Solo-ish Turkey Tour with 4 Reviews by G Adventures

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

1 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Istanbul, Turkey

Ends

Selçuk, turkey

Highlights

Explore Istanbul’s old city and see iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia.

Enjoy a hands-on introduction to the art of traditional clay pottery.

Join a local family for a cooking experience in Cappadocia.

Head underground and check out the Kaymakli Underground City

Itinerary

Turkey’s vibrant tapestry comes to life on this 8-day small group adventure, perfect for experienced travelers keen on history, culture, and a bit of active exploration. Beginning in Istanbul and ending in Selçuk, you’ll sample local delicacies, marvel at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and get lost in the Grand Bazaar’s maze of treasures. Venture underground in Kaymakli’s ancient rock tunnels and step back in time at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, then cap it all off with the wonders of Ephesus.

What sets this trip apart is its focus on shared experiences—dinners, guided tours, and hands-on moments that foster new friendships while delving deep into Turkey’s storied past. For those seeking connection and adventure, this tour offers both in abundance.

day 1 - Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, the bridge between the East and the West and an incredible place to meet your new Solo-ish tour mates for a Turkish adventure. Catch an included arrival transfer to the hotel, then join your CEO for an evening welcome briefing before exploring Istanbul’s culinary scene. Connect with your group mates while wandering hidden lanes and stopping at street food stalls for samples along the way.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Istanbul Street Food Crawl Duration : 3.0 hr

day 2 - G Day

Set off on an unforgettable Day seeing Istanbul’s iconic sites with a surprise G twist occurring somewhere along the way. Begin with a walk through the heart of the city, seeing the Topkapi Palace gardens, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia, and the Basilica Cistern - the largest underground wells in Istanbul. Later, wander through the Spice Bazaar, a bustling hub of activity for centuries, offering an array of exotic spices, herbs, traditional Turkish sweets, dried fruits, nuts, teas, and other unique culinary delights. Observe the traditional Turkish Coffee demo, prepared in a cezve- a symbol of hospitality and friendship. Enjoy the rest of the Day free to continue exploring or to try out one of the many local restaurants or cafes in the area.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)

Included Activity:A Perfect Day in Istanbul Duration : 6.0 hr Distance : 4 km

day 3 - We Day

Hop on a morning flight to the Cappadocia region and set off straight away to explore the fascinating Göreme Open Air Museum, with Byzantine-era churches and chapels caved directly out of the rock. Later in the afternoon, travel to the nearby town of Avanos for a pottery lesson with a local instructor for a hands-on introduction into this classic artform. In the evening, join a local family to prepare your own traditional Turkish pastry called gozleme using mince meat, cheese, potato, and spinach to create a special and delicious dinner.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Ciner Hotel Cappadocia (or similar)

Transport:Plane

Included Activities:Göreme Open Air Museum Visit Duration : 2.0 hr, Landscapes and Community in Cappadocia, Pottery Class Duration : 1.5 hr, Gozleme Cooking Class Duration : 2.5 hr

day 4 - Me Day

The Day is yours to do as much or as little as you please in the incredible region of Cappadocia. Choose to join your CEO on a walking exploration through one of the valleys of the iconic rock formations known as "fairy chimneys" or otherwise set off to explore on your own. Some of the many options include an early hot air balloon ride, renting a bike, or visit a traditional Turkish bath. In the evening, re-group with your travel mates for a light dinner and some great views over the landscape.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Ciner Hotel Cappadocia (or similar)

Included Activity:Cappadocia Me Day

Optional Activities:Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride 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. Take to the skies in one of the most favoured places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride. , Carpet Demonstration , Turkish Bath

day 5 - Cappadocia/İzmir

Drive to Kaymkali after breakfast to explore the underground city, an expansive Subterranean complex built between the 8th and 7th Centuries BC, then continue on to Konya with a lunch stop along the way. Upon arrival in Konya, check out the Mevlana Museum and the mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic, then explore on your own with some free time. Reconnect with your CEO before boarding an overnight train bound for Izmir.

Meal:Breakfast

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 240 km, Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 13.5 hr Distance : 560 km

Included Activities:Kaymakli Underground City Duration : 1.5 hr, Mevlana Museum Visit Duration : 0.5 hr

day 6 - İzmir/Selçuk

Wake up in the coastal city of Izmir and head to the Cornish Cordon area for breakfast at one of the many shops or quaint restaurants along this popular waterfront street. Next, wander through the Agora or “Gathering Place” with your CEO towards the Kemeralti Bazaar before taking a bus to Selçuk. Enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon and evening with time to explore Selçuk or to relax at the hotel or nearby cafe. Head out with the group for an optional dinner in the evening at one of the many great local restaurants serving up fresh and delicious flavours.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Akay Selcuk (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 80 km

Included Activities:Cornish Cordon Visit Duration : 1.5 hr, Agora Walk Duration : 1.5 hr

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.

day 7 - Selçuk

Transfer to Ephesus this morning and enjoy a guided walking tour of the sprawling ancient Ruins. Witness the massive, well-preserved theatre and the two-story library before a stop at the Temple of Artemis, one of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. In the afternoon, transfer to the village of Çile for a hike down to the coast to the village of Ahmetbet, passing by historical landmarks and taking in the views of the ocean. In the evening, finish off the Day a with a fruit wine tasting and enjoy a final dinner with your CEO and fellow Solo-ish tour mates.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Akay Selcuk (or similar)

Included Activities:Ahmetbeyli Village Walk Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 6 km, Ephesus Visit Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr

day 8 - Selçuk

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast

Included Activity:Departure Day

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (6 nts), Overnight Train (1 nt). If you are interested in purchasing your own room, please see below for the My Own Room option.

Meals

7 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Note: Allow USD125-165 for meals not included.

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, train, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupDinner Party: Istanbul Street Food Crawl, IstanbulG Day: A Perfect Day in Istanbul, IstanbulWe Day: Landscapes and Community in Cappadocia, CappadociaYour Foodie Moment: Gozleme Cooking Class, ZelveMe Day: Cappadocia Me Day, CappadociaComplimentary arrival transferWalking tour of the historic heart of IstanbulWalk through Istanbul's Grand BazaarVisit the Goreme Open Air Museum in CappadociaPottery experience in the town of AvanosExplore the Kaymakli Underground CityVisit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi in KonyaWalk through the Agora and the Kemeralti Old Bazaar in IzmirGuided walking tour of EphesusVillage-to-village hike from Çile to the coastFruit wine tasting and farewell dinner

What's Excluded

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