Turkey Adventure

Reiseverlauf 2026

1. Tag 1

   Istanbul

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   Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all once called home – with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After you’ve met your local leader and group, you’ll head out for a guided tour of the Old City. Visit the ancient hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Suleymaniye Cami. This evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and dig into an authentic Turkish kebab.
   It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you're going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
2. Tag 2

   Canakkale

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   After breakfast, hit the road to Canakkale – a port city on the southern shore of the Dardanelles. On the way, you’ll stop for a guided tour of Gallipoli to learn about the significant events that took place here during WWI. Your guide will take you to ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Make sure your camera is charged – the views of the Dardanelles Strait and the Gallipoli Peninsula here are gorgeous. This evening, you’ll spend the night in Canakkale with free time to grab dinner and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
3. Tag 3

   Selcuk

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   This morning, drive to the ancient city of Troy. Explore the ruins with your leader, snap a photo with a replica Trojan Horse and learn about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists for centuries. Then, continue to Selcuk which sits on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill. Head out with your leader for an orientation walk, passing Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Enjoy some free time afterwards.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
4. Tag 4

   Transit by Train

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   Heute Morgen fährst du mit einem privaten Minibus in die antike Stadt Ephesus - eine der am besten erhaltenen griechisch-römischen Städte der Welt. Ephesus war einst die Hauptstadt des römischen Kleinasiens und hat eine faszinierende Geschichte, die mit einem einheimischen Führer, der dich herumführt, wirklich lebendig wird. Für ihr Alter sind die Ruinen in einem unglaublichen Zustand, und es ist nicht schwer, sich vorzustellen, dass sie vor über 2000 Jahren in voller Pracht standen, mit fließendem Wasser, öffentlichen Toiletten, einem medizinischen Institut und römischen Bädern. Das Große Theater ist gut erhalten und beherbergt regelmäßig Konzerte, aber die Bibliothek des Celsus ist am beeindruckendsten. Danach kannst du zu Mittag essen und vielleicht den einheimischen Frauen bei der Herstellung von Gozleme zusehen. Heute Abend hast du etwas Freizeit, bevor du nach Izmir umsteigst, um den Nachtzug nach Konya zu nehmen.
   Die Reisezeit im Nachtzug beträgt etwa 13 Stunden. Im Nachtzug gibt es ein Zweibett-Schlafabteil mit einem Waschbecken und einem kleinen Kühlschrank. Frisches Bettzeug wird gestellt, aber du musst dein Bett selbst machen. In jedem Waggon gibt es westliche Toiletten, aber wir empfehlen, zusätzliches Toilettenpapier mitzubringen. Es gibt einen Imbisswagen mit einfachen Lebensmitteln wie Sandwiches, Toast oder Kaffee/Tee, aber vielleicht möchtest du im Voraus etwas zu essen kaufen. Es kann vorkommen, dass du mit dem Nachtzug nach Ankara (der Hauptstadt der Türkei) statt nach Konya fährst, da die Schlafwagen im Zug nach Konya sehr begrenzt sind. Wenn du morgen früh in Ankara ankommst, wirst du Anıtkabir besuchen, das Mausoleum von Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, dem Gründer und ersten Präsidenten der türkischen Republik. Diese kleine Änderung hat keinen Einfluss auf deine Reisezeit oder das gesamte Reiseerlebnis. Dein Reiseleiter wird dich bei der Gruppenbesprechung darüber informieren, ob du bei deiner Abreise den anderen Zug nehmen musst.
5. Tag 5

   Konya to Cappadocia

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   Wake up in Konya, a historic Turkish city closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed by Rumi, a famous Sufi mystic in the 13th century. Visit the Mevlana Museum, maybe watching an optional whirling dervish dance, and stretch your legs in town before hitting the road to Cappadocia. Look out for the fairy chimneys, the hallmark of the region's otherworldly landscape, as you drive across the Anatolian plains and stop at an underground city used as a safe haven during wartimes. Arrive in the town of Urgup in the late afternoon in time for a sunset walk in the valley. Your accommodation tonight is a traditional cave style hotel that overlooks the valley.
   Your travel time will be approximately 3 hours.
6. Tag 6

   Cappadocia

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   This morning, take an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia at sunrise. If you don’t fancy it, you’ll still have an amazing view of the skyline dotted with balloons from the ground. Later this morning, enjoy a scenic walk through the valleys with your leader, featuring fairy chimneys, deserted rock-cut homes and cave churches. In your free time today, maybe visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings cut into the cliff. This evening, you’ll be warmly welcomed into a local home where you'll share a special home-cooked dinner with the family.
   Hot air balloons in Cappadocia can only be booked directly with your trip leader locally. Please speak to your Turkish group leader early on your trip to secure a spot for this popular activity. Due to local regulations, sunrise hot air balloon excursion times vary, which may result in your excursion beginning just after sunrise. This is subject to the tour provider’s discretion and is not within our control. The price of the hot air balloon activity is indicative only as the prices may fluctuate between different seasons. Your tour leader will advise you of the correct rate when booking.
7. Tag 7

   Cappadocia to Istanbul

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   Say goodbye to Cappadocia and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul (expect to arrive between 1 pm and 4 pm). After checking in to your hotel, take an evening stroll to one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods – a place where tool-selling tradesmen share space with cool cafes and galleries. For dinner, perhaps try a local street food favourite, balik ekmek (fish sandwich) and cleanse the palate with a baklava. Maybe check out a few bars with your group to say serefe (cheers) to your time in Turkey, or enjoy a farewell cay (Turkish tea) overlooking the Bosphorus.
8. Tag 8

