Six Days in Turkey

Six Days in Turkey

6 Days Starting in Antalya and ending in Istanbul

Visiting: Antalya / Konya, Cappadocia, Cappadocia / Overnight Bus, Istanbul

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ERYC

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35 years

Tour operated in:

English
From: $565

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Spend six days discovering some of the best bits of central Turkey and Cappadocia. From the Mediterranean Sea in the south to the northern capital city of Istanbul, immerse yourself in the culture and history of a truly unique country. Explore Konya and maybe learn about the practices of Sufism and the art and performance of the whirling dervish. Spend three days in Cappadocia among the fairy chimneys and hot air balloons. Hike through the rocky landscape and natural sandstone monoliths, then make your way to Istanbul – the city that melds European and Middle Eastern cultures into one.

Highlights

  • Dine in the home of a local family, where you’ll be treated to a traditional home-cooked Turkish meal and have the opportunity to learn about life in the desert.

  • Explore the weird and wonderful world of Cappadocia – this might be the most unusual place in Turkey. Learn all about its fairy chimneys and sprawling rock formations from your expert local leader.

  • Wander the warrens of underground cities, homes and churches carved straight into the sandstone of the Cappadocian desert, and maybe opt to gaze down at the city from above on a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

  • Learn about the history and culture that was born in Konya, from the teachings of Sufism to the art and skill of the whirling dervish.

  • The thriving metropolis of Istanbul is where East literally meets West. Discover the highlights and the history of this incredible city that melds the cultures of two continents.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Cagdas Yasami Destekleme Dernegi). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Antalya / Konya

Location: Antalya / Konya

Accommodation: Hotel

Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure starts in Antalya where you’ll meet with your leader and new travel buddies for a welcome meeting at 8 am. When you’re all acquainted, jump on a bus with your group and make your way north to the city of Konya – the birthplace of Sufism (a religious belief and practice seeking the truth of divine love and knowledge) and the home of the famous whirling dervish. While you’re here, make sure you check out the Mevlana Museum – the former dervish school turned museum – where you can visit the mausoleum of Rumi – a famous Sufi poet. For dinner, your leader can give you the best insider recommendations, so make sure to ask them where to find the tastiest kebab.

Day 2: Cappadocia

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today, say farewell to Konya and hop on a bus to Cappadocia – home to strange rock formations, fairy chimneys and underground cities. Later in the morning, head underground and explore some of the 36 underground cities – these rabbit-warren metropolises were carved into the earth thousands of years ago. You’ll also have the opportunity to check out a traditional pottery demonstration with a local artisan, revealing all the secrets to creating the perfect ceramics. Tonight, a local family will welcome you and your group into their home for a traditional home-cooked Turkish meal. After, you might like to check out the nightlife in Goreme, or hit up a traditional sema performance of whirling dervishes.

Included Activities:
-Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
-Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
-Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration

Day 3: Cappadocia

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

You may have seen the iconic hot air balloons over Cappadocia online, and this morning will be your chance to tick that epic sunrise experience off your bucket list. If you’re up for it, rise bright and early and head out and up as the sun rises over the otherworldly city. Heights not for you? There are tonnes of great viewing points around the city where you can grab some pics or a few selfies as the sky fills with balloons. Later in the day, discover the highlights of the region this afternoon, checking out Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley – your group leader will know all the best places to stop. Then, why not grab some wine and find a perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset.

Included Activities:
-Cappadocia - Sunset Hike
-Cappadocia - Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley

Optional Activities:
-Cappadocia - Hamam Turkish Bath
-Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight
-Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight
-Goreme - Whirling dervish performance

Day 4: Cappadocia / Overnight Bus

Location: Cappadocia / Overnight Bus

Accommodation: Overnight Bus

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today is your day to explore all that Cappadocia has to offer. If you’re keen to get out and stretch your legs, why not head out on the Red Valley Hike, which takes you through Meskindir and Rose Valley. The natural sharp sandstone structures glow in the sun, and the trail takes you through a cave church with excellently preserved wall frescoes. If hiking is not your thing, why not explore the markets and street vendors in town. There is a wealth of incredible Turkish handiwork on display, from ceramics to intricately woven carpets. Don't forget to check out the Goreme Open Air Museum, where you can explore the fairy chimneys, cave churches and ancient villages. Tonight, you’ll be hopping on an overnight bus to take you to Istanbul, so settle in and snooze the night away.

