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12-Day Wellness & Active Holiday in Turkey

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Overview

This twelve-day Turkey getaway combines the perfect amount of ancient sites, must-see spots, hiking and of course, wellness activities.

Staying in deluxe spa hotels, unique cave houses and more along the way, you'll travel from the remarkable city of Istanbul, through the central region of Cappadocia to explore its unique landscapes and to the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean coast, Antalya.

Sunset yoga, sea kayaking, sunrise hot air balloon rides and hiking will fill your days before you travel north to the cotton castle of the country – Pamukkale. In the north, you'll travel through Selcuk, visiting the ancient city of Ephesus and staying in the charming town of Sirince.

Each day you'll be invited to taste different Turkish specialities and even cooking your own some of the days!
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Adventure
Food & Drink
Outdoors & Nature
Wellness
Hiking & Trekking

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Turkey!

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Welcome to Turkey!

Your driver will collect you from the airport and whisk you off to your hotel, where you’ll be based for the first two nights of your adventure through this amazing country. Your welcome meeting with your Designer Journeys guide and group will be at 6pm. Then, your tour leader will take you for an adventure on the streets of Istanbul where you will get to try local bites from the food vendors on the street! Hang around in the Karakoy district to enjoy a couple of drinks with locals after the tour.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Galata Istanbul Hotel - MGallery5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tasting Tour of Istanbul

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Istanbul Airport to İstanbul

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beyoğlu

    Istanbul

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Your welcome meeting with your guide and group will be at 6pm, although we suggest getting to Istanbul earlier and enjoying some free time to explore this buzzing city. After the welcome meeting, your tour leader will take you for an adventure on the streets of Istanbul where you will get to try local bites from the food vendors on the street!

Day 2

Walking Tour of Istanbul Old Town, Turkish Lunch & Dinner in Asia!

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Walking Tour of Istanbul Old Town, Turkish Lunch & Dinner in Asia!

Today, you'll embark on a guided walking tour in the old town. You will start your walking tour by visiting the grandest mosque in town, Suleymaniye Mosque. Then, you'll continue to the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar where you'll have some time to shop and then to enjoy a Turkish lunch. You'll then visit the mighty Hippodrome and finish with a tour of the Hagia Sophia Museum. You'll then get ready to change continent from Europe to Asia by ferry and have dinner in the Kadikoy district.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Galata Istanbul Hotel - MGallery5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tour of the Old City of Istanbul

    Spice Bazaar

    Suleymaniye Mosque

    Grand Bazaar

    Hippodrome of Constantinople

    Hagia Sophia

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Piraye Taş Plak Meyhanesi

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Ferry from İstanbul to Kadıköy

    Ferry from Kadıköy to İstanbul

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beyoğlu

    Istanbul

Day 3

Fly to Cappadocia, Uchisar Castle, Pottery Kebap Dinner & Turkish Entertainment

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Fly to Cappadocia, Uchisar Castle, Pottery Kebap Dinner & Turkish Entertainment

Today, it's time to pack your bags to fly down to the centre of the country, land of beautiful horses – Cappadocia! You'll arrive in Cappadocia after lunchtime and check in to your cave rooms. After a short break, you'll head to Uchisar Castle, to see this amazing landscape from a panoramic point. For dinner, you will try the local speciality – Pottery Kebap! After dinner, you will join a Turkish entertainment night where you will get to watch famous belly dancers and enjoy local tunes!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Exedra Hotel Cappadocia4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from İstanbul to Istanbul Airport

    Plane from Istanbul Airport to Kayseri Erkilet Airport

    Private Driver from Kayseri Erkilet Airport to Exedra Hotel Cappadocia

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beyoğlu

    Ürgüp

Day 4

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, Valley Hike & Sunset ATV Tour

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Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, Valley Hike & Sunset ATV Tour

This morning, early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the otherworldly Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. Then, you'll put your hiking boots on this morning to enjoy a hike in the valleys of Cappadocia. You will end up at Tipik Turk Evi, a typical Turkish house to enjoy a yummy homemade lunch. In the afternoon, you'll jump on ATVs in Goreme village and go for a ride finishing at a sunset spot with wine, fresh bread and cheese.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Exedra Hotel Cappadocia4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hot Air Balloon Ride in CappadociaOptional Activity

    Soft Hike at Red Valley

    ATV Tour with Sunset Wine, Cheese & Bread

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ürgüp

    Göreme Belediyesi

    Nevşehir

    Yeşilhisar

Day 5

Ozkonak Underground City, Pottery Demonstration & Home-cooked Cave House Dinner

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Ozkonak Underground City, Pottery Demonstration & Home-cooked Cave House Dinner

This morning, you will pay a visit to Ozkonak Underground City. The breath-taking, unique and incredible underground city hollowed out of tufa rock was built by the locals in order to defend themselves from the invasions of the warriors. You will then head to the local atelier to join a pottery demonstration. You will also learn how cotton is made during a carpet educational. For dinner, you will get to learn the secrets of making local dishes in the amazing atmosphere of Mrs Nuray’s cave house.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Exedra Hotel Cappadocia4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ozkonak Underground City

