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From $1,869

Highlights of Turkey

8 days, 7 nights Türkiye
View departure dates
  • Tour code

    TURADV02

  • Start

    Istanbul

  • End

    Istanbul

  • Min. age

    16 years old

  • Group size

    6-16 persons

  • Trip style

    Classic

  • Trip pace

    Active

  • Language

    English

Experience the best of Turkey on this immersive eight-day journey, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes collide. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the fairy-tale terrain of Cappadocia, this adventure offers a perfect blend of iconic sights and authentic local experiences.

What you will see and do

Explore Turkey’s legendary history with visits to Troy, Ephesus, Gallipoli, and the ancient underground city of Kaymakli.

Explore Turkey’s legendary history with visits to Troy, Ephesus, Gallipoli, and the ancient underground city of Kaymakli.

Discover the surreal beauty of Cappadocia with fairy chimneys, scenic viewpoints, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Discover the surreal beauty of Cappadocia with fairy chimneys, scenic viewpoints, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Immerse yourself in authentic Turkish culture through bustling bazaars, traditional cuisine, street food, and local family dinners.

Immerse yourself in authentic Turkish culture through bustling bazaars, traditional cuisine, street food, and local family dinners.

What's included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary

Accommodations in double rooms

Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip

One farewell group lunch or dinner

Max 20 travellers per group

Arrival and departure airport transfers

Group transportation

Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you'd prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

Group itinerary

Arrive in Istanbul at any time and settle into your accommodations. In the evening, meet your Soca Islands tour guide and fellow travelers at the welcome meeting. Wrap up the night with an optional group dinner, followed by a stroll through Istanbul’s historic square to see iconic monuments beautifully illuminated after dark.

Journey east to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of key sites, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. After exploring this historic battlefield, continue to the charming harbor town of Çanakkale for an overnight stay.

Depart Çanakkale and explore the legendary ruins of Troy. On the way south, stop in Ayvalik to visit the G-supported Çöp(m)adam handicraft cooperative, then continue to the town of Selçuk for the evening

Start the day exploring the ancient city of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Back in Selçuk, join a hands-on demonstration of how to make traditional Turkish pide (flatbread) and enjoy your creation for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Izmir for an orientation walk through the historic Kemeralti Bazaar before boarding an overnight train to Cappadocia.

Disembark in Konya for breakfast at a local restaurant and visit the Mevlana Museum. Then continue by private vehicle to the magical Cappadocia region. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint. In the evening, join an optional group dinner to soak up the local flavors.

Spend a full day exploring Cappadocia’s surreal landscape. Hike among the iconic fairy chimneys, stop at scenic viewpoints for photos, and tour the massive Kaymakli underground city. The afternoon is free for independent exploration or relaxation at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a cultural experience with a local family over dinner.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring more of the city, sampling street food, or relaxing at a café. Optional group dinner available for your last night in Istanbul.

Depart Istanbul at any time, bringing home memories of Turkey’s history, landscapes, and culture.

Tour FAQS

Fly into and out of Istanbul Airport (IST).

Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.

While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

  1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
  2. Up-to-date medical advice:
    • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
    • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
    • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.

    We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.

    Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.

    Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.

    While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

    1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
    2. Up-to-date medical advice:
      • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
      • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
      • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

    3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.

    We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

    Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.

    Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.

    Would you like to learn more or customise our Highlights of Turkey trip?

    Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.

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