Best Of Turkey

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Istanbul)

Destinations visited: Turkey, Istanbul, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,595

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Description

Explore the mysterious land of the Ottomans Intrepid-style. Marvel at Mehmet Aga's masterpiece, the Blue Mosque, and bargain for trinkets in Istanbul's massive Grand Bazaar. Try delicious Turkish snacks, be mesmerised by the Whirling Dervishes and discover the underwater treasures of the Mediterranean on a relaxing boat cruise. From the laneways of ancient Ephesus to the bizarre landscapes of Cappadocia - take the plunge and discover a unique travel adventure waiting for you in Turkey.

Highlights

Discover lesser known sights on an Istanbul city walking tour.
Visit Konya.
home to the mesmerising Whirling Dervishes.
Explore the ruins of Ephesus.
Soak away worries in the Hierapolis hot springs.
Taste traditional Turkish fruit wines.
Admire the travertine pools of Pamukkale.
Trek along part of the Lycian Way.
Sail over a sunken city on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.
Enjoy a home-cooked meal with a Cappadocian family.
Travel across the Turkish plains to the Anatolian Steppe.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Istanbul

Kickstart the adventure by checking out some lesser-known sights of Istanbul city on an orientation walk. In free time, why not drop by the famed Topkapi Palace, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts or head underground to see the eerie Basilica Cistern.

Day 3 Bursa

Depart Istanbul and travel to Bursa. Relax in a traditional Turkish bath, stop by a local teahouse, nosh on a hearty iskender - the local style of kebab - or explore the bazaar in this former capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the evening, visit a Dervish lodge and be treated to a mesmerising sema performance.

Days 4-5 Selcuk

Allow history to come alive while strolling through ancient Ephesus, the former capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Learn how to make delicious gozleme and taste aromatic fruit wine in Sirince. In free time, perhaps take a walk through the Ephesus Museum to uncover myths of the Roman Empire or take a look inside the Basilica of St John.

Day 6 Pamukkale

See the fascinating, chalky terraces of Pamukkale and take the opportunity to bathe in the healing thermal waters of the nearby hot springs. While here, maybe delve further into local history with a vist to the Hierapolis Museum.

Days 7-8 Kayakoy

Discover ghost houses or play backgammon and sip tea with the locals in Kayakoy. Set out on a half-day trek along the rugged coastline of the Lycian Way, and cool off with a dip in the beautiful Oludeniz lagoon.

Days 9-10 Kas / Boat Cruise / Kas

Travel to Kas and cast away on a cruise along Turkey's Mediterranean coastline, which boasts shimmering crystal waters, an ancient sunken city and mysterious Lycian tombs. Drift off to sleep under a blanket of stars. Back on dry land, spend time appreciating the distinctively Mediterranean feel of Kas.

Day 11 Konya

Move away from the coastline and travel to the plains of the Anatolian Steppe. Stop to take a walk through a unique Cappadocian valley. Then, arrive in Konya, a city intimately connected with the Whirling Dervish sect of Islam and boasting a large student population. Learn more about the Dervishes on an optional visit to Mevlana Museum or get lost amid the commotion of the local bazaar.

Days 12-14 Goreme

Be astounded by the quirky rock formations of Cappadocia, which jut from the ground like mushroom-shaped fairy houses. Why not take in this surreal landscape from a unique vantage point - floating over the region in a hot air balloon - or head below into one of Goreme's underground cities. Afterwards, be treated to warm Turkish hospitality while breaking bread with a local family in their home.

Day 15 Istanbul

Travel overnight back to Istanbul where the call to prayer echoes over the cobbled streets. Perhaps visit a traditional hamam, be wowed by the intricate detail of the Blue Mosque or take a boat cruise on the mighty Bosphorus.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts), Pension (2 nts), Overnight boat (1 nt), Overnight bus (1 nt)

Transport

Private Bus, Bus, Ferry, Taxi, Dolmus, Gulet, Overnight bus

Budget

Allow EUR €250 for meals not included.

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from USD$1,595

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