Day 1 : Istanbul Arrival
Welcome to Turkey! Settle into your hotel in Istanbul followed by some free time to walk around and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the former capital of the Ottoman Empire at your leisure. The Old City is chalked full of wondrous Byzantine and Ottoman churches and palaces that will transport you back in time. We suggest dropping by one of the many bazaars and getting lost in the labyrinth of stalls selling spices, fresh produce and homemade Turkish pastries. To fight off jet lag, go for a cup of Turkey’s famous coffee that’ll put an extra pep in your step!
Included :
- Transfers: Airport pick-up
- Activities: Free time
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 2 : Istanbul
Start the day off with a walking tour to see some of the most iconic sites in Istanbul. We’ll see Dolmabahce Palace, a magnificent Ottoman palace with elaborate architecture in the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles. We’ll also stop by Chora Church, a stunning church that has been the place of worship for many different religions over the centuries, just like so many of the churches in Istanbul.
After lunch, let’s visit the Spice Bazaar where there are over 80 shops selling spices, sweets, Turkish delight, jewelry, souvenirs and other goodies. Time for shopping!
Included :
- Activities: Half-day Istanbul guided tour; Dolmabahce Palace; St. Saviour in Chora; Spice Bazaar; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 3 : Istanbul
This morning, venture out around the city again to see some more of the marvelous sights that Istanbul has to offer.
No tour of Istanbul would be complete without a stop at Hagia Sophia, a structure with a tumultuous history and has been the religious seat of many of ruling empires. Hagia Sophia has been an Eastern Orthodox church, Roman Catholic cathedral as well as a Greek Orthodox Christian place of worship throughout its existence. The sightseeing portion of the tour also includes the unique Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, made entirely of cast iron!
We’ll stop at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as The Blue Mosque, which is still an active place of prayer for many Muslims in Istanbul.
The last stop will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. It is stuffed to the brim with fine jewelry, rugs and trinkets galore.
Included :
- Activities: Half-day Istanbul guided tour; Hagia Sophia; Blue Mosque; Grand Bazaar
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 4 : Cappadocia
Have breakfast, get checked out of the hotel and then, head out to catch a flight to Cappadocia. On arrival, get checked in at the boutique cave hotel and have some time to freshen up after the flight. Have lunch together as a group and thereafter, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the amazing cave hotel and its beautiful property!
Included :
- Transfers: Istanbul – Cappadocia (approx. 1.5 hours by plane)
- Activities: Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Cave hotel
NEXT DAY Day 5 : Cappadocia
Start the morning early with an enchanting flight in a hot air balloon at sunrise. As you ascend, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the surreal landscape of Cappadocia as you drift above pigeon houses carved into unique rock formations. This experience is truly like one straight out of a fairy tale! After a magical hot air balloon ride, head back to the hotel for some breakfast and time to freshen up.
After breakfast, have some free time to rest after the early morning hot air balloon flight. Later, let’s head to the underground city of Kaymakli containing subterranean houses situated among nearly 100 tunnels. Built by the Phyrgians in the 8th – 7th centuries BC, Kaymakli was discovered by a villager while he was looking for the water which was disappearing from his irrigation system in his field. The floors that are now open to tourists are believed to have sheltered 2,000 people from persecution and looting. Thereafter, tour the Goreme Open Air Museum with over a dozen cave churches built into the sides of cliffs. These are some of the earliest churches in history. In the evening, grab dinner together and then go to a whirling dervishes performance in a 12th century Seljuk caravanserai, a roadside inn where caravans could stop for a rest as they traveled along the ancient trade routes.
Included :
- Activities: Private hot air balloon ride; Kaymakli underground village; Goreme Open Air Museum; Whirling dervishes performance
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Cave hotel
NEXT DAY Day 6 : Cappadocia
This morning, head out for an easy hike/walk in the Red Valley where you can appreciate cave churches, ancient rock tombs and stunning rock formations. The hike will lead us to Cavusin, a former Greek village that once housed Christian clergymen and their churches. Next, visit a local family’s house for a homemade meal. Thereafter, you’ll have some free time in the afternoon and then we’ll pick up some wine and snacks and head out to a perfect viewpoint overlooking the Red Valley as the sun sets.
Included :
- Activities: Red Valley hike; Cavusin village; Lunch at local family’s house; Free time; Sunset viewing with wine
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Cave hotel
NEXT DAY Day 7 : Sirince
Fly to Izmir today and proceed to your accommodation which is one of the loveliest hotels you’ve ever seen. Its elevated terrace restaurant offers far reaching views of the nearby village as well as a swimming pool with natural thermal waters pumped in from a nearby spring where you can take a dip. The hotel’s enchanting cottages are right out of the pages of a Mother Goose book. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the hotel premises and the village below.
