Sail the turquoise coast, see mystical Cappadocia, swim in the mineral waters of Pamukkale, and journey through jaw-dropping scenery.
Turkey is where Europe meets Asia, where the Ottoman Empire flourished, and where Santa Claus was immortalised. It’s every traveller’s dream destination. Sail the clear turquoise coast in a traditional Turkish gulet boat, inspect the crumbling remains of ancient Greek cities, and journey through the most jaw-dropping natural wonders that humankind has ever known. Take this trip and discover the epic treasures of this incredible country.
We spend 15 days exploring Turkey. We visit Istanbul, Çanakkale, Selçuk, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Gulf of Fethiye, Kaş, Antalya, Cappadocia.
What Is Included...
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Your legendary Busabout guide
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Your fantastic local driver
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14 nights’ accommodation
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14 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
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All coach transport
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Orientation walks of the site of Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus and Aphrodisias
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Goreme open
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air museum with guided valley walk
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Cappadocia underground city entrance and tour
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Guided Gallipoli tour
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Entrance fees to Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale and Sultanhani
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Pottery making display
Trip Highlights
- See the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia
- Experience ANZAC Cove
- Swim in the cotton candy tiers in Pamukkale
Trip Departures
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in place globally, we will not be running any trips in 2021. Get more information on why this decision was made or see below for similar trips being run by our sister brands, Contiki and CostSaver.
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15 Day Itinerary
Ultimate Turkey Adventure 15 day full itinerary breakdown and route map
- Day 1 Istanbul, Gallipoli and Canakkale
- Day 2 Canakkale, Troy, Pergamon and Selcuk
- Day 3 Selcuk to Ephesus to Kusadasi to Selcuk
- Day 4 Selcuk to Pamukkale
- Day 5 Pamukkale to Fethiye
- Day 6 The 12 Islands
- Day 7 Firnaz Bay to Fethiye
- Day 8 Fethiye to Saklikent Gorge to Kas
- Day 9 Kas
- Day 10 Kas to Antalya
- Day 11 Antalya to Cappadocia
- Day 12 Cappadocia
- Day 13 Cappadocia
- Day 14 Cappadocia to Istanbul
- Day 15 Istanbul
Istanbul, Gallipoli and Canakkale
The countdown is finally over and your adventure is about to begin! We kick start the trip this morning as we depart Istanbul aboard our comfy coach, and begin our journey to the moving Gallipoli peninsula. We arrive to Eceabat around lunchtime. There’s plenty to see, as the town is located near a WWI battlefield. Get fuelled up with some tasty local delicacies for lunch, then embark on a comprehensive guided tour, which will cover the deep history of this incredible location. We then catch a ferry for a short trip to Canakkale, and this evening your awesome Busabout guide will take you out for a delicious traditional dinner and some drinks with your new travel buddies.
Canakkale, Troy, Pergamon and Selcuk
We journey onwards today to the ancient city of Troy. Upon arrival we’ll have a guided walk of the site and enjoy the tales of an ancient siege that beset these walls when the Spartan king’s wife, Helen, ran off with another man… scandalous! We continue our journey along the stunning Aegean coastline and have a lunch stop en route to Pergamon. Upon arrival we head up to the Acropolis for a guided tour and some free time to explore at your own pace. Make the most of this time, as it’s not every day you get to stand in the ruins of a site so old it is mentioned in the Book of Revelation! - Breakfast included
Selcuk to Ephesus to Kusadasi to Selcuk
Make sure you eat your delicious Turkish breakfast this morning and fuel up for the half-day tour to Ephesus! An ancient Greco-Roman city, Ephesus has a rich history that your guide will bring to life on an orientation walk of the area. Soak up your surroundings and make the most of this truly once in a lifetime experience! This afternoon you have the option to visit a local hammam, or Turkish bath, so enjoy a soak! This evening your fantastic Busabout guide will accompany you into the resort town of Kusadasi for a delicious dinner and some drinks in a gorgeous coastal setting before a short drive back to our accommodations in Selcuk. - Breakfast included
Selcuk to Pamukkale
This morning we begin our journey inland towards our next stop, Aphrodisias. Yes, the name of the city was dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite! Your guide will take you around and show you all the best highlights such as the columns of Aphrodite’s Temple, the massive stadium, the Monumental Gates, and the Odeon. After we’ve explored properly, we’ll stop for a delicious local lunch and continue our journey to the breathtaking Pamukkale. When we arrive, your Busabout guide will take you on an orientation walk and up to a viewpoint. Pamukkale or “cotton castle” got its name due to the layers of white travertine deposits caused by the springs. This is your chance to enjoy a revitalizing swim in the mineral rich waters! You can grab a bite to eat in these enchanting surroundings before we head back to our hotel for this evening. - Breakfast included
Pamukkale to Fethiye
