Timeless Turkiye
- 20-28 September 2025
- 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Weather 23 - 28 C
- Fitness - Med - walk up to 7km a day
Turkey is a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of attractions for visitors. Popular sights include the ancient city of Istanbul with it spectacular mosques and bustling bazaars. The beaches of the Aegean coasts, the ruins of Ephesus, the hot springs of Pamukkale, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, historic Gallipoli and Troy. Turkey is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes a variety of kebabs, mezes, and of course Turkish Delight and strong coffee!
Timeless Turkiye is for everyone!
Oh the places we'll go ......
Istanbul is a city steeped in history and culture so there is much to see and do there. It offers a rich mix of history, culture, and modern energy.
Istanbul is the economic, financial, and cultural center of Turkey. It’s also the country’s biggest city. Istanbul is home to a rich collection of historic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque.
By far one of the top things to do while in Canakkale, is visit Troy, 31 kilometers southwest from town. Full of history, both ancient and modern. Canakkale is the base for visiting both Troy and the Gallapoli Battlefieds but in the town itself there is the fortress of Cimenlik with its Military and Naval Museum which are well laid out and certainly worth a visit.
Kusadasi is one of the most popular touristic cities in Turkey. It is also home to turquoise beaches, the oldest historical places in the world. Ephesus is the single major reason why the city of Kusadasi is a famous tourist destination.
Pamukkale is another such place. Meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, thermal waters from the area’s hot springs deposit calcium which creates bright white, almost snow-like, travertine terraces. Back in the day, Pamukkale was one of the most popular thermal pools in Turkey. It literally was a spa, first used in the 2nd century BC. The water is a naturally warm temperature, so not only is it extremely picturesque, but bathing in these natural pools is incredibly relaxing.
Turkey is full of beautiful landscapes but there are some that are truly unique and incomparable.
Cappadocia is one such place. It’s truly magical and like no other. It really is difficult to imagine the unique rock formations, multicoloured canyons and stunning landscapes without witnessing it yourself first hand.
Trip Highlights
- Istanbul city tour - Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Museum and take a cruise oh the Bosporus
- Enjoy a Whirling Dervish Experience
- Turkish Coffee Making & Fortune Telling
- Visit the Battlefields of Gallipoli
- Explore archeological sites of Troy
- Wander through Pergamon ancient health centre in Asklepion
- See Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis
- Bath in Pamukkale hierapolis
- Visiting Mevlana Museum and Sultanhan Caravanserai
- In Cappadocia see an underground city, Open Air Museum, Valley walk, Pottery workshop
Book your Turkiye Travel
- Twinshare – $3875 AUD (2365 Euro)
- Single Room – $4475 AUD (2730 Euro)
*FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED
This tour has a $500 deposit and the remainder is due 75 prior to departure.
*Please arrive on the 19th so you are ready for Day 1 of the trip on the 20th.
**Please note twinshare rooms can be small and at times the beds may be “Hollywood Style”.
*Receive $100 discount for combining two trips, which has already been applied to the final pricing.
Enjoy guided travel with our Escorted Tours, fully led by a certified, English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the destination.
For groups of eight or more, a Vibrant Women Travel Host will join the tour to provide additional support and ensure a seamless travel experience.
Inclusions
- All transfers to/from airport & hotel by a private air-conditioned vehicle
- 8 Nights Accommodation
- Private transport throughout
- All sightseeing and entrance fees as per above mentioned itinerary
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Fully escorted by a Vibrant Women Travel Host
- Meals and Activities as listed on the itinerary
What is not included
- Airfares to and from Turkey
- Extra nights accommodation before the start of tour. $300 Single and $200 pp Twinshare $AUD. Includes accommodation, airport transfers, breakfast and taxes
- Travel Insurance (which is compulsory)
- Personal spending, including lunches, drinks and dinners not included on the itinerary
- Airport transfers if arriving before the arrival date
- Tip for our tour guide, drivers etc. We suggest $25AUD per day per person, and collect this in currency at the beginning of the tour = $200 AUD. This does not include tipping for cafes and restaurants.
Travel Itinerary
Arrive to Istanbul, Turkiye
*We ask that you arrive a day early for this trip so you are ready to depart at 10am for your first city tour. You can arrange your own accommodation or we can arrange it for you. There is an extra charge for this nights accommodation.
Transfer from Istanbul airport to your hotel is included. This day is for your arrival. Just settle in and familiarise yourself, recover from your flight, or have a glass of wine at the rooftop bar overlooking the city.
Our hotel is also just a 15 minute walk to the famous Istiklal Street. With around 3 million people! a day gracing this walking street it is full of cobblestones, charm, cafes, bars and shopping and well worth a visit. Spend your first free afternoon on this tour doing just that!
Overnight – Barnathan Apartments or similar
As one of the earliest examples of 19th century apartments in Galata, Barnathan Apartments was built almost 130 years ago. On the two main gates of the building, the years 1892 and 1893, together with the corresponding Jewish date 5652 and 5654, were engraved. The name of the apartment, just like the other Beyoğlu apartments, originates from the family name of the property owner.
