15 Day Inspiring Turkey
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including Anzac Cove in Gallipoli, the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus, Istanbul’s grand monuments and Cappadocia’s out-of-this-world landscapes
✓ 11 nights in 5-star and boutique accommodation
✓ Including 3 nights in a spectacular cave hotel in Cappadocia
✓ 3 nights sailing on a traditional Turkish 'gulet'
✓ Daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking guide
✓ Dedicated, comfortable air-conditioned coach transportation
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Hoşgeldiniz! Welcome to Istanbul. This vast metropolis is home to a beguiling mix of different cultures and traditions, a blend of east and west influences. The only city in the world that straddles two continents, Istanbul is busy, vibrant and fascinating.
Today is at your leisure.
This morning, join your guide and the rest of your group for a welcome meeting.
Then, we’ll set off to see the main sights of Istanbul, most of which are central to Sultanahmet Square, previously the famous Hippodrome of Constantinople. Once upon a time it was home to gladiator games, official ceremonies, celebrations and protests. It’s been in use since Roman times and was used as a square by the Ottomans, too. Construction during the 16th and 17th centuries damaged it and by the mid-18th century it was abandoned.
We’ll visit the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii (or Sultan Ahmed Mosque), one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in Turkey. It’s a striking display of classical Turkish architecture. Built between 1609 and 1616, it was designed as an imperial show of strength to complement the imposing Hagia Sophia across the square. It owes its name to more than 20,000 handmade ceramic Iznik tiles that decorate the interior, with many different tulip, rose, carnation and lily designs. It’s still used as a place for daily prayer and worship.
You’ll visit the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Museum, one of Istanbul’s most impressive sights, famous for its massive dome and other daring engineering feats. Now a museum, it was previously a church for more than a thousand years and later a mosque.
The next stop is Topkapı Palace, political centre of the Ottoman Empire. It was built by Mehmed the Conqueror in the 15th century. It’s a dazzling palace – the whole complex is an eye-popping display of Islamic art, from the opulent courtyards to the battemented walls and towers. It’s home to several holy relics, like Islamic calligraphy manuscripts and Muhammad’s cloak and sword. You can find spectacular views over the Bosphorus from the Fourth Courtyard.
The last stop is the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It takes up a whole city quarter. With over 4,000 shops, it’s a tourist favourite and a great place to practise your haggling skills.
Tonight you’ll join your guide and the rest of your group for your first Inspiring Taste, enjoying traditional Turkish fare in a local meyhane. It’s not just about the wonderful food, it’s an authentic way to socialise in Istanbul like the locals.
It’s a moving, important experience today visiting Gallipoli. See the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove, where the Allied forces landed on 25 April, 1915. Then you’ll head up the hill to the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair.
It’s truly a sombre experience to look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. You’ll tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
At 5pm, we’ll head to family-owned Suvla Winery, in the waterfront town of Eceabat on the Gallipoli Peninsula. After an introduction to their history and wines, enjoy a tasting with three wine varieties. Although a relatively young wine producer (established 2012), these premium wines – white, rosé and red – have won many awards. This tasting is for one hour.
Starts: approx: 5:00pm
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Today we’ll set off for the legendary ancient city of Troy (Troia in Greek).
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has to be one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, with 4,000 years of history. You’ll delve into the fascinating ruins, place of myth and legend. The city was founded and devastated several times in its history. The siege of Troy by Spartan and Achaean warriors in the 13th or 12th century BC was immortalised in Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, The Iliad. Of course, there’s a huge wooden horse at the entrance.
We’ll continue onto Kusadasi, where the rest of the day is free for you to explore this beach town on the western Aegean coast.
We’ll visit Ephesus today, Europe’s most complete ancient city.
Built during the 10th century BC during the Classical Greek era, this great city began to flourish under Roman control in 129 BC. It’s estimated that in its heyday, the city’s population was between 33,000 and 56,000 people.
The centrepiece of this prosperous city, the marble Temple of Artemis, was once the biggest temple on earth and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It’s a shadow of its former glory – after being completely rebuilt three times, it was eventually destroyed during a raid by an East Germanic tribe in 401 AD.
We’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a restaurant in a nearby village.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore.
We’ll set off this morning for Pamukkale, a trip of about three and a half hours. Nicknamed the ‘cotton castle’, Pamukkale’s famous white travertines and blue mineral pools make for an enchanting sight. The calcite-laden waters from the hot springs overlooking the plain have created a magical landscape, with petrified waterfalls and a series of step-like terraced basins with a dazzling white coating.
Nearby are the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis. We’ll see the ruins of the baths, temples and the Antique Pool with its submerged Roman columns, the result of an earthquake in the seventh century.
