Compare Turkey Backroads by Intrepid Travel vs Historic Turkey Tour by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 502 | $ 5,675 |
| Price Per Day | $ 100 | $ 631 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Set out on a five-day trip through Turkey, packed full of ancient monuments and local moments. Wander through Turkey's capital of Ankara, learn about the country's deep history, explore the Mausoleum of Atatürk and then roam around the picturesque streets of Eskişehir, enjoying a gondola ride on the Porsuk river. Stroll the lively streets of Istanbul with your local leader and let them show you where to get the best islak burger in town. This trip is designed so that even if you’re short on time, you can explore the backroads of Turkey and uncover all the good stuff. |
Visiting highlights such as the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Visit Dolmabahce Palace, the Chora Museum and the Spice Market, before embarking on a cruise along the Bosphorus. Visit Dolmabahce Palace, the Chora Museum and the Spice Market, before embarking on a cruise along the Bosphorus. |
Day 1 Cappadocia/Ankara
Gunaydin! Your trip begins bright and early at 8.30 am with a welcome meeting in Cappadocia. Once the formalities are out of the way, we'll make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage – Hattusa Ancient Site. This site is the former capital of the Hittite Empire, known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences. You'll have time to explore the site with your local leader and discover the Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya before we make our way to Ankara for the evening.
Day 2 Ankara
After breakfast this morning, you'll enjoy an orientation walk through the city with your locally based leader. First up, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic. Then we'll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations where you'll be guided through the deep history of Turkey. Finally, we’ll visit the Castle of Ankara and our last stop will be the Haci Bayram Mosque which is located next to the temple of Augustus from Roman era. "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" (The Works of the Deified Augustus) was written on the walls of the Ankara Augustus-Roman Temple in two languages and painted red. You'll enjoy a stop at a traditional local spot for lunch, your leader will guide you in choosing the best delicacies to try. The afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish.
Day 3 Eskisehir
After breakfast this morning, you'll take a fast train to Eskisehir. Drop your bags at the hotel and hit the street to start exploring this fascinating city. First stop – Eskisehir Odunpazari Village, where you can wander the quaint and colourful houses. For lunch, head to a local restaurant run by four sisters and their mother for a cooking demonstration. You’ll make ci borek, a traditional Turkish dish made from thin dough layers filled with ground meat, onions, and spices. Learn how to prepare the filling and dough before the chefs cook up and serve your flavoursome creations. In the afternoon, you might like to visit one of the many museums in the area or jump on a short gondola along the Porsuk River.
Day 4 Istanbul
After breakfast this morning, we'll depart on a train bound for Istanbul. This afternoon, your tour leader will introduce you to the lively Taksim district, the beating heart of modern Istanbul. Walk across the Golden Horn in view of the medieval Galata Tower. Board one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, operating since 1875, for the short journey 500 metres to Taksim. Alight at Istiklal Caddesi, arguably the city’s most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, and take a walk among the local people who call this city home. Try an islak burger (a burger drenched in sauce) and visit a hidden local coffee house. Maybe stay with your travel companions for an optional celebratory dinner and take advantage of the late-night entertainment.
Day 5 Istanbul
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation any time after breakfast. If you plan to stay on to see all Istanbul has to offer – which is highly recommended – we are happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking to see if this is an option.
Day 1: Istanbul
Accommodation: Levni Hotel
Upon arrival into Istanbul, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your centrally located hotel.
Day 2: Istanbul
Accommodation: Levni Hotel
Embark on a full day tour of the city with your guide today, visiting highlights such as the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
Day 3: Istanbul
Accommodation: Levni Hotel
Another day with your guide, today you'll visit Dolmabahce Palace, the Chora Museum and the Spice Market, before embarking on a cruise along the Bosphorus.
Day 4: Çanakkale
Accommodation: Limani Hotel
Today you leave Istanbul and travel out towards the Gallipoli Peninsula. Here you'll visit some of the battlefields and memorials with your guide, before continuing over the Dardanelles to Canakkale, where you stay tonight.
Day 5: Alaçati
Accommodation: Bey Evi Otel
You'll travel on to Pergamon today, visiting its ancient Acropolis and Asclepion. Continue on to the pretty seaside town of Alacati.
Day 6: Alaçati
Accommodation: Bey Evi Otel
Today you embark on a day trip to the spectacular ancient ruined city of Ephesus, before returning to Alacati in the evening.
Day 7: Alaçati
Accommodation: Bey Evi Otel
The day is at your leisure to explore at your own pace. Wandering the streets of Alacati is a pleasant way to spend your time, enjoying the cafes, boutique shops and chaotic antique stores dotted about town.
Day 8: Alaçati
Accommodation: Bey Evi Otel
Another day at your leisure. The Cesme Peninsula has several beaches which, although aren't idea for sunbathing due to strong winds, have some lovely walks as well as great views across the water.
Day 9: Return home
Drive to Izmir today, to catch a flight back to Istanbul. Here, you'll board your return flight home.
