fbpx Skip to content
03 528 1550 218 High Street, Motueka 7120

Turkey Encompassed

Tour Description

Day 1: Istanbul

Experience the stunning sights and tantalising tastes of Turkey on this two-week adventure that takes in all the highlights and then some. Become acquainted with illustrious Istanbul, behold landscapes like no other around Cappadocia and sail the all-too-pretty islands off Kekova. Marvel at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, settle in for a spectacular soaking in Pamukkale’s thermal hot springs and reflect on the tragedies and gallantries that took place along Gallipoli’s windswept peninsula. Brimming with history, bustling with progress and bursting with flavour, Turkey intrigues and delights at every turn of this perfectly paced small group adventure.

Itinerary


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, a beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk Turkish architecture (the Mosque is under renovation at the moment, but we’ll get a good look at it from outside), 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).

Departure Dates


Start Date End Date Price  
Sep 16, 2024 Sep 30, 2024 $6,135.00
Sep 18, 2024 Oct 2, 2024 $6,032.00
Sep 20, 2024 Oct 4, 2024 $5,372.00
Sep 21, 2024 Oct 5, 2024 $5,168.00
Sep 23, 2024 Oct 7, 2024 $5,424.00
Sep 26, 2024 Oct 10, 2024 $4,864.00
Sep 27, 2024 Oct 11, 2024 $5,472.00
Oct 2, 2024 Oct 16, 2024 $6,315.00
Oct 4, 2024 Oct 18, 2024 $5,220.00
Oct 7, 2024 Oct 21, 2024 $5,930.00
Oct 9, 2024 Oct 23, 2024 $4,913.00
Oct 11, 2024 Oct 25, 2024 $5,116.00
Oct 14, 2024 Oct 28, 2024 $5,396.00
Oct 18, 2024 Nov 1, 2024 $5,285.00
Oct 21, 2024 Nov 4, 2024 $4,072.00
Oct 30, 2024 Nov 13, 2024 $5,930.00
Mar 15, 2025 Mar 29, 2025 $5,505.00
Mar 17, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 $5,505.00
Mar 19, 2025 Apr 2, 2025 $5,505.00
Mar 21, 2025 Apr 4, 2025 $5,505.00
Mar 29, 2025 Apr 12, 2025 $5,505.00
Apr 2, 2025 Apr 16, 2025 $5,505.00
Apr 5, 2025 Apr 19, 2025 $5,505.00
Apr 9, 2025 Apr 23, 2025 $6,165.00
Apr 14, 2025 Apr 28, 2025 $5,505.00
Apr 16, 2025 Apr 30, 2025 $5,505.00
Apr 19, 2025 May 3, 2025 $5,505.00
Apr 23, 2025 May 7, 2025 $5,505.00
Apr 26, 2025 May 10, 2025 $5,160.00
Apr 30, 2025 May 14, 2025 $5,160.00
May 3, 2025 May 17, 2025 $5,360.00
May 5, 2025 May 19, 2025 $5,470.00
May 7, 2025 May 21, 2025 $5,360.00
May 12, 2025 May 26, 2025 $5,360.00
May 14, 2025 May 28, 2025 $5,415.00
May 17, 2025 May 31, 2025 $5,360.00
May 19, 2025 Jun 2, 2025 $5,360.00
May 21, 2025 Jun 4, 2025 $5,360.00
May 24, 2025 Jun 7, 2025 $5,470.00
May 26, 2025 Jun 9, 2025 $5,360.00
May 28, 2025 Jun 11, 2025 $5,360.00
Jun 11, 2025 Jun 25, 2025 $5,160.00
Jun 14, 2025 Jun 28, 2025 $5,160.00
Jun 16, 2025 Jun 30, 2025 $5,505.00
Jun 18, 2025 Jul 2, 2025 $5,235.00
Jun 21, 2025 Jul 5, 2025 $5,505.00
Jun 23, 2025 Jul 7, 2025 $5,505.00
Jun 25, 2025 Jul 9, 2025 $5,505.00
Jun 28, 2025 Jul 12, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 2, 2025 Jul 16, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 5, 2025 Jul 19, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 9, 2025 Jul 23, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 12, 2025 Jul 26, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 14, 2025 Jul 28, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 16, 2025 Jul 30, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 21, 2025 Aug 4, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 23, 2025 Aug 6, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 26, 2025 Aug 9, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 28, 2025 Aug 11, 2025 $5,505.00
Jul 30, 2025 Aug 13, 2025 $5,505.00
Aug 4, 2025 Aug 18, 2025 $5,160.00
Aug 6, 2025 Aug 20, 2025 $5,160.00
Aug 9, 2025 Aug 23, 2025 $5,160.00
Aug 11, 2025 Aug 25, 2025 $5,160.00
Aug 13, 2025 Aug 27, 2025 $5,160.00
Aug 18, 2025 Sep 1, 2025 $5,160.00
Aug 20, 2025 Sep 3, 2025 $5,160.00
Aug 23, 2025 Sep 6, 2025 $5,160.00
Aug 25, 2025 Sep 8, 2025 $5,160.00
Aug 29, 2025 Sep 12, 2025 $5,160.00
Sep 1, 2025 Sep 15, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 3, 2025 Sep 17, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 5, 2025 Sep 19, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 6, 2025 Sep 20, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 8, 2025 Sep 22, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 10, 2025 Sep 24, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 12, 2025 Sep 26, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 13, 2025 Sep 27, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 15, 2025 Sep 29, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 17, 2025 Oct 1, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 19, 2025 Oct 3, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 20, 2025 Oct 4, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 22, 2025 Oct 6, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 24, 2025 Oct 8, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 26, 2025 Oct 10, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 27, 2025 Oct 11, 2025 $5,360.00
Sep 29, 2025 Oct 13, 2025 $5,360.00
