Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Walking the Turquoise Coast image
Operated by G Adventures

Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Walking the Turquoise Coast

From
Price on request
Duration
14 days
Countries
Turkey
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Embark on an adventure through Turkey that'll get you closer than you ever thought possible. Let the sights and smells of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar whisk you into the past, immersing you in the city's rich history and traditions showcased by iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Moving inland, let the dramatic rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia take your imagination to ancient times and distant kingdoms as you explore on foot or by bicycle. Lose yourself in the history of the ancient Greeks and Romans with visits to Ephesus and Pinare before heading to Turkey's stunning Turquoise Coast for hikes along the Lycian Way and a boat ride to see cliff-side rock tombs along the Dalyan River. Overflowing with delicious food, stunning landscapes and deep cultural traditions, Turkey will stay with you long after you return home.

At a glance

Duration
14 days
Route
Istanbul → Göcek
Countries
Turkey
Activity level
moderate
Style
Active & Multi-Sport, Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Walking the Turquoise Coast image

Day by day

Picturesque village by the lake with misty mountains and charming architecture on a cloudy day.
Your journey through

Austria

Day 1Visions of ancient kingdomsIstanbul
Explore Istanbul's stunning cityscape with historic architecture and waterways viewed from above.Istanbul
Visions of ancient kingdoms, whirling dirvishes and exotic food float through your head as you touch down in Istanbul. Take in the hustle and bustle of the city and catch glimpses of the spires of some of the city's many mosques en route to the hotel. Welcome to Istanbul, and to Turkey, and we invite you to let the sights, sounds, flavours and history ignite your imagination as you embark on this thrilling adventure.
Map showing Istanbul
Day 2Often the best way to discover a city…Istanbul
A serene view of a ferry on the Bosphorus with Istanbul skyline in the background, framed by trees.Istanbul
Often the best way to discover a city is on foot, and this certainly rings true in Istanbul. Visit some of the iconic highlights of the old city to fully appreciate the rich history and complex mingling of cultures that have shaped the city over the millennia. Feast on delectable local street food and try cookies from one of the city's oldest bakeries before taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the Grand Bazaar.
Map showing Istanbul
Day 3Leaving Istanbul behindTake a morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia in time for a lunch of traditional pide, a type of Turkish pizza. Drive to the Dervent Valley, stopping at landscape viewpoints and at the iconic "Three Beauties" to marvel at the fairy rock chimney formations. Continue to the underground city of Kaymakli for a visit before arriving at the hotel in the evening.
Captured at sunset, this tranquil view of İstanbul showcases the Bosphorus River and iconic skyline.Istanbul
Take a morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia in time for a lunch of traditional pide, a type of Turkish pizza. Drive to the Dervent Valley, stopping at landscape viewpoints and at the iconic "Three Beauties" to marvel at the fairy rock chimney formations. Continue to the underground city of Kaymakli for a visit before arriving at the hotel in the evening.
Map showing Istanbul
Day 4Immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia…
Immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia by exploring either on foot or by e-bike. See the fairy chimneys up close and imagine how the wind and elements have shaped the earth and impacted human settlements throughout the ages until modern times. Observe churches cut out of the rocks and hilltop structures with commanding views of the surroundings. You'll learn of the human experience in this region by having dinner and tea in a local family home for a one-of-a-kind cultural exchange.
Day 5Discover more of Turkish cuisine today as you…
Discover more of Turkish cuisine today as you visit a local food and vegetable market then take part in a cooking class to learn how to make gözleme, a delicious savoury stuffed turnover, cooked on an iron griddle over the fire. You'll see the landscapes change again as you fly towards Turkey's Aegean coastline and discover the ancient village of Şirince, an agricultural settlement that dates back to ancient and medieval times.
Day 6Be transported back in time as you explore…
Be transported back in time as you explore the vast ancient city of Ephesus, walking through the site to its northern gate. You'll see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, where expert excavation makes it easy to imagine it in all its glory. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary and explore the area around the Greek Orthodox Church, stopping for a drink from the refreshing natural spring water.
Day 7Lace up your walking shoes today as you…Drive to the town of Çile to start your walk down to the village of Ahmetbeyli on the coast, stopping to visit the ancient site of Claros. Continue to the city of Selçuk for free time to have lunch or for individual exploration before meeting new group members in the evening at the hotel who are travelling with us on the next leg of the adventure.
Drive to the town of Çile to start your walk down to the village of Ahmetbeyli on the coast, stopping to visit the ancient site of Claros. Continue to the city of Selçuk for free time to have lunch or for individual exploration before meeting new group members in the evening at the hotel who are travelling with us on the next leg of the adventure.
Day 8Delve deep into Turkey's history as you wander…
Delve deep into Turkey's history as you wander through ancient temples and ruins dating back thousands of years. The massive columns and sheer size of these complexes will spark the imagination into how these places once were in their heyday. Sip tea from a local tea house and enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing south to the Bodrum Peninsula, jutting out into the Aegean Sea.
Day 9Sitting at a strategic position on the water
Sitting at a strategic position on the water, Bodrum has been an important marine and shipping hub for the region over the thousands of years that people have lived there. You'll discover parts of this history firsthand as you wander through the castle and some of the city's other historical sites. Venture out to the end of the Bodrum Peninsula for a delicious lunch of local specialties with great views across the sea and coastline.
Day 10Swap the bus for a boat as you…
Swap the bus for a boat as you drift down the Dalyan River for another day of adventure. Feel the warmth of the bubbling natural mud pools and let your skin soak in all of those rejuvenating minerals before taking a refreshing rinse in the river or lake. Meander further downriver to the sprawling ancient site of Kaunos and cruise right up to your hotel for a relaxing evening by the pool or gazing across the river at the rock tombs.
Explore the stunning landscape of Cappadocia with its unique rock formations under a clear sky.
Your journey through

