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Days
15
Price from
2480CAD
Map of Treasures of Turkey including Turkey

Fall under Turkey's spell touring Goreme's Open Air Museum, the ruins of Ephesus and hot springs of Pamukkale

The more you see of Turkey, the more you realise you have yet to see. From the cosmopolitan delights of Istanbul to the Roman remains of Ephesus, you’ll discover a country of fascinating contrasts. You’ll cover a lot of ground in 15 days but still have plenty of time to stroll, shop and relax with a pot of apple tea.

ITINERARY CHANGES 2020
In 2020 this trip will no longer stay in Fethiye on day 6  It will continue from Pamukkale directly to Kas for day 6 and 7.   There will be two nights in Antalya day 8 and 9.  Some activities have been changed and we would encourage you to read the Daily Itinerary on the 2020 product to ensure this trip meets your travel requirements.

Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Destination
Turkey
Style
Peregrine
Code
PETT
Physical rating
Trip rating
170 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Cut through the chaos of Istanbul with a local guide who can show you things you would never find on your own

  • Feast your eyes on the best of Turkey's other-wordly sights, from the 'Cotton Castle' of Pamukkale to the psychedelic rockscapes of Cappadocia

  • The ancient art of felt-making is revealed by a craftswoman from Ikonium Studio, one of the two working galleries of UNESCO-honoured Turkish felt master Mehmet Girgic.

  • Spend  2 nights in Selcuk/Ephesus in a rustic boutique hotel; a series of old konaks (Ottoman residences) lovingly restored in a unique and authentic style your feature stay

  • Enter the world of Ephesus, possibly the greatest Greco-Roman site on the planet

  • A local fisherman and his wife will guide you around the hidden coves around Kekova Island, away from the crowds. Take time out on the boat to enjoy a local lunch of greens, zucchini fritters and a cool glass of local beer.

  • Take the opportunity for an invigorating Turkish bath. Nothing in the west quite compares to this refreshing and healing ancient ritual

  • Be invited into the Nuray Abla's kitchen, tucked away in the backstreets of Goreme - she'll offer you a homecooked meal straight from the potbelly stove.

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. You also have the option to sit out many of the walks if you don't feel up to them.

  • Night-time temperatures can be quite cool, particularly in April and October. Not all hotels will have heating so make sure you bring a few warm items with you.

  • Turkey can get hot in the summer months of July and August but this is normally a dry heat and is easier to cope with than humidity. Where possible, you'll be taken to sites in the early morning before it gets too hot.

  • You'll be covering a lot of land during the trip, which means a few long days of driving. Usually, however, longer drives are broken up with stops in interesting places.

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Pamukkale

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 21 Oct 2018 to 31 Dec 2019.
 View the 2020 itinerary

Welcome to  Istanbul; the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home.
Your welcome meeting will be at 1pm today.

If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you are going to be late, please inform your booking agent. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.
Accommodation
  • Legacy Ottoman or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - City Tour
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY30
  • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY35
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - TRY60
  • Istanbul - Great Palace Mosaic Museum - TRY20
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY25
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY60
  • Istanbul - Basilica Cistern - TRY20
  • Istanbul - Chora Church - TRY45
  • Istanbul - Dolmabahce Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY60
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This complimentary transfer is valid from both Istanbul New Airport and (IST) and Sabiha Gocken Airport (SAW), Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 15 days of travel). Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Optional Activities listed are all entry only. Please note there is an Istanbul Museum Pass available for purchase at most Istanbul Museums. This card is valid for 5 days use and costs 185 TL. This card is not available for entry at Dolmabahce Palace, Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower.

