Enjoy a mix of culture, adventure and relaxing moments as you discover the Unesco-listed sites of Romania during this guided, 14-day tour.
Included in the itinerary is the famous Horezu Monastery, the fortified churches of Transylvania, the old wooden churches of Maramures and an ancient fortress in the Orastie Mountains. Discover the painted monasteries of Bucovina as well as Sighisoara, the only medieval citadel in Europe that is still inhabited.
This trip starts and ends in Bucharest, the capital city, which you will explore on the second day of this trip. Also included in the itinerary is a guided walking tour of Cluj Napoca. Scroll down to the itinerary section for more details.
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Turkey with a meticulously crafted itinerary that seamlessly blends ancient cities, stunning coastlines, historical landmarks, and modern Turkish culture. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this adventure offers travelers a comprehensive and diverse exploration of this remarkable country.
The tour commences in Istanbul, a dynamic metropolis where the past and present converge in harmony. Travelers experience the city's cosmopolitan vibrancy alongside its ancient wonders, providing a perfect introduction to Turkey's rich heritage.
The journey then takes a poignant turn as travelers visit the battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli, including the hallowed ground of ANZAC Cove, paying tribute to the historical significance of World War II.
As the tour heads south along the Mediterranean coast, travelers encounter Turkey's ancient treasures. Stops at the legendary sites of Troy, the impressive Pergamum, and the exceptionally well-preserved ruins of Ephesus offer insights into the country's illustrious past.
Arriving in the coastal town of Kusadasi, guests are treated to the charm of Turkish seaside life before embarking on an inland adventure. The surreal calcium travertines at Pamukkale beckon, providing a unique opportunity for a rejuvenating dip in the spa waters. The historic ruins of Hieropolis also await exploration.
Continuing the journey, travelers follow the ancient Spice Route deeper into central Turkey, arriving in Konya, where they delve into the art of Sufi dancing and celebrate the poetry of Rumi, a profound cultural experience.
The tour then unfolds into the captivating landscape of Cappadocia, with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai offering a glimpse into the past. In Cappadocia, guests are enchanted by the mesmerizing rock formations, cave churches, underground cities, and the famous 'fairy chimneys,' which define the region's unique charm.
The tour concludes with a return to Istanbul, with the option for a flight back to the city. Along the way, travelers stop in Ankara, the modern-day capital, where they can explore the city's contemporary attractions.
Throughout the journey, accommodations are carefully selected, offering a mix of 4-star and boutique hotels, ensuring comfort and a taste of local charm. For those seeking more time to explore Istanbul's wonders, additional days can be added at the beginning or end of the tour, providing a comprehensive experience of this magnificent city.
It’s hard to find a patch of Europe as secluded as this one – among the rugged mountains and green fields of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia, you’ll find shepherds, monasteries, lakes, valleys and Byzantine churches. Lacking in tourist crowds, it’s taken decades for the Balkans to wipe away memories of conflict and Communism, but (amazingly) they’ve emerged strong and smiling. From cool cafes in Skopje and the soft shores of Lake Ohrid to the mosques of picture-perfect Prizren, this 15-day adventure showcases Balkan beauty at its very best.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tirana, Skopje, Lake Ohrid, Shko
Tirana, Skopje, Lake Ohrid, Shkoder, Valbone, Pec, Prizren
This trip provides the opportunity to walk a beautiful long distance path, led with skill and charm and with excellent accommodation along the way. I had a wonderful experience.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Explore the best of Turkey’s west coast, experience a 3 day Gulet cruise around the Mediterranean, and marvel at the beauties of Cappadocia on this 10 day tour. Set off on your tour by immersing yourself in the wonders of Istanbul, visit Troy and Pergamum, take a relaxing break on your gullet and bath in the healing waters of Pamukkale. After visiting the awe inspiring ancient city and ruins of Ephesus, enter the otherworldly Cappadocia.
