Compare Turkey Encompassed by Intrepid Travel vs Turkey Blue Cruises - 12 Days by Tour Altinkum Travel

Day 1 Istanbul

Hosgeldiniz! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home. Meet your leader and fellow travellers at a 6 pm welcome meeting and after, maybe head out together to seek out some tasty Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe.

Day 2 Beypazari

Kickstart the day with a leisurely guided walk and discover some of Istanbul’s most revered sites. Visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque and learn more about its one-of-a-kind architecture, with its six minarets and 20,000 dazzling handmade Iznik tiles. Next, head to the ancient Hippodrome, with and marvel at the intriguing monuments, like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Later this morning, travel by private vehicle to the beautiful rural town of Beypazari. The town's historic houses and welcoming community reflects the essence of Turkish culture. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore the streets of this quaint town.

Day 3 Goreme

Spend your morning visiting the Living Museum of Beypazari, which offers re-enactments and interactive experiences that will serve you a deeper understanding of traditional Turkish folk culture. Afterward, drive onwards to Goreme in Cappadocia. Goreme lies in a beautifully diverse landscape of cones, needles and columns, fashioned by nature from the soft volcanic tuff rock. Its unique, honeycombed terrain consists of a network of caves, scooped out to make churches and dwellings, known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people in this region lived on the land, but in times of war, they took to living underground. With no activities planned for the rest of the day, you’re free to explore this intriguing town at your own pace.

Day 4 Goreme

This morning you have the option to take a hot air balloon flight, a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch on as the sun illuminates the skyline dotted with balloons. Even if you'd prefer not to take a flight, it's still worth waking up for this truly incredible sight. Later in the morning, head out to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex and Christian sanctuary of carved houses, churches and monasteries. The museum was one of the earliest centres for religious education and there are at least ten churches and chapels in the complex, dating between AD 900 and 1200. Enter the cave chapels and witness the exquisite colour of the biblical frescoes found within. The Dark Church has a particularly stunning interior, which you may choose to visit at an additional cost. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish - perhaps consider a sunset hike, ask your leader for the best places.

Day 5 Goreme

After breakfast this morning, take a walk through the surrounding valleys and discover the fascinating rock formations and fairy chimneys, as well as manmade cave chapels from early Christian times. Be warmly welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a local woman who will prepare a special home-cooked lunch for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and perhaps top off the meal with some local Turkish delight. Continue your explorations at the red river of Cappadocia – famous for its clay which is still used to make magnificent pieces of art. Meet a local potter and learn about this ancient craft and perhaps take the opportunity to purchase a hand-crafted souvenir. Continue your journey into the valleys of Cappadocia, stopping at Devrent Valley and Pasabag Valley. After a day of exploration, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 6 Konya

Spend your last morning in Cappadocia exploring the Underground City of Kaymakli – an ancient metropolis made up of subterranean labyrinths and dwellings. This afternoon, travel to the city of Konya, where the mystic Sufi practice of 'whirling' originates. On arrival, enjoy an orientation walk of the town followed by a guided tour of the Mevlana Museum, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into the history of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes.

Day 7 Antalya

This morning, drive across the magnificent Taurus Mountains to reach one of Turkey's true coastal gems, Antalya. Your leader will introduce you to the delights of the Old City with an orientation walk along its cobblestoned streets. Visit the clock tower, Hadrian’s Gate and the old Roman Harbour before venturing into the historical zone of Kaleici – an area within Antalya’s historic centre that’s protected from modern development. This area is home to relics of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman occupations. Afterwards, feel free to swim, relax and enjoy stellar views of the crystal blue Mediterranean.

Day 8 Kas

Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Antalya Museum, home to an excellent collection of Turkey’s archaeological treasures. The beautifully preserved statues in the Hall of Gods, Heracles now among them, are not to be missed. Continue to the seaside village of Kas – its whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea, as well as an ancient Greek theatre, make this a great place to explore on foot. If you feel like cooling off with a refreshing dip, why not head to one of the waterfront restaurants which often have their own private water access? When the sun goes down there’s the chance to explore the handicraft markets, where you can find beautiful handmade wares with a distinctly Turkish twist. For dinner this evening, make sure you sample the delicious, freshly-caught seafood.

Day 9 Kas

Today you’ll drive to Kekova where you’ll board a local boat and take a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful and picturesque islands, each with distinctive rock formations – keep your eyes peeled for the ancient houses submerged in the clear water. For lunch, enjoy a homemade Turkish meal onboard before arriving in the settlement of Ucagiz, a township of stone houses draped in colourful flowers. Explore this quaint township before continuing to cruise to beautiful protected inlets – perfect for a refreshing dip just off the boat. Return to Kas for the evening.

