Absolute Turkey Tour with 11 Reviews by G Adventures

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Istanbul, Turkey

Ends

Istanbul, Turkey

Highlights

Discover historic cities and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus.

Marvel at the extraordinary scenery of Cappadocia.

Enjoy dinner in a local family home.

Relax on an afternoon boat trip.

Live like a local in a Turkish village

Itinerary

From the lively streets of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, the Absolute Turkey tour offers a 15-day deep dive into the country’s vibrant history and natural wonders. Designed for experienced travelers seeking an easy-paced yet enriching journey, this guided small group tour weaves together the best of Turkey’s cultural, religious, and historic sites.

Begin your adventure with the grandeur of Ottoman palaces, bustling bazaars, and ancient mosques before setting off to discover the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale and the hidden gems of Bolu, Kekova, and Canakkale. The itinerary balances iconic sights—such as the bustling markets of Istanbul and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia—with moments of relaxation along Turkey’s picturesque beaches.

A key highlight is the inclusion of local CEOs (Chief Experience Officers), whose insider knowledge unlocks the region’s lesser-known treasures, ensuring memories that linger long after your journey ends. With accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance all taken care of, this tour package delivers a seamless and memorable exploration of Turkey’s crossroads between Europe and Asia.

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.

Accomodation:Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise

day 2 - Istanbul/Bolu

Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the city of Bolu.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Soylu Hotel Bolu (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr

Included Activity:Istanbul Orientation Walk Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 3 km

day 3 - Bolu/Cappadocia

Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the father of the Modern Turkish Republic, en route to Cappadocia region.
Transfer to the region of Cappadocia for 2.5 days of exploring. 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, travel to a nearby village and enjoy dinner with a local family.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.5 hr

Included Activities:Visit to the Mausoleum of Atatürk Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr, Dinner with Local Family

day 4 - 5 - Cappadocia

Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region.
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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia (or similar)

Included Activity:Göreme Open Air Museum Guided Tour Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr

Optional Activities:Pottery Center Visit Learn more about the infamous local art of pottery making and take advantage of the opportunity to create your own masterpiece., Carpet Demonstration , Hot Air Balloon Ride , Turkish Night Attend a "Turkish night" and enjoy a delicious multi-course meal followed by local entertainment. , Whirling Dervishes Witness this spellbinding dance-like worship, practiced by followers of the Mevlevilik Sufi order., Turkish Bath Take along a towel, soap, and shampoo, and enjoy a scrub like no other. Then experience a traditional foam massage, included in the entrance fee. Get some tips from the friendly locals – they’ll show you the correct protocol. Make sure to check the hours as the bathhouses are strictly segregated, usually being used by men in the morning and evenings, and women in the afternoons.

day 6 - Cappadocia/Güneysınır

Explore one of the many underground cities in the region. Visit Konya before spending the night in a local Turkish village. Enjoy the Mevlana Museum and learn about Mevlana Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet. Experience a homestay as the guest of a local family.
Depart Cappadocia and head to an underground city to explore. Have a quick lunch before journeying to the region of Konya.

Travel about 1 hour to a local village for a cozy homestay. On the way, visit Catalhoyuk, a uniquely well-preserved Neolithic site.

Upon arrival in the village, learn about local life and visit a community park and cooperative supported and developed by G Adventures before enjoying a home-cooked dinner tonight.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Konya Village Stay (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 230 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr Distance : 50 km

Included Activities:Underground City Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 1 km, Mevlana Museum Visit Duration : 0.5 hr, Catalhoyuk Visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Turkish Village Homestay

day 7 - Konya/Antalya

Wander the lovely seaside town of Antalya.
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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Gurtas Hotel Antalya (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr

Optional Activities:Antalya Archaeological Museum Visit 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.

day 8 - Antalya/Kaş

Spend the afternoon onboard a boat in the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before disembarking the boat and driving to our hotel for the evening.
Drive to the beautiful coastal village of Demre for lunch. After, board our boat for an afternoon on the Mediterranean Sea.

