Real Turkey

Day 1 Istanbul    
Kick off your Turkish adventure in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and now you – for one night, at least – have called home. You’ve got all of today to explore the capital city before you join up with your travel crew and group leader at an important welcome meeting at 6 pm.    

Day 2 Istanbul to Canakkale    
Today you’ll take a bus to the shores of Gallipoli (approximately 5.5 hours) – a significant peninsula for Australians and New Zealanders. It is a spot of pilgrimage for many to see the now calm waters and peaceful landscape that reside where such brutal battle took place during the First World War. Take in the reverence and serenity of the region, and hear stories of heroism and mateship that shone through the tragedies of war. Continue onwards to Canakkale where you’ll spend the night.    

Day 3 Canakkale to Ayvalik    
Today, there's the option this morning to take an excursion out to the ruins of Troy, where you can explore the ancient walls, climb around the 4500-year-old ruins, check out the Trojan horse statue and gaze across the Troad (the Plains of Troy) towards the Dardanelles and the hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Later on, drive down the coast to Ayvalik (approximately 3.5 hours). Head on a leader-led orientation tour to discover a town that’s a fascinating mix of Greek and Turkish cultures.    

Day 4 Ayvalik to Selcuk    
This morning, take a 4-hour journey by local bus to the traditional farming village of Selcuk. Once arrived, take an orientation walk to get your bearings – a town full of history and packed with artefacts and relics that reflect its past as an ancient fortress on. Later you can head out to the nearby ruins of Ephesus and explore the streets once walked by Marc Anthony and Cleopatra. This is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. Chill out tonight in Selcuk, where you could try some Turkish meze and raki for dinner with some of your travel crew.    

Day 5 Selcuk to Pamukkale    
Travel east inland to Pamukkale (approximately 4 hours), which literally translates to 'cotton castle'. Here, spectacular natural hot springs with a high calcium content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, leaving bright white terraces, or ‘cotton’. It's been used as a spa since the second century BC, and its waters are said to have heaps of healing properties.

Day 6 Pamukkale to Fethiye    
Jump on a local bus bound for Fethiye (approximately 3.5 hours). Arrive in time to check out this seriously vibrant harbourside city, and if there’s time, catch a dolmus to Saklikent Gorge or explore the back streets of the Old Town of Fethiye and hunt for a bargain. The best thing is – you’ve got the power to decide. Tonight, enjoy a walk by the harbour with your group, try some local seafood and check out the thriving nightlife scene.    

Day 7 Fethiye    
This morning, travel to the eerie ghost town of Kayakoy. Wander through deserted stone houses and through the overgrown countryside, and be sure to watch out for the goats. You’ll be setting off on a hike today, so make sure you’re wearing some good shoes. From Kayakoy, continue by foot over the hills to catch a glimpse of the amazing Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz. Once arrived in town, hang out for a bit, quench your thirst and take a swim in the sparkling Mediterranean before jumping back on a local bus and heading to your place to stay tonight.  

Day 8 Southern Coast Sailing    
This morning you’ll take a local bus to Kas (approximately 3 hours), which is right near the southernmost point of Turkey. With its whitewashed buildings covered in bougainvillea and cobbled streets, Kas is one of the most attractive towns on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. Spend an hour or two lunching and wandering the streets, before you transfer an hour down the road to Kekova. At about 6 pm, you’ll board your ship and make waves on a memorable voyage along the coast. The next couple of days will be spent swimming, exploring sunken cities, sunbaking and eating fresh seafood. This evening, cruise to Tersane Bay for a swim and then enjoy a home-cooked dinner on board, before docking for the night and sleeping under a blanket of Mediterranean stars.    

Day 9 Southern Coast Sailing    
Wake up to a spectacular Mediterranean sunrise this morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast on board. Cruise onwards to the sunken Lycian city of Simena, from where remains of a mysterious civilisation can be viewed, as earthquakes sunk this land almost 2500 years ago. Here you can walk up to nearby Simena Castle, swim in crystal-clear waters, or explore Lycian rock-tombs.  

Day 10 Antalya    
Soak up the last of life as a glamorous boat-dweller with breakfast on board. Then transfer by public bus approximately 3.5 hours to Antalya – the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean. It’s hard to get a bad photo of Antalya due to it charming cobblestone streets, historic Old City, vibrant marina and the Taurus Mountains framing the city. Head around town with your group leader, jump on the old Nostalgic Tram or go to Konyaalti Beach for some more time chilling out beachside. Antalya also has a thriving nightlife scene, so use it to your advantage.  

Day 11 Antalya to Cappadocia
Head to Goreme in Cappadocia by local bus (approximately 9.5 hours). Once arrived, take a walk around with your leader to get your bearings and maybe visit the Ortahisar Castle in the afternoon. Tonight you’ll stay at local host Nazim's house in Ortahisar who has an amazing spot with views over a secluded valley. Your family hosts will treat you to some true Turkish hospitality with home-cooked food – Cappadocia style.    

Day 12 Cappadocia    
Weird rock formations, fairy chimneys and underground cities – Cappadocia is pretty wacky. This morning you have the option of taking an early hot air balloon ride over the landscapes at sunrise. Later in the morning, head underground and explore some of the 36 underground cities in Cappadocia. These rabbit-warren metropolises were carved into the earth thousands of years ago. Discover the highlights of the region this afternoon, checking out Pigeon Valley and Deverent Valley – your group leader will know all the best places to stop. Later this afternoon, grab some wine and some local cheese and find a perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset.    

Day 13 Cappadocia    
Put your boots on and hike the hills and mountains to Goreme. One arrived in Goreme, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and deciding what to do. You might like to pull up a bean bag at ‘Fat Boys’ or, if you’re muscles are causing you grief, why not try a local hammam for a traditional Turkish spa treatment  

Day 14 Cappadocia to Istanbul
Spend the day exploring the Cappadocia area some more. If you like, you can stop by the Goreme Open Air Museum – a medieval wonderland of old rock-cut churches and frescoes. For a very different taste of the diverse landscape around here, you could check out Avanos, or hire a bike and ride through the valleys out to Cavusin. Soganli Valley is another popular spot – it’s a bit of a drive but a great place for some local lunch and churches also with awesome frescoes. Keep in mind that tonight you’ll board an overnight bus bound for Istanbul (approximately 10–12 hours).    

Day 15 Istanbul    
Arrive into Istanbul this morning, where you’ll say goodbye to your group leader and travel pals at a centrally located hostel. Depart at any time.