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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Stay in style with accommodation that includes a historical Ottoman hotel in Istanbul, located right in the heart of the Old City.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Itinerary
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.
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 - TRY25
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Konya Mavi Train (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ephesus - 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.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.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.Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
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 dinnerTransport
Private air-conditioned bus, Plane, Overnight trainAccommodation
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 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
Dates & availability - 2021 season
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Classic Turkey trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
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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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