Community Road Trip
Exceptional Turkey
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Location
- Gallery
- Additional Info
- Similar Tours
What's included
- 2 Dinner
- Accommodation in single twin share room
- Airport Assistance
- All Breakfast
- Entry ticket to selected places
- Roadtrip Vehicle
- Travel Buddy
- Flight Tickets
- Hot Air Balloon
- Insurance
- Meals not mentioned or Extra meals ordered
- Personal expenses
- Visa arrangements
The Culture
Hospitality: Turkish people are exceptionally hospitable and often go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. It’s common to be offered tea or coffee as a sign of hospitality.
Customs and Etiquette: Modesty is valued, especially when visiting religious sites. Ensure shoulders and knees are covered, and women should carry a scarf to cover their heads in mosques. Shoes should be removed when entering homes and certain places of worship. It’s polite to greet people with a handshake and to respect elders by allowing them to speak first.
Festivals and celebrations:
- Ramadan (Ramazan) is a holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims. It ends with a celebration called Eid al-Fitr (Şeker Bayramı).
- Republic Day is celebrated on October 29, commemorating the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
- Turkish National Sovereignty and Children’s Day is celebrated on April 23, focusing on the country’s future generation.
Traditional Food
- Traditional Dishes: Kebab varieties include shish kebab (skewered grilled meat), döner kebab (meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie), and Adana kebab (spicy minced meat). Meze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and dolma (stuffed grape leaves). Pide is a type of Turkish flatbread, often topped with cheese, meat, or vegetables. And baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
- Beverages: Turkish tea (Çay), served in small, tulip-shaped glasses, is a staple of Turkish hospitality. Turkish coffee is strong and often served with a glass of water and a sweet treat. Ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based drink mixed with salt.
Rich History
- Ancient Civilizations: Hittites, Phrygians, and Lycians were early civilizations that inhabited Anatolia. The Greeks and Romans established significant cities such as Ephesus, Troy, and Pergamon.
- Byzantine Empire: Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) was the capital and a major center of Christianity, renowned for architectural masterpieces like Hagia Sophia.
- Ottoman Empire: Spanning from the 14th to early 20th centuries, the Ottomans left a profound cultural and architectural legacy, including the Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque.
- Modern Republic: Founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey transformed into a secular, modern nation-state.
Natural Highlights
- Cappadocia is known for its unique rock formations, fairy chimneys, and cave dwellings. Hot-air balloon rides offer breathtaking views of the landscape.
- Pamukkale is famous for its travertine terraces and thermal waters. The ancient city of Hierapolis is also located here.
- Mount Ararat is the highest peak in Turkey, associated with the story of Noah’s Ark. It’s a popular spot for trekking and mountaineering.
- Turquoise Coast: Featuring stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and ancient ruins. Popular destinations include Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye.
- Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey, known for its striking blue color and historic sites like Akdamar Island and its medieval Armenian church.
- Kaçkar Mountains: Located in the Black Sea region, these mountains offer lush greenery, alpine meadows, and opportunities for hiking and mountaineering.
- Turkey Road Trip
Community Plan
Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Arrive in Istanbul, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You will meet our representative at the airport and be transferred to your hotel, enjoying your first glimpses of this fascinating city during the journey, where the continents of Asia and Europe collide. Check in to the hotel and freshen up, meet your other trippers and road-trip buddy in the hotel, and then be ready to visit Galata Tower (entry to the top is not included as the waiting time can be enormous). Visit Taksim Sqaure (the perfect place to begin your trip). Experience Turkish nightlife at Taksim. Overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul.
Day 2
Istanbul Old Town
After breakfast, we will begin our day with a visit to the Hippodrome. Our next stop will be the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Then we take a short walk to the magnificent Hagia Sophia Complex, which is considered one of the eight wonders of the world. Finally, we end the walking tour with a visit to the famous and wonderfully atmospheric Grand Bazaar, the biggest souk in the world with nearly 4000 antique, jewelry, and carpet shops. This evening, we will enjoy a sunset yatch ride, absorbing every bit of this gorgeous city. Overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul.