Meroddi Barnathan Hotel features a garden, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Istanbul. The property is around 200 metres from Galata Tower, 2.3 km from Suleymaniye Mosque and 1.4 km from Istiklal Street. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. The hotel features certain units with city views, and every room has a kettle. All rooms feature a private bathroom, a hairdryer and bed linen. Breakfast is available every morning, and includes vegetarian, halal and kosher options. Popular points of interest near Meroddi Barnathan Hotel include Spice Bazaar, Taksim Square and Taksim Metro Station. The nearest airport is Istanbul Airport, 37 km from the accommodation.
Meals: N/A
Our Istanbul city tour will take place over two days and depart after breakfast each day with our local guide.
Istanbul is a city full of history and culture, and there are many sights to see over the next two days we will visit some of the most popular attractions include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Spice Bazaar and the Galata Tower. We will also take a boat tour of the Bosphorus and explore the Galata neighborhoods close to our hotel.
Overnight – Barnathan Apartments or similar
Meals: N/A
Our Istanbul city tour will take place over two days and depart after breakfast each day with our local guide.
Istanbul is a city full of history and culture, and there are many sights to see over the next two days we will visit some of the most popular attractions include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Spice Bazaar and the Galata Tower. We will also take a boat tour of the Bosphorus and explore the Galata neighborhoods close to our hotel.
Overnight – Barnathan Apartments or similar
Meals: N/A
Istanbul to Canakkale
In the morning we head to northwestern Turkey in the City of Canakkale.
Its a 3 hour drive to the Battlefields of Gallipoli – The World War I battle for control of the Dardanelles (Hellespont) strait was fought mainly on Turkey’s Gallipoli peninsula. Today, the Gallipoli battlefields are silent, preserved as a national historic park strewn with marble and bronze monuments, among the most emotionally touching places in Turkey. This is a historically significant place for many Australians.
Then on to the Archeological sites of Troy (1.5 hours) – Troy, with its 4,000 years of history, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Its extensive remains are the most significant and substantial evidence of the first contact between the civilizations of the Mediterranean world.
Concluding for the night in Çanakkale a city in the northwestern part of Turkey, located on the southern shore of the Dardanelles Strait. It is the administrative center of Çanakkale Province. The city has a population of about 200,000 people. Çanakkale is known for its historical sites, such as the ancient city of Troy, the ruins of the Ottoman Empire’s Gallipoli campaign, and the nearby ancient city of Assos. The city is also a popular tourist destination, with its beaches, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Overnight Canakkale – Kolin Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Canakkale to Kusadasi
In the morning, we drive to the city of Kusadasi. Kusadasi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey.
On the way we visit The Asklepion (Healing Center) at Pergamum, Turkey. The site was founded in the 4th Century BC around a sacred spring that still flows. Asklepion is an ancient healing complex located at the base of the Pergamon acropolis in Turkey built in honour of Asklepios, god of healing.
Following on with a stroll through the city we will visit the famous Artemis Temple in Ephesus. A famous temple built in her honor dated to the time of King Croesus of the kingdom of Lydia. The Temple of Artemis is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It has been built in the areas of Ephesus on a flat area which has over the centuries turned into a swamp.
Overnight – Ramada Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Kusadasi to Pamukkale
In the morning we will take a 3-hour private drive to Pamukkale. Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish, and it’s because, through time, the hot springs released mineral-rich water onto the hilly landscape
Visiting Pamukkale hierapolis – Pamukkale and Hierapolis are two fascinating attractions in Turkey protected under the UNESCO World Heritage. Pamukkale is famous for the incredible white travertine terraces on which Hierapolis, once a major center of trade and culture, sat atop
Overnight – Hierapark Thermal hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Pamukkale to Cappadocia
In the morning, travel from Pamukkale to Cappadocia this is a long drive of 500km so get your napping pillow and comfortable clothes ready for this day. It will take all day to arrive to Cappadocia. However we do have two stops on the way.
Mevlana Museum and Sultanhan Caravanserai
The Mevlana Museum, also known as the Green Mausoleum, is a museum in Konya, Turkey, dedicated to the 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. The museum is located in the former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, and houses numerous artifacts related to Rumi and his teachings. The museum also contains the tomb of Rumi and his family. The museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Konya, and is visited by thousands of people each year. for lovers of Sufi Poetry this is a must.
The Sultanhan Caravanserai is a large caravanserai located in the Sultanhanı district of Aksaray Province, Turkey. It was built in 1229 by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. The caravanserai is one of the largest and best-preserved examples of Seljuk architecture in Turkey. It is a rectangular building with a central courtyard, surrounded by a double arcade of pointed arches. The building is constructed of cut stone and brick, and is decorated with carved stone and glazed tiles. The caravanserai is still in use today, and is a popular tourist attraction.
Overnight Cappadocia – Anatolia Cave Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Cappadocia
*Optional Balloon ride. Seeing the unique scenery of Cappadocia from the vantage point of a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience. Approx $160USD self pay.
