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.
It was a great experience with many highlights throughout our tour. We particularly enjoyed the many immersive stops (i.e. wine tasting, weaving, truffle hunting, pasta making, etc.) in addition to our guided tours. Our tour guide, was very well versed, knowledgeable, and helpful and provided good insights and tips throughout our trip. I can't imagine someone else doing a better job than she did! The local experts were also on top of their games.
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.
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.
The "tour" was well organized and pace was appropriate. The accommodations were very good and the hotel staff members were very friendly and helpful. The leader was well informed about the cultural and natural history of the area and took the time to assess each participant's requirements, physical capabilities and personality. He successfully balanced the needs and interests of each individual with the expectations of the group as a whole.
Have traveled with g @dventures 4 times.
Once with a group of 3 friends, twice with my cousin, and solo. Every time has been amazing.
Tour itineraries are accurate. Small groups have united quickly. I am very pleased with all of my adventures.
Sailing the Greek isles is a dream come true.
The captain and boat were above expectations
Freedom of itinerary made everyday a new experience
Keep up the excellent work!
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.
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)
Our tour guide, Youssef, made our trip truly exceptional with his exceptional level of care and assistance. He was incredibly helpful and went above and beyond to ensure our well-being throughout our entire journey. When we encountered health issues during our stay, Youssef was there to support us and make sure we received the necessary care. His attentiveness and kindness were truly remarkable, and we cannot thank him enough for his exceptional service.
Apart from the outstanding support from Youssef, the tour itself was an absolute blast. The activities were meticulously planned and provided us with loads of fun and excitement. From exploring beautiful landmarks to engaging in thrilling adventures, every moment was filled with joy and exhilaration. We were thoroughly impressed with the level of organization and attention to detail.
Additionally, our accommodations exceeded our expectations. We were delighted by the quality and comfort of the accommodations provided. It added an extra touch of luxury and relaxation to our trip, allowing us to unwind and recharge after each exciting day of exploration.
Overall, we highly recommend this tour with a perfect 10/10 rating. The exceptional care and assistance from Youssef, coupled with the well-planned activities and fantastic accommodations, made our trip truly unforgettable. However, we would advise avoiding visiting during the summer months when the heat can become overwhelming. This way, you can fully enjoy all the experiences without any discomfort
Turkey is a land of contrasts, with a vibrant modern culture following a long history showing the marks of several different civilisations which have left a wealth of incredible ancient sites to explore. The scenery also varies hugely, from the dramatic Bosphorous strait in Istanbul, to the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, forested hills and mountains further inland and special highlights like the surreal landscapes of Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
This comprehensive 19 day tour takes all this in and more. Starting and finishing in Istanbul, the tour learns about modern history at the war memorials and ANZAC cemeteries at Gallipoli before developing deeper into the past with tours of some of the region's most important historic sites at Troy, Ephesus, Hieropolis, Aphrodisias, Aspendos and Side. There are plenty of stops to relax and enjoy the seaside at the coastal towns of Kusadasi and Fethiye and Antalya, with a 12-island boat cruise also included in the Gulf of Fethiye.
The tour then heads inland, following the ancient Silk Road trading route to see the Sultanhani Caravansary at Konya before heading south east to see Lake Van, Biblical Mount Ararat, Kars and the ruins of ancient Ani.
There are a wealth of opportunities to taste traditional and modern Turkish cuisine and to pick up souvenirs and learn more about this fascinating country along the way. Accommodation is in a mix of 4-5 star and boutique style properties, either on a breakfast only or half-board basis depending on the location and other options available nearby.
