Turkey Explored

from USD 1612 for 16 days

This is consistently one of our best selling trips and it’s no surprise, there are so many highlights. You’ll see Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia. There’s a boat trip on the Mediterranean and plenty of time to explore Istanbul’s fabulous bazaars.

Brief Description Show detailed

Day 1 - ISTANBUL

Arrive and check in to your hotel. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour. (No meals)

Day 2 - GALLIPOLI

Drive to the small town of Canakkale. (B)

Day 3 - SELCUK

Optional half day guided tour of Troy (50 YTL). We then travel to the pretty town of Selcuk with its rich history and beautiful setting, where we spend two nights. (B) 

Day 4 - SELCUK - EPHESUS

A full free day to visit the amazing ruins at Ephesus and to explore the picturesque winding streets of Selcuk. Half day guided tour of Ephesus (50 YTL). (B)

Day 5 - PAMUKKALE

A morning drive takes us inland to Pamukkale which is famous for its calcified falls and the ancient site Hierapolis. (B)

Day 6 - PAMUKKALE - FETHIYE - GOCEK

Travel to Fethiye for lunch before continuing to Gocek where we board our gulet. The rest of the day is free to relax on board. (BD)

Day 7 - DALYAN

After breakfast we disembark and drive to Dalyan, known for its hot springs and the nearby conservation area for loggerhead turtles. (B)

Day 8 - DALYAN

A day at leisure. Nearby are the picturesque ruins of Caunos, accessible only by boat, or you may prefer to just relax on the beach. Full day boat trip with no lunch (15 YTL). (B)

Day 9 - OLYMPOS

Drive to Olympos where there is the chance to visit the ancient Olympos and Chimera. Chimera trip (15 YTL) (BD)

Day 10 - ANTALYA - CAPPADOCIA

After leaving Olympos we drive to Antalya where we have time to explore the old harbour before taking an overnight bus to Cappadocia. (B)

Day 11 - CAPPADOCIA

After we arrive on the overnight bus, we check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this spectacular region.

Day 12 - CAPPADOCIA

A full day for further exploration. Those after a bit of action can explore by mountain bike. (B)

Day 13 - KAHTA

A day’s drive across the stunning Eastern Taurus Mountains to Kahta near Mt.Nemrut. (B)

Day 14 - MT NEMRUT

Excursion to see to visit Mt Nemrut to see the massive Commagene stone heads (entrance fees 7 YTL). In the afternoon we drive to Urfa. (B)

Day 15 - URFA - GAZIANTEP

Visit Urfa, the city of the prophets. Later continue to Aksaray via Gaziantep and Kilis, to catch the overnight bus back to Istanbul. Please note that if you would prefer not to use the overnight bus, it is possible to arrange a flight to Istanbul. (B)

Day 16 - ISTANBUL

Arrive in Istanbul. Tours ends on arrival.

Itinerary Notes

DAY 15 - OVERNIGHT BUS TO ISTANBUL
Please note that if you do not wish to return to Istanbul using the overnight bus we can organise a flight and accommodation for you, the cost of which is approx €100. If you are interested in this alternative, please ask your tour leader for information when you arrive in Turkey.

AMENDED WINTER ITINERARY
Please note that during the Winter we do not stay on the gulet, nor do we visit Mt Nemrut. The itinerary is as follows:

Day 6, Pamukkale - Fethiye - Dalyan - Leaving Pamukkale we head to the pretty seaside town of Fethiye where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we continue on to Dalyan where we'll stay for 2 nights. (B) Approx 5 hrs driving

Day 7, Dalyan - Dalyan lies in a stunning location between the mountains and the sea, and is known for its hot springs and the nearby conservation area for loggerhead turtles. We have a day at leisure to explore the town. (B)

Day 8, Kas - Today we drive to Kas, a small town with a picturesque fishing harbour. (B) Approx. 4 hrs driving

Day 9, Olympos - Drive to Olympos where there is the chance to visit the ancient Olympos and Chimera. (BD)

The tour then follows the original itinerary above until day 13 which is detailed below.

Day 13, Cappadocia - We have another free day to explore this extraordinary landscape. (B)

Day 14, Iskenderun - Today we drive to Iskenderun, the city close by to Antakya known as Antioch in biblical times. We have some free time to take in the town's many sights. The Hatay Museum possesses one of the best collections of Roman mosaics anywhere. (B) 

Day 15, Antakya - Overnight Bus - We have a free mroning to explore Antakya's rich history.  In the afternoon our trip back to Istanbul starts and in the evening we board an overnight bus. (B)