Absolute Turkey: Winter - 15 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female65%
- Male35%
Average age
Start / End
- Istanbul
- Istanbul
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 15Meals included
16Highlights
- Discover historic cities and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus
- Marvel at the extraordinary scenery of Cappadocia
- Enjoy dinner in a local family home.
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Summary
On the winter edition of our comprehensive Turkey tour, you'll see the country's incredible sights without battling the crowds. Begin your trip roaming the palaces and mosques of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre as you explore otherworldly Cappadocia. From the ancient city of Hierapolis to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, our local Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will show you the region’s hidden gems and make sure your trip burns brightly in your memory long after you've left this crossroads of Asia and Europe.
Itinerary
Day 1
Istanbul
There are no activities planned until our evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt to join your CEO and fellow travellers for dinner. Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking the following activity to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, while any of the optional activities listed can be booked independently upon arrival in Istanbul.
Day 2
Istanbul/Bolu
Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the small, but vibrant city of Bolu.
Day 3
Bolu/Göreme
Transfer to the town of Göreme, the base for exploring Cappadocia. With two and a half days free to explore, there will be plenty of time to tour the area by bike, visit neighbouring villages, trek regional valleys or try a hot air balloon ride.
During one of the evenings here, travel to a nearby village and enjoy dinner with a local family.
Day 4
Göreme
Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.
If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.
Day 5
Göreme
Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.
If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.
Day 6
Göreme/Konya
Visit Konya and continue to Beyşehir. Visit the Esrefoglu mosque, one of the unique mosques in the country.
Day 7
Konya/Antalya
Arrive at Antalya around lunchtime.
With a free afternoon, wander the charming cobbled hillside streets of the district of Kaleici, a great place to stop and have a drink with amazing views of the marina below. For a break from the hustle and bustle, head for the greenery and teashops at one of Antalya's beautiful parks or catch some sun at a nearby beach.
Day 8
Antalya
Enjoy more time in Antalya to explore.
Day 9
Antalya/Pamukkale
Passing through fruit orchards on the way to Pamukkale.
In the afternoon, visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis, built on top of the white "castle".
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the second century BC.
Day 10
Pamukkale/Selçuk
Travel to the town of Selçuk. In the afternoon, visit the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.
Day 11
Selçuk
Opt to walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Or catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8 km) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.
Late in the afternoon, meet up with the group and walk to a local cooking class. Our host will demonstrate some Turkish dishes for everyone to enjoy at the end of the class.
Day 12
Selçuk/Bergama
Travel to the market town of Bergama, and explore the Acropolis of ancient Pergamon.
Day 13
Bergama/Çanakkale
çöp(m)adam began as an experimental project in Western Turkey, meant to address lack of employment opportunities for women alongside the importance of recycling/re-using. The co-op aims to use waste in a creative, aesthetic, and unique way, all while providing work for women from impoverished communities. When the tour operator travellers visit the workshop, they can purchase souvenirs and handicrafts that directly support the women that made them. After a visit to this project, continue exploring the seaside town of Ayvalık.
Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. Continue to the harbour town of Çanakkale, a busy port with a thriving student population.
Day 14
Çanakkale/Istanbul
Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.
Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.
Day 15
Istanbul
Your tour might be finished, but the adventure’s far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels (14 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 14, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Nov 25
from £1,175Dec 25
from £1,175Jan 26
from £1,469Feb 26
from £1,469Mar 26
from £1,469Nov 26
from £1,469Dec 26
from £1,469
- Save 22%Sat 13 Dec 2025 > Sat 27 Dec 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 15 leftPay Monthly£1,499Best offer£1,175Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Sat 20 Dec 2025 > Sat 3 Jan 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 15 leftPay Monthly£1,499£1,469Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Sat 27 Dec 2025 > Sat 10 Jan 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 15 leftPay Monthly£1,499£1,469Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
Memorable. A number of friends had recommended G-Adventures as they are regular G tour patrons. My March, 2024 Absolute Turkey Winter tour was excellent. Especially the CEO, Ishan.
Donald Apr, 2024 VerifiedI learned a lot of Turkish history that I had never learned. I was apprehensive going into a group situation, having recently been widowed, but I met a fabulous number of new friends that I hope to keep in touch with. I am already looking to book the next one. I hesitated travelling this way myself but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Gaye Mar, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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