Included :
- Transfers: Cappadocia – Sirince via Izmir (approx. 1.5 hours by plane)
- Activities: Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 8 : Sirince
You’ll have the first half of the day for some R&R at the hotel. One of the owners of the hotel offers a hands-on cooking class if you’re keen on learning how to make some traditional Turkish dishes. Otherwise, you can make your way to the nearby village and grab a cup of coffee at a historic coffee house or get your fortune read! The choice is yours and the guide will be there to point you in the right direction.
In the early afternoon, we’ll be on our way to Ephesus, an ancient Greek city with a rich history that has been inhabited since 6,000 B.C. It served as an important center for Christianity and is said to be where the Virgin Mary spent the last days of her life. Ephesus is also home to the amazing ruins of Celsus Library, a plein air Roman amphitheater, the famed House of Virgin Mary and much more.
Included :
- Activities: Free time; Optional activities (at your own expense); Ephesus & Virgin Mary House
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 9 : Pamukkale
After breakfast, we will stop by The City of Love: Aphrodisias, on our way to Pamukkale. Here lie the well-preserved ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the Greek goddess, Aphrodite. Feel the love in Aphrodite’s temple as you imagine what ancient life was like and take in this impressive site which includes what locals say is the largest ancient stadium in the world.
Next, we’ll proceed to Pamukkale and get settled into the hotel and freshen up. Pamukkale is known for its picturesque terraced thermal pools contained in luminous white travertine and is also known as “The Cotton Castle”. Before visiting Pammukale, take a dip in Cleopatra’s antique thermal pool. In the 7th century, an earthquake toppled the surrounding building and the massive marble columns tumbled into the pool where the ancient ruins now rest on the bottom still to this day.
Included :
- Transfers: Sirince – Pamukkale w/ lunch stop & temple visit (approx. 4 hours by bus)
- Activities: Aphrodisias; Pamukkale thermal pools; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 10 : Istanbul
Catch an early flight back to Istanbul and upon arrival, hop on a private yacht and cruise along the Bosphorus river that separates Europe from Asia. Enjoy the stunning city by river and enjoy the breeze through your hair while you sip champagne on this private yacht. We will get off right in front of the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace with its majestic and extravagant furnishing where we will take a short tour of the palace which we think is the grandest of all Turkey’s palaces. It is also less crowded which is perfect in order to truly enjoy the magnificence and opulence of this palace.
After the palace visit, we’ll head back to the hotel and you will have free time to get in some final souvenir shopping, grab your last cup of Turkish coffee or enjoy one more piece (or 5!) of baklava.
Included :
- Transfers: Pammukale – Istanbul via Izmir (approx. 1 hour flight)
- Activities: Bosphorus cruise on private yacht; Beylerbeyi Palace; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 11 : Istanbul
Depending on your flight time, you will have free time on your own in Istanbul before catching your flight back home.
Included :
- Activities: Free time; Departure (at your own expense)
- Meals: Breakfast
*Itinerary is subject to change.
NEXT DAY Regular Season 11-Day Tours
$3,500 – Trip Cost (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
If you would like a single room throughout the tour, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $500. If you would like your own room, you can purchase the additional supplement at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are not discouraged from traveling with us because of a costly single supplement fee.
If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like to be paired with someone on the trip to avoid paying the single supplement, we can arrange this for you. If there is no other traveler with whom to pair you, you WILL have to pay for the single supplement. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.
What is included :
- 10 nights accommodation (Double occupancy, breakfast included)
- Local guides
- Domestic airport transfers
- Private ground transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
- 3 flights : Istanbul – Cappadocia / Cappadocia – Izmir / Pamukkale – Istanbul
- Most activities (As noted in itinerary including sunrise hot air balloon and private Bosphorus yacht cruise)
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches
- Airport pick-up
What is not included :
- Most dinners & 3 lunches
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs
- Airport drop-off
- International flight
- Supplementary insurance
Each group consists of 4 – 12 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into a society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that tour group members will receive more personal treatment by the tour guide who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small tour groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.
The minimum age on our tours is 18. Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
We like to think of our trips as get-togethers at amazing destinations. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic and the friends they made were one of the highlights of the trip.
Check out the pictures from our last trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.
While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time which the guide can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Most of the activities can be arranged with little to no notice. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and will be paid at your own expense.
Most optional activities can be arranged with short notice and the local guide will be able to help you make the necessary arrangements.
The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). Euros are accepted throughout Turkey but the price is usually quoted a bit higher in euros.
Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.
We strongly recommend that you use ATMs while in Turkey as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches, as well as at most large supermarkets, some petrol stations, in shopping malls, airports and some post offices.
It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Turkey. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans.
As most components of your tour have been prepaid, you will only need money for lunches and dinners and any optional activities you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.
We suggest having access to $500 – $800 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card. It is always a good idea to budget more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.
