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from pp Twin Share

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Single Traveller
$7,951 pp
Pay in full discount on selected dates. Save $300 pp!

from pp Twin Share

$5,999
Typically $7,239
-17%
Book Now
with only a $99 deposit pp

Single Traveller
$7,951 pp

16 Day Antiquities Of Turkey With Gulet Premium Small Group Tour

16 Day Antiquities Of Turkey With Gulet Premium Small Group Tour

This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Escorted Type
Fully Escorted

This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.

Pace
Moderate Pace

These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy 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.

Group Size
Small Group

Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. 

We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.

Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support 

We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart. 

Confidence
Book With Confidence
Small Group Tour
1145 people have travelled to this destination

✓ 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 14 people
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour 
✓ Flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia
✓ 12 nights in 5-star and boutique accommodation
✓ 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

✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.

What we love about this tour

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.

Itinerary

Hotel
Burdock Hotel Istanbul or Similar

Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival in Istanbul you'll receive a warm welcome from our representative, who will greet you and transfer you to your five-star hotel to relax after your journey.

Hotel
Burdock Hotel Istanbul or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning your guide will meet you in the lobby for a welcome meeting, where you'll discuss the trip ahead and meet your fellow travellers.

Afterwards, we start our journey by following in the footsteps of the city’s most famous ruler, Sultan Ahmed, and head to the district of Sultanahmet, within Istanbul's old city. The historic centre of Istanbul, here you'll explore the legacy of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Take in the majesty of the sixth-century Hagia Sophia, whose stunning construction is said to have changed the history of architecture. When not erecting splendid buildings, the Byzantine Emperors loved a bit of entertainment, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople was their stadium. Inspect some of the decorative statues and obelisks that remain, harking back to a time when this space would play host to thousands of chariot racing fans. Witness the majesty of the Blue Mosque, and spend time meandering through the narrow lanes that burrow through the huge Grand Bazaar, packed with more than 3000 stalls of handcrafted jewellery, textiles, books and spices.

Tonight, your guide will take you to his favourite restaurant to have a real meyhane (Turkish tavern) experience at the heart of Istanbul!

Hotel
Exedra Cave Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning we will finish off our time in Istanbul with a visit to Topkapi Palace, bathing in the beauty of the 15th century, fairy tale-esque residence of Ottoman Sultans. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Ataturk Airport to fly to Cappadocia.

Your guide will then take you on a leisurely hike of the beautiful surrounding valley. Afterwards, spend the rest of the day at your leisure or enjoy one of our bonus Inspiring Sights options to enhance your experience. You may choose to include two optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package. Both options can be chosen as they take places at different times.

Optional Tour - Kelebek Turkish Bath

You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.

Enjoy some pampering and experience a Turkish bath (60mins). The Turkish bath, also known as hamam, is one of the ancient world’s most widely exported customs and a not to be missed experience when in Turkey.

Hotel
Exedra Cave Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your walk to the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, Kizilcukur. You'll see fascinating rock formations such as cones, peaks and fairy chimneys made from tuff – a light, porous rock formed by consolidaed volcanic ash – as well as man-made cave chapels from early Christian times.

You will enjoy your first Inspiring Taste with a local specialty called a Pottery Kebab – Cappadocia's traditional, must-try dish, prepared in a clay pot.

In the evening, your guide will take you to a beautiful lodge to watch the spiritual Mevlevi, or Whirling Dervish Ceremony – an 'active meditation' that is said to show devotion to god, and a practice that been recognised by UNESCO.

Optional Tour: Hot Air Ballooning
Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon 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. Please speak to your trip leader on day one to organise this (approximate cost EUR 240pp).

Hotel
Exedra Cave Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. Prepare to be blown away by this vast subterranean site, which comprises ancient dwellings that span seven levels beneath the ground, extending to a depth of approximately 60 metres.

Later in the afternoon we'll visit Kizil Irmak, or the Red River of Cappadocia, famous for its clay, which is still used to make magnificent pieces of art today. You’ll learn about this ancient craft when we visit a local potter.

Hotel
Ramada Plaza Antalya or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

We leave Cappadocia today and head towards the Mediterranean coast. The drive is long, but it's also incredibly scenic. We'll enjoy a pit stop in Konya to try the local food before continuing to the jewel in the Mediterranean crown – Antalya. The ancient city is the eastern gateway to Turkey's southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its magnificent blue waters. Remnants from Antalya's time as a major Roman port remain: from Hadrian’s Gate, built to honour the Roman emperor’s visit in 130 CE, to the 2nd-century Hidirlik Tower, which boasts stunning harbour views.

Hotel
La Farine Boutique Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

This morning you’ll enjoy a walk to see Hadrian’s Gate, the old Roman Harbours and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean before enjoying lunch. We will then be travelling on to the Greek ghost town of Kayakoy, which is said to be the setting for Louis de Bernières' novel Birds Without Wings. Stroll around and take in the eerie atmosphere. From here we continue to Fethiye, a beautiful town surrounded by pine forests and dotted with islands.

