Absolute Turkey: Winter
Duration: 15 days
Begins: Istanbul
Ends: Istanbul
Trip Code: ETAW
From
£1,499 per person
or Call 01273 099433
Overview
On the winter edition of our comprehensive Turkey tour, you'll see the country's incredible sights without battling the crowds. Begin your trip roaming the palaces and mosques of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre as you explore otherworldly Cappadocia. From the ancient city of Hierapolis to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, our local Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will show you the region’s hidden gems and make sure your trip burns brightly in your memory long after you've left this crossroads of Asia and Europe.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style
Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level
Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating
2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type
Small Group
Age requirement
12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What's Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalık
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family, Çavuşin
- Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class, Selçuk
- Istanbul walking tour
- Visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum
- Guided walk in a valley with Underground City exploration
- Traditional dinner with local family (Cappadocia)
- Ancient Hierapolis and Pamukkale entrance and guided walk
- Ephesus entrance and visit
- Cooking class in a nearby village
- Troy entrance and guided visit
- Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit
Allow USD285-370 for meals not included.
Full Itinerary
Departure Dates
Day 1 : Istanbul
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until our evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt to join your CEO and fellow travellers for dinner. 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.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Acommodation
Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul
Optional Activities - Day 1
Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
Istanbul 8h - 10h
Go even deeper into Istanbul, discovering diverse and lesser-visited districts with your CEO, and some of the best photography spots in the city! Today we will walk along the ancient Constantinople city walls; see Tekfur Palace(the Blaherne Palace) which has got thick walls adjacent to the landwalls ; stroll through the photogenic Fener (Greek) and Balat (Jewish) districts, known for their colourful wooden houses; enjoy lunch together; and cruise the Bosphorus Strait for stunning views of Ottoman palaces and the city skyline. Please note: this is a full day (6+ hours) day excursion. Lunch is included. Your CEO will collect you from the hotel lobby at 9am. Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and modest clothing/coverings for shoulders and upper legs for visiting religious sites. There will be a welcome note at the reception with more details from your CEO, so please check on arrival.
Acommodation
Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul
Day 2 : Istanbul/Bolu
Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the small, but vibrant city of Bolu.
Istanbul Orientation Walk
Istanbul 2h - 3h 3km
Enjoy an orientation walk of Istanbul. Each walk varies, allowing your CEO to show off their favourite spots around the city. Pass by city highlights such as the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia (also known as the Aya Sofya), and the Blue Mosque. Walks may also include the atmospheric Spice Bazaar or breathtaking Grand Bazaar.
Private Vehicle
Istanbul - Bolu 4h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Soylu Hotel Bolu
Acommodation
Soylu Hotel Bolu
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 3 : Bolu/Göreme
Visit Anitkabir before driving to the Cappadocia region. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Transfer to the town of Göreme, the base for exploring Cappadocia. With two and a half days free to explore, there will be plenty of time to tour the area by bike, visit neighbouring villages, trek regional valleys or try a hot air balloon ride.
During one of the evenings here, travel to a nearby village and enjoy dinner with a local family.
The local dinner may take place on any night in Göreme based on the family's availability.
Private Vehicle
Bolu - Cappadocia 5h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Anitkabir Visit
Ankara 1h - 2h
Visit the monumental tomb of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the republic of Turkey. Learn about his significance to gain more insight into your Turkish exploration.
Dinner with Local Family
Çavuşin
Enjoy seasonal homemade dishes, and talk with friendly hosts about life in rural Cappadocia.
Acommodation
Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia
Acommodation
Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 4 : Göreme
Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region. Enjoy a guided walk through the valley with a visit to an underground city.
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.
If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.
Want to do more with your tour? Book the Cappadocia Balloon Ride or Whirling Dervishes upon arrival by arranging it with your CEO.
If you book the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, you will be flying on Day 4 or 5 (weather permitting).
Göreme Open Air Museum Guided Tour
Göreme 1h - 2h
Be inspired by the natural beauty of the historic Göreme Open Air Museum, a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by Orthodox monks. Tour the more than 10 caves on site, and enjoy the color and vibrancy of many of the churches that are up to 1,000 years old.
Free time:
Göreme
Free time to explore the region any way you like.
Underground City Visit
Derinkuyu 1h - 2h 1km
Visit one of the underground cities (there are approximately 30 in the region) that were famously used as hiding places for Christians escaping the persecution of the Roman Empire between the fifth and tenth centuries. See how people transferred their surface lives to this underground world – there are cellars, rooms for food storage, kitchens, churches, stables, wine and oil presses, and shafts for ventilation.
Acommodation
Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia
Optional Activities - Day 4
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Göreme 1h
Cappadocia is captivating from the ground, but that’s just the half of it. See the seemingly hand-painted landscapes of Cappadocia as they deserve to be seen, from the air aboard a hot air balloon. Get up early and enjoy a simple breakfast before climbing in the basket and taking to the skies in one of the most favoured places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride.
