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Days
9
Price from
2225USD
Map of Classic Turkey including Turkey

A classic itinerary with unique local touches

Urban melting pots, clear coastal waters and ancient cities – this nine-day adventure through Turkey is the perfect way to discover a multifaceted country. Stay in Ottoman style in Istanbul, cruise the coast of Bodrum on a traditional gulet, make manti in the hillside of Selcuk, learn the art of backgammon on a train to Konya and explore the spires of Cappadocia with a local who is passionate about their history. This tour will show you the highlights of Turkey elevated by unique local touches at every turn.

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

  • 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 – Sirince.

  • Relax on traditional gulet as our local friends take you on a cruise to their favourite spots and cook up some classic Turkish barbecue on board.

  • Go deep into Cappadocia when you explore the underground city of Kaymakli, hike the surreal fairy chimney valleys and learn about the art of rug making from a master.

  • Stay in style with accommodation that includes a historical Ottoman hotel in Istanbul, located right in the heart of the Old City.

  • Explore the Islamic architecture of Istanbul and the ancient streets of Ephesus with a local leader who has rigorous, multi-year training in Turkish history.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a fast-paced trip. If you would prefer a slower pace, our two week trip - Treasures of Turkey (PETT) - might fit the bill.

  • Temperatures can be quite cool in the evening, particularly in April and October. Not all hotels will have heating so be sure to bring warm layers if you plan to travel in this period.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Whirling_dervishes_0.jpg
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 - TRY30
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY50
  • Istanbul - Dolmabahce Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY60
  • Istanbul - Whirling Dervish show - TRY135
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - TRY100
  • Istanbul - Chora Church - TRY65
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It's very important you attend the welcome meeting as we'll be collecting your insurance details and emergency contact information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. If you're going to b late, please let the hotel or your booking agent know.

Cost listed for optional activities listed throughout this itinerary cover entry fees only and are subject to change. 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 TL 185. 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 - TRY25
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 - Guided Archaeological site visit
  • Overnight Train - Backgammon Lessons (Peregrine Moment)
Optional Activities
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses Entry - TRY45
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The overnight train journey on this trip between Selcuk and Cappadocia is first class. Cabins are twin-share, have individual climate control, a small refrigerator and a sink. Toilets are available at each end of the carriage. Bedding is supplied. There is a restaurant car available offering basic snacks. Single supplement is available for this leg of the journey, too.

Arrive early in Konya, an important 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. Your leader has their own special place to introduce you to.

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
Special Information
If you would like to organise a hot-air balloon flight for tomorrow morning you must speak to your leader at the welcome meeting on Day 1.

This mornig you can choose whether to take an optional hot air balloon rise over Cappadocia. 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, which features houses, churches and monasteries carved into the soft cliff faces. Later in the afternoon, take a guided tour of Kaymakli, a troglodyte cave-city. Next, meet a local rug master and learn about the strong tradition of rug making from early nomadic styles to now. Head back to the hotel in Goreme. The rest of your day is free. 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
Special Information
If you would like to organise a hot-air balloon flight for tomorrow morning you must speak to your leader at the welcome meeting on Day 1.

Drive to the airport after breakfast for a 1.5-hour flight back to Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel on arrival and enjoy a free afternoon. In the evening take the ferry to Kadikoy on Istanbul's Asian shore. Take a walk around this lively area and find a harbourside spot for dinner with your travelling companions.
Accommodation
  • Legacy Ottoman Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your trip ends today after breakfast 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 - TRY35
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 - Guided Archaeological site visit
  • 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

1. 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.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 8kg for carry on. You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel.
4. This trip starts at 1pm on Day 1 in Istanbul. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore the city with your leader.

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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