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  4. Turkey Food Explorer
Days
12
Price from
3750AUD
Map of Turkey Food Explorer including Turkey

Experience the contrasting flavours and faces of Turkey

Take a culinary journey through Europe and Asia on this authentic food adventure full of Turkish delights. From the aromatic spice bazaars of Istanbul, through the Anatolian wine cellars of Goreme, and on to the kitchens of Gaziantep – the country’s kebap capital – discover an intoxicating combination of east and west cuisine and be rewarded with a wealth of secret recipes and endless memories. From bites to sights: witness the spectacular Blue Mosque, the impressive whirling dervishes, and the ancient site of Gobeklitepe – an archaeological complex that pre-dates the pyramids – all while feasting on the delectable dishes of their regions. Whether you’re dining on age-old Ottoman recipes that were served to the Sultan, indulging in a heart-warming homecooked fare in the caves of Cappadocia, or exploring the gastronomic alleys of Kalakoy on the hunt for flavour-filled street food, this exploratory adventure through the tastes of Turkey will surpass all expectations.

Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Destination
Turkey
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Food Collection
Code
PETF
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Take part in a hands-on cooking class in Konya that will introduce you to the earthy flavours of Sufi cuisine – a hearty fare that dates back to the 13th-century.

  • Experience the traditional way of dining in Sanilurfa as you gather with the locals, dine on handmade cig kofte and witness a magical performance by regional musicians.

  • Indulge in the Iskender kebap at the restaurant where it was invented in 1867 – there’s a reason this mouth-watering Turkish classic sees eager diners queuing out of the door.

  • Enjoy a homecooked dinner of a local fare as you’re welcomed into Nuray’s enchanting cave house in Cappadocia to try your hand at Central Anatolian cuisine under her tutelage.

  • Soak up the authentic Aegean ambience of Eros Restaurant as you dine on Turk-Greek meze, seafood and salads with sweeping views of the Istanbul skyline.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves a lot of walking, sometimes on rocky or slippery terrain such as the sites in Goreme. Please bring sturdy walking shoes, but also note that you can sit out the walks if you do not feel up to them.

  • You'll be covering a lot of land during the trip, which means a few long days of driving. Most of these drives will be broken up with interesting stops along the way.

  • Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Traditional Turkish kebab spread
Lunch in Cappadocia
Freshly made turkish delights
Experience the colours and scents of Istanbul spice markets
Traditional Turkish tea and coffee
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Group dinner in Istanbul

Itinerary
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Welcome to Istanbul, a historic city straddling two continents and simply brimming with delectable dishes. Your food adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, however if you arrive early, don’t be afraid to head out into this captivating city, where east beautifully blends into west, and start exploring. This evening join your new companions for a welcome dinner at at a traditional restaurant, a favorite with locals and the perfect introduction to the 'meze' of the region with sweeping views of the city.
Accommodation
  • Legacy Ottoman Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - Welcome dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