Whirling Dervishes
Göreme - Avanos 0h45m - 1h
Witness this spellbinding dance-like worship, practiced by followers of the Mevlevilik Sufi order.
Acommodation
Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 5 : Göreme
Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region. Enjoy a guided walk through the valley with a visit to an underground city.
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.
If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.
Want to do more with your tour? Book the Cappadocia Balloon Ride or Whirling Dervishes upon arrival by arranging it with your CEO.
If you book the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, you will be flying on Day 4 or 5 (weather permitting).
Göreme Open Air Museum Guided Tour
Göreme 1h - 2h
Be inspired by the natural beauty of the historic Göreme Open Air Museum, a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by Orthodox monks. Tour the more than 10 caves on site, and enjoy the color and vibrancy of many of the churches that are up to 1,000 years old.
Free time:
Göreme
Free time to explore the region any way you like.
Underground City Visit
Derinkuyu 1h - 2h 1km
Visit one of the underground cities (there are approximately 30 in the region) that were famously used as hiding places for Christians escaping the persecution of the Roman Empire between the fifth and tenth centuries. See how people transferred their surface lives to this underground world – there are cellars, rooms for food storage, kitchens, churches, stables, wine and oil presses, and shafts for ventilation.
Acommodation
Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia
Optional Activities - Day 5
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Göreme 1h
Cappadocia is captivating from the ground, but that’s just the half of it. See the seemingly hand-painted landscapes of Cappadocia as they deserve to be seen, from the air aboard a hot air balloon. Get up early and enjoy a simple breakfast before climbing in the basket and taking to the skies in one of the most favoured places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride.
Whirling Dervishes
Göreme - Avanos 0h45m - 1h
Witness this spellbinding dance-like worship, practiced by followers of the Mevlevilik Sufi order.
Acommodation
Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 6 : Göreme/Konya
Visit Konya and continue to Beyşehir. Visit the Esrefoglu mosque, one of the unique mosques in the country.
Private Vehicle
Cappadocia - Derinkuyu 0h45m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Derinkuyu - Beyşehir 3h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Paradise Suit Otel Konya
Acommodation
Paradise Suit Otel Konya
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 7 : Konya/Antalya
Wander the cobbled streets of the old harbour.
Arrive at Antalya around lunchtime.
With a free afternoon, wander the charming cobbled hillside streets of the district of Kaleici, a great place to stop and have a drink with amazing views of the marina below. For a break from the hustle and bustle, head for the greenery and teashops at one of Antalya's beautiful parks or catch some sun at a nearby beach.
Free time:
Antalya Afternoon
Spend free time exploring the city of Antalya. Take advantage of its parks and beaches or duck into a museum or two.
Private Vehicle
Beyşehir - Antalya 5h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Gurtas Hotel Antalya
Optional Activities - Day 7
Antalya Archaeological Museum Visit
Antalya 1h - 2h
Take in some culture at the Antalya Museum, home to 13 exhibition galleries. See a wide range of exhibits, including great reconstructions of life under the Ottoman Empire.
Acommodation
Gurtas Hotel Antalya
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 8 : Antalya
Enjoy more time in Antalya to explore.
Free time:
Antalya Full day
Head out and see the sights.
Acommodation
Gurtas Hotel Antalya
Optional Activities - Day 8
Antalya Archaeological Museum Visit
Antalya 1h - 2h
Take in some culture at the Antalya Museum, home to 13 exhibition galleries. See a wide range of exhibits, including great reconstructions of life under the Ottoman Empire.
Acommodation
Gurtas Hotel Antalya
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 9 : Antalya/Pamukkale
Guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Passing through fruit orchards on the way to Pamukkale.
In the afternoon, visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis, built on top of the white "castle".
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the second century BC.
Private Vehicle
Antalya - Pamukkale
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hierapolis and Pamukkale Visit
Pamukkale 2h - 3h
Tour the white cliffs of Pamukkale to learn about this World Heritage-listed site and natural wonder. Made up of 17 hot water springs, the cliffs are formed when the calcium carbonate hardens with time. Explore the ancient site of Hierapolis built on top of the white "castle." See the large, ancient baths within the city (thought to be evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since second century BC).
Acommodation
Anya Resort Hotel Pamukkale
Acommodation
Anya Resort Hotel Pamukkale
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 10 : Pamukkale/Selçuk
Visit the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.
Travel to the town of Selçuk. In the afternoon, visit the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.
Private Vehicle
Pamukkale - Selçuk 3h 200km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Ephesus Visit
Selçuk 2h - 3h Afternoon
Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times. Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, which dominates the view down Harbour Street. See the two-story library, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. Built in AD 125, it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.
