A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
✓ Intimate small group experience in Turkey with up to 20 guests
✓ Incredible sightseeing including culinary delights in Istanbul, the battlefields of Gallipoli, ancient Troy, the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, picture-perfect Santorini, and sun-drenched Mykonos
✓ Domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia
✓ 7 nights in centrally located, 4-star accommodation
✓ 1 night stay in deluxe, 5-star accommodation
✓ 6-day cruise on the Aegean Sea with Celestyal Cruises – including select drinks with meals, entertainment, port charges and gratuities, and discounted shore excursions
✓ Airport transfers included on the first day
✓ Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 7 dinners
✓ Fully escorted touring experience in Turkey by a professional, English-speaking guide
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Istanbul!
The remainder of the day is free to settle in and relax.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Depart for a scenic drive along the beautiful coast of the Marmara Sea, then step back in time as we visit Troy and its famed Trojan Horse. Relive the history of the Spartan Queen and her Trojan Prince before arriving in Çanakkale to stay the night.
One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels. From here, we return to Istanbul for a well-deserved rest.
After breakfast, enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting Suleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, St Sophia Museum and the Hippodrome.
Later tonight you will be picked up from your hotel to join a dinner cruise experience up the Bosphorus. The waterway lies between Europe and Asia and passes under the suspension bridges, providing panoramic views of Ottoman summer palaces, waterside mansions and modern villas lining the coast. A truly memorable experience!
We will transfer to the airport this morning for our included flight to Cappadocia.
On arrival into Cappadocia, you will be transferred to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Domestic Flights - Luggage Allowance: Please note checked luggage allowance is 25kg.
Today packs another highlight! Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city. This spectacular region - famously known for its rock formations - is truly one of a kind and cannot be missed. You absolutely will want to return!
As an added bonus, your overnight accommodation is a carefully selected Cave Hotel that will ensure an unforgettable stay.
Today we travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya along the way.
This morning we will head to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale, where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Later this afternoon, enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before arriving in Kuşadası.
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
From here, we will take a transfer to the port terminal to board our cruise, departing Kuşadası by approximately 6pm.
As we pull into Heraklion in the early morning, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th century walls of Koules Fortres. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or even discover the Palace of Knossos on an optional shore excursion.
The romantic island of Santorini is the remnants of a devastating volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. The picture-perfect scenery features clustered traditional whitewashed house and blue-domed churches set against a beguiling brilliant blue backdrop. Here you will have the chance to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle of the idyllic oasis and relax in the island's calm and tranquillity.
The magical sun-kissed island of Mykonos invites you to admire its stunning coastline, soft sandy beaches, and rugged rock landscapes. Affectionately known as the “Island of the Winds”, Mykonos is home to the 16th Century windmills that have become iconic landmarks on postcards. The energetic Greek island is well known for its beauty, diverse range of bars, cafes, restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere.
The volcanic origins of the beautiful Greek island of Milos are clearly evident in its complex and bewitching landscape. Here you have the opportunity to explore the dramatically surreal and sculpted looming rock formations that rise out of the crystalline waters and create a stunning coastline.
Why not join a local expert to explore the many beauty spots and charming fishing villages on an optional excursion.
At approximately 9am this morning, we will pull into the port of Pireas where we will disembark our Celestyal Cruise.
From here, commence your own arrangements as your tour and cruise concludes.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Celestyal Cruises
This cruise is operated by our partner Celestyal Cruises on board their new Celestyal Journey ship, launching in September 2023 as the very latest addition to the fleet:
The Celestyal Journey will be at the heart of our commitment to go further and get closer to the incredible destinations we visit and will ensure we put our guests at the forefront of our award-winning Celestyal experience.
Whatever your choice of drink, our 8 new bars offer a diverse selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Grab a beer and catch one of our dazzling daily shows in the ΘEATRO, soak up the electric atmosphere of the Ble Bar and Lounge, or head down to our Martini Bar and enjoy one of our exclusive Signature Cocktails.
With 7 new restaurants and our exclusive Chef’s Table, we’re giving our guests more of what they love: great, authentic food. With options such as Thalassa Restaurant and Leda Casual Dining, every guest is catered to in style. Indulge in our specialty menus for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Cabin Inclusions & Upgrades
Exterior Stateroom - Included
Exterior Staterooms at decks 4 and 6 (19 sqm) can accommodate up to 2 people and has a bathroom with shower.
If you wish to upgrade please select the add-on that corresponds with your tour departure date. You may select your departure date to see applicable rate.
Junior Balcony Suite (SJB):
Junior Balcony Suites at deck 9 (21 sqm) can accommodate up to 2 people and has a bathroom with jet tub and balcony.
May to July 2025:
From $361 per person, twin share. Single price on application.
Please note an upgrade to a Junior Balcony Suite is currently not available for travel from August to October 2025.
Inspiring Sight
Inspiring Taste
Inspiring Stay
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,169.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum 6.
For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Domestic Flights - Luggage Allowance:
Please note checked luggage allowance is 25kg.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
16 May 2023
Pack your bags and clear your palate; Turkey will satisfy your mind, soul and stomach. Turkey is Muslim...ish Although most citizens identify as Muslim, Turkey is fairly open-minded compared to Morocco or Egypt. It is officially a secular State and no Islamic norms are enforced. Alcohol and tobacco are readily availa...
28 Feb 2023
Partake in this age-old bathing ritual for a full Turkish immersion Few cultural experiences remain as close to its authentic roots the way a Turkish hamam does. Known as a Turkish steam bath, its origin dates back to when the Ottomans took Constantinople (now known as Istanbul) from the Romans in 1450, bringing with...
30 Jun 2021
Straddling two continents, Turkey is the perfect example of east meets west. But, when is the best time to go? Turkey's fusion of vibrant, age-old cultures, incredible architecture and natural wonders have been wowing travellers for ages. The grand city of Istanbul is like no other – with imposing mosques, palaces...
29 Jun 2021
The city of Istanbul is not short on vantage points to admire its mesmerising beauty Istanbul, a city that pulls you in with its east-meets-west vibe, a skyline dotted with minarets and Byzantine church spires where chic rooftop bars lie close to the golden dome of the Hagia Sophia. Everywhere you turn there’s someth...
29 Jun 2021
From cave churches to grand mosques and subterranean cities, Turkey’s sights above and below ground will leave you with something to write home about A fascinating country that needs little introduction, Turkey’s charms are plentiful. From its rich history dating back to the 3rd millennium, 18 UNESCO heritage sites a...
29 Jun 2021
With more than 40 different kebabs to sample and a vast array of natural ingredients, spices and flavours, it’s no wonder Turkish cuisine is among the best in the world With a culinary history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire, Turkish cuisine is not an easy one to summarise. With its endless variety of dishes –...
{{details.header}}
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
India
