between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.—where you will gather with your Expedition Leader, Expedition Expert, and fellow travellers to look ahead at the days to come. Should you arrive later in the evening and miss this initial gathering, your Expedition Leader will leave a comprehensive briefing note for you at reception detailing the next morning's schedule. Please note that the joining day of the itinerary can vary, please refer to your specific itinerary for further details.

While we anticipate a seamless arrival, your peace of mind is our utmost priority. Should any unforeseen circumstances prevent you from beginning your expedition as scheduled, please refer to the essential emergency contact details provided in your documentation and contact us as soon as possible. Upon landing, if you do not connect with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend making your own way to the starting point property by following the Joining Instructions. Rest assured, you may submit a request to your travel professional upon your return to secure a refund for any transport costs incurred during this time.

Should you require urgent assistance during your travels, your first point of contact should be our local representative or regional office. If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a detailed message with your contact information so our team can return your call and assist you as quickly as possible. The numbers can be found below. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER G Adventures Berlin office: +441858378000 In addition, a dedicated toll-free line is available for guests within North America, connecting you directly to our global operations team during regular business hours. For support outside of standard hours, an emergency mobile line is actively monitored day and night to ensure you are never out of reach. In the rare event that your call is not answered immediately, please leave a detailed message along with your contact information so our team can return your call and assist you as swiftly as possible. Toll-free (North America only): 1-800-465-5600 From the United Kingdom: 0870 080 1756 International (Outside North America and the UK): +1 416 260 0999 Emergency Mobile: (416) 305-6139 Your included arrival transfer has been meticulously arranged based on the flight details you provided. If you experience a flight schedule change or cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival, please contact our emergency number immediately with your updated details. Prompt notification ensures we can adjust your transfer; otherwise, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the starting property. Upon arrival, if your transfer representative does not connect with you within 30 minutes of exiting the arrivals area, please take a local taxi directly to the starting property.

You will be met at your hotel property and transferred to the airport for your onward travels at the end of your expedition. Please refer to your individual itinerary for more details. If your departure flight is from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) Airport, you will need to make your own way there from Istanbul (IST) Airport and recommend departure flights to be no earlier than 4pm.

When deciding what to pack, considerations will vary based on your specific itinerary, the regions you are visiting, and the season in which you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend packing thoughtfully and keeping your luggage to one checked bag at a manageable weight to facilitate seamless transitions throughout your expedition. In addition to your primary luggage, you will also require a small day pack or shoulder bag. This smaller bag is essential for keeping your camera, water, and personal items close at hand during day walks, excursions, and daily explorations.

Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended) • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket

Securing the necessary visas and travel documentation is an essential step in preparing for your upcoming expedition, and remains the responsibility of each individual traveller. Entry requirements fluctuate depending on your nationality and destination; while we strive to provide the most current information, immigration regulations change frequently. We strongly advise verifying all entry protocols directly with the relevant embassy or consulate well in advance of your departure. Please also ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled departure date from the country. For tailored details specific to your nationality and destination, please consult our dedicated pre-departure resource page at here.

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work. Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

While personal spending habits naturally vary, we recommend factoring in your individual preferences for shopping, tipping, and beverages to ensure a seamless experience. In addition to these day-to-day comforts, we kindly ask that you maintain access to a minimum of USD $200 (or its equivalent) as a dedicated emergency fund; though exceptionally rare, unpredictable circumstances such as changing weather patterns or natural events may occasionally necessitate a shift from our planned route, and this reserve ensures we can navigate any path ahead with peace of mind.

To ensure a seamless and elevated experience throughout your National Geographic Signature departure, gratuities have been fully taken care of for all included meals, activities, and luggage porterage. On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day. Tipping is neither required nor expected for your National Geographic Expedition Expert. For the independent moments on your itinerary, tipping is generally not expected across Central Asia. However, should you wish to reward exceptional service during independent dining or activities, a modest gratuity of 3–5% is entirely appropriate and warmly received by local community members.

No optional activities

Please note that health requirements and recommended inoculations vary by destination. To ensure your well-being, it is your responsibility to consult with a specialized travel physician for up-to-date medical guidance well before departure. We highly recommend carrying a personal first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and any essential prescription medications. Because our itineraries frequently trace paths through remote regions far from advanced medical facilities, legal regulations prohibit our National Geographic Expedition Leaders from administering any medication, including standard over-the-counter pain relievers. While local pharmacies along our route may stock familiar remedies, they are often produced under regional names, so we advise bringing the generic chemical name of any critical prescription. Before finalising your plans, please carefully review the itinerary and physical requirements to ensure your personal fitness aligns with our style of exploration. To safeguard the well-being of the group, we reserve the right to excuse any traveller from all or part of an itinerary if, in the professional judgment of our Expedition Leader, continuing would pose an undue risk to themselves or their fellow travellers.

To ensure your well-being and security throughout our explorations, we recommend consulting your home government's regularly updated international travel advisories prior to departure. For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended. When travelling on a departure, your National Geographic Expedition Leader maintains the authority to modify or adapt any portion of the itinerary should environmental conditions or safety considerations require it. Your Expedition Leader accompanies the group on all scheduled activities, but you will also enjoy unstructured time to pursue personal interests, relax, or discover locales at your leisure. While your leader is delighted to suggest local options for these independent periods, please note that these optional choices do not form part of our curated itinerary, and we make no representations regarding their operating standards; we encourage you to exercise your own discerning judgment. While the destinations we visit are welcoming during the daytime, navigating urban environments at night requires mindfulness. We recommend exploring in small groups and utilizing local taxis when dining out or moving about after dark. Furthermore, should you encounter public demonstrations or political gatherings, please prioritize your safety by leaving the vicinity immediately rather than remaining for photographs, as these situations can evolve rapidly. Water-based experiences carry inherent risks. To ensure your protection, we recommend participating in aquatic activities only when accompanied by professional guides. Our commitment to safety means that our Expedition Leaders are strictly prohibited from facilitating unguided water activities on your behalf. Please note that swimming and snorkelling are always undertaken at your own risk. For further insights on enhancing your personal safety during your voyage, please visit www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/.

For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended.

Our philosophy of travel is rooted in deep respect for the people, cultures, and lands we encounter. To ensure the safety of our travellers, staff, and the communities that welcome us, the possession or use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on all departures. While certain substances may be woven into local traditions in some regions, they are not permitted within our groups. Furthermore, any form of exploitation, including the solicitation of sex workers, directly contradicts our values. To protect the integrity of the experience and the well-being of the group, our National Geographic Expedition Leader retains the right to remove any traveller who violates these standards.

Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers. When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation. Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment. Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

Upon your return, we invite you to share your insights with us. Your valued feedback shapes the future of our itineraries and ensures we continue to deliver meaningful experiences. As a token of our appreciation for your time, we are pleased to offer a 5% savings (up to a maximum of $100 USD) toward your next expedition with us. Simply submit your evaluation within four weeks of completing your travels to unlock this benefit and join our global community of returning travellers. *This offer is valid for new bookings only, limited to one per person, and cannot be combined with other promotions or applied to independent itineraries. Maximum value of $100 USD (or local currency equivalent). This program may be amended or withdrawn at any time.

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

Max 22.

The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at G Adventures and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.