This tour is for travellers who want to see Turkey on a shoestring. Step back in time and wander roads where Trojan, Greek, Roman and Anatolia warriors once trod. Marvel at the dramatic beauty of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Absorb the landscape and watch villagers drying fruit on their rooftops, baking bread or riding donkeys through the main town. Live out every kid's dream and sleep in a tree house in the shadow of Mt Olympos. Marvel at the mythical natural wonders, visit underground cities and sleep in caves. This fully optional tour gives you the choice to do as much or as little as you want and you can only do all of this in Turkey!
Turkey Tours
'Budget Tours - Shoestring Turkey'
15 - Day itinerary
Day 1
Sunday
Istanbul, Gallipoli
An early start today as we head west along the coast of the Sea of Marmara. This afternoon, you can experience Gallipoli on an optional tour of the Gallipoli battlefields or spend the afternoon exploring the town of Canakkale.
Overnight Canakkale
Day 2
Monday
Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi
This morning, you head south along the Aegean Coast, stopping at the ancient city of Troy for a guided one-hour tour. You also have the opportunity to tour the magnificent antique site of Pergamum before heading to the resort town of Kusadasi.
Overnight Kusadasi (B)
Day 3
Tuesday
Ancient city of Ephesus
Absorb yourself in history this morning with an optional tour of one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis and the former capital of Roman Asia and the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey, Ephesus. Your afternoon can be spent visiting the site believed to have been the last home of the Virgin Mary or exploring the town of Kusadasi and relaxing on an Aegean Beach.
Overnight Kusadasi (B)
Day 4
Wednesday
Kusadasi, Pamukkale
Today is a day for choices. You can choose to do an optional tour to Pamukkale, paddle in the natural calcium formations and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, or maybe you would prefer to visit the Ottoman-Greek village of Sirince, trying some of their specialty fruit wines. The choice is yours.
Overnight Kusadasi (B)
Today we have the opportunity to learn about some local Turkish handicrafts before we head to Lake Koycegiz where you have the option of taking a late night boat cruise and experiencing the therapeutic properties of the mud and thermal baths.
Overnight Koycegiz (B)
Day 6
Friday
Saklikent Gorge, Carpet Co-op, Fethiye
After a short drive this morning, you will have the chance to see how Turkish carpets are made by hand and find out what determines their value. Then experience one of Turkey's highlights as we trek up Saklikent Gorge or go tubing along the water rushing out of it.
Overnight Fethiye (B)
Today you have the option to relax on a day cruise around the 12 Islands of Fethiye, go paragliding or maybe chill out on a nearby beach, the choice is yours.
Overnight Fethiye (B)
*If you choose the Shoestring option with Gulet, then today you will board your traditional hand made Gulet and cruise your way through to Day 10 in Olympos.
Day 8
Sunday
Kas, Olympos
We drive along the Turquoise coast today, stopping for a swim at the spectacular Kaputas beach and then a lunch stop in Kas, traditionally a small Turkish fishing village. Take a stroll around the town before heading to the world famous tree houses of Olympos.
Overnight Olympos (B, D)
Day 9
Monday
Olympos
Time for some relaxation, you can do nothing but chill out and meet new people or you could try a host of adventure activities on offer - rock climbing, diving and canyoning, just to name a few. Don't miss out on your chance to see the natural phenomenon of the mythical flames of Chimera.
Overnight Olympos (B. D)
Another day for choices, with so many options you will be wishing you could stay for a week.
Overnight Olympos (B, D)
Day 11
Wednesday
Silk Road, Cappadocia
This morning we head out to follow an ancient silk trade route across the Anatolian Plain, on the way you will visit Sultanhani Caravanserai just as the ancient traders did.
Overnight Cappadocia (B)
Days 12
Thursday
Silk Road, Cappadocia
This morning you have the option of taking a hot-air balloon ride in a region famed for being one of the best places in the world for ballooning, due to both the wind currents and spectacular scenery. You will be back in plenty of time for the optional tour around the southern parts of Cappadocia. Check out the carved cave villages, underground cities, spectacular coloured valleys and the fairy chimney formations.
Overnight Cappadocia (B)
Days 13
Friday
Cappadocia
Today you are free to explore the wonders of Cappadocia at your own pace. Tonight, do not miss the optional Turkish Folklore evening, which includes all the food and drink you can handle!
Overnight Cappadocia (B)
Day 14
Saturday
Istanbul via Ankara
Early morning start today as we head back to Istanbul, via Ankara, the nations Capital. You will have brief stop at a salt lake on the way and then have time to visit the Mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and discover what happened to the Turkish nation after the World War 1.
Overnight Istanbul (B)
Day 15
Sunday
Istanbul via Ankara
After Breakfast your tour concludes and sadly it is time to say good bye to new friends.
Breakfast
Tour includes
o English speaking Tour Leader on the bus giving you a wealth of super interesting and useful info.
(All optional tours are conducted by English speaking professional tour guide)
o Guided tour of Troy and Pergamum. (Entrance fees not included)
o Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking bus
o 14 nights shared budget accommodation in total.
- 1 night in Canakkale
- 3 nights in Cappadocia
- 2 nights in Fethiye
- 1 night in Istanbul
- 1 night in Koycegiz
- 3 nights in Kusadasi
- 3 nights in Olympos
(Gulet option includes 11 nights shared budget accommodation and 3 nights cabin share accommodation)
o 14 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
(Gulet option includes 14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners)
Tour does not include
o Suggested optional activities and sightseeing
o Entrance fees to the various sites