16 Day Antiquities Of Turkey With Gulet Premium Small Group Tour

• Incredible sightseeing including Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, the fairy chimneys and underground cities of Cappadocia, Hadrian’s Gate, sailing the Aegean Coast on a traditional gulet, visiting legendary Troy and the cliffs of Gallipoli
• Small group touring, no more than 16 people
• Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour  
• Flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia
• 12 nights in 4, 5-star and boutique accommodation
• Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
• 3 nights sailing the Turkish Riviera on a traditional Turkish gulet
• Breakfast daily, 12 lunches and 9 dinners
• Fully escorted by expert, English-speaking guide throughout
• In-depth sightseeing, including all entry fees as per the itinerary
• Dedicated, air-conditioned transportation

• Istanbul - Uncover the grandeur of the incredible Blue Mosque.
• Istanbul - Visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the amazing Hippodrome of Constantinople.
• Istanbul - No visit to Turkey would be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar.
• Cappadocia - Explore the out-of-this-world landscape of Cappadocia, walking among the fabled region's incredible fairy chimneys.
• Cappadocia - Witness the spirituality of a Whirling Dervish ceremony.
• Cappadocia - Tour the Derinkuyu underground city.
• Antalya - Travel to this Mediterranean coastal city and visit Hadrian’s Gate.
• Antalya - Walk around the old Roman Harbour and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
• Fethiye - Delve into the history and remnants of Greek-Turkish ghost-town, Kayakoy.
• Gulet - Board a traditional wooden gulet and sail along the country's renowned Turquoise Coast, enjoying the leisurely pace and refreshing swims at secluded beaches.
• Pamukkale - Travese the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, and watch the sun set over this fascinating lunar landscape.
• Pamukkale - Visit the ruins of Hierapolis and the ancient Roman baths that are said to date back to 190AD.
• Kusadasi - Walk around the village of Selcuk and visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis.
• Ephesus - Explore Ephesus, arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world, which features the iconic Library of Celsus and a huge amphitheatre.
• Troy - See the remnants of the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse.
• Canakkale - Pay a visit to a weavers' association in Bergama and see first-hand how Turkish carpets are made.
• Gallipoli - Visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove and the memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair.

Inspiring Stay

• Sail for 3 nights on board a gulet. Handcrafted from mahogany, pine and teak, the gulets follow a design developed for these waters in Byzantine times.

Inspiring Sights

• Be amazed by the remarkable underground city of Derinkuyu.

Inspiring Tastes

• Sample a 'pottery kebab', Cappadocia's traditional, must-try dish, prepared in a clay pot.

PLEASE NOTE - These traditional gulets boats are not meant to be luxurious, but the cabins are very comfortable and nicely appointed with private ensuites. Aircon is turned on at certain times and most of your time will be spent on deck enjoying the view and the ocean breeze. Sailing on a gulet is a unique and memorable way to spend three nights and whilst discovering stunning bays!

IMPORTANT: Electricity supply is very limited and so aircon is turned on at certain times. The electricity of most yachts runs at 12 V/24 V. Please consider this if you wish to bring battery-operated equipments. Electrical appliances may only be connected while the yacht is tied up to land.

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.

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
2. Pay a 1st installment of $3,243.00 per person within 28 days.
3. Pay a 2nd installment of $1,285.00 per person within 90 days.
4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.

If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section

Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.

Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

• Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
• Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please request this at the time of purchase. To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchases to make your request. 
• Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
• Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
• Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Inspiring Vacations change fee of $250 per person.
• Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Inspiring Vacations name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
• If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
• Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are outside of our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler's expense.
• After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
• Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
• If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
• You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
• In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Inspiring Vacations will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline's policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.

Baggage

Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:

Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.

Flight requests, amendments or preferences

We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.

To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.

We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:

• Airline Preferences - You may wish to fly with a particular airline
• Cabin Preferences - These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
• Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) - You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
• Meal Requests - You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
• Seat Requests - If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.

We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:

• Stopovers - Is where you might want to stop in transit for a certain amount of days prior to your tour or after your tour.
• One way flights
• Different start or end city to the tour - you may not amend the arrival or departure city of your itinerary. 
• Around the world tickets  - Is when a ticket includes multiple stops in different continents.
• Return home to a different city from the one you departed.
• Frequent Flyer point redemption - Is when an airline allows you to redeem points to pay for your flights or upgrade your ticket.  

If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.

FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs  section. 

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

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 the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.

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, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,755.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.

 Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Group Size
Maximum of  14 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.

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

• $396.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $396.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

• $396.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $396.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

• Homecooked dinner in Istanbul (Day 15) - $125 per person

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.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 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.

• International Flights (optional)
• Visas
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses

Click HERE for more information on weather in Turkey.