Premium Turkey
8 days / 7 nights
Turkey stands at a mesmerising crossroads of continents, where the mysteries of the East meet the traditions of the West,
creating a unique tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. It's a land where ancient ruins whisper tales of human civilisation, from the Byzantine grandeur of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia to the extraordinary archaeological site Ephesus.
Priced From:
$5234 pp *
Sales Ends: 30/04/2024
Travel Date: Various dates through to 15 Dec 2024
Turkey stands at a mesmerising crossroads of continents, where the mysteries of the East meet the traditions of the West,
creating a unique tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. It's a land where ancient ruins whisper tales of human civilisation, from the Byzantine grandeur of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia to the extraordinary archaeological site Ephesus.
Cruise the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, on a private yacht and marvel at the Istanbul skyline and incredible artisan palaces, mansions and historic monuments ashore. From lunar landscapes and fairy chimneys, to subterranean cities and incredible cave accommodation, plus an optional hot air balloon ride (additional $), this trip features some of the best experiences in Cappadocia!
Price based on 7 Jul & 4 Aug 2024 departures.
Sail along the picturesque Bosphorus Strait, where Europe meets Asia, on a private yacht. Admire the Istanbul skyline and the breathtaking artistry of artisan palaces, mansions, and historic monuments lining the shore.
Trace the footsteps of ancient emperors as you explore the remarkable archaeological sites of Pergamon and Ephesus. Uncover the secrets of these ancient cities, each revealing stories of a bygone era.Delight your taste buds with the diverse flavors of Turkey.
Enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal in the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia and receive culinary tips from a BBC-presenter chef during a cooking class in Kusadasi.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Turkey with an exclusive carpet weaving demonstration at a social enterprise. Witness the preservation of tradition and the empowerment of local women through this unique experience.
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, the first step of our Turkish adventure. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your boutique hotel in the heart of the Old City. Istanbul is the largest city in all of Europe, it’s a place filled with history, culture and charm. From the magnificent mosques to the bustling bazaars, this place is sure delight you at every turn. On arrival, you might like to stretch your legs, get acquainted with the city and make your way to visit the 1500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage monument, Hagia Sophia. With incredible architectural beauty and varied history, it was originally built as an Orthodox Christian cathedral, then converted into a mosque, then a museum and has now been turned back into a mosque again. After exploring the city, this evening, join your local leader and small group for an important welcome meeting at the hotel at 6pm. Then, take a short stroll to a local restaurant to enjoy dinner together and be welcomed with richly flavoured Ottoman and Turkish cuisine. (D)
Day 2: Istanbul
After breakfast, join your small group and local leader to explore Sultan Ahmet I’s Blue Mosque. With six minarets, 260 windows and it’s iconic, blue-tiled walls (made up of more than 20,000 Iznik ceramic tiles), the Blue Mosque is known as one of the most magnificent in all of Istanbul. After some time to gaze upon its beauty, you'll head out to explore the rest of the city on an orientation walk. Make your way to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople), where historical sites and backstreets filled with hidden gems intertwine. Explore the hippodrome and the decorative statues and obelisks that remain from a time when this now tree-lined land would hold thousands of chariot racing fans. Then, get into some good-natured haggling with local artisans in the Grand Bazaar, packed with over 3,000 stalls of handcrafted jewellery, textiles and books. After exploring the best this fascinating city has to offer, it’s time to kick your feet back on a private yacht and marvel at the Istanbul skyline from sea. This fairy-tale experience across the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, features panoramic views from the waterway that’s dotted with artisan palaces, mansions and historic monuments. Sit back and soak up the vistas after a jam-packed day of exploration. (B)
Day 3: Kusadasi
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Istanbul and journey to Kusadasi, with a stop in Pergamon along the way. The ancient city of Pergamon, sitting high above the Bakirçay Plain in Turkey’s Aegean region, is easily accessible by cable car. At the top of the hill, you’ll discover crumbling ruins, large and small. Some of the most fascinating spots to explore include the well-known library that helped put Pergamon on the map, the colossal Temple of Trajan, 10,000-seat Hellenistic theatre and the Altar of Zeus. After some time here, walking in the footsteps of ancient emperors, we’ll continue to Kusadasi. Tonight, get comfortable at your perfectly appointed boutique hotel on the edge of the Aegean Sea – this will be your home away from home for the next three nights. (B,L)
Day 4: Kusadasi