Day 10 Pamukkale

Today you'll drive to Pamukkale, best known for its mineral-rich thermal waters that flow spectacularly down a terraced hillside. Take a restorative dip in these thermal hot springs and explore the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis. The city was an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC. Your leader will bring history to life and guide you through an ancient temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. Tonight, you can enjoy a free evening in Pamukkale.

Day 11 Selcuk

It’s an early start this morning as you make your way to Selcuk, your base for visiting Ephesus. Selcuk itself is culturally rich and retains many Turkish traditions. On the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll see the Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built over the supposed burial site of the saint. On your way to Selcuk, drive past apple and peach orchards to the quaint village of Sirince, where charming red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all of the above! Arrive in Selcuk and take a leader-led orientation walk of the town before an evening at leisure.

Day 12 Selcuk

Today you'll visit Ephesus, one of Turkey's most important ancient sites. Explore this beautifully preserved classical city with your leader, who will bring its colourful 1500-year history to life. Watch in awe as the sophistication of this former metropolis reveals itself: it had running water, public toilets, a renowned medical institute, and Roman baths. The theatre is well-preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but the marvellous library might just be the highlight. Later you will stop for lunch at a family-run restaurant, where you’ll feast on gozleme – the famous and very popular Turkish pancake – made fresh before your eyes. The afternoon and evening is yours to explore.

Day 13 Canakkale

This morning, travel to the waterside town of Canakkale. On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk of this exciting university city perched on the Dardanelles. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. You might like to see the Trojan horse used in the film Troy in 2004, which was later gifted to the city. Canakkale has a great range of dining options – ask your leader for some recommendations. Afterwards, why not take a stroll along the waterfront and sample some dondurma, a type of Turkish ice-cream.

Day 14 Gallipoli / Istanbul

Today you’ll cross the Dardanelles and head to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of enormous significance to Australians and New Zealanders. Turkey's most westerly point may feel serene; however, this coastal point was once a major backdrop of the Great War. Visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove, then head up the hill to pay homage at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials. From the Ataturk Memorial you can look down on the blue waters of the Dardanelles and see them in a more sombre light, you'll also find the remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers around this area. After touring the former battlefields, head back to Istanbul where your journey began, arriving late afternoon or early evening. Perhaps join your fellow travellers for a group dinner to celebrate your journey.

Day 15 Istanbul

Your Intrepid trip comes to an end this morning. If you wish to spend some more time in Istanbul, we would be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 1: Arrival to Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul / SAW Airport, you will be greeted and driven to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: City Highlights Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Explore Hagia Sophia; was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. Next; Topkapı Palace; As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Continue to with Hippodrome; Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Next, Blue Mosque; Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome.  Next, Grand Bazaar; With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the World.  At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3: HD Bosphorus Cruise/Flight to Kayseri

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, leave your luggage at the lobby. According to your pick up time meet with your guide and start your half-day tour. Visit Spice Bazaar; It was called Egyptian Bazaar during the ottoman period because shopkeepers used to sell herbs and spices brought throughout Egypt and Asia. Next, Cruising on Bosphorus; where you will enjoy a magnificent view. A great history and beautiful nature. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress and further along with the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace. After tour drive you back to your hotel. Take your luggage and drive to Airport for your 1hour 30min domestic flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival you wıll be greeted by your driver and driven to your hotel. Check in. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 4: Fairy Chimneys Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Explore Goreme Museum; consists of many rock-cut churches from the second half of 9C with beautiful colourful frescoes decorating the walls. Next; Pasabagi which means: the Pacha's vineyard. This site is also called Monks Valley. The hermitage of Simeon monks was here. A chapel dedicated to St. Simeon (Simon), and a hermit's shelter is built into one of the fairy chimneys with three heads. Proceed to Zelve; was the name of a village with homes carved from natural tufa and was inhabited until 1950s.Early churches and houses can be seen in three different canyons intersecting each other. Next continues to with Pigeon Valley earned its name from the countless man made dovecotes (Pigeon Houses) that have been carved into the soft volcanic tuff. Next; Devrent Valley; famous for its quirky animal shaped rocks. It looks like a sculpture zoo made by nature. Take in the unique lunar landscape of the valley and feel like you're in another World. At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5: Underground Cities Tour/Flight to Antalya

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Explore Underground Cities; once a place of refuge for 15000 christians. Witness the ancient bedrooms, church, meeting hall and food storage rooms in this eight-storey city connected by 30km of corridors and passageways. Next; Panaroma Esentepe; is variety of great panoramic viewpoints for the ones who want to enjoy the stunning views of Cappadocia. Tour continues with Ortahisar; famous for its friendly inhabitants, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets and lovely churches as well as the castle-like rock formation after which the town is named. Next; Uchisar the Natural highest Rock Castle provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. At the end of the tour drive you to Kayseri Airport for your 1hour 30min domestic flight to Antalya.Upon arrival you wıll be greeted by your driver and driven to your hotel. Check in. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 6: Olympos, Demre to Gokkaya Bay/Cruising

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

According your pick-up time meet with your driver and drive to Ucagiz Village Harbor. On arrival to the gulet you will be briefed about your cruise and then your cruising holiday begins.