After breakfast, embark on an orientation tour of Istanbul – a magical metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all called home. Explore the Old City, visiting the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar and the celebrated Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Sample Turkey's iconic 'Balik Ekmek,' (grilled fish sandwich), a hallmark of the country's street food. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the bazaar’s further and getting into some good-natured haggling with local artisans at one of over 3000 stalls of handcrafted jewellery, textiles and books. Alternatively, you might like to hunt down some delicious delicacies like ‘peynir borek’ (feta cheese pastry) with a tulip glass of sweet tea. Later, join back with your group and take a ferry to Kadikoy where you’ll explore the culinary backstreets on a guided street food tour of Istanbul’s tastiest treats. Your tour concludes at the celebrity chef’s restaurant ‘Çiya Sofrasi’, the owner of which, Musa, was featured on ‘Chef’s Table’ season 5. Watch this master meticulously recreate a selection of regional dishes, which you have the pleasure on indulging in for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Legacy Ottoman Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - City Tour
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque
  • Istanbul - Regional cuisine dinner
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Basilica Cistern - TRY30
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY35
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - TRY100
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY50
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Entry) (Excluding Harem) - TRY72
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning, depart Istanbul and fly to Sanliurfa. Refuel with a delicious lunch at Altin Lokantasi, a traditional restaurant renowned for their lahmacun (Turkish pizza) and considered one of the best places in the country to try it. Walk off your satisfied stomach with an orientation walk around the lake, before driving to Gobeklitepe, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 21st century and considered to be the first temple of the world. The site dates back over 12,000 years, which makes it 8000 years older than the pyramids and 7000 years older than Stonehenge. This evening, enjoy a special kind of welcome party, known as Sira Gecesi, and experience the traditional way of dining in the south east part of Turkey. Sit on the ground with locals, dine on handmade ‘cig kofte’ (a savory meatball dish) and enjoy a wonderful performance by regional musicians.
Accommodation
  • Hotel El Ruha or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sanli Urfa Orientation walk
  • Sanliurfa - Culinary Arts Museum
  • Sanliurfa - Sira Gecesi Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Gobeklitepe Site - entrance fee - TRY45
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today you’ll drive to Gaziantep, kebap capital of the country, and is home to over 180 pastry shops producing some of the world’s best pistachio baklava. On arrival, take a walking tour of the old bazaar, finishing up at the Millethan Baklava Museum. For dinner, enjoy the real Turkish kebaps at Kusleme Kebaphan – one of the best kebap houses in the country – take the chance to check out their kitchen, watch a demonstration, and pick up some great cooking tips!
Accommodation
  • Holiday Inn Gaziantep (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gaziantep - Old Bazaar Walking Tour
  • Gaziantep - Baklava Museum
  • Gaziantep - Kepab Dinner & Demonstration
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today you’ll take a long drive from Gaziantep to Cappadocia, stopping at Maras along the way to try their famous Turkish ice cream. Arrive in Cappadocia late this afternoon and join your friendly host, Nuray, for a homecooked dinner of a local fare in her enchanting cave house. Nuray is a participant of Peregrine’s women empowerment training, a programme which supports gender equality across the workforce in Turkey.
Accommodation
  • Heybe Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Turkish Ice Cream tasting
  • Goreme - Cooking Class & Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
More on women empowerment training and Nuray - peakdmc.com/news-centre/latest-news/supporting-female-suppliers-turkey

This morning, go underground to explore the ancient subterranean city of Ozkonak and get a taste of what life was like 40 metres below the surface. Next, enjoy a pottery demonstration and carpet weaving demonstration. The evening is free for you to explore or relax. Perhaps take an optional Wine and Sunset tour! Your leader will be able to assist you.
Accommodation
  • Heybe Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Goreme - Derinkuyu Underground City tour
  • Cappadocia - Pottery Demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Carpet shop visit & demonstration
Optional Activities
  • Cappadocia- Wine tasting - TRY25
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR250
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR195
  • Cappadocia - Goreme - Open Air Museum - TRY45
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Bid farewell to Cappadocia after a relaxed morning. Today discover Sufi cuisine - a combination of earthy flavours and spices that date back to 13th century Konya region, known as the Sufi era. The dishes are similar to the Ottoman cuisine, but with more of a meat focus. After this delicious insight into age-old Sufi recipes, head to the train station and board your overnight sleeper. The overnight train is a 1st class sleeper and very comfortable – this is a great way to make the most out of your adventure as you’ll be saving on travel time and waking up in a brand-new destination.
Accommodation
  • First class sleeper train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Konya - Sufi Food Demonstration and tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Arrive by train and unwind with a traditional Turkish breakfast before continuing to Selcuk. Later this afternoon visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. Tour around the amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus.

