Once again, Travel with Me is thrilled to announce our exciting collaboration with G Adventures, bringing you an extraordinary 15-day adventure through Turkey. We’re delighted to inform you that we have secured a substantial number of single rooms to cater to our solo travelers.
This all-encompassing tour of Turkey seamlessly blends history, coastal beauty, architectural marvels, natural wonders, and a warm and inviting cultural experience. Your journey kicks off in the mesmerizing city of Istanbul, where you’ll explore grand palaces and historic mosques. As your adventure unfolds, you’ll venture into the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, delving into a world that seems otherworldly.
From the breathtaking cascading white cliffs of Pamukkale to the vibrant and bustling bazaars of Istanbul, your local CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will unveil the hidden treasures of the region, ensuring that your memories of this unique intersection between Asia and Europe remain vivid long after you’ve departed.
Overview
9 May to 23 May 2024
Price from $2830 pp Twin Share and from $3430 Solo
Conditions
- Private, Travel with Me Journey
- Price does not include flights
- Based on departure 9 May 2024
- Maximum of 16 guests
- A deposit of $500 is required within 7 days of booking
- Finals are due 28 Feb 2024
- Prices and Itinerary are subject to availability and subject to change without notice
- Amendment and cancellation fees will apply both from the Supplier and Travel with Me
- Cancellations prior to final payment will incur loss of deposit and after final payment, all monies are non refundable. (A $350AUD CR will remain as a lifetime credit with G Adventures)
- Please ask your Travel with Me, Consultant, for a competitive Travel Insurance quote as insurance is compulsory on all Travel with Me Exclusive and Private Journeys
- Please ensure you have a current passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond the return date of your journey.
- Visas are required and can be done as an E Visa prior to departure (approx $60USD)
Highlights
- Discover historic cities and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus
- Marvel at the extraordinary scenery of Cappadocia
- Enjoy dinner in a local family home
- Relax on an afternoon boat trip
- Live like a local in a Turkish village
- Turkish Village Homestay
- Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit
Itinerary
Transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a little relaxing time before meeting your Tour Leader over a welcome dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul or similar
Enjoy an orientation walk of Istanbul. Each walk varies, allowing your CEO to show off their favourite spots around the city. Pass by city highlights such as the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia (also known as the Aya Sofya), and the Blue Mosque. Walks may also include the atmospheric Spice Bazaar or breathtaking Grand Bazaar. Continue to the city of Bolu
Accommodation: Soylu Hotel Bolu or similar
Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the father of the Modern Turkish Republic, en route to Cappadocia region.
Transfer to the region of Cappadocia for 2.5 days of exploring. There will be plenty of time to tour the area by bike, visit neighbouring villages, trek regional valleys or try a hot air balloon ride.
During one of the evenings, travel to a nearby village and enjoy dinner with a local family.
The local dinner may take place on any night in Cappadocia based on the family’s availability.
Accommodation: Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia or similar
Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region.
Göreme Open Air Museum Guided Tour
If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.
Want to do more with your tour? Book the Cappadocia Balloon Ride or Whirling Dervishes upon arrival by arranging it with your CEO.
A special “Turkish Night” Dinner tonight with a multi course meal followed by local entertainment.
If you book the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, you will be flying on Day 5 or 6 (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia or similar
Optional Activities
Pottery Center Visit Göreme 1h-2h
Free
Learn more about the infamous local art of pottery making and take advantage of the opportunity to create your own masterpiece.
Carpet Demonstration 1h-2h
Enjoy an informative demonstration of one of the oldest art-forms in Turkish history. Gain a greater appreciation for the labour and workmanship involved in weaving rugs and carpets as you learn about the process.
Hot Air Balloon Ride Göreme
290EUR per person
Cappadocia is captivating from the ground, but that’s just the half of it. See the seemingly hand-painted landscapes of Cappadocia as they deserve to be seen, from the air aboard a hot air balloon. Get up early and enjoy a simple breakfast before climbing in the basket and taking to the skies in one of the most favoured places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride.
Turkish Bath Göreme
50EUR per person
Take along a towel, soap, and shampoo, and enjoy a scrub like no other. Then experience a traditional foam massage, included in the entrance fee. Get some tips from the friendly locals – they’ll show you the correct protocol. Make sure to check the hours as the bathhouses are strictly segregated, usually being used by men in the morning and evenings, and women in the afternoons.
Turkish Night Göreme 2h30m-3h
45EUR per person
Attend a “Turkish night” and enjoy a delicious multi-course meal followed by local entertainment.
Whirling Dervishes Göreme – Avanos 45m-1h
20EUR per person
Witness this spellbinding dance-like worship, practiced by followers of the Mevlevilik Sufi order.