The boat trip includes sailing around Kekova Island, with plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and scenery, as well as a gorgeous view of Simena Castle from the water.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Kekova Hotel Kas (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 50.0 hr Distance : 35 km

Included Activity:Afternoon Boat Trip

day 9 - Kaş

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then explore as you see fit on a free Day at the beautiful coastal town of Kaş.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Kekova Hotel Kas (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr

day 10 - Kaş/Pamukkale

This afternoon, enjoy a guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Leave the beautiful sea behind and head to Pamukkale, passing through fruit orchards on the way.

Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Anya Resort Hotel Pamukkale (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr

Included Activity:Hierapolis and Pamukkale Visit Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr

Optional Activities:Hierapolis Archeological Museum This museum displays works of art from excavations at Hierapolis and towns in the surrounding area, such as jewelry, sarcophagi and Bronze Age crafts. Housed within a former Roman Bath and gymnasium, this museum will grab the interest of art, history and architecture lovers alike., Swim in an Ancient Pool

day 11 - Pamukkale/Selçuk

Enjoy free time this afternoon. Optional visits to St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey as well as the nearby picturesque village of Şirince.
Transfer to Selcuk this morning then enjoy a free afternoon.

Opt to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, 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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Cenka Hotel Selcuk (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 200 km

Optional Activities:Şirince Village Visit Head out to scenic Şirince, a Turkish-Greek village that was settled when Ephesus was abandoned; it’s now 600 strong. Wander the narrow village streets filled with people selling handicrafts, olive oil, and local wine. , Saint John's Basilica Visit 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 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., Pide Lunch & Demonstration, Selcuk

day 12 - Selçuk

Explore Ephesus this morning then enjoy free time. Opt to visit one of the seven wonders of the world, Temple of Artemis.
Visit the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.

After, head to town and enjoy some free time to explore. Opt to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, 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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Cenka Hotel Selcuk (or similar)

Included Activity:Ephesus Visit Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr

day 13 - Selçuk/Çanakkale

Visit the ancient city of Troy en route to Çanakkale.
Enjoy a carpet demonstration, Turkey's oldest art form, before visiting the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the world-famous city of Troy before continuing to the harbour town of Çanakkale, a busy port with a thriving student population.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Bogaz Hotel Canakkale (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 180 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 60 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr Distance : 32 km

Included Activities:Carpet Demonstration Duration : 1.0 hr, Çöp(m)adam Visit, Troy Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 1 km

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul (or similar)

Transport:Ferry Duration : 0.5 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 4.5 hr

Included Activity:Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour Duration : 2.5 hr - 3.0 hr

Optional Activities:Dolamabahçe Palace Built in the early 1800s, the Dolamabahçe Palace is the largest and the most important palace of the Ottoman Empire, after the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its grandeur., Archaeological Museum Opened in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Home to a classical statuary, artifacts, and sarcophagi - including the stunning sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon - this museum presents one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse into the life of ancient Turks. , Galata Tower Climb up the Galata Tower - one of Istanbul's oldest architectural landmarks - for an amazing panoramic view of the city. To get the full experience, time your visit with the call to prayer that happens at sunset., Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit , Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts This museum is home to treasures from the Ottoman and Seljuk periods, and boasts one of the world's largest collection of Turkish carpets., Great Palace Mosaic Museum See the intricate mosaics on display from the Byzantine period, excavated from the site of The Great Palace of Constantinople., Topkapi Palace Visit , Basilica Cistern Built in 532 AD, the Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern (underground water storage) of Istanbul. Spot the pillar bases carved in the likeness of Medusa.

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Optional Activities:Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts), simple village homestay (1 nt).

Meals

14 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Note: Allow USD275-360 for meals not included.

Transport

Private air-conditioned van, boat, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, AyvalıkYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family, ÇavuşinYour Local Living Moment: Turkish Village Homestay, GüneysınırIstanbul city walking tourVisit to the Göreme Open Air MuseumUnderground city explorationAfternoon boat trip (Mediterranean sea, weather permitting)Ancient Hierapolis and Pamukkale entrance and guided walkEphesus entrance and visitTroy entrance and guided visitGallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Absolute Turkey

4.5

based on 11 reviews

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Anonymous

Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

3 days ago

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