EXPRESS TURKEY

From the historic markets of Istanbul to the otherworldly rock formations of Cappadocia, get a taste for ancient history, foodie delights and natural splendour in Turkey.

Destination
Starts at

Istanbul

Destination
Ends at

Kayseri

Destination
Duration

8 days

Destination
Group Size

Maximum 16

Destination
Physical Rating

moderate Information

Destination
Style

discovery Information

About your trip

Turkey is a truly epic destination. This is a country that literally spans continents, blending millennia of history with ever-changing landscapes and rich cultural traditions. Getting a true taste of the real Turkey is a daunting task, but we can show you the ropes in just eight days with this eclectic itinerary. You’ll marvel at architectural masterpieces, master the art of haggling and sample Anatolian cuisine in Istanbul, before heading to the capital, Ankara. Then we head out to Cappadocia to explore the relics of an ancient civilization, a surreal underground city and traditions around pottery, wine and dance. The highlight? It surely has to be the chance to see Cappadocia’s alien-like rock formations from above on an unforgettable hot-air balloon ride.

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the chaotic wonder of the Grand Bazaar and the majesty of the Blue Mosque
  • Embark on a tasty tour of the Asian side of Istanbul
  • Discover truly ancient relics in Hattusas
  • Seize the opportunity for a Cappadocia hot-air balloon ride
  • Explore a secret subterranean city, carved deep into Cappadocia's volcanic rock
  • Hike through the Red and Rose valleys

Your Itinerary

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you’ll be whisked from either airport (IST or SAW) to a five-star hotel in the harbourside district of Karaköy. Here, our Local Insider will greet you at 6pm and accompany the group throughout the trip. In the meantime drop your bags and get your first taste of Istanbul at the in-house hammam, or take a short walk to see the Galata Tower. Regroup in the evening for a welcome dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, where you can tuck into traditional Turkish dishes with stunning views of this sprawling city lit up at night.

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Pera

Activities Included
  • Transfer from airport to hotel
  • Welcome drink and dinner

Starting at the elegant Blue Mosque, our full-day tour will lead you through the vibrant streets of Istanbul. This ancient metropolis is a melting pot of Byzantine, Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Turkish history, where tradition and modernity live harmoniously side-by-side. Enjoy the vast beauty of the Hagia Sophia and the exquisite details within the Topkapi Palace complex, once the imperial residence of 25 Ottoman sultans. Take your time to sip a glass of çay (Turkish tea) while you haggle for souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 4,000 shops to explore. We’ll finish up late in the afternoon, so you can spend the evening as you wish.

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Pera

Activities Included
  • Full day Istanbul tour

This morning starts in aromatic style as we head straight to the vibrant Spice Market after breakfast. Next, a hop onboard a ferry across the Bosphorus, the historic waterway between the shores of Europe and Asia, where you’ll glimpse the architectural highlights of Istanbul, such as the Rumeli Fortress. Disembark in the fairytale-like neighbourhood of Kuzguncuk, where you’ll take part in a food-tasting tour through Kadıköy, sampling Turkish specialities such as lahmacun, kaymak and baklava. After taking a ferry back to the European side, you’ll walk through the ancient Beyoglu tunnel and end your day with a stroll down the popular, shop-lined Istiklal Street.

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Pera

Activities Included
  • Guided Spice Market tour
  • Bosphorus ferry cruise
  • Istanbul food tour

After breakfast we move on to another famous Turkish city, Ankara. On arrival in the capital you’ll instantly sense the calmer, less touristy way of life – in contrast to the chaotic clamour of Istanbul. By now, you’ll probably be familiar with the figure of Kemal Atatürk, founder and first leader of the Turkish Republic, as his image is found across the country. In Ankara, you’ll visit Anıtkabir, his monumental tomb, then onto the Ankara Citadel and the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to pour over the most extensive collection of Hittite artefacts in the world, some more than 7,500 years old. Bed down for the evening in a luxurious city centre hotel.

Accommodation

The Wings Hotels Neva Palas

Activities Included
  • Ankara tour, including Anıtkabir and the Hittite Museum

The capital of the ancient Hittite Empire was the mighty Kingdom of Hattusas. Discover this extraordinary relic from the late Bronze Age as you meander through huge stone walls set with relics and statues from more than 5,000 years ago. A short walk uphill from the Unesco World Heritage site will bring you to Yazilikaya, a sacred memorial place for Hittites. This impressive site is a natural open-air temple hewn in the rocks, and hidden in the high cliffs. Tonight, you’ll stay in cave-like rooms built from local stone in Cappadocia.

