Dive deep into Turkey’s most iconic treasures on this unforgettable eight-day adventure, packed with rich history, jaw-dropping landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. Wander through the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus, delve into the mysterious underground city of Kaymakli, and explore Cappadocia’s surreal, otherworldly terrain. Top it all off with a cozy dinner with a local family for a true taste of Turkish hospitality. Starting and ending in the vibrant streets of Istanbul, this trip will leave you craving more of Turkey’s magic.
Hotels (6 nts), Overnight Train (1 nt).
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Allow USD145-190 for meals not included.
Private vehicle, ferry, train, plane, 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: Depart at any time.