If you’ve got 15 days and a craving for adventure, this epic journey through Turkey is calling your name. Start in Istanbul — the iconic gateway between East and West — before venturing into the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons float dreamily across the horizon. Walk the hallowed grounds of Gallipoli, where battlefield tales bring history to life, then trade the well-trodden path for hidden gems. Explore an open-air museum town with perfectly preserved limestone buildings, step into the ancient “City of 1000 Churches” in Ani, and stand atop the mighty Van Castle, a fortress etched into the landscape since the 9th century BC. A perfect blend of history, culture, and awe-inspiring scenery, this adventure through Turkey is one you won’t soon forget.
Hotels (13 nts), overnight train (1 nt).
14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Allow USD260-340 for meals not included.
Plane, private vehicle, ferry, boat, walking
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Istanbul: Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Head out for an optional group dinner and take a walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments lit up at night.
Istanbul/?anakkale: Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, continue on to the harbour town of ?anakkale.
?anakkale/Sel?uk: Set off from ?anakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik and stop by the G-supported C?p(m)adam handicraft coop before travelling south to the town of Sel?uk for the night.
Sel?uk/?zmir: Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world, Temple of Artemis. Back in Sel?uk, take part in a demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the city of Izmir for an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti old bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia.
Konya/Cappadocia: Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening.
Cappadocia: Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city before some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family.
Cappadocia/Istanbul: After an early breafast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group.
Istanbul: Enjoy a full free day to explore Istanbul's many historic sites, vibrant bazaars and incredible restaurants. Head out in the evening for an optional dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers.
Istanbul/Ad?yaman: Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. Settle in for lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam before continuing on to the Mt. Nemrut area. Visit the funerary monument, Karakus, the Cendere bridge, then ascend to the summit of Mt. Nemrut for sunset. Continue on to Adiyaman where you can settle in for the night and enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Ad?yaman/Sanliurfa: After an early breakfast, transfer to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Karahantepe. You'll be welcomed into a local home for lunch before continuing on to the ancient and impressive archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe. Afterwards, transfer to the nearby town of Urfa for the night and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Sanliurfa/Mardin: Travel to Mardin after breakfast this morning. Mardin's old town is protected by UNESCO and is considered to be an open-air museum. Explore the historic limestone architecture and learn about the interesting landmarks throughout. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or time to relax before joining the CEO for an optional dinner in the evening.
Mardin/Van: Settle in for a drive to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Upon arrival to the lakeside town of Gevas, board a boat to Akdamar Island for a CEO-led walk, then head back to your hotel in Van. Enjoy a free evening to end the day.
Van/Kars: Visit the Van Citadel this morning, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. From there transfer to the previous capital of the Republic of Ararat, Dogubeyazit. Explore Ishak Pasha Palace then take in views of Mt. Ararat and across the mountains where the possible resting place of Noah's Ark is said to be located. Continue on to Kars for a brief orientation walk, then settle in for the evening with free time.
Kars: Drive to Ani this morning, known as the city of 1001 churches,. Explore the Ani complex with your CEO, seeing the many religious buildings, palaces and forts before heading back to Kars for a free evening and optional final dinner out with the group.
Kars: Depart at any time.
4.5
15 Reviews
VAQQY made my trip unforgettable! From smooth business class flights to a stunning luxury cruise vacation package, every detail was handled with care. Their personalized luxury vacation packages are perfect for anyone looking to travel in style and comfort. Highly recommend for top-notch service and a truly luxurious experience!
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional service I received from Elli. Her expertise and dedication truly made my trip planning process seamless and enjoyable. She was attentive to every detail, providing valuable insights and recommendations that perfectly matched my preferences. Her responsiveness and willingness to go the extra mile were particularly impressive. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a reliable and outstanding travel agent. Thank you for making my travel experience unforgettable.
Great experience dealing with Aanubhav on my travels to India for the first time. He made the group feel safe and nothing is too much to ask. Really great experience and I look forward to using his services again in the future.
