Turkey: Troy & the Turkish Riviera
10 days, Antalya to Istanbul
Itinerary
Day 1Antalya
Arrive at anytime. Meet up with your CEO and fellow travellers in the evening for a welcome briefing and then head out on the town to find some local food and drinks at one of Antalya's happening spots.
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.
Day 2Antalya/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 3Kekova/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 4Fethiye
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 5Fethiye/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 5 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 6Pamukkale/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 7Selçuk
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 7 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 8Selçuk/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 9Çanakkale/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 9 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 10Istanbul
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.