Timeless Turkey

Istanbul, Taurus Mountains, and Cappadocia

Overview

Somewhere between your first taste of a Turkish kebab, seeing Roman ruins resting in remote forested hills, and wandering a dreamscape of fairy chimneys, you’ll discover that Turkey isn’t just a crossroads but a vibrant mosaic.

Start the explorations by taking in the sights and smells of Istanbul’s bazaars, then cruise the Bosphorus aboard a boat to see the city’s ornate palaces, ancient fortresses, and elegant mosques. Wander well-preserved Sagalassos before getting far off the beaten path in a unique camp in the heart of the Taurus Mountains. Then, follow those same mountains down to the Mediterranean to stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s Old Town. The next stop will have you exploring Konya’s fragrant markets, before immersing in Cappadocia’s enchanting landscapes. These otherworldly geological formations blend cultural and natural wonder – you’ll explore ancient homes and churches carved right into the rock pillars.

On this journey, follow local guides as they immerse you in natural splendor, ancient history, and Turkish culture. Join us for a memorable adventure through timeless Türkiye.

Price From

$10,995 USD
Trip Type

Small Group Adventure
Departure Dates

Mouse over or tap the departure dates to see trip prices.
Duration

13 days / 12 nights
Trip begins/ends
Istanbul / Cappadocia

*Price per person based on double occupancy. Trip price includes all lodging, meals, ground transportation, guide services and activities as described in this itinerary.

Call Toll-Free 800-445-2995

Do you want to customize this trip?

We customize trips all the time! Email us today: [email protected].

Trip Details

Trip Highlights

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

Turkey's Vibrant Cities: Wander incomparable Istanbul, stay in the heart of Antalya’s Old Town, and visit Konya, a Turkish cultural center.
Ancient History: Hike to the ruins of the ancient city of Adada and explore well-preserved Sagalassos, along with many other historic stops along the way.
Expert Guides: Local Turkish guides connect curious travelers to Turkey’s unique landscapes, vibrant culture, intriguing history, and delicious food.

The Essentials

Timeless Turkey

Trip Type: Small Group Adventure

Territory:

Region: Turkey

Trip Price: From $10,995

Single Supplement: $3,000

On-Trip Airfare: $0

Duration: 13 days/12 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Istanbul / Cappadocia

Minimum Travelers: 4 travelers

Maximum Travelers: 16 travelers

Select Terms & Conditions

Pricing detailed for this Small Group Adventure is based upon double occupancy. Additional charges for single travelers and any on-trip airfare required for the trip apply. A booking deposit is required to reserve your space. Small Group Adventure pricing includes all lodging, meals (unless otherwise noted), activities, baggage handling, transportation, and guide service. Not included are travel costs to/from gateway cities, guide gratuities, and personal incidentals including, but not limited to, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, alcoholic beverages, and laundry service. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Timeless Turkey

The Energy Index for this trip is “Nice & Active,” with “High Five” elements, at elevations ranging from sea level to 5,000 feet. Activities include hiking 4 to 6 miles on select days, with elevation gain/loss not typically more than 1,200 feet and an optional hot air balloon ride.

Make It Private

Make this trip all yours!

Most all of our Small Group Adventures can be made private to just your traveling troupe. Just give us a call at (800) 445-2995 and tell us that you would like to “make it private”!

Generally, there are two ways to make a small group adventure private. First, you could capture one of our published departure dates for just your group. In order to achieve this, we have to have sufficient space available to create a separate private trip. Second, we could take the details of this itinerary and fashion it for just your group on dates of your choosing. For this, too, we just need to review your interest, group size, and preferred timing in order to create the trip.

In all cases, the process begins with a phone call so give us a ring at (800) 445-2995 and after just a few minutes gathering information, we can set to the task of making your trip a reality!

Trip Highlights
The Essentials
Energy Index
Make It Private

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

Turkey's Vibrant Cities: Wander incomparable Istanbul, stay in the heart of Antalya’s Old Town, and visit Konya, a Turkish cultural center.
Ancient History: Hike to the ruins of the ancient city of Adada and explore well-preserved Sagalassos, along with many other historic stops along the way.
Expert Guides: Local Turkish guides connect curious travelers to Turkey’s unique landscapes, vibrant culture, intriguing history, and delicious food.