Acommodation
Cenka Hotel Selcuk
Acommodation
Cenka Hotel Selcuk
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 11 : Selçuk
Free time to walk up to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the mosque of Isa Bey or just wander the streets and cafés of this vibrant Turkish town. Enjoy a cooking class in the afternoon.
Opt to walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Or catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8 km) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.
Late in the afternoon, meet up with the group and walk to a local cooking class. Our host will demonstrate some Turkish dishes for everyone to enjoy at the end of the class.
Free time:
Selçuk Morning
Get out and explore.
Cooking Class
Selçuk 3h - 4h
Visit a local restaurant for a cooking class. Watch a demonstration and learn about regional ingredients and dishes. Enjoy the meal at the end of the class!
Acommodation
Cenka Hotel Selcuk
Optional Activities - Day 11
Saint John's Basilica Visit
Selçuk 1h
View St John's Basilica, once a grand basilica in Ephesus. Constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century, it was built in where John the Apostle is said to be buried.
Mosque of Isa Bey Visit
Selçuk 0h30m - 0h45m
Visit the centuries-old Isa Bey Mosque on the outskirts of Selçuk to see one of the oldest and most impressive works of art remaining in this region.
Acommodation
Cenka Hotel Selcuk
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 12 : Selçuk/Bergama
Travel to the market town of Bergama, and explore the Acropolis of ancient Pergamon.
Private Vehicle
Selçuk - Bergama 2h 180km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Berksoy Hotel Bergama
Acommodation
Berksoy Hotel Bergama
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 13 : Bergama/Çanakkale
Visit the G-supported handicraft workshop in Ayvalik, before enjoying free time in the surrounding area. Visit the ancient city of Troy en route to Çanakkale.
çöp(m)adam began as an experimental project in Western Turkey, meant to address lack of employment opportunities for women alongside the importance of recycling/re-using. The co-op aims to use waste in a creative, aesthetic, and unique way, all while providing work for women from impoverished communities. When G Adventures travellers visit the workshop, they can purchase souvenirs and handicrafts that directly support the women that made them. After a visit to this project, continue exploring the seaside town of Ayvalık.
Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. Continue to the harbour town of Çanakkale, a busy port with a thriving student population.
Çöp(m)adam Visit
Ayvalık
Visit the G-supported çöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation. All products are made out of recycled goods and by making a purchase it will directly support the local women who work in the workshop and over time has contributed to over 500 women who have been part of the project.
Visit the G-supported handicraft cooperation. All products are made out of recycled goods and by making a purchase it will directly support the local women who work in the workshop and over time has contributed to over 500 women who have been part of the project.
Private Vehicle
Bergama - Troy 2h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Troy Visit
Troy - Çanakkale 1h - 2h 1km
See historic Troy, made famous by Homer’s “Iliad,” (and more recently by Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt). Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were found in in the mid-19th century. Imagine what a great city this must have been, while taking a tour of the remains. Don't miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.
Private Vehicle
Troy - Çanakkale 0h45m 32km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Bogaz Hotel Canakkale
Acommodation
Bogaz Hotel Canakkale
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 14 : Çanakkale/Istanbul
Guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine.
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.
Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.
Ferry
Çanakkale - Gallipoli Peninsula 0h30m
Once in the Gallipoli peninsula, transfer by bus to the Gallipoli battlefields (20 mins).
Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour
Gallipoli Peninsula 2h30m - 3h
Visit this moving and beautiful site, a great complement to any trip to Turkey, even for those not familiar with the Battle of Gallipoli. Tour the grounds to see ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Learn how the Turks fought off the numerically superior, but badly commanded, Allied forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later; this battle holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as both nations lost many soldiers.
Private Vehicle
Gallipoli Peninsula - Istanbul 4h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul
Acommodation
Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 15 : Istanbul
Depart at any time.
Your tour might be finished, but the adventure’s far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
| dates start-End | Availability remaining spaces | Price Per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2026 | |||
| Sat, 07 Nov - Sat, 21 Nov | 3 available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 21 Nov - Sat, 05 Dec | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Dec 2026 | |||
| Sat, 05 Dec - Sat, 19 Dec | 7 available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 19 Dec - Sat, 02 Jan | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 22 Dec - Tue, 05 Jan | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 26 Dec - Sat, 09 Jan | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Jan 2027 | |||
| Sat, 09 Jan - Sat, 23 Jan | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Feb 2027 | |||
| Sat, 13 Feb - Sat, 27 Feb | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Mar 2027 | |||
| Sat, 06 Mar - Sat, 20 Mar | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Nov 2027 | |||
| Sat, 06 Nov - Sat, 20 Nov | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 20 Nov - Sat, 04 Dec | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Dec 2027 | |||
| Sat, 18 Dec - Sat, 01 Jan | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 21 Dec - Tue, 04 Jan | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 25 Dec - Sat, 08 Jan | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 29 Dec - Wed, 12 Jan | 7+ available | £1,499 | Request a quote |
