This trip was fast paced, very active and jam packed but stunningly beautiful! I am not sure what i was expecting from Crete but it wasn't this, this was even better! We got to swim in crystal clear waters, hike the famous Samaria Gorge, as well as visit archaeological sites, it had a bit of everything.
Trekking and HikingBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
See impressive historical highlights in Istanbul, the geological wonderland in Cappadocia and discover the ruins of Ephesus, on this memorable eight-day tour of some of Turkey's most impressive sights. Stroll the beautifully arranged streets of Istanbul and admire the famous Blue Mosque, a unique piece of architecture built for Sultan Ahmet I. Visit the Pools of Heaven on Earth in Pamukkale and continue your adventure in Cappadocia, with the spectacular Goreme open-air museum, the lunar landscape, and the Uchisar rock castle, where you have the chance to enjoy a panoramic view of the valleys below.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Kusadasi, Cappadocia
Istanbul, Kusadasi, Cappadocia
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This ten-day, private, guided tour takes you to some of the most beautiful castles of Transylvania and offers you a relaxing holiday in this enchanting land. Your journey starts from Bucharest, the capital city. From there you will head for Sibiu, the former cultural capital of Europe. See the magnificent Alba Carolina, a citadel decked in white, followed by a one-night-stay in Haller Castle. See the big fortified church in Biertan and visit Sighisoara, the only medieval citadel in Europe that is still inhabited, along with Peles and Bran castles
Learn more about the myths and legends surrounding these fairy tale castles and fortresses. Wander down the streets of medieval cities and take in the beautiful landscape of Romania along the way. For more details, scroll down to the itinerary section below.
Embark on your own grand tour of discovery on this 10-day journey of Greece, taking us from ancient Athens to Thessaloniki through the sanctuaries, monasteries, monuments, and stunning landscapes at the heart of this cradle of Western civilization.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Thessaloniki
Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Thessaloniki
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This action-packed eight-day tour of Turkey offers an ideal overview to this diverse and beautiful country. You do not need to worry about flights, overland transport or hotel bookings, as all logistics are taken care of. Sit back and relax as you visit some of the most impressive sites in the country, including bustling cities, ancient ruins, natural wonders, and more.
Included in this itinerary are historic destinations like Ephesus and Hierapolis as well as famous natural landmarks like Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
The flights from and to Istanbul that we generally use are listed below:
From Istanbul: The flight leaves at around 07:00 to 07:30 am and arrives in Izmir between 08:00 and 08:30 am.
From Cappadocia: The flight leaves between 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm and arrives in Istanbul between 9:30 pm and 11:00 pm.
(Note: The schedule may vary as per flight availability)
Explore the rich history of Classical Greece on a seven-day tour departing from Athens. Led by an expert guide, see UNESCO-listed sites such as the Sanctuary of Asclepius and discover the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, french
Destinations
Athens, Olympia, Delphi
Athens, Olympia, Delphi
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Enjoy this memorable 8-day private tour and get closer to Greece's beautiful history and mythology, while admiring stunning landscapes, and indulging in mouth-watering Greek food. See the best of Athens, the picturesque town of Kalambaka and the crescent-shaped Santorini Island, the most precious gem of Cyclades islands.
Art and architectureBeach
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, italian, french, german
Destinations
Athens, Santorini, Kalambaka
Athens, Santorini, Kalambaka
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
The 13-day Turkey Highlights and Mediterranean Cruise Tour promises an extraordinary journey through the heart of Turkey, combining historical and cultural exploration with a tranquil 3-night cruise along the enchanting Mediterranean coast. This carefully crafted itinerary offers travelers an immersive experience, showcasing Turkey's diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
The adventure commences in Istanbul, the mesmerizing city that straddles Europe and Asia. Here, the blend of cultures and traditions creates a captivating atmosphere. After delving into Istanbul's treasures, the tour heads to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of historical significance that pays tribute to the ANZAC day battlefields and memorial sites. It's a poignant reminder of the past.