Hotel
Gulet Sailing boat or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

This morning will be at your leisure. After lunchtime, we will board a traditional Turkish sailboat known as a gulet – your home for the next three days. A gulet is a wooden yacht usually built in Bodrum or Marmaris in Turkey that measures 20 to 30 metres in length on average. Handcrafted from mahogany, pine and teak, the gulets follow a design developed for these waters in Byzantine times, with a sharp bow, broad beam and rounded aft. They are stylish, graceful, fitted for comfort and full of character. We cruise in style along the spectacular coastline of Turkey for the next three days on a journey that promises Kodak moments at every turn.

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.

Hotel
Gulet Sailing boat or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast onboard, we'll sail to Bedri Rahmi Bay for our very first swimming stop. In the afternoon, we'll sail to Tersane Bay where you can disembark the gulet and enjoy the serenity of a hidden, untouched beach.

Hotel
Gulet Sailing boat or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After another breakfast onboard, we'll sail to Gocek – a magnet for high-end yachts and yet another beautiful town on the Aegean Coast. We will then continue along the coast where we’ll be sailing, swimming and enjoying the crystalline water of the Turkish Riviera for the rest of the day.

Hotel
Doğa Thermal Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we leave our beautiful Gulet and drive to Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton Castle' and a truly unique sight. We will visit Hierapolis and travertines. Travertines phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a myriad of pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-colored stalactites
are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties for a person's circulation and digestive systems. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC and by the 2nd Century AD it had become an important Roman bath center. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well
worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. There will be a small surprise on the top of travertines, you will be enjoying your wine while watching amazing sunset.

There will be a small Inspiring Taste surprise awaiting us on top of the travertines as we enjoy wine while watching an amazing sunset.

Hotel
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Kusadasi or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning enjoy some free time at the thermal pools at your hotel before departing from Pamukkale and heading to Kusadasi, which is approximately 3-hours drive.

Before arriving at Kusadasi, we stop at a local winery for a tasting.

Hotel
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Kusadasi or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our day will start with an orientation walk around the town of Selcuk, which lies at the base of the partially restored ancient Ayasuluk Fortress. Here, you'll visit the last remaining fragments of the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – as well as a Roman and Byzantine aqueduct.

This afternoon, visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. Marvel at the vast amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and wander through the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus. After Ephesus, we drive to Sirince village to join a very special Inspiring Taste cooking class led by an amazing cook, Mujde!

Hotel
Parion Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The highlight for today is a visit to the legendary city of Troy. You’ll see the remnants of the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse as you learn about the groundbreaking archaeological digs and how the site has baffled historians. We will then continue on to Canakkale.

Hotel
Burdock Hotel Istanbul or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we will travel to the Gallipoli peninsula, where we'll visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove. From here, we'll head up the hill toward the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. We'll spend a moment in quiet contemplation, looking down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. We’ll tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Afterwards, we continue on to Istanbul.
 
Upon arrival in Istanbul you may want to enjoy one of our bonus Inspiring Sights options to enhance your experience. You may choose to include two optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Optional Tour - Homecooked dinner in Istanbul

You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.

Nothing beats home cooking, especially Turkish home cooking. Join this Istanbul tour to be treated to a feast at a local family's home, as well as other oh so Turkish pursuits: drinking tea and playing backgammon.

Meals
Breakfast

As they say, all good things must come to an end. Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Turkey. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight home.

Inclusions

  • 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 14 people
  • Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour  
  • Flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia
  • 12 nights in 5-star and boutique accommodation
  • 3 nights sailing the Turkish Riviera on a traditional Turkish gulet
  • Breakfast daily, 11 lunches and 8 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 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 traditional gulet. Handcrafted from mahogany, pine and teak, the gulets follow a design developed for these waters in Byzantine times.

Inspiring Sights

  • To enhance your journey, we're offering guests two bonus sightseeing experiences out of a choice of three options (details listed under 'Optional Tours').

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.

Fine Print

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 $597.00 per person within 28 days.
  3. Pay a 2nd installment of $1,195.00 per person within 90 days.
  4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

  • Your booking is confirmed
  • Your departure date is within 11 months
  • You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.

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, however, any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,952.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended 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.

Group Size
Minimum: 10

Maximum: 14

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

  • $403.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
  • $403.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

  • $403.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
  • $403.00 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):

  • Kelebek Turkish Bath (Day 3) - $202 per person
  • Homecooked dinner in Istanbul (Day 15) - $127 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 Airfares
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Tipping
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses

Click HERE for more information on weather in Turkey.

Departure Dates for 16 Day Antiquities Of Turkey With Gulet Premium Small Group Tour

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