Timeless Turkey

Trip Type: Small Group Adventure

Territory:

Region: Turkey

Trip Price: From $10,995

Single Supplement: $3,000

On-Trip Airfare: $0

Duration: 13 days/12 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Istanbul / Cappadocia

Minimum Travelers: 4 travelers

Maximum Travelers: 16 travelers

Select Terms & Conditions

Pricing detailed for this Small Group Adventure is based upon double occupancy. Additional charges for single travelers and any on-trip airfare required for the trip apply. A booking deposit is required to reserve your space. Small Group Adventure pricing includes all lodging, meals (unless otherwise noted), activities, baggage handling, transportation, and guide service. Not included are travel costs to/from gateway cities, guide gratuities, and personal incidentals including, but not limited to, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, alcoholic beverages, and laundry service. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Timeless Turkey

The Energy Index for this trip is “Nice & Active,” with “High Five” elements, at elevations ranging from sea level to 5,000 feet. Activities include hiking 4 to 6 miles on select days, with elevation gain/loss not typically more than 1,200 feet and an optional hot air balloon ride.

Make this trip all yours!

Most all of our Small Group Adventures can be made private to just your traveling troupe. Just give us a call at (800) 445-2995 and tell us that you would like to “make it private”!

Generally, there are two ways to make a small group adventure private. First, you could capture one of our published departure dates for just your group. In order to achieve this, we have to have sufficient space available to create a separate private trip. Second, we could take the details of this itinerary and fashion it for just your group on dates of your choosing. For this, too, we just need to review your interest, group size, and preferred timing in order to create the trip.

In all cases, the process begins with a phone call so give us a ring at (800) 445-2995 and after just a few minutes gathering information, we can set to the task of making your trip a reality!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey

Arrive at the Istanbul International Airport, where you will be greeted and then transferred to a historic boutique hotel for check-in. Tonight, meet your guide and fellow travelers for a delicious welcome dinner.

Day 2: Istanbul

After breakfast, follow your guide over the Galata Bridge and into the heart of the vibrant old city. Immerse into the history and stories of this enchanting city as you gaze up at the Blue Mosque, walk the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, visit the Topkapi Palace, and more. Tonight’s dinner overlooks the Bosphorus.

Day 3: Istanbul

The day starts in Istanbul’s lively Beyoğlu District with a visit to the medieval Galata Tower. Then, follow your guide through the city’s vibrant bazaars before a boat cruise to take in Istanbul’s picturesque skyline from the water.

Day 4: Istanbul to Antalya to Sagalassos

You will head south today on a domestic flight from Istanbul to Antalya before journeying inland on a scenic drive to Sagalassos. Stroll the well-preserved Roman ruins, including the restored Antonine Nymphaeum Roman fountain. Enjoy a delicious group dinner tonight.

Day 5: Sagalassos to the Taurus Mountains

Today’s drive takes you to Sagrak, known for its natural beauty, hiking, and ruins. Hike to the ruins of the ancient city, enjoy a homemade lunch in a nearby village, then settle into your camp for the next two nights nestled in the Taurus Mountains.

Day 6: Taurus Mountains

After breakfast is served in the camp, this day is all about taking in the peaceful rural setting. You’ll have the chance to hike and enjoy a homemade lunch with a local family. Tonight, gather under the stars at camp for a dinner accompanied by live music.

Day 7: Taurus Mountains to Antalya

The day starts with a stunning hike through magnificent old-growth forests and fairy chimney rock formations. After a lunch, you’ll stop at the well-preserved Aspendos Theater. Tonight, check-in to your hotel in the heart of Antalya’s Old Town.

Day 8: Antalya and Termessos

Today’s explorations take the group high up into the Taurus Mountains to the ancient city of Termessos. Then, return to stroll the narrow streets of Antalya’s Old Town and the old marina. Enjoy dinner overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 9: Antalya to Konya

On our drive today, we’ll stop at the 13th-century Esrefoglu Mosque and a 3,000-year-old water sanctuary monument. After arriving in Konya, see the resting place of the poet Rumi and stroll a local market before a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10: Konya to Cappadocia

The drive to Cappadocia includes a stop at an ancient caravanserai (a resting place for travelers and merchants along the Silk Road), a hike in the Ihlara Valley, and a visit to a micro-winery. Then the group will explore fascinating Kaymakli and Mustafapasa, known for its Greek-Ottoman architecture. Dinner tonight is at your Cappadocia hotel’s atmospheric restaurant.

Day 11: Cappadocia

Today, immerse into the unique landscapes, culture, and history of Cappadocia - or soar high above it all on an optional early morning hot air balloon ride (at an additional cost). After a hike among fairy chimneys, the group will explore the UNESCO-designated Göreme Open-Air Museum. The day continues with a stop at Zelve and Paşabağ (Monks Valley), before a visit at a traditional Turkish carpet-weaving workshop.

Day 12: Cappadocia

After a beautiful hike in the Gomeda Valley, you’ll visit the charming village of Ayvali for a cooking class with a local family. After afternoon explorations of the serene Keslik Monastery, the group will gather in a local restaurant for a farewell dinner, celebrating your unforgettable experience!