Explore the best of Turkey and enjoy the Mediterranean on this private 8-day guided tour. See the best of Istanbul, the fairy chimneys at Cappadocia, the open-air museum at Göreme, and the incredible city of Antalya.
This incredible tour package takes you through Istanbul for a full two days, Cappadocia for two full days, Antalya for two full days, and Pamukkale for one full day! This is the perfect trip for those who want to explore Turkey at a leisurely pace, and it includes a full free day in Antalya for your explorations.
The package includes accommodation, flights, expert guides to each destination, meals, transport, and more. As this is a private tour, it is possible to customize it to your requirements.
Embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Turkey, commencing in the vibrant city of Istanbul. From there, explore captivating Cappadocia, where hidden underground cities, the Open Air Museum, and the natural fortress of Uchisar await your discovery. Continue your adventure by visiting Pamukkale and the historic city of Hierapolis. In Selcuk, pay homage to the ancient Temple of Artemis and meander through the picturesque village of Sirince. This tour promises a blend of history, culture, tasty food, and natural wonders.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Izmir, Cappadocia, Pamukkale
Istanbul, Izmir, Cappadocia, Pamukkale
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
The Flying Carpet Tour is a captivating 15-day journey through Western Turkey, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Troy, and Pergamon, this tour takes you on a fascinating exploration of Turkey’s most iconic sites.
Travel through time as you walk among the remnants of powerful empires, from the grandeur of the Ottoman palaces in Istanbul to the well-preserved ruins of Roman cities. Witness the moving landscapes of Gallipoli, where history and heroism are deeply intertwined. Experience the ethereal beauty of Pamukkale’s cascading travertines, the hidden churches of Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, and the pristine shores of Fethiye and Antalya.
Beyond its breathtaking sights, this tour also offers immersive cultural experiences, such as a traditional cooking course in Cappadocia and a wine tasting in Sirince, allowing you to connect with Turkey’s rich traditions and flavours.
This 9-day tour of Greece will guide you through some of the most famous and fascinating islands in the Mediterranean. Begin your journey in Athens and discover the heady mix of ancient history and contemporary attractions. Bask in the beauty of the world-famous Acropolis, which is visible from nearly every part of the city! Dig deep into the layers of history through the magnificent monuments and museums or feel the creative energy of Athens with its fascinating street art. Make your way to Rhodes, a traditional yet modern destination and the sunniest place in Greece! Here you may explore the medieval Old Town and villages which have been popular since the Roman Ages. The Old Town boasts a history of 2400 years apparent through ancient statues, marble fountains, and magnificent palaces. Next, you will catch a ferry to Kos, one of the first Aegean islands to attract visitors. This is a handsome harbour community with its medieval castle boasting ancient ruins from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras. Walk around the waterfront as you explore cafes and tavernas like a local before you travel to Athens where you will end your tour of the Greek Islands!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Walking through ancient ruins, sailing along the Aegean, and exploring Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar—every day was an adventure! Highly recommend this trip for history lovers!
Another spectacular trip with Explore. I highly recommend this company. As a solo female traveller they have never let me down. Explore is 100 % reliable.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tirana, Kruje, Valbona Valley Na
Tirana, Kruje, Valbona Valley National Park, Shkoder, Durres, Lake Ohrid, Pristina, Peja, Prizren, Rahovec
Very enjoyable week of walking on the scenic lycian way. The walks were all as descibed on the explore itinerary - some challenging, all rewarding. Our guide zep was great, informative on the history and culture without overloading us and with a fun personality. All very professionally run. Accommodation generally good and as described, though the last hotel in kas had no wifi in the rooms.which was irritating. The food throughout was excellent with generous amounts provided where it was included and good restaurant recommendations where it wasn't. The optional dune sunset trip at Patara was well worth doing, and the boat trip on the last day was a great, relaxing activity to finish on.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lycian Way, Fethiye, Faralya, Ge
Lycian Way, Fethiye, Faralya, Gey, Sidyma, Patara Beach, Kas, Aperlae, Dalaman
11% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
