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Days
11
Price from
€595EUR
Map of Totally Turkey including Turkey

Travel Turkey's eastern coast, stopping in at Gallipoli

Start with a kebab in Istanbul, leave for Gallipoli then zoom through Eceabat to Ayvalik for a visit to Troy and harbourside bevvies. On to Selcuk to explore Ephesus (where Antony and Cleopatra hung out), then Pamikkale for its healing pools, Fethiye for beach times, and a cruise for sunbaking and sunken ruins.

Leaping into the sparkly waters of the Mediterranean is super fun. Two things: don’t hold your nose or you’ll blow out an eardrum, and make sure your bikini bottoms or speedos are securely fastened before you jump.

Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Antalya, Turkey
Destination
Turkey
Code
GETL
Physical rating
Traveller’s rating
114 reviews
Ages
Min 18 , Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Geckos Adventures is moving to Intrepid Travel

From October 1st, all Geckos tours will be operated by Intrepid Travel, as part of their brand new range for 18 to 29-year-old travellers.

Find out more on Intrepid Travel

Why you'll love this trip

  • Get to know Istanbul from the inside as you get (deliberately) lost in the maze of bustling backstreets with a local leader

  • We’ve got the cure for whatever ails ya; the hot springs at Pamukkale, pure white calcium travertines that cascade down the cliffs overlooking the town, are said to have magical healing properties

  • Thought all the best Roman ruins were in Italy? Think again! Turkey is home to one of the best preserved classical cities in all of Europe. Discover Ephesus just like Anthony and Cleopatra did 2,000 years ago

  • While paying your respects, you can’t but be moved by the battles fought and lives lost at the now peaceful scene of the Gallipoli coast

Is this trip right for you?

  • You’ll get an extra taste of local life on this trip, with most travel done on public buses. There are loads of reasons why this is great, but here are just a few: it minimises our carbon footprint, gives you a real chance to interact with the local community, and these aren’t your regular buses. Most Turkish buses have Wi-Fi and serve coffee and cake. Yes, you heard right, coffee and cake! Oh and did we mention the in-seat entertainment?

  • Can you feel that tingling in your fingers? That my friend is power! This trip puts it in your hands with the options of free time or taking optional tours. Maybe budget a little extra cash for activities that aren’t included.

  • You’re probably pro at packing light and smart, but just in case your tempted to bring a big, heavy bag, remember you’ll have to carry it to and from hotels, bus stops, train stations etc.

  • The weather can be hot in July and August but this is the best time to enjoy the clear water of the Mediterranean.

  • You’ll need your walking shoes, a hat, some sunscreen, and a daypack to explore some of historical sites. All site tours are guided, but you can wander at your own pace if you prefer.

  • Bring your best sweater along, as temperatures in April and October can be a bit cooler than you might expect, especially in the evenings.

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Itinerary
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Welcome to Turkey. This adventures kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and now you (for one night at least) have called home. You’ve got the whole day free to explore the capital city (depending on when you get here of course) before you join up with your Geckos crew and leader at a Welcome Meeting at 6pm – make sure you’ve got all your important documents and details for your leader. Double check with the hotel reception or the check out the hotel’s noticeboard for meeting confirmations. Until then, maybe get out into the city streets for the must-sees: the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and stunning Aya Sofya. The must-eats: kebab, balık ekmek (fish sandwich) and steamed corn from a street vendor. Your hotel is right in the thick of the action so you won’t have to walk far for your first kebab. If you can, maybe arrive early and lose yourself and splash some cash in the Grand Bazaar, indulge in a traditional hamam (Turkish bath) or cruise the waters of the Bosphorus. After the meeting, head out on an optional group dinner, a good introduction to some fabulous Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe.

Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel by early evening, you may wish to arrive a day early, so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please contact the hotel reception.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (incl. massage) - TRY120
  • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY25
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque - Free
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY18
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY25
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY20
  • Istanbul - Basilica Cistern - TRY20
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - TRY40
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace - TRY65
  • Istanbul - Chora Church - TRY30
  • Istanbul - Whirling Dervish show - TRY60
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today you’ll take a bus to the shores of Gallipoli (approximately 5.5 hours) to pay your respects at a site of immense significance for Australians and New Zealanders. It is a spot of pilgrimage and reverence and the calm lapping waters belies the murderous campaign that took place here during the First World War. This now-serene site is located at Turkey’s most westerly point and you’ll get a sobering insight into the plight of the ANZAC, Allied and Turkish forces at the site of one of the most significant military battles in Australia’s history. It’s hard to think that this area was once Anzac Cove and the battlefields of Nek and Lone Pine, and saw such brutal scenes of war. It’s possible to look down upon the rough and barren hills and gullies that sadly became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. Here you can hear stories of heroism and camaraderie that unfolded among the tragedies, and take the time to read moving inscriptions etched onto a sea of gravestones.