Oct 1, 2025 Oct 15, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 3, 2025 Oct 17, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 6, 2025 Oct 20, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 8, 2025 Oct 22, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 10, 2025 Oct 24, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 13, 2025 Oct 27, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 15, 2025 Oct 29, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 17, 2025 Oct 31, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 20, 2025 Nov 3, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 22, 2025 Nov 5, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 24, 2025 Nov 7, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 27, 2025 Nov 10, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 29, 2025 Nov 12, 2025 $5,160.00
Oct 31, 2025 Nov 14, 2025 $5,160.00
Mar 11, 2026 Mar 25, 2026 $6,575.00
Mar 14, 2026 Mar 28, 2026 $6,575.00
Mar 16, 2026 Mar 30, 2026 $6,575.00
Mar 18, 2026 Apr 1, 2026 $6,575.00
Mar 21, 2026 Apr 4, 2026 $6,575.00
Apr 1, 2026 Apr 15, 2026 $6,575.00
Apr 4, 2026 Apr 18, 2026 $6,575.00
Apr 8, 2026 Apr 22, 2026 $6,575.00
Apr 11, 2026 Apr 25, 2026 $6,575.00
Apr 15, 2026 Apr 29, 2026 $6,575.00
Apr 18, 2026 May 2, 2026 $6,575.00
Apr 22, 2026 May 6, 2026 $6,575.00
Apr 25, 2026 May 9, 2026 $6,575.00
Apr 29, 2026 May 13, 2026 $6,575.00
May 2, 2026 May 16, 2026 $6,575.00
May 4, 2026 May 18, 2026 $6,575.00
May 6, 2026 May 20, 2026 $6,575.00
May 9, 2026 May 23, 2026 $6,575.00
May 13, 2026 May 27, 2026 $6,575.00
May 16, 2026 May 30, 2026 $6,575.00
May 18, 2026 Jun 1, 2026 $6,575.00
May 20, 2026 Jun 3, 2026 $6,575.00
May 23, 2026 Jun 6, 2026 $6,575.00
May 25, 2026 Jun 8, 2026 $6,575.00
May 28, 2026 Jun 11, 2026 $6,575.00
Jun 5, 2026 Jun 19, 2026 $6,575.00
Jun 8, 2026 Jun 22, 2026 $6,575.00
Jun 10, 2026 Jun 24, 2026 $6,575.00
Jun 13, 2026 Jun 27, 2026 $6,575.00
Jun 17, 2026 Jul 1, 2026 $6,575.00
Jun 20, 2026 Jul 4, 2026 $6,575.00
Jun 24, 2026 Jul 8, 2026 $6,575.00
Jun 27, 2026 Jul 11, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 1, 2026 Jul 15, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 4, 2026 Jul 18, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 8, 2026 Jul 22, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 11, 2026 Jul 25, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 13, 2026 Jul 27, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 15, 2026 Jul 29, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 18, 2026 Aug 1, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 22, 2026 Aug 5, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 25, 2026 Aug 8, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 27, 2026 Aug 10, 2026 $6,575.00
Jul 29, 2026 Aug 12, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 1, 2026 Aug 15, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 5, 2026 Aug 19, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 8, 2026 Aug 22, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 10, 2026 Aug 24, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 12, 2026 Aug 26, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 15, 2026 Aug 29, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 19, 2026 Sep 2, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 22, 2026 Sep 5, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 24, 2026 Sep 7, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 28, 2026 Sep 11, 2026 $6,575.00
Aug 31, 2026 Sep 14, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 2, 2026 Sep 16, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 4, 2026 Sep 18, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 5, 2026 Sep 19, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 7, 2026 Sep 21, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 9, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 11, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 12, 2026 Sep 26, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 14, 2026 Sep 28, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 16, 2026 Sep 30, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 18, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 19, 2026 Oct 3, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 21, 2026 Oct 5, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 23, 2026 Oct 7, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 25, 2026 Oct 9, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 26, 2026 Oct 10, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 28, 2026 Oct 12, 2026 $6,575.00
Sep 30, 2026 Oct 14, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 2, 2026 Oct 16, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 5, 2026 Oct 19, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 7, 2026 Oct 21, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 9, 2026 Oct 23, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 12, 2026 Oct 26, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 14, 2026 Oct 28, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 16, 2026 Oct 30, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 19, 2026 Nov 2, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 21, 2026 Nov 4, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 23, 2026 Nov 6, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 26, 2026 Nov 9, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 28, 2026 Nov 11, 2026 $6,575.00
Oct 30, 2026 Nov 13, 2026 $6,575.00

Tour Details

Travel Dates

Departures year round

Duration

15 days

Price From

$4,072.00

Sale Ends

December 31, 2024
Back To Top Click to access the login or register cheese