Explore one of the many underground cities in the region. Visit Konya before spending the night in a local Turkish village. Visit a community park and cooperative, a project supported by G Adventures. Experience a homestay as the guest of a local family.
Depart Cappadocia and head to an underground city to explore. Have a quick lunch before journeying to the region of Konya.
Travel about 1 hour to a local village for a cozy homestay. On the way, visit Catalhoyuk, a uniquely well-preserved Neolithic site.
Upon arrival in the village, learn about local life and visit a community park and cooperative supported and developed by G Adventures before enjoying a home-cooked dinner tonight.
Underground City Visit
Visit one of the underground cities (there are approximately 30 in the region) that were famously used as hiding places for Christians escaping the persecution of the Roman Empire between the fifth and tenth centuries. See how people transferred their surface lives to this underground world – there are cellars, rooms for food storage, kitchens, churches, stables, wine and oil presses, and shafts for ventilation.
Your G for Good Moment: Güneysinir Community Park
Located in a region prone to drought and economically-dependent on agriculture, Güneysinir is in need of diversified opportunities. G Adventures is investing in an almond plantation that doubles as a community park. While the park will be a beautiful place for travellers and locals to visit, it will also provide a source of shade and water retention, as well as a reliable source of income for the community.
Catalhoyuk Visit
Explore this interesting Neolithic proto-city settlement – there are no streets, and houses are closely clustered with rooftop access for travel. Witness the cultural evolution from the first settlers in 7500 BC to the remnants of the urban centre we see today.
Your Local Living Moment: Turkish Village Homestay
Take the opportunity to learn about local Turkish life on this village homestay. Join the group in a community experience; bathroom facilities and sleeping arrangements (in the living room) are shared.
Accommodation: Konya Village Stay or similar
Wander the lovely seaside town of Antalya.
Arrive at Antalya around lunchtime.
With a free afternoon, wander the charming cobbled hillside streets of the district of Kaleici, a great place to stop and have a drink with amazing views of the marina below. For a break from the hustle and bustle, head for the greenery and teashops at one of Antalya’s beautiful parks or catch some sun at a nearby beach.
Accommodation: Argos Hotel or similar
Optional Activities
Antalya Archaeological Museum Visit Antalya 1h-2h
150TRY per person
Spend the afternoon onboard a boat in the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before disembarking the boat and driving to our hotel for the evening.
Drive to the beautiful coastal village of Demre for lunch. After, board our boat for an afternoon on the Mediterranean Sea.
The boat trip includes sailing around Kekova Island, with plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and scenery.
Later, walk to Simena Castle to enjoy the views and archaeological ruins. Then opt to go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or just relax on deck.
Afternoon Boat Trip Kekova
Come aboard for an afternoon trip off the gorgeous coast of Turkey (dinner is included and cold drinks can be purchased). Sit back, relax, and enjoy the crystal clear waters Turkey is famous for.
Simena Castle Visit Kekova
Climb the hill to reach a medieval castle used by the Byzantines in Simena, a beautiful ancient city that dates back to fourth century BC. Find ruins of a Roman settlement, including a small amphitheatre. Take a few moments to look out at the gorgeous view of the quiet harbour below.
Accommodation: Kekova Hotel Kas or similar
Opt for a morning swim and some relaxation before travelling on to Kaş.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Opt for a swim before returning to Demre, and continuing on to the coastal town of Kaş.
Free Time Kaş Afternoon
Spend some time exploring the cafés lining the cobblestoned streets of Kaş.
Accommodation: Kekova Hotel Kas or similar
Guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis en route to Selçuk.
Leave the beautiful sea behind and head to Pamukkale, passing through fruit orchards on the way.
Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis before continuing on to Selçuk.
Hierapolis and Pamukkale Visit
Tour the white cliffs of Pamukkale to learn about this World Heritage-listed site and natural wonder. Made up of 17 hot water springs, the cliffs are formed when the calcium carbonate hardens with time. Explore the ancient site of Hierapolis built on top of the white “castle.” See the large, ancient baths within the city (thought to be evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since second century BC).
Accommodation: Cenka Hotel Selcuk or similar
Hierapolis Archeological Museum Pamukkale 7TRY per person
This museum displays works of art from excavations at Hierapolis and towns in the surrounding area, such as jewellery, sarcophagi and Bronze Age crafts. Housed within a former Roman Bath and gymnasium, this museum will grab the interest of art, history and architecture lovers alike.
Swim in an Ancient Pool Pamukkale 150TRY per person
Take a plunge into an ancient swimming pool, preserved from the second century BC. Wade around in the thermally heated fresh mineral water around fallen marble columns, capitals, and plinths said to have come from the nearby Temple of Apollo. Kick back and relax, but don’t forget admission is limited to two hours.
Visit ancient Ephesus. Optional visits to St John’s Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey as well as the nearby picturesque village of Şirince.
