Turkey Discovery
DURATION: 17 Days
START/END: Istanbul
START DATE: 8 Sep 2025
TOUR COST (Twin Share): EUR 5750
*SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: EUR 1270
MAX GROUP SIZE: 14
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Moderate
Uncover the wonder of Turkey
Embark on a journey through Turkey and follow the footprints of empires. A captivating canvas of diversity – historic ruins, bustling bazaars, and astounding landscapes. Come unveil Turkey’s cultural richness in this enthralling and immersive Byroad’s journey.
Explore the ancient marvels of Ephesus, the icons of Istanbul, and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Dive deep into the country’s history and culture and bask in the warm hospitality of the locals.
You’ll be in good company the entire trip. Local guides with a wealth of knowledge will deepen your adventure. Your Byroads host will support you throughout the trip. And a small bunch of fellow wanderers will create meaningful memories alongside you.
Moments you’ll love
- Losing yourself in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
- Discovering Ottoman riches at the splendid Topkapi Palace
- Enjoying a traditional Turkish bath or local hammam
- Reflective moments at Gallipoli
- Wandering the ancient ruins of Ephesus
- Discovering the dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale
- Stepping back in time in the Ghost Village of Kayakoy
- Exploring the surreal landscape of Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys
- Visiting Ankara’s excellent Museum of Anatolian Civilisations
Lodgings you’ll adore
- Historical home, complete with a pool and amazing views of Sirince village
- A beautiful stone mansion just 100 metres from the Agean Sea
- Your own amazing cave room, reflecting the mystical ambiance of Cappadocia
DAY 1: ISTANBUL
Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel for the next 4 nights | Settle in and meet up with your group in the evening.
Avicenna Hotel (or similar) – This 4-star hotel, just a stone’s throw from the major sites, features modern rooms with a garden terrace.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Breakfast before a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s major sites | Highlights include: The Blue Mosque – symbol of the city | The stunning Ottoman Topkapi Palace | The Basilica Cistern | The Hagia Sofia- one of the grandest buildings of the ancient world. (B)
Avicenna Hotel (or similar)
DAY 3: ISTANBUL
Explore the Hippodrome and Egyptian Obelisk | Discover the world’s richest Islamic Art collection in the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum | Meander around the Grand Bazaar – where everything’s for sale at a haggler’s price. | Visit the intimate Mosque of Rusterm Pasa | Assail your senses at the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar (B)
Avicenna Hotel (or similar)
DAY 4: ISTANBUL
Stop by the Galata Tower | Ferry to Asian side for lunch at Çiya Sofrasi, which was featured in Netflix’s Chef’s Table | Walk to a studio atelier for a water marbling workshop with a local master | Ferry back to the European side | Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L)
Avicenna Hotel (or similar)
DAY 5: ISTANBUL - GALLIPOLI - CANAKKALE
Travel to Gallipoli and Anzac Cove and be guided through its poignant WW1 history | Stop for some wine tasting at Suvla Winery | Cross the Dardanelles and settle in for the night in Canakkale. (B)
Hotel Cura (or similar)
DAY 6: CANAKKALE - AYVALIK
Drive to Ayvalik, one of Turkey’s culinary centres to explore and sample the exquisite local produce | Attend an olive oil tasting session | Discover and understand Turkey’s Greek Heritage influence | Overnight in an old Greek mansion. (B)
Macaron Konagi Hotel (or similar)
DAY 7: AYVALIK – BERGAMA – SIRINCE
Travel to the ancient site of Asklepion, home to one of the first hospitals in history | Journey on to Bergama enjoy an educational visit to a local carpet atelier and village style lunch | Arrive for the first of two evenings at Sirince. (B,L)
Nisanyan Hotel (or similar) – This hotel offers stunning views of the historical village of Sirince and the surrounding hills. It features a marble swimming pool filled from the Nisanyan Spring and offers a large garden for guests to enjoy.