    Pottery DemonstrationOptional Activity

    Carpet EducationalOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Homecooked Cappadocia

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ürgüp

    Özkonak Underground City

    Nevşehir

    Ortahisar

    Göreme Belediyesi

Day 6

Fly to Antalya & Join a Wine Tasting Tour

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Fly to Antalya & Join a Wine Tasting Tour

Today is a long travel day today as you travel to Antalya, the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Upon arrival, you will head to the Elmali district to join a wine tasting tour. You will get to walk in the grape plantations, learn about local wine and enjoy lunch. Then, you will continue down to the little town of Kaş. Here, you'll see charming whitewashed houses covered in bougainvillaeas as well as an ancient theatre. You'll have a free evening to explore the town of Kas.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Suna Sun Boutique Hotel

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Wine Tasting Tour in Elmali

    Kaş

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Cappadocia to Kayseri Erkilet Airport

    Plane from Kayseri Erkilet Airport to Antalya Airport

    Private Driver from Antalya Airport to Elmalı

    Private Driver from Elmalı to Kaş

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ürgüp

    Elmalı

    Kaş

Day 7

Sea Kayak over the Sunken City & Sunset Yoga

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Sea Kayak over the Sunken City & Sunset Yoga

Today you will kayak over the sunken city near Kekova, where ruins jut from the crystal-clear water. Off the coast of Ucagiz, lies the island of Kekova. On the northern side of the island, you’ll find the stone archways, worn down steps and crumbling walls of an ancient Lycian settlement, rebuilt during the Byzantine era but has long been abandoned. It will be a 12-kilometre paddle, taking about two hours to complete. In the evening, just before the sunset, you'll take part in a yoga class.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Suna Sun Boutique Hotel

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Sea Kayak over the Sunken City

    Sunset Yoga

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kaş

    Antalya

Day 8

Kekova Traditional Boat Tour & Sunset Drinks

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Kekova Traditional Boat Tour & Sunset Drinks

Today you’ll board a local boat and take a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful and picturesque islands, each with distinctive rock formations. For lunch, you'll enjoy a homemade Turkish meal on board before arriving in the settlement of Ucagiz, a township of stone houses draped in colourful flowers. You'll explore this quaint township before continuing to cruise to beautiful protected inlets – perfect for a refreshing dip. At sunset, you'll enjoy drinks in Kas Amphitheatre.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Suna Sun Boutique Hotel

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Kekova Private Boat Trip on Traditional Gulet

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Kaş to Kekova Island

    Private Driver from Kekova Island to Kaş

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kaş

    Antalya

Day 9

North to the Cotton Castle!

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North to the Cotton Castle!

Today you’ll drive north to the cotton castle of the country – Pamukkale! You will visit the ancient site of Hierapolis, which was dedicated to the Goddess of Hera – Goddess of marriage and birth. Atop of the 'cotton castle', you'll enjoy the beautiful sunset from the ancient theatre! You'll then check into your hotel for the next few days where you can enjoy the thermal water of Pamukkale.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Doga Thermal Health & Spa5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Pamukkale

    Hierapolis

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Kaş to Pamukkale

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kaş

    Pamukkale

    Denizli

Day 10

Onwards to Selcuk & Cooking Class in Sirince

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Onwards to Selcuk & Cooking Class in Sirince

This morning, you will drive to Selcuk, the closest town to the ancient city of Ephesus. After arrival, you will have a walking tour in town and get to visit Isa Bey Mosque, St. John Basilica and Ephesus Museum. After the orientation walk of Selcuk, you will drive up to the village that you will be spending two nights, Sirince. In the afternoon, you will put the cooking apron on and meet Mrs Mujde to join the cooking class at your boutique hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Nişanyan Evleri Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Isa Bey Mosque

    Basilica of Saint John

    Cooking Class at Nisanyan Evleri Hotel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Pamukkale to Selçuk

    Private Driver from Selçuk to Şirince

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Pamukkale

    Selçuk

    Bornova

    İzmir

Day 11

Tour of Ephesus, Local Pancake Lunch & Farewell Dinner

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Tour of Ephesus, Local Pancake Lunch & Farewell Dinner

You'll start the day with Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. You'll tour around the amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus. For lunch, you'll head to local café to try Turkish pancakes, Gozleme, made by ladies living in Selcuk town.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Nişanyan Evleri Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ephesus

    Sirince VillageOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bornova

    Selçuk

    İzmir

Day 12

Goodbye Turkey

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Goodbye Turkey

Your Turkey getaway comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Your group transfer will take you to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to take your flight back home.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Nişanyan Evleri Hotel to Izmir Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bornova

Included in Price

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • 21 activities
  • 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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