   Istanbul

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   Today is free for you to explore more of Istanbul at your own leisure before a meeting with your new group to chat about the next stage of your itinerary. In the meantime, this is a chance to check out anything you missed on your first visit to the city or go back to your favourite parts. Maybe scope out some souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar, tuck into a cafe with a good book or ask your leader for the inside scoop on best recommendations. After your briefing tonight, why not head out to dinner with your new travellers and get ready for the next part of your adventure.
   As this is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
9. Tag 9

   Sivas

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   This morning, you’ll board a train and travel to Sivas – the heart of Anatolia. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcast. When you arrive, take an orientation walk through the city’s old quarters, known for its impressive Seljuk architecture. Along the way, visit the Cifte Minare and Buruciye Madrasahs and learn about the region’s history before returning to Sivas for a free evening.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
10. Tag 10

    Adiyaman

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    Depart Sivas this morning and travel southeast to Adiyaman. When you arrive, visit one of Turkey’s most iconic sites, Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO site that dates back to the 1st century BC. Stop at the ancient Roman Cendere Bridge before reaching the summit for sunset. Unwind as the giant stone heads start to glow in the golden evening light and learn about the story and history layered into this magnificent site.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
11. Tag 11

    Mardin

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    Set off early this morning to the ancient city of Mardin. On the way, you'll stop in Diyarbakır – known for its black basalt walls, rich Kurdish culture and tasty local food. If you're hungry, be sure to try a liver kebab (a true local favourite). Then, continue through the rugged Mesopotamian landscape to Mardin – a hilltop city with golden stone buildings and sweeping views all the way to Syria. After checking into your accommodation, join your leader on a short walk around the area to help you get your bearings. Then you’re free to explore the city’s winding streets – maybe with a glass of local Syriac wine to end the day.
12. Tag 12

    Mardin

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    After breakfast, take a guided walk through Mardin’s old streets. Explore the city’s main sights with your local leader, walk past the historic madrasahs and lively bazaars. After, visit the Living Museum and meet local artisans, including copper workers and telkari (fine silver filigree) artists, who are keeping the centuries-old tradition alive. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the beautiful Deyrulzafaran Monastery and the historic Kasımiye Medrese just outside the city.
13. Tag 13

    Sanliurfa

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    Start your day with one of the most significant sites of human civilization - Gobekli Tepe – an archaeological site over 11,600 years old which features the oldest known megaliths! As you walk through the site, see the tall T-shaped stone pillars, decorated with animals and symbols, and learn about the religious rituals that existed long before farming began. After, head to Sanliurfa, also known as the City of Prophets. When you arrive, listen to the inspiring story of Nahil Guesthouse, an organisation that's committed to supporting the livelihood of local women, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch. The afternoon is free. Maybe visit the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum, which displays artifacts from Gobekli Tepe and the region or stroll through the bazaars. Tonight, maybe join Sira Gecesi Night – a tradition in Sanliurfa that's now been revived with music and dances to celebrate human connections and the beauty of life.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
14. Tag 14

    Gaziantep

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    Before heading to Gaziantep this morning, you’ll stop in Halfeti – a small town that's part of the global Cittaslow (slow city) network. Located by the Euphrates River, Halfeti is famous for the old village of Savasan, partially submerged after the Birecik Dam was built. The sunken mosque and abandoned stone houses tell a quiet story of the past. Then, set off on a scenic hike along the Degirmendere Trail. This lesser-known path winds through wild landscapes of rocks and lakes. After the hike, take a boat tour on the Euphrates to see the sunken city up close, where minarets and rooftops rise above the water. Later this afternoon, you’ll arrive in Gaziantep. Maybe find a local restaurant for dinner or try some of the city’s famous pistachios and baklava.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your hiking time will be approximately 2 hours.
15. Tag 15

    Gaziantep

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    Gaziantep is Turkey’s undisputed culinary capital and a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy – which is why today is all about tasting the local flavours! You’ll start the day like the locals do with a hot bowl of Beyran soup (a mix of meat, rice, garlic and spices). Then, set off through the streets on a food crawl, sampling some of the city’s signature dishes including ali nazik (smoked mashed eggplant topped with spiced beef), katmer (flaky pastry with clotted cream and pistachios) and Turkish coffee (sometimes infused with pistachio for a local twist). You’ll then discover the birthplace of baklava, where layers of golden pastry are made with great care. See the spice markets and coppersmith bazaar, where you can buy handmade souvenirs or fragrant local spices.
16. Tag 16

    Konya

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    After breakfast, you’ll travel into the heart of Anatolia to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Catalhoyuk – one of the world’s oldest and best preserved Neolithic settlements. Explore the closely packed mudbrick houses and learn about daily life in this early community. After, drive to Konya, passing through wide plains and beautiful Anatolian landscapes. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
17. Tag 17

    Antalya

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    This morning, head south toward the Mediterranean coast, stopping for lunch in Ormana Village – an old Yoruk settlement tucked in the Taurus Mountains. Located near the streams that feed the Manavgat River, Ormana is part of the Ibradi District, whose ancient name means 'land of abundant waters’. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with stone and timber houses, some restored and others still holding stories of the past. Then continue to Antalya – a lively coastal city blending Roman history with beach-town vibes. The rest of the day is free – maybe explore the Old Town’s Ottoman mansions and Roman harbour or relax at a seaside café as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – a great chance to reflect on the week, share stories and celebrate the memories made across Turkey.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
18. Tag 18

    Antalya

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    As there are no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Antalya longer, just chat to your booking agent ahead of time.