Days
Price from

Discover Turkey in depth; from Istanbul to the Aegean, to captivating Cappadocia, then explore the rugged plateaus of the northeast and black sea villages of classic Ottoman architecture
Get under the skin of Turkey on this seventeen-day journey. Travel from the melting pot of Istanbul to the clear coastal waters and ancient cities of the Bodrum Peninsula, then discover the otherworldly landscapes of the Cappadocia region. Explore Kars, a transit point between Anatolia and the Caucasus, still undiscovered by main stream tourism. Take a train journey to Erzurum a stronghold for the Seljuks of Anatolia and then wander through cities and villages of the Black Sea region before finishing up back in Istanbul the city on two continents where east meets west.
- Start
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Finish
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Destination
- Turkey
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PECSC
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 18
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
-
Enjoy southern Turkey highlights with the less visited north and Black Sea regions. From Istanbul to Cappadocia and on to Kars and Safranbolu, this is an in-depth look at a country that is a fascinating melting pot of history and cultures.
-
If you like history, this trip visits two of the ancient wonders of the world: the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis.
-
Be gently rocked to sleep on the Mavi Konya, the train from Izmir to Konya, and learn how to play backgammon like a local.
-
Amasya one of Turkey's most beautiful small cities that sits in the mountains over the Black Sea region, stroll river side in the evening feasting your eyes on the beautifully preserved Ottoman houses - they sure knew how to build a home.
-
Relax aboard a traditional gullet and take a dip in water so blue you wont believe it.
-
Learn all about Turkeys famous cheeses at the Cheese Museum in Kars.
-
Discover Ani, recognised at a UNESCO site in 2016 and once the stately Armenian Capital.
Is this trip right for you?
-
This trip covers a lot of Turkey in 17 days. We have made it as relaxed as we can with three flights and an overnight train so that you have more time to see the siights. There are few longer travel days in the north but the scenery in the region is fantastic and the travel is comfortable.
-
The overnight train is a 1st class sleeper and very comfortable, compartments do have wash basins and refrigerators and all linen is supplied. Each compartment has its own climatic control and is lockable from the inside. A single supplement is available for the train journey if you prefer your own compartment. There are no toilets in the compartments but modern toilets at the end of each carriage.
-
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. In direct contrast the north east can get cold even in the spring and autumn months, you need to pack a warm fleece for this trip and a coat and hat for outside if travelling in March, April, October or Novermber.
-
Watch where you walk! Surfaces like the cobble stones of ancient cities and the walking paths of valleys can get a little slippery. Pack some good footwear and watch your footing, you can always sit out a walk if you prefer.
Gallery




Itinerary
Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Istanbul - Blue Mosque
- Istanbul - Grand Bazaar
Optional Activities
- Istanbul - Basilica Cistern - TRY20
- Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY30
- Istanbul - Dolmabahce Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY60
- Istanbul - Whirling Dervish show - TRY120
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - TRY60
- Istanbul - Chora Church - TRY45
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for your welcome meeting, 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.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.
Accommodation
- Manastir Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Bodrum - Bodrum Castle
Optional Activities
- Bodrum- Daily Cooking Class & Market Visit - EUR85
- Bodrum - Mausoleum at Halicarnassus - TRY12
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Manastir Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Bodrum - Gulet/Boat Excursion
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Kalehan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY15
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Konya Mavi Train (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ephesus - archaeological site
- Overnight Train - Backgammon Lessons (Peregrine Moment)
Optional Activities
- Ephesus - Terrace Houses Entry - TRY30
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The overnight train is reserved on a first class couchette basis. Cabins are twin share, have individual climatic control for your comfort, a small refrigerator in each couchette and a wash basin. Toilets are available at each end of the carriage. Bedding is supplied. There is a restaurant car available offering basic snacks.It could be Red Valley, it could be Love Valley, but each leader has their own special place to introduce you to.