All visitors for tourist purposes need a visa to travel to Turkey. Travelers from Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada and the United States must obtain an e-Visa online prior to arrival. To apply for the visa online, please click on the link below :
Republic of Turkey Electronic Visa Application
If you are not a citizen of one of the above mentioned countries, please check with the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Turkey.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Turkey, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls and texts in that country. See the example below :
Welcome to Turkey! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts and data. Otherwise, all hotels we will be staying at will offer free wifi. However, the wifi speed may not be as strong as you are used to.
Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet. Plug facilities have 2-prong outlets with two round prongs in line, which look like this:
In Turkey, the power plugs and sockets are of type C, E and F. Type C are also known as the standard euro plug. This socket also works with plug E and F.
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Walking shoes or sneakers with good tread (for hiking in Cappadocia)
- Warm jacket or coat
- Warm clothes/ thermal clothes (for evening)
- Gloves, scarf and beanie
- Thin scarf to cover the head (for women in the temple visits)
- Bathing suit
- Sunscreen
- Umbrella (for shade at the Roman ruins)
- Small, across the shoulder day bag or small backpack
- Sunglasses
- Flashlight/head torch
- Any prescription medication and over the counter medicine
- Shampoo/conditioner/soap
Most citizens of Turkey are Muslim, but Turkish society is pretty modern and secular, so European dress styles prevail. When visiting mosques, women should wear loose slacks or a dress/skirt or (at least below the knees) and with the arms and shoulders completely covered either by sleeves or a scarf. The head should be covered by a headscarf. Men should wear long trousers and a sleeved shirt. If you are not wearing the appropriate dress, the mosque has scarves and skirts that you can borrow free of charge.
In Turkey, tipping is the norm, but more modest than most Western countries. Most restaurants will appreciate 5% ~ 10%. In higher-end restaurants, you should tip 10 ~ 15%. If you received exemplary service, you are welcome to tip more.
Tipping your tour guide: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip anywhere from $5 – $10 a day.
Almost all of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services at a fee, if needed.
Turkey is a safe country in terms of crime, violent and non-violent. The most common crime that occurs is petty crime such as pick pocketing. If you take the same general safety precautions as if you were traveling to any major city in the world, you’ll have a wonderful travel experience with lots of amazing stories to tell.
Please also note that most thieves are not career criminals, but rather opportunists. It is a good idea not to wear flashy or expensive looking jewelry nor to leave your wallet on the table in order to prevent from being an easy target for a thief.
Yes, many of the restaurants and hotels offer a array of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip though the variety may not be as great as you’re used to.
Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Turkey to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you check visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
Yes, we offer private tours to Turkey for groups of 4 or more people. The itinerary can be entirely tailored to your needs while you will enjoy a personalized experience with our guides and your friends and family.
Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com
Our friendly team is here to answer all of your doubts or questions! Feel free to reach us at any time by email at info@globe-drifters.com.
Visa
All visitors for tourist purposes need a visa to travel to Turkey. Travelers from Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada and the United States must obtain an e-visa online prior to arrival. To apply for the visa online, please click on the link below:
Republic of Turkey Electronic Visa Application
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Turkey.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
Flights
Your arrival and departure city are Istanbul (IST).
*Please do not book any flights until you receive a confirmation from us which will be sent to you after paying your deposit.
The hotels and accommodations in which you will be staying in Turkey are handpicked. They are usually locally-owned or family-run hotels rather than big chains with hundreds of rooms and big crowds of tourists. We try our best to select accommodations with impeccable service as well as old world charm and that are centrally-located.
Istanbul – Old City
Set in the historic Sultanahmet district, this hotel is a 12 minute walk to the Blue Mosque and a 14 minute walk to Hagia Sophia. You are within walking distance to many shops and restaurants as well.
Each room is unique and features antique-style decor.
Cappadocia Cave Hotel
This upscale hotel, parts of which date from the 5th century, has rooms carved directly into the cliff. This hotel is an attraction in and of itself and you will sleep the night away in cave rooms dating back to Roman times!
Sirince (bed & breakfast)
Set on lush grounds in a country village, this charming hotel occupies a sprawling complex of rustic cottages and houses. Accommodation includes quaint rooms with antique-style furnishings, 2-story houses with kitchens and cozy cottages with wood-beamed ceilings. Distinct touches include hand-painted murals, claw-foot tubs, hammams and fireplaces.
There’s a tree-lined outdoor pool and Turkish bath as well as a rooftop terrace and gardens with a lookout tower. Cookery classes are also available on request.
Pamukkale
Located right in front of the terraces of carbonate minerals in Pamukkale, this hotel offers beautiful views of the hot air balloon flights in the morning. It also has a large garden with a pool.
Please note that this is a 3 star hotel, but it is the best in the area. We have opted to stay overnight here to avoid the crowds at Cleopatra’s pool and Pamukkale. By staying here, we will be able to visit the pools right at 5 PM to enjoy this amazing wonder without anyone else around.
*All hotels are subject to change.
Insurance
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
Vaccinations
Below is information from the CDC and its recommendations regarding vaccinations for travel to Turkey.
CDC Turkey