Turkey

Day 11The Turkish countryside opens up as you follow…Göcek
Calm sea with rocky coastlines and a sailboat against hilly terrain.Göcek
The Turkish countryside opens up as you follow the coast south to a small village where the trailhead lies for today's hike. Set off on foot with the remote ancient city of Pinara as your goal, to explore the remains of the theatre, basilica and the Lycian rock tombs carved out of the stone cliffs. Back in the village you'll gain insights into daily life of the people who live in this region with a delicious lunch prepared by a local family.
Map showing Göcek
Day 12The Lycian Way is yours to discover today…
The Lycian Way is yours to discover today either by sea kayak or on foot. Hike from village to village along the coast with the Mediterranean on one side and forest on the other, or alternatively paddle the rocky coves and shoreline around Saint Nicholas Island. Regroup in the picturesque seaside resort village of Ölüdeniz which serves as the official start point for the marked footpath of the Lycian Way and also is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.
Day 13There's no better way to appreciate the beauty…Göcek
Calm sea with rocky coastlines and a sailboat against hilly terrain.Göcek
There's no better way to appreciate the beauty of rocky coastline and blue waters than from a boat. You'll spend the day winding in and out of the bays of Göcek, swimming and snorkelling along the way, as well as make a stop for a short hike to a beach where a natural hot water spring meets the sea. Göcek and the Turquoise Coast provide the ultimate capstone to this adventure along the Lycian Way.
Map showing Göcek
Day 14Today your adventure comes to an end and you can depart at any timeDeparture transfers to Dalaman airport are included.
Departure transfers to Dalaman airport are included.

Discover Turkey

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Peaceful winter scene of tall bare trees and snow-capped mountains under cloudy skies.
Turkeys roam freely near Mount Hasan, with snow-capped peaks and rural landscapes in the background.
Scenic view of rocky hills and calm waters in Halfeti, Türkiye.
Stunning aerial view of Cappadocia's unique rock formations in a summer landscape.
Quaint suburban view in Edremit, Turkey with lush trees and mountain backdrop.
Operated by G Adventures

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