Spend the evening of day two in Canakkale.  The city has young local vibe due to it being a popular spot to go to Uni. Chill on the edge of the Dardanelles with an Efes or check out a local band. Don't leave town without trying the cheesy desert thing.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

There's the option this morning to take an excursion out to the ruins of Troy (sans golden-haired and armoured Brad Pitt), where you can explore the ancient walls, climb around the 4,500 year-old ruins, check out the Trojan horse statue and gaze across the Troad (the Plains of Troy) towards the waters of the Dardanelles and the hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Later drive down the coast to Ayvalik (approximately 3.5 hours), a town where you can fill up on food and drink, and a place that even takes its name from food (ayva is Turkish for quince). The town is famous for olive oil, but we suggest finding the nearest seaside cafe and ordering Ayvalik toast – a toasted sanga stuffed with sausage, pickle, tomatoes, salad and chips, slathered with tomato sauce and mayonnaise. Try not to drool on the screen. Take an orientation tour of Ayvalik and discover a town that’s a fascinating mix of Greek and Turkish cultures (in fact the island actually swapped all its Greek residents for Turks in 1923). Check out the cobblestone backstreets, beautiful houses and lively cafes.  You could also hop on a boat from Ayvalık to Cunda Island, filled with Greek Orthodox churches and famous for its dairy farming – a cheese-fest awaits. Back in Ayvalık, the village is set around a harbour and looks out to the Aegean Islands, so a drink at a harbourside bar is a great way to enjoy the sunset.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Ayvalik - Boat From Ayvalık to Cunda Island - TRY10
  • Troy - Guided visit - TRY85
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Get your entertainment ready this morning as you’re going to be driving approximately 4 hours by local bus to the traditional farming village of Selçuk, where many Turkish traditions live on. Take an orientation tour around Selçuk, a town full of history and packed with artefacts and relics that reflect its past as an ancient fortress on Ayasoluk Hill. You’ll discover how the town itself is usually undisturbed, which gives the opportunity to experience the ‘real’ Turkey.  Later you can head out to the nearby ruins of Ephesus and explore the streets once walked by Marc Anthony and Cleopatra. This is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world; founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th century BC, brought to full flower under Roman rule, and always an important religious centre. You will be amazed by the sophistication of this ancient city, which had running water, public toilets, in house heating, a renowned medical institute, a brothel and Roman baths. The theatre is well preserved (be brave and stand in the middle of the stage, and give us your best Idol audition), but it’s the magnificent library that’s going to take your breath away. Nearby are the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  Chill out tonight in Selçuk, and maybe try Turkish Meze and Raki for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Ephesus - guided archaeological site visit - TRY40
  • Selcuk - Archaeological Museum - TRY15
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY10
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses Entry - TRY25
  • Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) entrance fee - TRY25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel east inland to Pamukkale (approximately 4 hours), which literally translates to “cotton castle”. Here spectacular natural hot springs with high calcium bicarbonate content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, leaving bright white deposit terraces (the ‘cotton’). It's been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC. These pools are said to fix up any circulation and digestion problems you might have. If you’ve got Cleopatra on the mind after yesterday’s stories, then maybe choose to head out to the ancient city of Hierapolis and take a dip in what used to be her old pool – the transparent water-filled pool, sculpted as a gift from Marc to Cleo, are jaw dropping (even if you’ll be sharing it with a few more people than she did). You can also check out the other ruins of the city – Hierapolis is known for its abundance of temples and religious structures, and the amphitheatre shouldn’t be missed.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis Museum - TRY5
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis Cleopatra pool - TRY35
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis & Travertines National Park - TRY35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel to the seriously blue... Blue Lagoon by public bus and enjoy some beach time before jumping on a local bus to Faralya (travel time 5 hours), not really big enough to be called a village, this picturesque hamlet is located on the edge of a canyon overlooking the crystal clear Mediterranean, and is considered to be one of the most stunning and amazing places in Turkey/    This is where the locals come to get away from it all, and you can too. Watch a sunset like no other from the best vantage point your bean bag with your beer in hand, hang by the pool and enjoy an al fresco dinner with your new friends. Some times travel can be such hard work ! Tents or Bungalows tonight which will it be?

Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Enjoy as leisurely start to the day as you take this morning to perfect your relaxation technique in this untouched heaven Later we head  to Fethiye. Maybe check out the Ghost Village, (where they filmed the Water Diviner) jump on "dolmus" to Saklikent Gorge or explore the back streets of the old town of Fethiye and hunt for a bargain... you decide. Tonight we enjoy a walk by the harbour, try local seafood and check out the thriving night life.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Fethiye - Oludeniz Blue Lagoon - TRY6
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning you’ll take a local bus to Kas (approximately 3 hours), which is right on one of the southernmost bit of Turkey. With its whitewashed buildings covered in bougainvillea and cobbled streets, Kas is one of the most attractive towns on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. Spend an hour or two lunching and wandering the pretty streets, before you transfer an hour down the road to Kekova. Here you’ll board your sturdy vessel and make waves on a memorable voyage along the Turquoise Coast. Check out some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world – it’s just ridiculously good-looking. You’ve got a tough couple of days ahead: swimming, exploring sunken cities, sunbaking and eating fresh seafood. Grin and bear it. This afternoon, cruise to Tersane bay for a swim and then enjoy a home cooked dinner on board, before docking for the night and sleeping under a blanket of Mediterranean stars.
Accommodation
  • Overnight Boat (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

It’s a hard knock life on the Turkish seas – wake up to a spectacular Mediterranean sunrise this morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast on board. Perfect your best boat-life pose as you cruise to a sunken city, from where remains of a mysterious civilisation can be viewed. Earthquakes almost 2,500 years ago sunk this half of the Lycian city of Simena. Here you can walk up to nearby Simena Castle, swim in crystal clear waters, or explore Lycian rock tombs. More swimming, exploring, sunbaking and eating... can you handle that much action. Lucky you will spend another memorable night on the boat, under the stars if you feel like it.
Accommodation
  • Overnight Boat (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Soak up the last of life as a glamorous boat-dweller with breakfast on board. Then transfer by public bus approximately 3.5 hours to Antalya, the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean. It’s hard to get a bad photo of Antalya (unless your finger is over the lens) thanks to cobblestone streets, the old city, the marina and the Taurus Mountains in the distance. You can spend the afternoon exploring the charming back streets of the Kaleiçi (old city), get historical in one of the best museums in the country, get theatrical at Aspendos (a beautiful intact theatre from Roman times), hit the beach once more at Mermerli Beach, or just try not to cry into your börek as your totally terrific Turkey trip terminates tonight.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum - TRY20
  • Antalya - Aspendos Ancient City - TRY25
  • Antalya - Mermerli Beach Kaleici - TRY11
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your Turkey adventures come to an end after breakfast today, so wave goodbye to all your new mates.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

Ferry, Local bus, Private Bus, Train, Boat

Accommodation

Boat (2 nights), Pension (1 nights), Hotel (6 nights), Camping (1 night)

Reviews

Our Totally Turkey trips score an average of 4.89 out of 5 based on 114 reviews in the last year.

Totally Turkey, September 2018

Molly Burley

Review submitted 17 Sep 2018

Totally Turkey, September 2018

Ashlea Fahmy

Review submitted 16 Sep 2018

Dates & availability

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There are currently no scheduled departures before October 1st on our Totally Turkey trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

From October 1st, we'll be joining forces with our sister company, Intrepid Travel. Intrepid 18 to 29s will be your go-to spot for small group adventures with people your own age. See this trip on Intrepid Travel
Prices may change, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Travelling after October 1st?

Our sister company Intrepid Travel has just launched a new range of adventures for 18 to 29-year-olds. Same small group size, same awesome local leaders, different logos on the t-shirts.
From October 1st, Intrepid 18 to 29s will be your go-to spot for small group adventures with people your own age.

See this trip on Intrepid
Book this trip and make a difference to local communities. Along with carbon offsetting your trip, we’ll also contribute funds to our new social enterprise partner, Friends-International, on your behalf. Find out more

Important notes

ANZAC DAY DEPARTURE:
The 23rd April 2018 departure ties in with ANZAC day at Gallipoli. The night of Day 2 will be spent camping in Anzac Cove instead of in Istanbul. Please bring a sleeping bag if you are travelling on this departure.

We would also like to advise that attendance at this event requires an attendance pass. We recommend applying for this pass in advance at the links below. Passes are available in electronic format if you are travelling and unable to receive your pass it will be emailed to you. It will also be necessary to carry this pass and your personal identification at all times whilst on site. For those that arrive without a pass you can apply before the tour departs Istanbul OR at the coach registration upon arrival, however these passes will not be guaranteed, and will be dependent on site capacity.

NZ Citizens
https://ww100.govt.nz/anzac-day-2018-gallipoli

Australian Citizens
https://overseascommemorations.ticketek.com.au/

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
An optional single supplement is available on this trip, please refer to your booking agent for further information.
Please note, on the following nights the Single Supplement is not available:
-Day 3: Ayvalik
-Day 6: Faralya
-Day 8 & 9: Southern Sailing Cruise

Following recent safety incidents 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.geckosadventures.com/en-au/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

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