DAY 8: EPHESUS - SIRINCE
Drive to ancient Ephesus | Stroll through marble-paved streets revealing a city frozen in time | Witness the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World |Tonight, rest again in the picturesque hillside village of Sirince. (B)
Nisanyan Hotel (or similar)
DAY 9: PAMUKKALE - DENIZLI
Heading eastward, stop to explore the springs and geological phenomenon that is Pamukkale | Wander through the remarkable Greco-Roman World Heritage site of Hierapolis. (B, D)
Casa Bianca Hotel (or similar)
DAY 10: DENIZLI - KAYAKOY
Travel onwards and then step back in time in the remarkable village of Kayakoy, known as the Ghost Village | Take a guided tour and learn how history delivered the town’s fate | Enjoy free time to explore and photograph this abandoned village, with its haunting, yet peaceful atmosphere. (B)
Nea Macri Hotel (or similar)
DAY 11: KAYAKOY - SAGALASSOS – EGIRDIR LAKE
Head north-east from Kayaköy to the Western Taurus mountain range | Stop and wander the UNESCO listed, ancient city of Sagalassos one of the most stunning archaeological sites in Southwestern Turkey | Arrive at Egirdir Lake, whose crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains for a picture-perfect stay. (B)
Eskiciler Konagi (or similar) – A charming hotel with an antique flair. The association with ancient and modern is awesome. The building has been lovingly restored with a huge deck and the views of the lake are wonderful.
DAY 12: EGIRDIR LAKE – SILLE - KONYA
Leaving the lake, arrive at the village of Sille | Enjoy a guided tour of the town famous for its traditional stone houses and narrow, winding streets | Continue on to Konya, home to Rumi’s Tomb and to The Whirling Dervishes. (B)
Selcuk Hotel (or similar)
DAY 13: KONYA - CAPPADOCIA - GOREME
Driving via Sultan Han, pass through a great variety of scenery to arrive at the heart of Cappadocia | Marvel and photograph the landscape from the Esentepe Panoramic vista | Go below and investigate the astonishing underground city of Ozkonak | Enjoy a demonstration of the pottery, that is famous for this region. (B)
Majestic Cave House Hotel (or similar) – Discover the magic of Göreme, where ancient history and modern comfort unite. Surrounded by ancient rock churches and historical sites, the hotel offers guests a unique exploration experience with their very own cave room.
DAY 14: CAPPADOCIA
This morning be captivated at the UNESCO listed Goreme Open Air Museum. Marvel at the incredible rock-cut churches and chapels adorned with vibrant frescoes | Visit Love Valley, home to the most incredible fairy chimneys in the region | Climb to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia and the best example of an historic cave home | Enjoy dinner tonight with a local family in their family home. (B, D)
Majestic Cave House Hotel – (or similar)
DAY 15: CAPPADOCIA - ANKARA
Drive to Ankara, the nation’s capital | Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic | Later, enjoy the excellent Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its extensive collection of artefacts. (B)
Ebuboglu Hotel (or similar)
DAY 16: ANKARA - ISTANBUL
This morning ride the fast train from Ankara to Istanbul | Enjoy a free afternoon, with time to wander, to haggle, to explore the waterway of the mighty Bosphorus, savouring the delights of Istanbul. (B)
Avicenna Hotel (or similar)
DAY 17: ISTANBUL
Breakfast concludes your tour | Byroads can arrange a transfer or taxi on request for your onward travel. (B)
Avicenna Hotel (or similar)
What’s Included
GUIDES
Byroads tour host, national and local guides
TRANSPORT
Arrival transfer, air conditioned mini-bus, boat and high-speed train
ACCOMMODATION
16 nights’ accommodation (3+ to 4-star hotel average)
MEALS
16 breakfasts, 2 lunch, 2 dinners
TICKETS
Entrance fees to indicated sites
Due to currency volatility, trip fees are calculated in Euro. However, you will be charged in Australian dollars. Currency conversion is based on the Westpac Bank buying rate on your balance due date.
Meet your trip host
Ready for travel without logistical nightmares? Your trip host has got you covered.
Every Byroads tour is supported by Steve or Bronny – two experienced travellers with a genuine passion for people. They take care of all the nitty-gritty details to ensure your trip runs smoothly – and you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Steve heads up Byroads and has over 35 years of experience in the travel industry. He’s designed and operated holidays to some of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Like her brother, Bronny shares a keen curiosity about the world. Independently, she has journeyed far and wide – and has worked as a tour leader throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.