Visit the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.
After, head to town and enjoy some free time to explore. Opt to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John’s Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Or catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8 km) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.
Ephesus Visit Selçuk 2h-3h
Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times. Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, which dominates the view down Harbour Street. See the two-story library, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. Built in AD 125, it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.
Free Time Selçuk Afternoon
Your free time is just that — yours. Use the afternoon to explore the area any way you like.
Accommodation: Cenka Hotel Selcuk or similar
Spend the night in a converted Ottoman mansion. Visit the G-supported handicraft workshop during an orientation walk of Ayvalik, before enjoying free time in the surrounding area or opting for a boat trip or visit to the beach.
Ayvalik’s blend of Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned streets, and attractive harbour make this stop a highlight. The beach of Sarimsakli is a quick bus ride away and the harbour in town offers short cruises.
After exploring, head down to one of the waterside restaurants for a sunset drink or meal. Then enjoy the hospitality and beautiful views from the family-run pension in a restored Ottoman mansion.
Free Time Ayvalık Afternoon
Ayvalık is the perfect place to explore — check out nearby beaches or wander the city and shop.
Your G for Good Moment:
Visit the G-supported çöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation. All products are made out of recycled goods and by making a purchase it will directly support the local women who work in the workshop and over time has contributed to over 500 women who have been part of the project.
Ottoman Mansion Stay Ayvalık
Relax at an overnight stay at a restored Ottoman mansion, and be treated by exceptional hospitality and beautiful views.
Accommodation: Bonjour Ayvalik or similar
Optional Activities
Ayvalik Boat Tour 2h-3h 60-600 TRY per person
Visit secluded bays, explore a nearby island, and, of course, have plenty of time for just relaxing and swimming in the turquoise waters. Drinks are available on board. Prices vary by season and group size.
Visit the ancient city of Troy en route to Çanakkale.
Enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. After exploring the site, continue to the harbour town of Çanakkale, a busy port with a thriving student population.
Troy Visit – Çanakkale 1h-2h1-2km
See historic Troy, made famous by Homer’s “Iliad,” (and more recently by Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt). Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were found in in the mid-19th century. Imagine what a great city this must have been, while taking a tour of the remains. Don’t miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.
Accommodation: Bogaz Hotel Canakkale or similar
Guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine.
Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.
Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.
Ferry Çanakkale – Gallipoli Peninsula 30m
Once in the Gallipoli peninsula, transfer by bus to the Gallipoli battlefields (20 mins).
Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour – Gallipoli Peninsula 2h30m-3h
Visit this moving and beautiful site, a great complement to any trip to Turkey, even for those not familiar with the Battle of Gallipoli. Tour the grounds to see ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Learn how the Turks fought off the numerically superior, but badly commanded, Allied forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later; this battle holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as both nations lost many soldiers.
Accommodation: Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul or similar
Optional Activities
Basilica Cistern Istanbul – 300TRY per person
Built in 532 AD, the Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern (underground water storage) of Istanbul. Spot the pillar bases carved in the likeness of Medusa.
Archaeological Museum Istanbul – 150TRY per person
Opened in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Home to a classical statuary, artifacts, and sarcophagi – including the stunning sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon – this museum presents one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse into the life of ancient Turks.
Dolamabahçe Palace Istanbul – 450TRY per person
Built in the early 1800s, the Dolamabahçe Palace is the largest and the most important palace of the Ottoman Empire, after the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its grandeur.
Galata Tower Istanbul – 250TRY per person
Climb up the Galata Tower – one of Istanbul’s oldest architectural landmarks – for an amazing panoramic view of the city. To get the full experience, time your visit with the call to prayer that happens at sunset.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts Istanbul – 100TRY per person
This museum is home to treasures from the Ottoman and Seljuk periods, and boasts one of the world’s largest collection of Turkish carpets.
Great Palace Mosaic Museum Istanbul – 60TRY per person
See the intricate mosaics on display from the Byzantine period, excavated from the site of The Great Palace of Constantinople.
Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the most important and breathtaking icons of ancient Byzantine architecture. The domes and buttresses of the mosque punctuate the skyline of Turkey’s capital and stand tall as a symbol of national pride.
Topkapi Palace Visit Istanbul 1h-2h1-2km – 500-650TRY per person
Take a step back in time with a visit to the Topkapi Palace. Once home to the Ottoman sultans and their harems, it’s now a museum hosting a number of collections, ranging from porcelains found in Europe, Asia, and China to Ottoman-era weaponry.
Your tour finishes today after breakfast
Inclusions
- Accommodation and meals as listed in itinerary
- Group Airport Transfers
- English speaking local guides
- Tours and transfers as mentioned
- Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Spending money
- Tips & gratuities
- Activities not listed
- Meals not listed
- All drinks
- Visa
Absolute Turkey Map
