Turkey: Coastlines & Cappadocia

15 days, Istanbul to Istanbul

White cliffs and bright blue travertines (limestone pools) of Pammukkale and the glimmering Blue Mosque, experience the best of Turkey's historical highlights and natural wonders in one incredible tour. Begin your trip roaming the palaces of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre underground cities and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Stick to public bus and budget accommodation, which not only keeps costs down but gives you a chance to really meet the locals. From the ancient Roman streets of Ephesus to bustling bazaars, follow your curiosity and spend 15 days discovering the culture and natural beauty of this fascinating region.

15 days

Istanbul to Istanbul

From$1199USD

was $1599

Valid on Jun 1 2024

Trip Code: ETTO

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 18, avg 12.

Age requirement: 18-39

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Alternative Trips

Not 18-to-39? Give "Absolute Turkey" a try instead.

15 days

Istanbul to Istanbul

From$1199USD

was $1599

Valid on Jun 1 2024

Trip Code: ETTO

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 15

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 99

Map of the route for Turkey: Coastlines & Cappadocia

Places visited

Turkey

Itinerary

Day 1Istanbul

Arrive at any time.

Shake off that jet lag and prepare for an evening buzzing with excitement. Head out with your group and CEO for drinks at a favourite local spot. After, feel free to do some exploring in the area on your own or with some fellow travellers. Kick-off your adventure in Istanbul with lively music, and a healthy dose of fun.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group|Connect With New Friends

Day 2Istanbul/Ankara

View the sights of Istanbul on an orientation walk with the CEO before travelling by bus to Ankara. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure after checking into the hotel.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Ankara/Cappadocia

After breakfast, visit Ataturk’s Mausoleum before setting off for the Cappadocia region. Make a stop on the way at Salt Lake, the second-largest lake in Turkey and enjoy the rest of the day to relax or to choose from some of the many optional activities available.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Göreme

Enjoy some free time this morning. Opt to take part in a Hot Air Balloon excursion before touring the region and visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum. Explore the unique Open Air Museum, a site made up of a number of medieval painted cave churches. Carved by Orthodox monks, many of the churches are up to 1,000 years old and still retain their amazing colour and vibrancy.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Overnight bus from Göreme to Olympos

Enjoy more free time to explore beautiful Cappadocia. If interested, your CEO can arrange an optional tour to explore different areas of this vast area. Opt for a soak in a Turkish Bath before your overnight bus to Antalya.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Olympos

Upon arrival to Antalya, continue to the village of Olympos on the Mediterranean coast. Relax and enjoy the beaches of Olympos. Opt to set off on a walk to see the flames of Mount Olympos at night.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Olympos/Kekova

Continue to the beautiful coastal village of Kekova and spend the afternoon onboard a boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before disembarking the boat and driving to our hotel for the evening.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 8Kekova/Fethiye

From Ucagiz continue exploring the Turquoise Coast to the coastal town of Fethiye.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Fethiye

Enjoy free time to explore Fethiye. Opt for a boat trip to it's near-shore islands, hike to Oludeniz lagoon or visit Butterfly valley.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Fethiye/Pamukkale

On arrival to Pamukkale visit the beautiful white cliffs of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ancient site of Hierapolis.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Pamukkale/Selçuk

Head back to the coastal town of Selçuk. In the late afternoon visit one of the best preserved sites, Ephesus.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Selçuk

Enjoy free time for an optional traditional Selcuk cooking class.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Selçuk/Çanakkale

Travel north to Canakkale and visit the Legendary Troy en route.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Çanakkale/Istanbul

In the morning, option to visit Gallipoli Peninsula before driving to the big city for one last night with the group.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Istanbul

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast

View full itinerary

What's Included

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: Istanbul
Orientation walk of Istanbul
Afternoon boat trip with dinner (Aegean Sea)
Göreme Open Air Museum Visit
Visit to Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis
Visit to Ephesus
Visit to Troy
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Simple hotels (13 nts), overnight buses (1 nt).

Meals

14 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Allow USD235-305 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private bus, boat, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise - From $90.00

Go even deeper into Istanbul, discovering diverse and lesser-visited districts with your CEO, and some of the best photography spots in the city! Today we will walk along the ancient Constantinople city walls; see Tekfur Palace(the Blaherne Palace) which has got thick walls adjacent to the landwalls ; stroll through the photogenic Fener (Greek) and Balat (Jewish) districts, known for their colourful wooden houses; enjoy lunch together; and cruise the Bosphorus Strait for stunning views of Ottoman palaces and the city skyline. Please note: this is a full day (6+ hours) day excursion. Lunch is included. Your CEO will collect you from the hotel lobby at 9am. Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and modest clothing/coverings for shoulders and upper legs for visiting religious sites.

Selçuk Cooking Class - From $27.00

Visit the one of restaurants of Selçuk and learn to cook a delicious traditional meal. Starting at the local market, you will learn about the fresh ingredients needed to create an appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert! After creating your meal (with potential vegetarian options), sit down and share with the rest of the class.