Our first sight for the day is the Sunken City, an ancient town that dates back 2000 years to the Lycian period and was destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century. We will cruise over this protected World Heritage site nice and slowly to enjoy the view, however, as this is a protected sight no swimming, diving or snorkeling is allowed. Following this, we will anchor down near Kekova and the island of Kalekoy to visit Simena Castle. Guests can enjoy walking through the cobbled streets of the town or head into the castle to witness some amazing views of the Kekova region.

Day 7: St Gokkaya Bay to Aquarium Bay/Cruising

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today you will cruise onto Kas, which is a small fishing village with some of the best shopping in the area, especially unique jewelry pieces. You will be given time to explore the local shops, including lots of clothes stores and some local cafes for a great brew of coffee. After your time in Kas we will cruise past Kalkan and moor in Aquarium Bay for the night.

Optional Tour> Diving in Kas. (Get the chance to dive in the beautiful clear waters of the Southern Mediterranean with some sights offering a cave dive or even a wreck dive.)

Day 8: Aquarium Bay to Oludeniz/Cruising

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning wake up to vivid blue sea and find yourself in Butterfly Valley. Wake yourself up with a morning swim, have breakfast and then take the optional hike up to the waterfall. Butterfly Valley is known to be the home to over 136 different types of butterflies and moths, in the summer months they can be difficult to spot though as they search for cooler climates deeper in the valley. For lunch we will moor near the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz. Much swimming is to be had here and most venture into the Blue Lagoon over the rocks. Oludeniz Beach and the Blue Lagoon are one of the most photographed beaches in the world due to the thousands that paraglide here each year. Tonight we will moor at St Nicholas Island, where you will have time to walk up through the island's ruins and enjoy the sunset. For an afternoon of fun on the water, keep a look out for the watersport boats around this area too!

Optional Tour> Paragliding (This is one of the best spots in the world for paragliding and will offer you the most amazing and spectacular views!)

Day 9: St Nicholas Island to Fethiye/Cruising

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Your last day on the gulet will be a nice and lazy start. You will wake up at St Nicholas Island where you can enjoy another morning swim. Lots of fish are in this area too, so why not throw a hand line in to see what you can add to lunch! We have breakfast before cruising around to one of the bays near Fethiye for lunch and a final swim. The gulet will enter Fethiye Harbour after lunch time around 13:00. You will disembark the gulet, meet with your driver and drive to Pamukkale. Check in. Overnight in Pamukkale

Day 10: Pamukkale Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Visit Pamukkale; Pools of Heaven on Earth… Pamukkale has always been a very popular settlement where hot springs were believed to have healing powers so it is considered to be the earliest spa on earth where in history people travelled long distances in order to find a cure. The unique terraces were formed by running warm spring water at a temperature of 35 C, containing calcium bicarbonate. Today Pamukkale is declared as a worlds heritage site by UNESCO. Visit; ancient city of Hierapolis which has the biggest Necropolis with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. Also, The Sacred Pool is one of the highlights of the site. Theır shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient roman ruins that lie beneath. At the end of the tour drive you back to the your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 11: Ephesus Tour/Flight to Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Visit The House of Virgin Mary; a church was built from the 6C AD to the top of the foundations of a house from 1C AD and it is declared by the church to be the final house where Mary spent her last days. Your tour continues with the Ancient Ephesus; The best-preserved classical city in Eastern Mediterranean. During the 1C AD, Ephesus was the second-largest city on the planet after Rome with more than 250,000 citizens. Ephesus is also so well preserved that, walking on the ancient streets among the beautiful monuments such as the third largest library of the ancient world or the largest roman theatre on the Asia continent, gives you the feeling of a time traveller.

Next; Temple of Artemis or Artemision was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its ancient cult dedicated to Artemis was very famous in antiquity and made Ephesus a much-visited pilgrimage place. After tour drive you to Izmir Airport for your 1hour 30min domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival you wıll be greeted by your driver and driven to your hotel. Check in. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 12: Departure Day

Meals: Breakfast

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out and according to your flight time drive you to Istanbul Airport. End of our service.