Museum Of Turkish Calligraphic Art Leyla Seyhanli

Turkey Experience

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$2,140

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Description

Float over sunken cities, discover surreal mountainous landscapes and journey through crumbling ghost towns on this 15-day foray into Turkey. Travel to ancient cultural sites and lose yourself in the magic of the Ottoman Empire, sample traditional delicacies sourced from land and sea, and pay a visit to a local family in Cappadocia. Enjoy a boat cruise on the Mediterranean, hike the Lycian Way and drink fruit wine in a town that time forgot - this Turkey Experience will surely captivate.

Highlights

Admire the majestic Blue Mosque .
Marvel at the grand skyline of Istanbul.
Travel to Goreme and discover mysterious fairy chimneys.
Delight in Cappadocia's rock-hewn buildings.
Sail over a sunken city on the Mediterranean.
Get swept up in colourful bazaars and narrow streets in Konya .
Wander along the ancient Lycian Way.
Visit Turkey's best-preserved Roman ruins at Ephesus.
Immerse weary feet into Pamukkale's thermal waters.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Istanbul/Goreme

Step into a magical world of labyrinthine bazaars and mysterious mosques. Discover hidden gems with a walk down the backstreets of eclectic Istanbul city. Delight in the Islamic architecture of the Blue Mosque, regarded as the finest mosque on the planet, and perhaps get steamy in a hamam.

Days 3-4 Goreme

Work up an appetite exploring rock-hewn churches, unusual cave homes and dreamlike valleys with evocative names like the Valley of Love. Then wander through the World Heritage-listed Open Air Museum to spy beautiful religious frescoes before joining a local family for a traditional Turkish feast.

Day 5 Konya

Make tracks to Konya, home to one of the largest universities in the country. While here, perhaps visit the shrine of the great mystic Rumi, the incredible Mevlana Museum or explore a tangle of streets packed with colourful shops and flamboyant sellers.

Days 6-7 Antalya

Admire historic houses and soak up an old-world atmosphere while walking around Kaleici. While here, be sure to check out the ancient Roman Harbour. Or, if feeling adventurous, head out to one of the nearby ancient Hellenistic cities for further explorations or wander through Karaalioglu Parki.

Days 8-9 Kas

Travel to the idyllic coastal town of Kas - a great base for enjoying the Mediterranean. Cruise around nearby islands, dive into the sea from one of the waterfront restaurants that have their own private water access or glide over a sunken city for a somewhat unusual experience.

Days 10-11 Kayakoy

Discover the abandoned Greek houses of Kayakoy. Enjoy a glass of tea and game of backgammon in the tree-lined village square, have a haircut at the local barber shop or perhaps set sail on a boat cruise in Butterfly Valley. Then, take a day trip to picture-perfect Oludeniz and swim in its Blue Lagoon.

Days 12-13 Selcuk via Pamukkale

Marvel at the gleaming, chalky terraces of Pamukkale, which have fascinated travellers for centuries. Take in their immense natural beauty before venturing to Hierapolis to wile away time in the thermal hot springs. Work up a thirst exploring Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey, before learning to make cheesy gozleme in a cooking demonstration. Then, join a fruit wine tasting and continue to absorb the laidback vibe of Selcuk.

Days 14-15 Istanbul

End the adventure back where it all began. Perhaps cap off this memorable journey by getting a taste of the famed Istanbul nightlife, or take a more cultured approach by visiting the resplendant Aya Sofya, the expansive Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the heaving Grand Bazaar or maybe head back to the hamam for a relaxing massage.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts)

Transport

Arrival transfer, Plane

Budget

Allow EUR €300 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,140

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