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing memories of this journey is a hot-air balloon ride over this otherworldly landscape at sunrise. It's an optional experience, but is truly once-in-a-lifetime, pardon the cliche. Please speak to your leader on Day 1 to organise a flight.
Accommodation
- Heybe Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Konya - Mevlana Museum
- Cappadocia - Valley Walk
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
Optional Activities
- Goreme -Hamam Turkish Bath - EUR25
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Later in the afternoon, go underground and make the short journey to Kaymakli to discover what life was like lived underground.
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.
Head back to the hotel in Goreme, and maybe take a relaxing Turkish bath to unwind after a long day experiencing some truly incredible history.
Accommodation
- Heybe Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Goreme - Carpet Demonstration
- Cappadocia -Kaymakli Underground City
- Cappadocia - Goreme - Open Air Museum
Optional Activities
- Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR250
- Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR195
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary at 6pm and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.
Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Istanbul - Dolmabahce Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY60
- Istanbul - Chora Church - TRY45
- Istanbul - Urban Adventures - Istanbul Conquered - EUR95
- Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY25
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - TRY60
- Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY60
- Istanbul - Basilica Cistern - TRY20
- Istanbul - Grand Bazaar - Free
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travellers.Accommodation
- Kars-ı Şirin Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kars - Kars Castle and Walking Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Kars-ı Şirin Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kars - Cheese Museum and Tasting
- Kars - Ani Ruins UNESCO Site
- Kars - Bogatepe Village Organic Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Zade or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Apple Palace Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Akce Konak Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Amasya - Pontic King Tombs
- Safranbolu - Walking tour
- Safranbolu - Candy tasting (Peregrine Moment)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Akce Konak Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Safranbolu - Kaymakamlar House Museum
- Amasra - Amasra Daily Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
16 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinnersTransport
Boat, Plane, Private aircon bus, Overnight trainAccommodation
Comfortable Hotel (11 nights) Overnight Train (1 night) Feature Stay (Legacy Ottoman Istanbul -2 nights; Feature Stay (Akce Konak Safranbolu – 2 nights)Included Activities
- Istanbul - Blue Mosque
- Istanbul - Grand Bazaar
- Bodrum - Bodrum Castle
- Bodrum - Gulet/Boat Excursion
- Ephesus - archaeological site
- Overnight Train - Backgammon Lessons (Peregrine Moment)
- Konya - Mevlana Museum
- Cappadocia - Valley Walk
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
- Goreme - Carpet Demonstration
- Cappadocia -Kaymakli Underground City
- Cappadocia - Goreme - Open Air Museum
- Kars - Kars Castle and Walking Tour
- Kars - Cheese Museum and Tasting
- Kars - Ani Ruins UNESCO Site
- Kars - Bogatepe Village Organic Breakfast
- Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
- Amasya - Pontic King Tombs
- Safranbolu - Walking tour
- Safranbolu - Candy tasting (Peregrine Moment)
- Safranbolu - Kaymakamlar House Museum
- Amasra - Amasra Daily Tour
Dates & availability
Trip search is unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Turkey in Depth trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
Jump to a departure month
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. For 2020 departures this transfer will be available from both Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST).
INCLUDED FLIGHT
This trip has three internal flights. Luggage on this trip is restricted to 15kg per person checked and 8kg cabin. It is possible to safely store any excess luggage in the starting point hotel.
ITINERARY
The overnight train is reserved on a first class couchette basis. Cabins are twin share, have individual climatic control for your comfort, a small refrigerator in each couchette and a wash basin. Toilets are available at each end of the carriage. Bedding is supplied. There is a restaurant car available offering basic snacks.
Temperatures in the far north east of Turkey can get very cold with temperatures in Kars in March and April ranging from 4 -12 during the day and 3 below in the evening. It is important that you pack warm clothing. Hotels will be heated but walking during the day you will require a hat, scarf and coat.
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
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information