Yep, it’s time to make our way to the stunning coastal city of Fethiye! We’ll arrive just in time for you to grab a delicious local lunch and explore your heart out. Visit the ancient Lycian tombs, pick up those souvenirs, or relax in one of the many charming local cafes. Later this afternoon we check-in to our traditional Turkish gulet and begin our adventure at sea! Get excited as we hoist anchor and set sail for Samanlik Bay, with a refreshing swim in the Aegean’s welcoming waters. This evening we enjoy a dinner out at sea so take in the scenery under the stars, and prepare for a day of island hopping to come. This is paradise. - Breakfast and dinner included
The 12 Islands
This morning we’ll be setting sail and plotting a course for Yassica Island, where you’ll be able to enjoy the waters with some secluded swimming and snorkelling. Dive in, it’s time to make a splash! When you’re feeling refreshed after our swim stop, we’ll get those legs moving and explore Cleopatra’s Bath and go for an optional hike up to see some spectacular views over the bay. Spend the rest of the day on-board relaxing, swimming and soaking up the warm sun. We’ll have another delicious dinner on-board tonight before an evening of fun and games. - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Firnaz Bay to Fethiye
Today we’ll cruise to Red Island for a swim stop and to do a little more exploring! After another tasty lunch we make port in Fethiye with plenty of time to wander the bustling town this afternoon. Tonight, we’ll enjoy our dinner on-board the gulet before going out exploring the city’s eclectic nightlife. Let’s get the party started! - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Fethiye to Saklikent Gorge to Kas
We depart from the Aegean city of Fethiye on our scenic meander to Kas. Our first stop for the day is at the Saklikent National Park to see the canyon up close on an optional gorge walk, and grab a bite to eat before departing for our penultimate stop for the day: a swim in the crystal blue waters of Kaputas! After our swim stop, we arrive to the coastal town of Kas. Join your guide this evening for a walk into town to enjoy a delicious local dinner before heading back to the hotel to relax. If you’ve still got energy flowing, head out into the fresh sea breeze to explore the nightlife of this coastal gem! - Breakfast included
Kas
This is your day to take in all the wonders of Kas! Take your time to explore and navigate the town’s quirky stores and cafes, before heading to the ancient ruins located around town. Check out the Lycian tombs and the Greco-Roman amphitheatre. Alternatively, spend the day soaking up the sun on one of the many beautiful beaches in the area, or join in on the fun with some adrenaline pumping water sports. Tonight, head out for an unforgettable dinner where you can feast on some of the freshest seafood on the Turquoise Coast! - Breakfast included
Kas to Antalya
This morning we say farewell to Kas, as we head towards the bustling coastal metropolis of Antalya. Upon arrival you can grab some lunch, then enjoy the entire afternoon exploring the city sights. Take a load off and stretch out on the white sands of Konyaalti beach, pick up some souvenirs, explore the incredible stonewalls of the Old Town of Kaleici and take some snaps of Hadrian’s Gate. This evening it’s your opportunity to get out and experience the vibrant Turkish nightlife in this sparkling seaside city. It’s time to make some memories! - Breakfast included
Antalya to Cappadocia
We’re sure you’ve been eagerly awaiting our destination today––the famous Cappadocia! We’ll stop in Konya to visit Mevlana, the ornate resting place of influential Muslim philosopher Celaleddin Rumi, where you will have your first experience of Seljuk culture and see the dervish of the Sufi order. As we continue on our way, we’ll have a stop at Sultanhani, just as caravans on the Silk Road have since the Middle Ages. Sultanhani was the original roadside motel and has many stories to share, so stay a while and listen. Later on we’ll arrive at our cave hotel, and tonight your guide will take you out for a local feast before you retire for the night in style. Make sure you get some rest for another epic day of exploring tomorrow! - Breakfast included
Cappadocia
Today we head out on a tour of Cappadocia’s highlights. You’ll get to tick off the ancient underground city and Love Valley, to explore the rocky spires of the fairy chimneys. We have a photo stop in Cavusin featuring its spectacular rock castle. When our stomachs start to rumble we’ll have a lunch stop in Goreme where you can grab some tasty local food, and have plenty of time to wander. Later on we’ll stop at Pigeon Valley and the Goreme open-air museum, before heading back to the hotel. Join your guide tonight for a local feast and some drinks with the group. - Breakfast included
Cappadocia
Let’s get moving! It’s time to delve a little deeper and check out Cappadocia’s hidden gems today. Explore secluded valleys, discover ancient churches, see the cave systems, and visit a traditional Cappadocian house that is home to ancient relics, thousands of years old. This afternoon we’ll head back to our digs where you relax with a dip in the pool, catch up on some rest and soak up the sun. This evening we have an optional Turkish cultural experience that you really won’t want to miss. This event features the mesmerising dancing of the whirling dervishes and, of course, belly dancing. - Breakfast included
Cappadocia to Istanbul
The last full day of our adventure has come, so we’d better make the most of it! We depart early this morning to make our way to Istanbul. Relax on-board the coach and let the gorgeous scenery roll by, as we make our way to our photo stop at Lake Tuz. This is the second largest lake in the country and one of the largest salt lakes in the world! Go for a wander and check out the mineral-rich shores before we continue the last leg of the trip to Istanbul. We arrive at our final destination this evening to check-in to our accommodation, and tonight we’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner together. Let your guide familiarise you with the best sights, and enjoy a couple of drinks while debriefing this incredible journey with your new friends. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy this fantastic city, so make sure you see out the trip with a bang! - Breakfast included
Istanbul
Check-out is after breakfast. We hope to see you again! - Breakfast included