About Your Trip
Ever dreamt of gliding over Cappadocia in a hot-air balloon? Or getting lost in the Grand Bazaar? On this 12-day journey through Turkey, you’ll do precisely that, and then some. Your adventure begins where two continents collide in a glorious explosion of colour: Istanbul. After discovering the beauty of this cosmopolitan city, you’ll venture out to the traditional capital Ankara and the curious troglodyte dwellings of Cappadocia, plus the wild Taurus Mountains and coastal serenity of Antalya. There’s also time for a food tour of Kadıköy, and the chance to marvel at centuries-old ruins in Hattusas. All of our trips are flightless in destination, with 100% of all carbon emissions offset. It's just part of how we see the world while being good to it.
Trip Highlights
- 1Experience the chaotic wonder of the bazaar and markets of Istanbul
- 2Journey overland across Turkey, stopping at key historical sites
- 3Seize the opportunity for a Cappadocia hot-air balloon ride
- 4Explore secret subterranean hideaways, deep in Cappadocia's volcanic rock
- 5Hike through the Red and Rose valleys
- 6Go river rafting in the Koprulu Canyon National Park
- 7Swim in the turquoise waters off the sunny Antalya coast
What's Included
- Three nights cave hotel accommodation
- Three nights period mansion hotel accommodation
- Five nights premium hotel accommodation
- Private and local transport
- Eleven breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners
- Local Insider
- Arrival airport transfer from either IST or SAW
- Istanbul Old City tour
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Market tour
- Bosphorus ferry cruise
- Istanbul food tour
- Guided Anıtkabir visit
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations visit
- Hattusas and Yazilikaya tour
- Goreme Open-Air Museum tour
- Zelve Valley visit
- Pottery workshop
- Wine tasting
- Kaymakli Underground City tour
- Rose and Red valleys hike
- Mausoleum of Rumi visit
- Mosque of Aladdin visit
- Aspendos amphitheatre and Perge visit
- Antalya Old Harbour walking tour
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from the destination
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Accommodation
With views of the Golden Horn and rooms inspired by old Istanbul, this Radisson Blu is the perfect spot to kick back post exploration. There’s also a modern spa, plus a restaurant with panoramic views over the water – just grab a Turkish coffee if you’re not hungry. End the evening with liquor in the Luna Lounge.
Ankara city centre lies on the doorstep of this plush hotel on Küçükesat Avenue. Plush rooms feature fluffy bathrobes, slippers and flat-screen TVs. Breakfast is served in the dining room – or in your room on request.
Staying in a cave has never been so opulent. Hewn from rock, yet with all the trappings of a modern luxury hotel, Utopia Cave Cappadocia offers a truly unique stay, with traditional hammams, a swimming pool and several terraces from which to savour its one-of-a-kind location.
Just across the street from the Mevlana Cultural Center, you’ll find the Hilton Garden Inn Konya. Classically styled rooms await, but not before you’ve sampled the local raki (a local spirit made from grapes and aniseed) in the bar.
Sitting pretty in the south of Antalya is the breath of fresh air that is Akra Hotel. Rooms are comfortable and contemporary, with lovely views of the city or, if you're lucky, the Mediterranean Sea. Staying in Antalya means two things – beaches and pools – and this hotel has both. Cool off from the summer heat in one of multiple pools, indoor and outdoor options available, or head down to the beautifully designed beach platform area at the bottom of the cliffs – perfect for a warm Mediterranean afternoon.
