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Days
9
Price from
2070NZD
Map of Classic Turkey including Turkey

One tasty slice of Turkey, from Istanbul to the Aegean Sea to crumbling Cappadocian cliff cities.

Make the most of your time in Turkey on this nine-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. With two flights and an overnight train included, you’ll quickly soak up the sights and history of Turkey before finishing back in Istanbul where East meets West.

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

Why you'll love this trip

  • This trip is the perfect slice of Turkey featuring the historic old city of Istanbul, the crystal waters of the Aegean, the grand old Roman city of Ephesus and the lunar landscape of Cappadocia – what's not to love?

  • 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. Sample some amazing sweets compliments of your local Leader, let the scenery slip past and learn how to play backgammon like a local.

  • Relax aboard a traditional gulet and take a dip in water so blue you won't believe it.

  • Try your hand at making the perfect Manti (Turkish ravioli) and sip fruit wine in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip covers a lot of Turkey in just nine days. We have made it as relaxed as we can with two flights and an overnight train so that you have more time to see the sites, however if you want a slower pace consider our two-week Treasures of Turkey trip.

  • The overnight train is a 1st class sleeper and very comfortable. Compartments 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.

  • Watch where you walk! Surfaces like the cobblestones 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.

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Cappadocia.jpg
Mosque in Istanbul
Turkey, Ephesus

Itinerary
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Welcome to Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all called home. Your welcome meeting will take place at 1 pm today, after which the group'll head out to explore the Old City of Istanbul, visiting the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore and there are plenty of sights left to see, including the Archaeology Museum and Hagia Sophia.
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.

Transfer to the airport after breakfast for a 1-hour flight to Bodrum, a modern resort town that was once the ancient city of Halicarnassus. Here, along the southern end of Turkey's Aegean coast, lies the original Mauosoluem, which the group will visit during an afternoon walking tour of Saint Peter's Castle, the Underwater Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Theatre and Mindos Gate. Potentially finish up at Cevat Sakir Caddesi, a main thoroughfare surrounded by alleys and streets hosting the local fish markets and a number of mayhanes (taverns), where you can select your own catch of the day and have it prepared for dinner.
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

There's a reason Bodrum is considered a boating paradise. Spend a day sailing off the beautiful peninsula on a gulet, a traditional wooden sailing vessel originating in this area. Sit back on the deck and soak up some sun as the boat sails down the coast with stops to swim, snorkel and explore the shore, as well as a break at the small island of Kara Ada. Enjoy lunch on board and a relaxing afternoon before returning to the hotel in the evening.
Accommodation
  • Manastir Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bodrum - Gulet/Boat Excursion
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Drive to Selcuk this morning after breakfast (approximately 3 hours). Check into the hotel then take a walk through this sprawling town lying at the base of the ancient fortress on Ayasoluk Hill. Visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis and the 14th-century Isabey Mosque, then journey to gorgeous little village of Sirince, nestled in the hills outside Selcuk. This was a predominantly Greek village before WWI and the narrow streets host beautifully decorated houses, silversmiths, leather shops, jewellers and market stands. Enjoy a special Peregrine Moment and meet Pervin, from whom you'll learn the art of Manti (Turkish ravioli) whilst relaxing over a glass of the local fruit wine.
Accommodation
  • Kalehan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Wake up early this morning to beat the crowds and head to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Med 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. Return to the hotel to relax before checking out and heading to the Ephesus Museum, then transfer to Izmir for an overnight train to Konya, in Central Anatolia. The train will arrive in Konya at 7.30 am, so enjoy the first-class sleeping compartments and included dinner in the restaurant car (with backgammon lessons courtesy of your Peregrine leader).
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.

Arrive early in Konya, an important ancient-Roman city, and tuck into a full Turkish kahvalti (breakfast). Konya is the home of the mystic Sufi practice of whirling and after breakfast you'll visit the mausoleum of Mevlana, a famous mystic, as well as the museum housing manuscripts of his work and various mystic artefacts before driving three hours to the captivating region of Cappadocia. Check in to the hotel then head out with your leader to stretch your legs on a valley walk.

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 earlier in your trip 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

As previously mentioned, there's an option of taking a hot-air balloon over the Cappadocian landscape this morning. Even if you don't choose to take a flight, it's worth getting up just to see the balloons rising with the sun. Have a relaxing breakfast from your terrace overlooking the valley then visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, featuring houses, churches and monasteries carved into the soft cliff faces. The Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art, cave chapels and colourful biblical frescoes from the 10-12th centuries.

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

Drive to the airport after breakfast for a 1.5 hour flight back to Istanbul, where you'll be transferred to your hotel on arrival. Enjoy a free afternoon then jump on a ferry early in the evening and head to Kadikoy, on Istanbul's Asian shore. Take a walk around this lively area, perhaps finding a harbourside spot for dinner with your travelling companions.
Accommodation
  • Legacy Ottoman Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your trip ends today and there are no activities planned.
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Cruise (Full Day / Hotel Pick Up and Lunch on Board) Prices start from - TRY30
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private air-conditioned bus, Plane, Overnight train

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (5 nights) Overnight Train (1 night) Feature Stay Istanbul (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

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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.

INCLUDED FLIGHT
This trip has an internal flight. 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.

OVERNIGHT TRAIN
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.

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).

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 - 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.

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