Turkey Backroads

Turkey Backroads

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5 Days From

$645

$471

Turkey Backroads

5 Days Starting in Goreme and ending in Istanbul

Visiting: Cappadocia/Ankara, Ankara, Eskisehir, Istanbul

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ERRV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low, Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$645
$471 Operator discount: -$161 Exclusive Tourhub Discount: -$13 -27%

NB: Prices correct on 06-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

Set out on a five-day trip through Turkey, packed full of ancient monuments and local moments. Wander through Turkey's capital of Ankara, learn about the country's deep history, explore the Mausoleum of Ataturk and then roam around the picturesque streets of Eskisehir, enjoying a gondola ride on the Porsuk river. Stroll the lively streets of Istanbul with your local leader and let them show you where to get the best islak burger in town. This trip is designed so that even if you’re short on time, you can explore the backroads of Turkey and uncover all the good stuff.

Highlights

  • Discover a lesser-seen side of Turkey, taking the backroads from Cappadocia to the eastern province of Malatya to experience local life and local flavours.

  • Enjoy a homestay experience in Kahta, helping out in the fields or the kitchen, cooking with the family and enjoying village life.

  • Spend a day exploring the ancient city of Darende, wandering through a 300-year-old bazaar and sampling famous local delicacies like dried apricot.

  • Watch the sun set over the massive stone heads that sit atop Mt Nemrut, which were once part of the elaborate necropolis built by King Antiochus I.

  • Explore the continent-straddling metropolis of Istanbul, strutting your stuff with the locals on a popular street, sipping rich coffee and discovering (and falling in love with) wet burgers.

  • Discover UNESCO world heritage site - Hattusas Ancient Site - known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences.

  • Explore Turkey's capital of Ankara during a guided orientation walk that will lead you to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic.

  • You'll dig into local Turkish delicacies like the famous wet burgers, enjoy a local lunch at a traditional Aspava and get your taste buds tingling with a borek tasting.

  • Be mesmerised by the picturesque streets of Eskisehir and enjoy a gondola ride on the city's Porsuk river.

  • Wander the continent-straddling metropolis of Istanbul, strutting your stuff with the locals on a popular street, sipping rich coffee and discovering the secret corners of the city.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Cappadocia/Ankara

Location: Cappadocia/Ankara

Accommodation: Hotel

Gunaydin! Your trip begins bright and early at 8.30 am with a welcome meeting in Cappadocia. Once the formalities are out of the way, we'll make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage – Hattusa Ancient Site. This site is the former capital of the Hittite Empire, known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences. You'll have time to explore the site with your local leader and discover the Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya before we make our way to Ankara for the evening.

Included Activities:
-Bogazkale - Hattusha UNESCO Archaeological Site

Day 2: Ankara

Location: Ankara

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

After breakfast this morning, you'll enjoy an orientation walk through the city with your locally based leader. First up, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic. Then we'll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations where you'll be guided through the deep history of Turkey. Finally, we’ll visit the Castle of Ankara and our last stop will be the Haci Bayram Mosque which is located next to the temple of Augustus from Roman era. "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" (The Works of the Deified Augustus) was written on the walls of the Ankara Augustus-Roman Temple in two languages and painted red. You'll enjoy a stop at a traditional local spot for lunch, your leader will guide you in choosing the best delicacies to try. The afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish.

Included Activities:
-Ankara - Orientation Walk
-Ankara - Mausoleum of Ataturk
-Ankara - Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Optional Activities:
-Ankara - Independence War Museum

Day 3: Eskisehir

Location: Eskisehir

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

After breakfast this morning, you'll take a fast train to Eskisehir. Drop your bags at the hotel and hit the street to start exploring this fascinating city. First stop – Eskisehir Odunpazari Village, where you can wander the quaint and colourful houses. For lunch, head to a local restaurant run by four sisters and their mother for a cooking demonstration. You’ll make ci borek, a traditional Turkish dish made from thin dough layers filled with ground meat, onions, and spices. Learn how to prepare the filling and dough before the chefs cook up and serve your flavoursome creations. In the afternoon, you might like to visit one of the many museums in the area or jump on a short gondola along the Porsuk River.

Included Activities:
-Eskisehir - Odunpazarı Village Visit
-Eskisehir - Ci Borek Cooking Demonstration

Optional Activities:
-Eskisehir - Gondola Ride

Day 4: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast this morning, we'll depart on a train bound for Istanbul. This afternoon, your tour leader will introduce you to the lively Taksim district, the beating heart of modern Istanbul. Walk across the Golden Horn in view of the medieval Galata Tower. Board one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, operating since 1875, for the short journey 500 metres to Taksim. Alight at Istiklal Caddesi, arguably the city’s most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, and take a walk among the local people who call this city home. Try an islak burger (a burger drenched in sauce) and visit a hidden local coffee house. Maybe stay with your travel companions for an optional celebratory dinner and take advantage of the late-night entertainment.

Included Activities:
-Istanbul - Taksim District Orientation Walk
-Istanbul – Street Food Tasting (Wet Burger)

Day 5: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: breaksfast

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation any time after breakfast. If you plan to stay on to see all Istanbul has to offer – which is highly recommended – we are happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking to see if this is an option.

Optional Activities:
-Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem)
-Istanbul - Hagia Sophia

What's Included

  • Mt Nemrut - Mt Nemrut guided visit

  • Meals

    4 breakfasts, 1 dinners

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (2 nights), Pension (1 night), Homestay (1 night)

  • Transport

    Private Bus, Plane

  • Bogazkale - Hattusha UNESCO Archaeological Site

  • Ankara - Orientation Walk

  • Ankara - Mausoleum of Ataturk

  • Eskisehir - Odunpazari Village Visit

  • Eskisehir - Ci Borek Cooking Demonstration

  • Istanbul - Taksim District Orientation Walk

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

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 Transport
  • When 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.

Included Activities

  • Mt Nemrut - Mt Nemrut guided visit

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. This trip commences in Goreme in Cappadocia and finishes in Istanbul. Overnight buses are readily available for booking from Istanbul to Cappadocia and the region is serviced by two airports, Kayseri and Nevsehir. Additional accommodation is available for pre-booking with your booking agent.
  • 3. Please refer to the joining instructions in this essential trip information document for the exact meeting place to join this trip. If you would like to be picked up at an alternative location in Goreme, please advise your booking agent 15 days prior to departure.
  • 4 Turkey is a world of endless possibilities – that’s why our trips are designed so they fit together. This means that while you might just be starting your trip, some of your new travel mates may have been travelling together for a week or more on a previous adventure. They will definitely have some great tips for you.
  • 5. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

Check out our Q&As

  • Are internal flights included in this tour?

    Yes, Adiyaman to Istanbul

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes, except optional activities

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult

  • Is this trip right for you

    This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.

    Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in July and August, though the east will be cooler than the city.

    As this trip departs Cappadocia early on Day 1, we highly recommend staying a few extra days before your tour to enjoy all this great destination has to offer.

    Public transport is better for the environment, and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life, but keep in mind that local transport between locations on this trip can be pretty basic. Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions, so books, podcasts and car games will be your best friend.

  • 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

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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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