Accommodation

Utopia Cave Cappadocia

Activities Included
  • Visit to Hattusas and Yazilikaya

Although optional, we highly recommend you take the early morning hot-air balloon ride. Floating silently over the surreal rock formations of Cappadocia is undoubtedly the best way to experience this natural phenomena. Enjoy breakfast back at the hotel before heading to Goreme National Park, which has more than 30 rock-carved chapels and the unique cliff dwellings of Zelve. Come afternoon, you’ll join a terracotta workshop in Avanos, creating traditional colourful pottery using time-honoured techniques. Finish your day with a wine tasting at the finest winery in Cappadocia and an optional visit to see local craftspeople weave rugs.

Accommodation

Utopia Cave Cappadocia

Activities Included
  • Guided Goreme Open-Air Museum tour
  • Zelve Valley visit
  • Pottery workshop
  • Wine tasting
Optional Activities
  • Hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia
  • Rug weaving demonstration

Tug on your hiking boots today. You’ll be exploring the Kaymakli Underground City, cut seven storeys down into volcanic rock. These labyrinthine tunnels were dug by locals to hide from marauding armies centuries ago, and could house thousands of people and livestock. Leaving the subterranean city behind, you’ll embark on an 8km (5mi) hike through the Rose and Red valleys; the pink colour of the other-worldly rocks changes as the sun moves across the sky. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring Cappadocia at leisure. Evening brings optional entertainment in the form of a Whirling Dervish Ceremony – the perfect way to round off your Turkish adventure in style.

Accommodation

Utopia Cave Cappadocia

Activities Included
  • Guided Kaymakli Underground City tour
  • Rose and Red valleys hike
Optional Activities
  • Whirling Dervish Ceremony

What's Included

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
  • Local Insider
  • Welcome meeting
  • Transfer from airport to hotel in Istanbul
  • Two full day Istanbul tours
  • Guided Spice Market tour
  • Bosphorus ferry cruise
  • Istanbul food tour
  • Ankara tour, including Anıtkabir and the Hittite Museum
  • Visit to Hattusas and Yazilikaya
  • Guided Goreme Open-Air Museum tour
  • Zelve Valley visit
  • Pottery workshop
  • Wine tasting
  • Guided Kaymakli Underground City tour
  • Rose and Red valleys hike

What's Not Included

  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated in the Included Activities section above)

Customer Reviews

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Pera

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With views of the Golden Horn and rooms inspired by old Istanbul, this Radisson Blu is the perfect spot to kick back post exploration. There’s also a modern spa, plus a restaurant with panoramic views over the water – just grab a Turkish coffee if you’re not hungry. End the evening with liquor in the Luna Lounge.

The Wings Hotels Neva Palas

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Ankara city centre lies on the doorstep of this plush hotel on Küçükesat Avenue. Plush rooms feature fluffy bathrobes, slippers and flat-screen TVs. Breakfast is served in the dining room – or in your room on request.

Utopia Cave Cappadocia

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Staying in a cave has never been so opulent. Hewn from rock, yet with all the trappings of a modern luxury hotel, Utopia Cave Cappadocia offers a truly unique stay, with traditional hammams, a swimming pool and several terraces from which to savour its one-of-a-kind location.

COVID Safety

Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority, so we’ve put the following measures in place on all our TRIPS:

  • Our average group size is 10 people (max 18), which gives you all the security of being in a group whilst avoiding a crowd.
  • Where possible, we use small/ boutique accommodation – this means fewer guests and reduced exposure to other travellers.
  • We require all accommodation providers to share protocols around the extra health and hygiene measures they are taking.
  • Included activities are exclusive to our group wherever possible, to minimise contact with others.
  • Covid-19 negative test results or vaccine certificates may be required. Please check the entry requirements for the destination you are travelling to. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.
  • We recommend you confirm all guidance on official government sites and check that you are able to travel with your travel insurance issuer. Your travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel against government advice. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.

Important Info

  • You must be aged 25 years or over to join this trip.
  • Please be sure to check whether or not you need a visa to enter the country you're travelling to. Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for further information.
  • If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or accessibility requirements, please notify our Customer Support team as soon as possible.
  • We won't charge you extra if you travel alone – you'll be allocated a twin room with another traveller of the same gender.
  • To upgrade to a private room, share a room with a friend, or book pre- and post-trip accommodation and/or airport transfers, please contact our Customer Support team.
  • Please be aware that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers.
  • Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. While unlikely, these changes can happen due to circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure minimal impact on your experience.
  • Please be aware images on this page are for illustrative purposes and may not reflect your itinerary exactly.

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

The world of travel is changing – and that's why we’re offering flexible booking conditions, to take the stress out of booking in times of uncertainty.

You can get a full refund should you need to postpone or cancel your trip up to 56 days prior to departure. 

Read our Booking Guarantee to find out more about how our Support Team can help you. 

For the full details and cancellation charges, see our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Terms & Conditions

Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions.

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Hassle-Free Booking

When booking with us, you’ll benefit from a low deposit payment option, flexible cancellation options and personal customer support. T&Cs apply.

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