In the morning, we will take visit in Underground city, Open Air Museum & Valley walk.
After pick up, head to the deepest Underground city to explore its 4 floors, 30 meters deep. Move on to the highest point of the center of Cappadocia in Uchisar town, Uchisar Castle. Visit the most important sight, Goreme Open Air Museum, to see its many churches with wall paintings (frescoes) describing the life of Jesus Christ, dating back to the 10th century. The Cavusin village will be your next stop. Make the most of this trip to see an abandoned village and its Greek Houses. Take some time for lunch in Avanos before visiting a pottery shop, and learn how to make potteries and seramics. Move on to Pasabag, a sacred place and home to many monks. In Pasabag, prepare to see some of the largest fairy chimney rock formations, with two or three caps each. Finally, stop at Devrent Valley and marvel at its rock formations, shaped like animals, the reason that this place has been nicknamed Imagination Valley.
Overnight Cappadocia – Anatolia Cave Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Cappadocia – Istanbul
Fly back to Istanbul and in the afternoon try the most traditional way of making Turkish Coffee on sand? Explore the centuries-old legacy and culture behind this timeless elixir. Discover the Culture and History of Turkish Coffee with a captivating presentation, followed by an Interactive Workshop to grind and brew your own authentic Turkish coffee using a traditional cezve. Engage in a Turkish Coffee Talk with local insights and enjoy a cup of coffee while exploring the mystical world of Turkish coffee fortune-telling.
Stay overnight near the airport so you are ready to depart the next day. The hotel has a shuttle bus we will take advantage of so you can leave any time you like tomorrow.
Night at Operla Hotel near airport in Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast
Departure
After breakfast, free time until taken to the airport for your departure flight.
Private transfer from your hotel to Istanbul airport.
Meals: Breakfast
“There is no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this”
Fitness Requirements:
This tour has a lot of walking and requires a moderate level of fitness. There are steep stairs, uneven roads and footpaths and the bazaars are large. You may need to walk several kilometres in a day. You need to be fairly fit to attend this tour.
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FAQ's
Istanbul Airport (IST): Located in Istanbul, this is the largest and busiest airport in Turkey. It serves as a major hub for international flights and offers connections to various destinations worldwide.
If you are combining Turkiye tour with Morocco, we suggest you book this flight for the 28th of September to arrive in Casablanca.
Airline Carrier: Turkish Airlines
Flight Number: TK617
Departure Date: 28 September 2025
Australians must have a visa to enter Turkey.
Travel insurance is compulsory. We recommend that you take a copy of your travel insurance documents (especially relevant international contact numbers) with you while on tour. We advise that you check the inclusions and procedures for lodging claims prior to your departure. The documents should be stored separately from the original.
Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $500 non-refundable non-trasnferrable deposit will be retained. For between 75 days and 45 days, 50% of the final payment, this is in addition to the non refundable deposit will be forfeited. For less than 45 days or for no shows the entire amount will be retained as we would have already had to pay for accommodation, transport, flights and activities, and this money will not be returned to us. Once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you. This is why travel insurance is compulsory.
The currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). Currency exchange offices, known as “döviz bürosu” in Turkish, can be found in airports, major cities, tourist areas, and some hotels. These offices offer currency exchange services, allowing you to convert your foreign currency into Turkish lira. It’s advisable to compare exchange rates and fees at different exchange offices to get the best deal.
The best time to travel to Turkey depends on the specific region and your preferences. Generally, the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) months offer pleasant temperatures and are considered the best time to visit, as the weather is mild, and tourist crowds are relatively smaller. However, coastal areas are popular for summer beach vacations, while winter is ideal for skiing in mountainous regions.
A moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy all the sites we visit. Some of the days we are out and about all day you do need to be able to walk up to 5km a day and sometimes at pace if we are heading somewhere we need to be on time. Other times its more of a stroll however please consider if you think you would hold the group up. We cannot unfortunately have women travel with us who require assistance to walk, for example if you use a walking stick you will not be able to get to many of the sites we visit. Footpaths are uneven and there are lots of stairs.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate complex dietary issues on our tours. If it is something you an manage yourself that is fine. But we cannot be responsible for peoples health and wellbeing in regards to food in foreign countries as sometimes things get lost in translation. WE hope you understand. WE don’t ever want our guests to become unwell whilst travelling with us.
Vibrant Women with a heart ♥
Please know that $25 of your booking goes towards supporting our charity Samadhan Dwarka and the amazing work they do in supporting children with an intellectual disability in India, so THANK YOU!
Make the most out of your travel. Combine Turkiye with our Azerbaijan and Georgia Tour
Let’s take a journey to Eurasia’s South Caucasus, where Azerbaijan and Georgia are neighbours bursting with culture and landscapes! Azerbaijan’s eastern border with the Caspian Sea is home to mesmerising ancient history and architectural marvels. Meanwhile, Georgia’s landscapes, cozy hospitality, and centuries of history will warm your heart. Indulge in the local arts and culinary delights, take home souvenirs from the vibrant bazaars, and don’t forget to sip on some of Georgia’s famous wine!