Optional Activities:
-Goreme - Open Air Museum
-Goreme - Bike Riding

Day 5: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Rise and shine in Istanbul. Your overnight bus will arrive in the capital city of Turkey early this morning, so after dropping your bags at your hotel, the day is yours to explore. With your group, you’ll be heading off on a historical peninsula tour, where you’ll be shown all the best bits of Istanbul and get a lay of the land. Your tour includes all the essential highlights for every new traveller, including the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. After hunting down some lunch (borek and Turkish coffee, anyone?), why not explore this incredible city on foot and uncover some hidden gems. Tonight, check in with your leader for the best spots to grab dinner, and maybe rally the group to toast your adventure.

Included Activities:
-Istanbul - Historical Peninsula Tour

Day 6: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your group leader and travel pals. If you would like to spend more time checking out all Istanbul has to offer, your leader will be able to give you the best tips for making the most of your time in the city. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (4 nights), Overnight Bus (1 night)

  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City

  • Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home

  • Cappadocia - Sunset Hike

  • Cappadocia - Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley

  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration

  • Istanbul - Historical Peninsula Tour

  • Meals

    4 breakfasts, 1 dinners

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

Goreme - Dinner at Cappadoccian Family HouseCappadocia -Kaymakli Underground CityCappadocia - HighlightsCappadocia - Wine and SunsetCappadocia - Pottery DemonstrationCappadocia - Valley Hiking

Transport

There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. Windy roads, rough surfaces and cramped conditions make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort.Turkey - Public TransportWhen and where possible we will use public buses to travel between cities on this trip.However due to weather and seasonal bus schedules we may find it necessary to substitute public buses with private transport on some days.Public buses in Turkey don't have toilets on board. Breaks are normally scheduled at rest stops every 2-3 hours.

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

1. Single supplement is bookable on this trip and is subject to availability. The single supplement excludes Day 4 (Overnight Bus).

Mode of Transport

There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. Windy roads, rough surfaces and cramped conditions make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort.Turkey - Public TransportWhen and where possible we will use public buses to travel between cities on this trip.However due to weather and seasonal bus schedules we may find it necessary to substitute public buses with private transport on some days.Public buses in Turkey don't have toilets on board. Breaks are normally scheduled at rest stops every 2-3 hours.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    As this trip does not spend time exploring Antalya, we highly recommend staying a few extra days before your tour to enjoy all this great city has to offer.

    You’ll get a taste of local life on this trip, with most travel done on public buses. This minimises our carbon footprint and gives you a real chance to interact with the local community. Most Turkish buses have wi-fi, in-seat entertainment and serve refreshments.

    Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom and flexibility, but it does require a level of independence. Only are few meals are included, so mostly you'll find your own (with plenty of suggestions from your leader of course). This trip puts it in your hands with tonnes of free time. Maybe budget a little extra cash for activities that aren’t included.

    Summer temperatures can be very high in Turkey (over 40°C), which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. You’ll need walking shoes and a daypack to explore some of historical sites. It can also get cool in these destinations, particularly from October to April, so don't forget to pack extra layers if travelling at this time.

    This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Real Turkey

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

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I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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Monday - Saturday

Jun 22, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Jul 06, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 15, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Jul 13, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 17, 2026 - Jul 22, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Jul 20, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 24, 2026 - Jul 29, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Jul 27, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Aug 03, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 12, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Aug 10, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 26, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Aug 24, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 05, 2026
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Friday - Wednesday

Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026
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Monday - Saturday

Sep 07, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Sep 21, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Sep 28, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 07, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 21, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Oct 26, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
$680

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 30, 2026 - Nov 04, 2026
$680

Monday - Saturday

Nov 02, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026
$680

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$680

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Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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