Early this morning, after breakfast we begin the drive to Çanakkale, located on the shores of the Dardanelles, which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and touches both Europe (with the Gelibolu Peninsula) and Asia (with the Biga Peninsula).
After lunch we will visit Gallipoli, visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove. Then head up the hill toward the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. You will tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers.
Return to Canakkale for the night.
Accommodation
  • Grand Anzac Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gallipoli - guided visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

En route to Selcuk today you'll stop at the site of Troy. As well as seeing the remnants of the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse, you will learn more about the groundbreaking archaeological digs here and how the site has baffled historians.   Arrive at Selcuk later in the day and visit Sirince to enjoy a tasting of local fruit wine.
Accommodation
  • Ephesus Paradise or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Troy - Archeological Guided Site Visit
  • Sirince - Wine Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the alternative hotel for stays in Selcuk is:
Kalehan Hotel

This morning enjoy an orientation walk around the village of Selcuk, a sprawling town lying at the base of the ancient Aysoluk Hill fortress. You'll visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, the ancient aqueducts and the 14th-century Isabey Mosque.

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.

Make a stop at Sultankoy. This small village is dedicated to carpet weaving, and here you can discover all about this traditional art form, from dying the wool to traditional weaving on wooden looms. 
Accommodation
  • Ephesus Paradise or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Seluck - Orientation Walk
  • Ephesus - archaeological site
  • Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
  • Selcuk - Sultankoy Village Carpet Weaving
Optional Activities
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY15
  • Selcuk - Archaeological Museum - TRY15
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses Entry - TRY30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast this morning we drive to Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton Castle' and a truly unique sight. This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a myriad of pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties for a person's circulation and digestive systems. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC and by the 2nd Century AD it had become an important Roman bath centre. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. 
Accommodation
  • Melrose View Point Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis & Travertines National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning we journey to the Mediterranean coast, arriving first in the Greek ghost-town of Kayakoy. Stroll around and take in the eerie atmosphere, due in no small part to population repatriation and earthquake damage. Continue on to Fethiye, a culturally fertile town located on a bay, surrounded by pine forests and islands. 
Accommodation
  • Reis Royal Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kayakoy- Ghost Village
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Continue on to the seaside village of Kas. Here you'll see charming whitewashed houses covered in bougainvilleas as well as an ancient Greek theatre. Sample the local cuisine and enjoy the night in the town's quaint centre.
Accommodation
  • Linda Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Drive to Kekova and embark on a boat cruise around the local islands. Your hosts; Mehmet and Sebahat are definitely people of the Mediterranean. Hailing from the small village of Ucagiz on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast they married young, bought a boat and went fishing. Like a lot of our oceans their home became a victim to over fishing to new and modern methods of reaping the perfect catch. They had a boat, and they had one of the best cooks in the district so they set out to share their love of the sea and their love of food.
The cruise takes you to the settlement of Ucagiz and also to the village of Simena. You'll also sail from large bays to beautiful protected inlets where you can go for a swim. Onboard the boat you'll enjoy lunch in Tersane bay. The water here is deep but you can still see the bottom; the shore is lined with the ruins of an ancient city long ago sunken into the clear waters. Look out for rock formations and houses that have been submerged under the clear water.
Return to Kas in the evening.
Accommodation
  • Linda Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kas - Boat Cruise and lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Continuing our exploration of the Mediterranean we take a 3.5 hour scenic drive to the jewel in the Mediterranean crown - Antalya. Your hotel is located in the Kaleiçi (old city) and you'll go on an afternoon walk to see Hadrians Gate, the old Roman Harbour and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and take a guided tour of the Antalya Museum this afternoon
Accommodation
  • Doğan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum
  • Guided Tour of Phaselis
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Due to limited accommodation in the Kaleici (old city) of Antalya it can sometimes be difficult to secure our preferred hotel. For this reason we have selected two alternative hotels of equal standard, which are listed below:
Pudding Marina hotel
Aspen Hotel

If you would like to confirm which hotel your group is staying at please contact your booking agent thirty days prior to departure.

Continue on to Konya, an ancient city important in Roman times, and where the mystic Sufi practice of 'whirling' originates. You'll visit the mausoleum of the famous mystic Mevlana, the museum housing manuscripts of his works, as well as various artefacts relating to the mystic sect.