Turning south, the journey unfolds along the scenic Mediterranean coastline. Along the way, travelers explore the ancient ruins of Troy, the ancient city of Pergamum, and the remarkably preserved city of Ephesus, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. The traditional town of Selcuk serves as a delightful stopover.
The tour takes an idyllic turn with a 3-night cruise aboard a traditional Turkish gulet in the Gulf of Fethiye. Travelers have the opportunity to visit secluded bays, swim in crystal-clear waters, discover charming local villages, and unwind on the deck while soaking up the Mediterranean sun. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Leaving the coast behind, the journey heads inland to explore more of Turkey's treasures. The tiered calcium travertines and the ancient spa city of Hierapolis at Pamukkale showcase nature's wonders and ancient marvels. A drive along the historic Silk Road brings travelers to Cappadocia, known for its surreal landscapes, including the iconic "fairy chimneys."
While in Cappadocia, guests stay in a boutique 'cave hotel,' adding a unique touch to the experience. The tour explores the captivating Goreme Valley, visits underground cities, and offers an opportunity to hike through the mesmerizing landscapes. The region's rich history and geological wonders come to life during this leg of the journey.
The final leg of the tour takes travelers back to Istanbul, with a stop in Ankara along the way. In the Turkish capital, they visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the revered Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, gaining insight into Turkey's modern history.
The tour runs during the warmer months, from late April through to October, ensuring pleasant weather for exploration. Accommodations are in comfortable mid-range hotels, and during the Gulet cruise, many guests choose to sleep under the stars on the deck, adding a touch of magic to the Mediterranean experience.
Everyone in the Explore office was knowledgeable and helpful - they went above and beyond to give details of the trip and discuss its suitability and logistics. And a great bonus - the phone was answered quickly without endless waiting.
I had been apprehensive about my ability to walk quite so far for the full 6 days, but it was perfectly paced and plenty of time for coffee and lunch stops. The scenery was varied and the villages delightful.
The highlight of the trip was having our guide, Spiros, who spoke great English, was passionate about his island and the trail, hugely knowledgable about the local flora and fauna, and on top of all that, funny and kind and intent on ensuring that everyone had a great time.
Walking toursBeachMountains
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Spend six days discovering some of the best bits of central Turkey and Cappadocia. From the Mediterranean Sea in the south to the northern capital city of Istanbul, immerse yourself in the culture and history of a truly unique country. Explore Konya and maybe learn about the practices of Sufism and the art and performance of the whirling dervish. Spend three days in Cappadocia among the fairy chimneys and hot air balloons. Hike through the rocky landscape and natural sandstone monoliths, then make your way to Istanbul – the city that melds European and Middle Eastern cultures into one.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
An exquisite cycling holiday which fulfilled all the usual Explore essentials: plenty of variety both in cycling and other activities, beautiful accommodation throughout, rustic village hosts, great food/restaurant selections by the guide Paul, stunning scenery at every turn and plenty of ‘off the beaten track’. Paul has over 2 decades of experience in cycle guiding in Turkey, and it showed in his cycle guiding and knowledge of the language, culture and flora and fauna-I particularly enjoyed his linguistic insights and the visit to the local village mosque. Others in the group who were architecturally inclined enjoyed his love of history too. The bikes couldn’t have been better for the terrain and were very comfortable with plenty of gears. I tend to find Explore holiday bikes are usually not great quality, so this was a pleasant surprise. Turkey has far exceeded our expectations and this has been one of my best ever holidays. If you’re not afraid of a bit of hot weather and undulating terrain and want to get a glimpse into local Turkish life, then I highly recommend you book onto this trip! Thanks again Paul for the fantastic memories you’ve helped us make.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kas, Dalyan, Köyceğiz, Fethiye
Kas, Dalyan, Köyceğiz, Fethiye, Saklikent Gorge, Sütleğen, Patara Beach
