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Tailor-Made & Luxury Journeys Across Turkey. Crafted by Experts, Inspired by Culture.

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Tailor-Made & Luxury Journeys Across Turkey. Crafted by Experts, Inspired by Culture.

Cumhuriyet Mh. Çarşı Cd. Likya İş Mrk. No 304 48300 / Fethiye | Mugla - TURKEY

Tailor-Made & Luxury Journeys Across Turkey. Crafted by Experts, Inspired by Culture.

Discover Turkey: A Journey Across Continents, History, and Culture

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  • Discover Turkey: A Journey Across Continents, History, and Culture

From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the mythical ruins of Troy, the marble streets of Ephesus, and the dreamlike landscapes of Cappadocia

The essence of Turkey in one unforgettable journey

Discover Turkey: A Journey Across Continents, History, and Culture

Immerse in ancient civilizations but also experience modern Turkish hospitality sharing meals with local families, relaxing by the Aegean coast, and enjoying authentic flavors of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The program offers the perfect balance: cultural sightseeing, natural wonders, and time at leisure.

Highlights

  • Hagia Sophia, Spice Market, and Grand Bazaar
  • Troy, legendary setting of Homer's Iliad
  • Pergamum and the Asclepion
  • Optional excursion to Ephesus
  • Pamukkale’s Cotton Castle terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis
  • Mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi in Konya
  • Optional hot air balloon rides and underground cities in Cappadocia
  • Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Ataturk’s Mausoleum in Ankara

Included

  • Hotel accommodation for 12 nights
  • Transportation by A/C non-smoking deluxe vehicle for transfers and touring mentioned on the itinerary
  • Services of English speaking professional local tour guide throughout
  • All entry fees to the sites & museum
  • Bottled water during the touring days (1 bottle per person / per day)
  • Tips to the hotel and restaurants
  • All taxes and service charges 

Excluded

  • Drinks and meals which are not listed on the itinerary
  • All personal expenses
  • Tips to the tour guide and driver
  • Internatıonal flights

Arrive in Istanbul, a city that bridges two continents, Europe and Asia. Transfer to your hotel and settle in. The balance of the day is at leisure to rest or begin exploring on your own. In the evening, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers during an orientation meeting at around 7:30 PM. We recommend selecting flights arriving by 4:00 PM to allow comfortable transfer and check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.

Begin your day in the heart of Istanbul’s historic district. Visit Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Dem Museum, an innovative space where history and technology blend. Stroll through the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine sporting and political life, and immerse yourself in the exotic fragrances of the Spice Market. After some time at leisure, consider joining the optional Bosphorus Cruise, offering spectacular views of palaces, villages, and suspension bridges that connect two continents. End your day at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, home to thousands of shops. Overnight in Istanbul. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Depart Istanbul and drive toward Çanakkale, with a stop at the legendary city of Troy. Explore the archaeological remains of this fabled city, immortalized in Homer’s Iliad, and learn about its pivotal role in myth and history. Continue to Çanakkale, a lively city on the Dardanelles, and check into your hotel. Enjoy dinner and free time in the evening. Overnight in Çanakkale. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Head south to the ancient city of Pergamum, once a major cultural and political hub of the Hellenistic world. Visit the Asclepion, a healing sanctuary and one of the earliest known medical centers of antiquity. After free time for lunch, continue to the coastal town of Kuşadası, where your hotel awaits. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight in Kuşadası. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Spend the day at leisure in Kusadasi, enjoying its seaside charm. Alternatively, join the optional full-day excursion to Ephesus, one of the best preserved classical cities in the world. Walk through marble paved streets and admire the Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, and the impressive Library of Celsus. Visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final residence. Return to Kuşadası for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Kuşadası. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Travel inland to Pamukkale, also known as the “Cotton Castle,” famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces formed by mineral rich hot springs. Visit the expansive Necropolis and the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, where Romans once came for healing and relaxation. Check into your hotel nearby and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Pamukkale. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Journey to Konya, renowned for its Seljuk architecture and spiritual heritage. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, with its striking turquoise dome, dedicated to the great Sufi poet Rumi. Discover his teachings, which shaped the Mevlevi Order of Whirling Dervishes. Later, return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight in Konya. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

On the way to Cappadocia, stop at the Caravanserai of Sultanhan, the largest and most impressive medieval caravanserai in Turkey. This Seljuk structure once served merchants traveling the Silk Road. Continue to visit a local family for a home hosted lunch, offering an authentic look into daily Anatolian life. Arrive in Cappadocia and settle into your hotel before dinner. Overnight in Cappadocia. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Awake before dawn for an optional hot air balloon ride, floating above the fairy chimneys and valleys of Cappadocia. Later, enjoy free time or join the optional full day tour, including visits to a carpet weaving atelier, the Göreme Open Air Museum, and the Ozkonak Underground City, an ancient refuge carved into the earth. Dinner will be at your hotel.
Overnight in Cappadocia. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Depart Cappadocia, stopping in Avanos, a town renowned for its pottery traditions. Arrive in Ankara, the modern capital of Turkey, and visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years. Then proceed to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, final resting place of the founder of modern Turkey. Evening free at leisure.
Overnight in Ankara. Meals: Breakfast.

Travel back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps revisit the Grand Bazaar, stroll along Istiklal Avenue, or relax in a café. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your Tour Manager and group. Overnight in Istanbul. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Before you book you should know

Is this trip right for you?

This trip is aboard a traditional Turkish gullet (a traditional wooden Turkish motor sailing boat). All cabins will have ensuite bathrooms and you’ll stay in a mixture of twin share and double bed cabins, all on the same deck. It’s recommended that you pack light, as cabins are cosy.

All cabins will experience a light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when you drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

A good swimming ability is essential on this trip to enjoy all activities.

Many meals are included onboard the boat. Where meals are not included, you’ll have time on land in beachside towns and resort towns for optional meals.

Some activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. You’ll be visiting ancient sites and historical places, and at times you may be walking on uneven ground in hot conditions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your local leader.

If you’re travelling with your own group of friends or family and would like to book a private departure on this sailing trip, our Tailor-Made team will be happy to help: https://www.ontheroad.travel/tailor-made-tours.php


Notes

  • A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability

Tailor-Made & Luxury Journeys Across Turkey. Crafted by Experts, Inspired by Culture.