Our journey to Konya is approximately 6 hours on the way glimpse beautiful views of the Taurus Mountains and enjoy a special Peregrine Moment as we stop at Beyşehir to see the Eşrefoğlu Mosque, a fine example of Seljuk Turkish architecture.
Accommodation
  • Şemsi Tebrizi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today's itinerary includes a visit to the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. See dwellings that span seven levels beneath the ground. From here you'll make your way to the archaeological site of Asikli Höyük, which was first settled in 8,000 BC. Then settle into the relaxed pace of Goreme for the next three nights
Accommodation
  • Heybe Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Goreme - Derinkuyu Underground City tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
As Goreme is a small village it is sometimes difficult to secure our preferred accommodation. For this reason we have selected alternative hotels of equal standard, which are listed below:
Empire Cave Hotel
Fresco Cave Suites in Urgup

If you would like to confirm which hotel your group is staying at please contact your booking agent thirty days prior to departure.

Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the otherworldly Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away.
Please note this activity can only be booked locally. Please speak to your trip leader on Day 1 to organise this.

After a relaxing breakfast from your Terrace overlooking the valley we visit the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the many incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face. The Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art, cave chapels and colourful biblical frescoes from the 10th–12th centuries. Later in the afternoon, you'll go on a short walk through 'Love Valley' which is famous for its phallic rock formations. Then head back to your hotel in Goreme. Perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day.
Accommodation
  • Heybe Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Valley Walk
  • Goreme - Open Air Museum
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR195
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR250
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and then go for a walk to the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, Kizilcukur. You'll see fascinating rock formations such as cones, peaks and fairy chimneys, as well as manmade cave chapels from early Christian times.

Later in the afternoon visit the red river of Cappadocia famous for its clay which is still used to make magnificent pieces of Art, learn about this ancient craft today when we visit a local potter.

Venture further and discover fascinating sites in the valleys of Cappadocia, stop at Pasabag (Monks Valley) and Devrent valley (imaginary valley) both with unique fairy chimneys. Cappadocia is perhaps one of the most famous areas in Turkey for rug making, we spend some time this afternoon discovering the art of rug making from early nomadic styles to plush palace rugs clearly, pieces of art.
Accommodation
  • Heybe Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Pottery Demonstration
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning say goodbye to Cappadocia and fly to Istanbul; the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home.
On arrival into Istanbul you will be transferred to your hotel.
The afternoon is yours to explore some of the hidden charms of Istanbul.
Tonight consider joining your group in leader in a farewell dinner (optional)

Note: You will transfer by private mini van to either Nevsehir or Kayseria airports in Cappadocia (Transfer time 1 to 1.5 hours)  (Flight time 1.5 hours)
Accommodation
  • Legacy Ottoman Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast in Istanbul.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

14 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Boat, Plane, Private aircon bus

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (12 nights) Legacy Ottoman Istanbul (2 nights feature stay)

Included Activities

  • Istanbul - City Tour
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque
  • Gallipoli - guided visit
  • Troy - Archeological Guided Site Visit
  • Sirince - Wine Tasting
  • Seluck - Orientation Walk
  • Ephesus - archaeological site
  • Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
  • Selcuk - Sultankoy Village Carpet Weaving
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis & Travertines National Park
  • Kayakoy- Ghost Village
  • Kas - Boat Cruise and lunch
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum
  • Guided Tour of Phaselis
  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
  • Goreme - Derinkuyu Underground City tour
  • Cappadocia - Valley Walk
  • Goreme - Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia - Pottery Demonstration

Dates & availability

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
An optional single supplement is available on this trip. Please refer to your booking agent for further information.
Please note: single supplement rooms may be smaller than double or twin rooms.

TRANSFERS
A complementary arrival transfer may be available on this departure. For 2019 departures this transfer will be available from both Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST). Please check with your booking agent for further details.

ITINERARY CHANGES 2020
In 2020 this trip will no longer stay in Fethiye on day 6 It will continue from Pamukkale directly to Kas for day 6 and 7. There will be two nights in Antalya day 8 and 9. Some activities have been changed and we would encourage you to read the Daily Itinerary on the 2020 product to ensure this trip meets your travel requirements

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 - https://www.peregrineadventures.com/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

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