Turkey Active Adventure

Welcome to Türkiye! Arrive in Istanbul and settle into your hotel before meeting the group and your Tour Leader at 5:30 pm for a tour briefing and introductions. We’ll then head out for a welcome dinner - your first chance to enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers before the adventure begins.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Istanbul

Today is all about discovering the beauty and history of Istanbul with our local guide. Highlights include the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the elegant Blue Mosque, two of the city’s most celebrated landmarks. We’ll also explore the Hippodrome, once the social and sporting centre of ancient Constantinople, and wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, a maze of colour and craftsmanship.

Our exploration continues with visits to the impressive Süleymaniye Mosque and the intricately tiled Rüstem Pasha Mosque, before taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the Spice Market, one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric corners.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Istanbul

Leaving Istanbul behind, we travel toward the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of this deeply significant site. Here we’ll explore the memorials, battlefields and stories that shaped one of the most poignant chapters in Australian and New Zealand history. Our local guide will help bring the past to life, offering insight into the events of 1915 and the enduring spirit of those who served.

We’ll then cross the Dardanelles Strait to Çanakkale.  If time allows, we’ll visit the replica Trojan horse used in the movie ‘Troy’ before heading to dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Çanakkale

Today we journey south toward Selçuk, with a g stop in Bergama to visit the ancient site of Asklepion, one of the earliest known healing centres in the world. Our local guide will share the history and significance of this remarkable place, once dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius.

Along the way, we’ll visit a local carpet cooperative to learn about traditional Turkish weaving techniques.  We’ll enjoy a home-style lunch - a perfect opportunity to experience local culture and hospitality before continuing on to Selçuk for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Selcuk

This morning, explore one of Türkiye’s most extraordinary archaeological sites: the ancient city of Ephesus. Alongside a local guide, wander along its marble streets, past grand temples, theatres, and the magnificent Library of Celsus.

Later, we visit the charming hillside village of Şirince, known for its traditional stone houses, cobbled lanes and locally made fruit wines. Enjoy some free time to wander, shop for handmade crafts, or relax in a café overlooking the valley before returning to Selçuk for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Selcuk

Our journey continues to Pamukkale, famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces and thermal pools. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Hierapolis, the ancient spa city that once drew visitors from across the Roman Empire. Stroll among well-preserved ruins and take in the striking landscape that makes this one of Türkiye’s most photographed sites.
In the afternoon, we board a local train to Isparta, offering a glimpse of everyday life in this lesser-visited region. From there, we transfer to the peaceful Eğirdir Lake, surrounded by mountains and known for its clear waters and relaxed lakeside charm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Egirdir Lake

Start the morning with a gentle bike ride around Eğirdir Lake, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds this tranquil region.

In the afternoon, we travel onward to Konya, one of Türkiye’s most spiritually significant cities. This evening, we’ll take part in a unique cultural experience at an authentic Sufi lodge, gaining insight into the traditions, music, and meditative practices that have shaped Sufi life for centuries.

Biking distance: appx 12-15 km (1.5-2 hours; minimal elevation gains)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Konya

We continue our adventure across the Anatolian plains toward Cappadocia, a region unlike anywhere else on earth. Known for its surreal landscapes of fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings, and sweeping valleys, Cappadocia offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural history.

In the late afternoon, we’ll enjoy a wine-tasting session featuring local varietals- an ideal way to settle in and take in the incredible views!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Cappadocia

Optional: Start the day with a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Advance booking and payment required- details will be advised at least 4 months prior to the trip.

We set out on a scenic hike through Red Valley, one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful areas, where soft volcanic rock has been sculpted by wind and time into a landscape of vivid colour and striking formations.

After the hike, we’ll visit a local women’s cooperative for lunch, learning about community initiatives that empower local women through traditional cooking and crafts.

Distances: appx 5 km (gentle up and downs; 1.5-2 hours depending on stops)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Cappadocia

Our final day in Cappadocia takes us on a hike through Zemi Valley, known for its lush trails and hidden cave chapels. We’ll then explore one of the region’s fascinating underground cities, once used as a refuge during invasions. The day also includes visits to Esentepe Panoramic Point and Uçhisar Castle, offering spectacular views across the valleys.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Cappadocia

This morning we transfer to Kayseri Airport for our flight to Antalya, where the Mediterranean sunshine and coastal breeze welcome us to a different side of Türkiye. 
After checking in, we’ll explore Antalya’s old city (Kaleiçi) on foot,  exploring its narrow cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era houses, and views of the historic harbour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Antalya

Today we drive along the stunning Turquoise Coast to the seaside town of Kaş, a charming blend of relaxed coastal life and ancient history.

In the late afternoon, we set out on a scenic hike along the Lycian Way, following the trail from Kaş to Limanağzı Bay. The path offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean and ends with time to relax by the sea before returning to town.

Distances: appx 5-8  km

Meals: Breakfast, Snacks on the hike

Accommodation: Hotel, Kaş

We spend today exploring the coast from a different perspective with a boat trip to Kekova, one of the most picturesque areas of the region. Cruise over crystal-clear waters, discover the sunken city of Kekova, and stop for swimming breaks in quiet coves.

Return to Kas late afternoon and freshen up before heading out to our last night dinner, where we’ll raise a glass (or two!) to our amazing Turkish adventure!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Kaş

Our Turkiye journey comes to an end today, bidding farewell to your fellow adventurers over breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly. Weather, road conditions, vehicle issues, or the health of fellow travellers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.