After breakfast today, you’ll explore the ancient city ruins of Ephesus. This is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. As you walk in the footsteps of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, you’ll get a glimpse into how the ancient Romans lived. Stroll the marble streets surrounding the ancient theatre and explore the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus. From ancient ruins to ancient traditions, next up you’ll be treated to a carpet weaving demonstration and learn about the art of traditional carpet weaving from local social enterprise; Sultanköy. Carpet weaving holds incredible history in Turkey and has been dated back to the early Neolithic age – Sultanköy provides local women with employment while protecting and developing the ancient tradition. After a picnic lunch at Sultanköy, you’ll learn all about Turkish recipes and flavours with a hands-on cooking class. Get to know the local chef as you prepare a traditional meal and feast on your creations together – the perfect end to an incredible day. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Kusadasi
Wake up without an alarm today and enjoy this coastal paradise at your leisure. Kusadasi is the perfect springboard to see some Turkey’s most incredible ruins and natural wonders, you might choose to take advantage of this and book an optional tour to explore Pamukkale & Hierapolis Ancient City. Pamukkale’s mineral springs have become well-known for their magical turquoise waters framed by a snow-white mineral build-up that cascades over the cliffs. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hot springs were believed to hold therapeutic healing properties by ancients Greeks and Romans. After marvelling at the mineral pools and taking in the incredible landscape, discover nearby Hierapolis Ancient City. Explore the ruins of this equally beautiful ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’d rather skip the optional tour and stay closer to town, perhaps, stroll the seafront promenade and grab a bite to eat by the harbour or enjoy a little banter with the locals at the main bazaar area. However you choose to spend your day, you can swap stories with your fellow travellers over your group dinner this evening. (B)
Day 6: Cappadocia
Today, catch a flight to Kayseri and be swept away by the mystical beauty of Cappadocia, where we’ll stay in specially restored cave suites in the Old City centre. After checking in, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for home-cooked Turkish lunch – the best way to start this leg of our adventure. Next up, it's time to explore Goreme Open Air Theatre. Another incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off our list, you’ll find richly decorated rock-carved churches, monasteries and chapels to marvel at. After getting to know Goreme, it’s time to get to know Cappadocia on a panoramic sights tour. Discover the region’s highlights like Imagination Valley where rock formations, known as fairy chimneys, stand majestically amid the orange-coloured landscape. With your local leader by your side, you’ll learn how these unusual formations came to be. (B,L)
Day 7: Cappadocia
After breakfast, we make our way to yet another out-of-this-world location to explore the underground cities beneath Cappadocia. It’s believed that these intricate subterranean homes were created in the 8th and 7th centuries BCE. Amazingly, there are roughly 200 them – more incredibly, they were abandoned in 1923 and not rediscovered until some 40 years later. You might spot remnants of subterranean wine cellars, stables and chapels, although it’s believed they were below ground for safety reasons, these city folk seem to have lived their lives to the fullest. Next, visit the studio of a local ceramic master whose family have been in the pottery business for six generations. You’ll learn the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics and discover how the rich clay from the red river is moulded into exquisite pieces. Finally, in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy an easy hike through Red Valley – named for the incredible red hues the rock formations throw at sunset. Watch in awe as the sun sets over the landscape before heading back to town to enjoy our final dinner together with a delicately prepared traditional central Anatolian dish.
There’ll also be time today to take to the skies with an optional hot air balloon ride (at your own expense) if you wish.(B,D)
Day 8: Cappadocia
After breakfast, our Turkish adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay in Cappadocia, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). (B)
10% discount applies to new bookings made and deposited with World Travellers New Zealand between 12:00am NZDT 18 March 2024 and 11.59pm NZST 30 April 2024.
This offer can only be applied toward the following Intrepid Travel trips;
Premium Morocco in Depth (trip code: XMPE);
Premium Egypt (trip code: XEPN);
Premium Turkey (trip code: ERPI); and
Premium Peru (trip code: GGPI)
All other trips are excluded. This offer can only be applied to trips departing between 19 March - 15 December 2024. All offers apply to the trip price only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Credit Holders can use any valid discounts or promotions, except where we are honoring their original price. For more information about how to redeem your credit visit our Credit Redemption page. Offer applies to land element of trip only and cannot be redeemed against flights, additional accommodation, transfers, travel insurance or local payments/kittys. This sale is applicable to residents of New Zealand only and must be booked in NZD. Our trips are subject to availability and confirmation by Intrepid Travel at time of booking. If you wish to cancel and rebook your trip or change dates outside the promotional period, you will be required to pay the full cost towards the new trip. Except as set out expressly above, Intrepid Travel’s Booking Conditions apply. Travel documents & vaccination requirements are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Promo code 692064 must be quoted at time of booking. Professional service fees apply.