Best of Turkey
Trip Details
- Duration: 15 days
- Visited Areas: Turkey
Explore the mysterious land of the Ottomans Intrepid-style. Marvel at Mehmet Aga's masterpiece, the Blue Mosque, and bargain for trinkets in the Grand Bazaar. Try delicious Turkish snacks, be mesmerised by the Whirling Dervishes and discover the underwater treasures of the Mediterranean. From the laneways of ancient Ephesus to the bizarre landscapes of Cappadocia - take the plunge and discover the amazing adventure that is waiting for you in Turkey.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Istanbul
To start the Best of Turkey adventure, get acquainted with some lesser-known sights on an Istanbul city walking tour. In free time, why not drop by the marvellous Aya Sofya and the famed Topkapi Palace, haggle for a trinket or two in the Grand Bazaar or delve underground to see the eerie Basilica Cistern.
Day 3 Bursa
Depart iconic Istanbul and travel to Bursa. Relax in a traditional Turkish bath, drop into a local teahouse, nosh on a hearty iskender - the local style of kebab - or explore the bazaar in the Ottoman Empire's former capital. In the evening, visit a Dervish lodge and be treated to a mesmerising performance of the mystic Sema.
Days 4-5 Selcuk
History comes to life strolling through ancient Ephesus, the former capital of the East Roman Empire. Learn the secrets of making delicious gozleme - a Turkish pastry - and wash it all down with some delicious local fruit wine during a tasting in Sirince.
Day 6 Pamukkale
See the fascinating, chalky terraces of Pamukkale and then take the opportunity to bathe in the healing thermal waters of the nearby hot springs of Hierapolis.
Days 7-8 Kayakoy
Discover 'ghost houses' or play backgammon and sip tea with the locals in Kayakoy. Set out on a half-day trek along the rugged coastline of the Lycian Way and cool off with a dip in the beautiful Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz.
Day 11 Konya
Move away from the tranquil Turkish coast to the plains of the Anatolian Steppe. Konya, in the heart of this region, is a city intimately connected with the Whirling Dervish sect of Islam. Learn more about the dervishes on an optional visit to Mevlana Museum.
Days 12-14 Goreme
Be astounded by the quirky rock formations of Cappadocia, which jut from the ground like mushroom-shaped fairy houses. Why not take in this surreal landscape from a unique vantage point - floating over the region in a hot air balloon? Afterwards, enjoy a meal with a local family to experience a unique slice of Turkish life.
Day 15 Istanbul
Travel overnight back to Istanbul where the call to prayer echoes over the winding streets. Perhaps visit a traditional hamam to unwind at the end of this fabulous Best of Turkey adventure.
Days 9-10 Kas / Boat Cruise / Ucagiz
Travel to Kas, the starting point for a memorable cruise. Turkey's Mediterranean coastline boasts shimmering crystal waters, an ancient sunken city and mysterious Lycian tombs. Enjoy sleeping under the stars and visit Ucagiz, a traditional farming and fishing village.