We’ll continue onto Fethiye. In the late afternoon you’ll embark on a traditional wooden gulet for your Inspiring Stay, where you’ll spend the next three nights sailing the renowned Turquoise Coast – named for the vibrant hue of the crystal clear water, of course. It’s time to relax and take in the leisurely pace of the Turkish Riviera.
Please note: The traditional-style gulet boats are not meant to be luxurious, but they are very comfortable and make for a memorable way to navigate this beautiful corner of the world for three nights. All cabins have ensuites and most of your time will be spent on deck enjoying the view. The group may be split across two gulet boats depending on final group size.
Sailing by gulet is the perfect way to explore the unspoiled delights of this spectacular coastline at an easy pace. After breakfast onboard, we’ll sail to Bedri Rahmi Bay for our first swimming stop.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Tersane Bay, to disembark and enjoy a hidden beach.
Another charming town on the Aegean Coast calls this morning, with a stop at Göcek, a yachting hotspot thanks to its gorgeous bay and breathtaking, pine-clad scenery. You’ll spend the rest of the day sailing, swimming and relaxing in these pristine surrounds.
We’ll disembark back in Fethiye and take a three-hour scenic drive to Antalya, a charming seaside city on the Mediterranean coast. A popular resort destination, it’s not all white sand beaches and turquoise waters – the lively town has a rich history, flourishing in Roman times and changing hands several times before a relatively stable 500 years under Ottoman rule.
An afternoon walk through the Old Town is a delight, boasting many ancient structures and gorgeous relics from the Ottoman empire. We’ll see Hadrian’s Gate and the old Roman Harbour, with the sparkling backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
A visit to the Antalya Museum, one of Turkey’s largest museums, reveals an archaeological treasure trove. It showcases the interesting history of the region with 13 exhibition halls and an open-air gallery.
Settle in for the drive to magical Cappadocia – about a seven hour journey, well worth it for the land of the beautiful horses.
Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms; deep valleys, swirling volcanic-rock landscapes, fairy chimneys that change colour with the sunset. It’s an enchanting, peculiar land. It’s also known for its labyrinthine underground cities.
Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your next Inspiring Stay, a boutique cave hotel where the rooms are carved into the rock! It’s the perfect blend of historic appeal and modern comforts.
The rest of the day is free for you.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
What better setting for a traditional Turkish evening than a cave? Enjoy the dance traditions of various regions of Turkey. This lively performance is a great way to enjoy traditional Turkish music, food and dancing.
Starts: approx: 8:00pm
Duration: approx. 3-4 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Enjoy some pampering and experience the age-old bathing ritual of a hamam, Turkish bath. Few cultural experiences remain as close to their authentic roots the way a Turkish bath does – this is a not to be missed experience when in Turkey.
Starts: approx: To be confirmed on tour by your Tour Guide.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
This morning, take a walk through one of the most delightful valleys in Cappadocia. Experience those fascinating rock formations like cones, peaks and fairy chimneys, and man-made cave chapels from early Christian times.
Today you’re invited to join a local family for lunch, an Inspired Taste. You’ll be welcomed into their home to share an authentic, home-cooked meal – a true taste of life at home in Cappadocia.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll head to a lodge to watch the spiritual Whirling Dervish Ceremony.
The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony is a Sufi ceremony that symbolises stages on the path to accessing God. It contains religious elements and themes with detailed rules and characteristics.The ceremony consists of the noble eulogy to the Prophet Mohammed, flute solo, prelude, the Circling of Veled and four segments (selam), which contain different Sufi meanings.
The ceremony is performed with traditional Mevlevi music, beginning with the Noble Eulogy (naat-ı şerif), which is the score composed by Itri and has been played since the late 17th century. Hymns written by composers such as Pir Adil Çelebi are sung by a trained chorus, which is accompanied by instruments such as the ney (flute), kettledrum and oud. The works of Rumi written in Persian are the basic source of the compositions.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Turkey’s wine production dates back some 4,000 years – learn about it and sample these delights, with a wine tasting.
Starts: approx: 5-6pm (1.5 hours before sunset, it may change seasonally)
Duration: approx. 2-3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Of course this area is renowned for its hot air balloon flights – early birds have the option of taking to the sky over the surreal Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. Please note, this activity can only be booked locally (additional expense). Please speak to your trip leader on day one to organise this.
Today we’ll visit Özkonak, one of the 36 underground cities in Cappadocia. These underground cities first started in the Bronze Age Hittite era.
Four of Özkonak’s 10 floors are open to the public. This ancient megalopolis, discovered by a local farmer in 1972, is known for the hot oil traps above each entrance to defend against invaders.