After a long day at Ephesus return to your hotel to freshen up before a cooking class focusing on Turkish and Mediterranean cooking.
Accommodation
  • Kalehan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ephesus - Guided Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Mediterranean Cooking Class
Optional Activities
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses Entry - TRY45
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, drive to the pretty port town of Ayvalik, home to a fascinating mix of Greek and Turkish cultures, and a place that even takes its name from food (ayva is Turkish for quince). The town is famous for olive oil, but for todays lunch, you’ll enjoy local fare of stuffed mussels and a traditional Ayvalik toasted sandwich, stuffed with sausage, pickle, tomatoes, salad and chips – smothered with tomato sauce and mayonnaise. This afternoon, join your leader for a walking tour of Ayvalik’s local market – pick up fruits and snacks before taking a boat over to Cunda island for a delicious picnic. Cunda Island is filled with Greek Orthodox churches and is famous for its dairy farming, if there’s time, perhaps indulge in a selection of delicious treats created with local cheeses. Back in Ayvalık, the village is set around a harbour and looks out to the Aegean Islands, so a drink at a harbourside bar is a great way to enjoy the sunset.
Accommodation
  • Ferahi Evier Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Orientation walk Ayvalik
  • Ayvalik - Market tour and Cunda Island picnic
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast, drive to the city of Bursa, but not before stopping off on the way for a regional varietal wine tasting at Ma'adra vineyards! Bursa is an old and important city with a rich and varied history. It had a central role in the creation of the Ottoman Empire, and from 1326-1402 AD, served as the Sultan's capital. With elegant mosques, such as the supremely beautiful Yesil Camii, an intriguing covered bazaar, and teahouses filled with locals, Bursa offers a glimpse of traditional Turkish life. Perhaps enjoy a delicious Pideli Kebap for lunch before embarking on an orientation walk through though the fascinating warren of streets and old Ottoman hans (warehouses) that line the city. Bursa is also home to thermal springs nearby at Cekirge, famously used by Byzantine imperial families. In your free time, perhaps treat yourself to a soak, steam, and scrub, Turkish style. This evening is free, but your leader can recommend for you to indulge in a Bursa delicacy, the hearty Iskender Kebap, at the place where it was first created. One of the most famous dishes in Turkey, the Iskender takes its name from its creator, Iskender Efendi, who resided in Bursa during the late 19th century. This mouth-watering feast involves a filling of thinly slice lamb, tomato sauce and melted sheep butter, wrapped in fresh pita bread and dressed with yoghurt. However, be prepared to wait in line as this incredibly popular establishment has seen long lines of eager diners since it opened its doors in 1867, and for good reason. Later in the evening, experience a real highlight – as you’re welcomed into a Dervish Lodge to witness a hypnotic performance of the Sema (the ceremony of the Whirling Dervish) and take the opportunity to learn a bit more about their mesmerising culture.
Accommodation
  • Celik Palas Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ayvalik - Wine tasting & vineyard visit
  • Bursa - Orientation Walk in Bursa
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, drive back to Istanbul and enjoy time at leisure to relax or perhaps re-visit some of your favourite spots from the first few days. As night falls, gather with your group and leader for a farewell dinner at a specialist restaurant focusing on Ottoman palace cuisine which preserves the original recipes and techniques of the Ottoman empire’s greatest cooks. Many dishes were originally prepared at Topkapi Palace for the Sultan and his family in the 15th and 16th centuries. In addition to the venue also houses a historical archive of Ottoman culinary literature and recipes.
Accommodation
  • Legacy Ottoman Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your Turkey food exploration ends after breakfast today.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Private aircon bus, Plane, Boat, Overnight train

Accommodation

7 nights comfortable hotel, 1 night Overnight Train, 3 nights Legacy Ottoman Hotel (feature stay)

Included Activities

  • Istanbul - Welcome dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Istanbul - City Tour
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque
  • Istanbul - Regional cuisine dinner
  • Sanli Urfa Orientation walk
  • Sanliurfa - Culinary Arts Museum
  • Sanliurfa - Sira Gecesi Dinner
  • Gaziantep - Old Bazaar Walking Tour
  • Gaziantep - Baklava Museum
  • Gaziantep - Kepab Dinner & Demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Turkish Ice Cream tasting
  • Goreme - Cooking Class & Dinner
  • Goreme - Derinkuyu Underground City tour
  • Cappadocia - Pottery Demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Carpet shop visit & demonstration
  • Konya - Sufi Food Demonstration and tasting
  • Ephesus - Guided Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Mediterranean Cooking Class
  • Orientation walk Ayvalik
  • Ayvalik - Market tour and Cunda Island picnic
  • Ayvalik - Wine tasting & vineyard visit
  • Bursa - Orientation Walk in Bursa

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

TRANSFERS
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

TURKEY
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - http://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

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