Current as of: August 10, 2025 - 05:03
Highlights of Turkey Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Turkey
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 15 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: ATH
- Carbon Footprint: 29kg CO2e
Trip Overview
The ancient world and otherworldly landscapes: Take a front-row seat as Turkey’s story unfolds in front of you
Turkey sits at the crossroads of civilisation, a bridge between East and West. Scattered are the remnants of the ancient world: monumental Roman theatres, grand mosques and Ottoman landmarks. Unpicking those layers takes an expert. So, join our local tour leader for a journey through eras past and magnificent landscapes. You’ll immerse yourself in Istanbul, visit ancient cities and World Heritage sites, explore the natural wonders at Pamukkale and Cappadocia, and relax on the Aegean coast. This is Turkey’s story, told by an expert narrator.
Please note: From June 2026, we have an updated version of this itinerary, which ends in Cappadocia instead of Istanbul. Check the Trip Notes for more details.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 14 Superior nights (hotels)
- Travel by air-conditioned minibus and (for before June 2026 only) one internal flight
- Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Experience Turkey’s best bits: ancient ruins, otherworldly landscapes and coastal bliss
- Explore the wonders of Istanbul, from ornate monuments to the buzzing Grand Bazaar
- Discover the history and ruins of the ancient Ottomans, Romans and Trojans
- Take a dip in the hot spring cascades at Pamukkale – known as the cotton castle
- Unwind on the beautiful Turquoise Coast while staying in Kaş
- Enjoy an optional hot-air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Itinerary: From June 2026, we have an updated version of this itinerary, which ends in Cappadocia instead of Istanbul. Check the Trip Notes for more details.
Journeys: Although the tour is not physically demanding, there is a lot of road travelwith plenty of sites en route. Some of the main roads are well-maintained, but others are not and there are bumpy stretches leading to some of the archaeological sites.
Walking profile: Some of the archaeological sites involve walking on rocky and/or steep hillsides, but if you don’t feel up to it on a hot day you can either not take part or wander around at your own pace.
Weather: In July and August, it will be hot during the day on the Anatolian plateau, but this is normally a dry heat and easier to cope with than humidity. Istanbul and coastal areas can be more humid.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Accommodation
Selection of hotels
We spend 14 nights in hotels on this highlight-packed adventure in Turkey. We have carefully selected the accommodation to ensure we contribute to the local economy and provide clean, welcoming places to stay. The normal accommodations used on this trip are found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the standout places we stay.
Istanbul: Beethoven Premium Hotel
Just a 10-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, the Beethoven is ideally placed to explore Istanbul. There’s also a heated outdoor pool, fitness centre, traditional Turkish hammam and sauna and steam room. If you’d really like to indulge, massage and beauty treatments are available at the spa.
Canakkale: Cura Hotel
There’s a modern elegance to the Cura, where a focus on design and a warm welcome provides an excellent spot to relax in Canakkale. It’s well located, too, around a 10-minute walk from the seafront restaurants.
Single supplement from USD 825
Food & Drink
Allow about 12,500 Turkish liras (US$450) to cover meals not included, add more if you like alcoholic or expensive fruit juice drinks with each meal. Your tour leader normally assists in organising group meals so you may benefit from better choice and prices.
Lunches and evening meals are normally taken in local restaurants, known as lokantas; such eating places are widespread throughout Turkey, and the variety, price range and choice is usually quite extensive, but obviously less so in some of the smaller towns in Central Anatolia.
Transport
A comfortable air-conditioned minibus is used throughout the trip (and one internal flight on departures before June 2026).
Please note, baggage allowance is 20kg for checked in bag and 8kg for cabin bag on domestic flights.
Weather & Seasonality
Temperatures in July and August can reach 40C (104F) during the day; on the Anatolian plateau this is normally a dry heat, while Istanbul and the coastal areas tend to be higher in humidity. During increased temperatures, activities are scheduled to be more comfortable in the earlier or later part of the day.
Night-times are cooler. In April and October, it may get a little chilly at night. Rain is rare although the occasional storm can happen. There is the occasional cloudy day, but protracted spells of bad weather are unlikely at this time of year.
December will be a lot cooler. In Istanbul, the temperatures reach a high of 11C (52F), but on the south coast, temperatures often reach 16C (61F). There could even be snow in Cappadocia.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Istanbul Airport (IST)
Getting to the start hotel
We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Once at the airport, head to gate 14 where you should see our representative holding an ‘Exodus’ sign.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
- For departures before June 2026, this will be to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- For departures from June 2026 and beyond, this will be to Kayseri Airport (ASR)
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small backpack to carry water bottle, camera etc
- Waterproofs
- Comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be quite tricky in some areas
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sandals
November to May departures:
- Warm clothes for evenings: gloves, hats and waterproof jacket
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill sites or get burnt, both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. On this trip, most of the hotels used have water-refill stations where you can refill your own water bottle for a small fee (1 lira for a small bottle and 1.50 lira for a larger bottle). Please add a water bottle to your packing list.
Practical Information
Visa
Turkey
Travellers from the UK, US, Canada and most EU states normally do not need a visa to enter Turkey. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/turkey
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/turkiye
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Turkey.html
Vaccinations and Health
Turkey
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Local Time
Turkey's time zone: Europe/Istanbul (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Turkey's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Turkey's currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
ATM Availability
Turkey has a good network of cash machines, which can be used to withdraw lira. It is best to use a mixture of cash and ATMs. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops for larger purchases.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Optional excursions:
Selçuk
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum: €40
Kaş
- Boat trip to Kekova: €80 per person (minimum of eight passengers required)
- Sea kayaking: €60 per person
Antalya
- Phaselis Ancient City: €10
Cappadocia
- Hot-air balloon ride. A fantastic adventure to float among the fairy chimneys and soar over the intriguing landscape up to heights of 1,500ft (460m).
- Duration: Just over an hour
- Requirements: Warm clothes and good footwear
- Price: Approximately €270 cash/€300 by credit card dependent on flight time. We recommend paying for this in Turkish liras as local operators charge a credit card fee of five to eight percent.
- Whirling Dervishes performance: €40
Istanbul
- Kadıkoy walking tour via local ferry: €40
Tipping
If you would like to leave a tip, we suggest you budget around 6,125 Turkish liras to be broken down as follows: Approximately 3,840 liras for your tour leader. Approximately 1,165 liras for your driver and approximately 1,120 lira for the hotel. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