After lunch, we’ll take in a pottery demonstration in a nearby village. The reddish-brown clay harvested from the river is used for to make elaborate handmade ceramics. Experience how it is made – mostly with patience! Then we’ll visit a carpet store to see local ladies weaving the carpet.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Enjoy a traditional taste in Cappadocia, home to the village of Avanos, known for its pottery. This Anatolian specialty involves cooking the kebab inside the pottery jug, which is then cracked open for you to feast.
Starts: approx: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
We’ll say farewell to Cappadocia this morning and set off for Ankara, about four hours away.
Upon arrival in Turkey’s capital, we’ll head for Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and first President of the Turkish Republic. It’s a profoundly important site. The monument is surrounded by the vast Peace Park, which has 50,000 decorative trees. There are also several statues and reliefs that show the history of the Turkish War of Independence, the Republic and the life of Ataturk.
This grand feat of architecture is a great example of the Second National Architectural Movement, a Turkish architectural style. The monument block is composed of travertine and marble from various corners of the country. The Hall of Honour is especially stunning, composed of cream-coloured marble from Çanakkale, red marble from Hatay, and black marble from Adana.
We’ll take an orientation walk around Ankara before you enjoy some free time for dinner. As you’ve already discovered, Turkish food is bursting with flavour and textures. From baklava to borek, Turkey’s rich culinary history is big on variety and taste.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Discover artefacts from just about every significant archaeological site in Anatolia. It’s a great place to understand Turkey’s ancient history – dating back to the Paleolithic Age (before 8000 BC). Housed in two Ottoman-era buildings, there are eight sections to explore.
Please note, from April to October the museum is open later (6:30pm), but in October to March, the museum closes at 4:45pm so you may visit the museum tomorrow morning (Day 14).
Starts: approx: To be confirmed on tour by your Tour Guide.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
It’s time to head back to Istanbul today. When we arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to see more of this colourful city or pick up some last minute souvenirs.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that separates Europe and Asia. It’s a marvellous way to admire the city’s iconic skyline. Spot grand palaces, like the Ottoman delight Dolmabahçe Palace, Selimiye Barracks and the Mecidiye Mosque, a striking waterside landmark.
Starts: approx: 7:00pm
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Turkish adventure comes to an end.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Inspiring Stays
Inspiring Sights
To enhance your journey, we're offering guests 2 bonus sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 7 options (further details listed under 'Optional Tours').
Inspiring Tastes
For further information on your gulet cruise, click HERE. Please note that multiple gulets are in operation from our departure point - the link is for reference only and may not represent the exact sailing boat that you will experience.
PLEASE NOTE - These traditional-style gulet boats are not meant to be luxurious, but they are very comfortable and an exceptional way to spend three nights. All cabins are nicely appointed and have private ensuites. Most of your time will be spent on deck enjoying the view.
No drinks are included as part of our package, however drinks may be purchased on board. Some Gulets provide drinks packages however, each gulet is privately owned so options provided will differ from ship to ship. Please enquire with your guide on tour.
The group may be split across two gulet boats depending on final group size.
Visa Gift Card to the value of $200 per person.
Your Visa Gift Card will be posted to the lead passenger address provided on the traveller booking form, therefore please ensure that the details you provide are accurate at the time of submission. The Visa Gift Card will be issued following the release of your tour documentation 30 days before departure. You can expect to receive your gift card no later than 7 days before your departure from Australia.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport lounges Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport shuttle transfers
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability. Alternatively, you may purchase 1 pre or post-night accommodation + transfers, at time of booking.
To enhance your journey, we're offering 2 free sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 7 options, listed below. Guests can also purchase any of the remaining sightseeing experiences (costs are per person, tour descriptions are in the day-by-day itinerary):
You may select both options on Day 10.
Additional sightseeing experience (to be booked and paid locally while on tour):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour, your Tour Leader will suggest contributing towards a ‘tipping kitty’ which can then be used to tip local guides, hotel staff, driver, etc. You will have complete visibility over amounts tipped and any funds left will be distributed back to travellers. This tipping kitty is not mandatory, however, over time we’ve found it frees travellers from the stress of keeping the right change at hand and not knowing appropriate tipping amounts. We suggest EUR2-4 for hotel staff, local guides and the driver (suggestions are per person per day).
Please note that this tipping is not for your Tour Leader. If you are happy with the service provided by your Tour Leader we recommend tipping EUR3-5 per person per day.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $999 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your intended date of return. All Australian passport holders will require a visa to enter Turkey. The visa must be issued prior to departing Australia.
How: Turkey has an e-visa system which can be applied for online by clicking HERE.
Cost: USD $60 per person (subject to change)
Visa Type: Tourist Visa / Single Entry
When to apply: 30 days prior to departure
Please note: Do NOT apply for your visa until you receive your tour documentation from Inspiring Vacations 30 days prior to your departure.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
8-20 people.
Trip Style - Small Group Tour
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
For more information on the weather in Turkey, click HERE.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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