Complete Turkey

Complete Turkey

• Trip code: 481X014
• Dauer: 15
• Stil: Classic

If you’ve got 15 days and a craving for adventure, this epic journey through Turkey is calling your name. Start in Istanbul — the iconic gateway between East and West — before venturing into the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons float dreamily across the horizon. Walk the hallowed grounds of Gallipoli, where battlefield tales bring history to life, then trade the well-trodden path for hidden gems. Explore an open-air museum town with perfectly preserved limestone buildings, step into the ancient “City of 1000 Churches” in Ani, and stand atop the mighty Van Castle, a fortress etched into the landscape since the 9th century BC. A perfect blend of history, culture, and awe-inspiring scenery, this adventure through Turkey is one you won’t soon forget.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts), overnight train (1 nt)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Size Notes

Max16, avg 12

Introduction

If you’ve got 15 days and a craving for adventure, this epic journey through Turkey is calling your name. Start in Istanbul — the iconic gateway between East and West — before venturing into the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons float dreamily across the horizon. Walk the hallowed grounds of Gallipoli, where battlefield tales bring history to life, then trade the well-trodden path for hidden gems. Explore an open-air museum town with perfectly preserved limestone buildings, step into the ancient “City of 1000 Churches” in Ani, and stand atop the mighty Van Castle, a fortress etched into the landscape since the 9th century BC. A perfect blend of history, culture, and awe-inspiring scenery, this adventure through Turkey is one you won’t soon forget

Meals Included

14 Frühstück, 3 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD260-340 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Istanbul
- Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
- Galataturm (30EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Aya Sofya (25EUR pro Person)
- Besuch im Topkapi-Palast (1500TRY pro Person)

Göreme
- Besuch eines Töpferzentrums (Gratis)
- Balloonfahrt in Kappadokien
- Turkish Bath (75EUR pro Person)

Cappadocia
- Teppichvorführung (Gratis)

Istanbul
- Archäologisches Museum (15EUR pro Person)
- Dolmabahçe-Palast (1200TRY pro Person)
- Cisterna Basilica (900TRY pro Person)

Mardin
- Latifiye Mosque
- Tellallar Bazaar

Kars
- Kars Museum

Start / Finish

Istanbul nach Kars

Transport

Plane, private vehicle, ferry, boat, walking

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Handwerksprojekt Çöp(m)adam, Ayvalık
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Foodie-Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch, Selçuk
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Abendessen bei einer einheimischen Familie, Çavuşin
Dein Discover-Moment: Istanbul
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Karahan. Istanbul evening orientation walk. Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit. Troy entrance and guided visit. Ephesus entrance and visit. Orientation walk in the old Kemeralti bazaar in Izmir. Tour the Mevlana Museum. Tea at sunset from a viewpoint over Cappadocia. Hike through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia. Kaymakli underground city exploration. Internal flight. Visit the Karakus Tumulous Monument. Sunset from the summit of Mt Nemrut. Gobekli Tepi archaeological site visit. Walking tour of Mardin. Boat ride on Lake Van. Walking exploration of Akdamar Island. Visit Van Castle. Ishak Pasha Palace Tour in Doğubeyazıt. Tour the Ari Complex. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

Highlights

Discover historic cities and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Troy, Visit the historic WWI battlefield of Gallipoli, Marvel at the extraordinary scenery of Cappadocia, Enjoy dinner in a local family home, Marvel at the ancient site of Gobekli Tepi, Wander the UNESCO-listed open-air museum town of Mardin, Gaze across the mountains towards Mount Ararat, Discover the historic ruins of Ani—the legendary “City of 1,001 Churches”

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Istanbul

Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Head out for an optional group dinner and take a walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments lit up at night

Day 2 Istanbul/Çanakkale

Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale

Day 3 Çanakkale/Selçuk

Set off from Çanakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik and stop by the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft coop before travelling south to the town of Selçuk for the night

Day 4 Selçuk/İzmir

Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Back in Selçuk, take part in a demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the city of Izmir for an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia

Day 5 Konya/Cappadocia

Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening

Day 6 Cappadocia

Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city before some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family

Day 7 Cappadocia/Istanbul

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group

Day 8 Istanbul

Enjoy a full free day to explore Istanbul's many historic sites, vibrant bazaars and incredible restaurants. Head out in the evening for an optional dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers

Day 9 Istanbul/Adıyaman

Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. Settle in for lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam before continuing on to the Mt. Nemrut area. Visit the funerary monument, Karakus, the Cendere bridge, then ascend to the summit of Mt. Nemrut for sunset. Continue on to Adiyaman where you can settle in for the night and enjoy dinner in the hotel

Day 10 Adıyaman/Sanliurfa

After an early breakfast, transfer to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Karahantepe. You'll be welcomed into a local home for lunch before continuing on to the ancient and impressive archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe. Afterwards, transfer to the nearby town of Urfa for the night and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure

Day 11 Sanliurfa/Mardin

Travel to Mardin after breakfast this morning. Mardin's old town is protected by UNESCO and is considered to be an open-air museum. Explore the historic limestone architecture and learn about the interesting landmarks throughout. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or time to relax before joining the CEO for an optional dinner in the evening

Day 12 Mardin/Van

Settle in for a drive to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Upon arrival to the lakeside town of Gevas, board a boat to Akdamar Island for a CEO-led walk, then head back to your hotel in Van. Enjoy a free evening to end the day

Day 13 Van/Kars

Visit the Van Citadel this morning, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. From there transfer to the previous capital of the Republic of Ararat, Dogubeyazit. Explore Ishak Pasha Palace then take in views of Mt. Ararat and across the mountains where the possible resting place of Noah's Ark is said to be located. Continue on to Kars for a brief orientation walk, then settle in for the evening with free time

Day 14 Kars

Drive to Ani this morning, known as the city of 1001 churches,. Explore the Ani complex with your CEO, seeing the many religious buildings, palaces and forts before heading back to Kars for a free evening and optional final dinner out with the group

Day 15 Kars

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Istanbul

Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking the following activity to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.

And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, while any of the optional activities listed can be booked independently upon arrival in Istanbul.

Day 2 Istanbul/Çanakkale

Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.

It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.

Day 3 Çanakkale/Selçuk

Visit the nearby historic and world-famous city of Troy and then visit the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation, which support the local women who work in the workshop. Continue south to Selçuk for the next couple of nights.

Day 4 Selçuk/İzmir

Tour the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus for a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years before in this part of what is now Turkey. After driving back to Selçuk, learn all about how to make "Turkish pizza," called pide before transferring north to the city of Izmir for some exploration before hopping on the overnight train.

Day 5 Konya/Cappadocia

Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area.

Day 6 Cappadocia

Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.

Day 7 Cappadocia/Istanbul

Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.

Day 8 Istanbul

Day 9 Istanbul/Adıyaman

Day 10 Adıyaman/Sanliurfa

Day 11 Sanliurfa/Mardin

Day 12 Mardin/Van

Day 13 Van/Kars

Day 14 Kars

Day 15 Kars