Day 3
Istanbul to Izmir
After breakfast, we will start our journey towards Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city. Arrive in the lively city of Izmir, check in to the hotel, and freshen up. Visit Konak Square and see the iconic Clock Tower, a symbol of the city. Stroll along the Kordon Promenade, a scenic waterfront area with beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. In the evening, we will spend some quality time with the community and have dinner at the traditional Izmir cuisine restaurant. Overnight stay at your hotel in Izmir.
Day 4
Izmir to Cesme Day Trip
Wake up to a wholesome breakfast at your hotel. Later, we will take a day trip to Cesme, known for its stunning beaches and thermal baths. Enjoy the beautiful sights along the way. Explore Cesme Castle and spend a lazy day at Cesme Beach, a long and sandy stretch offering crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. After all our experiences, let’s relish Turkish cuisine together in our recommended restaurant, or you are free to dine at the restaurant of your choice. Drive back to Izmir and overnight stay at your hotel in Izmir.
Day 5
Izmir to Bodrum
Kickstart your day with a nutritious breakfast. It’s time to drive to the party capital of the Aegean Coast, Bodrum. We will drive via Lake Bafa Natural Reserve for a quick photo stop. Spend the day exploring Bodrum’s beautiful beaches. We can enjoy lively nights and nightlife activities in Bodrum in its numerous bars, clubs, nightclubs, and shows. Overnight stay at your hotel in Bodrum.
Day 6
Bodrum Leisure and Exploration
Wake up to a wholesome breakfast at the hotel. It’s a day for leisure and exploring Bodrum’s Bitez Beach and Gubet Beach, which are great for relaxing and swimming. Later, we will explore Bodrum Castle, which is an impressive medieval fortress overlooking the harbor and offers some nice photography opportunities too. Later, we will visit the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After all, let’s relish some local cuisine together in our recommended restaurant, or you are free to dine at the restaurant of your choice. Overnight stay at your hotel in Bodrum.
Day 7
Bodrum to Antalya
Enjoy a soothing breakfast at your hotel, and let’s start our journey towards Antalya, amidst the most beautiful landscapes on the way. Arrive in Antalya, check in to the hotel, and relax for a while. In the evening, we will relish local cuisine together in our recommended restaurant, or you are free to dine at the restaurant of your choice. Overnight stay at your hotel in Antalya.
Day 8
Antalya Day Tour
Wake up to a wholesome breakfast at the hotel and immerse yourself in Antalya’s rich cultural and natural tapestry on this full-day tour. Head over to the beautiful Duden Waterfalls. Continue your exploration of the national park of Kurşunlu Waterfalls. Later, admire the Ottoman-era architecture and remains of the Roman walls. In the evening, have a delicious dinner at our recommended restaurant, or you are free to dine at a restaurant of your choice. Overnight stay at your hotel in Antalya.
Day 9
Antalya to Cappadocia
Wake up in the morning, have a nutritious breakfast, and pack your bags to leave for Cappadocia. Witness the most serene road journey on your way to Cappadocia. Arrive in Cappadocia and check-in at the hotel. It was a great day to shop, as we can carry more luggage while going back to India. In the evening, have a delicious dinner at our recommended restaurant, or you are free to dine at a restaurant of your choice. Overnight stay at your hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 10
Cappadocia Exploration
Wake up in the morning, have a nutritious breakfast, and, optionally, experience a mesmerizing hot air balloon ride at sunrise, offering stunning scenic views of the city. Later, we will get ready to take a full-day tour of South Cappadocia, starting with the Red Valley with its famous rock-cut churches. After that, we will explore Pigeon Valley, Rose Valley, and Kaymakli Underground City. As the night starts to fall, escort back to your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 11
Departure
Wake up in the morning, have a delicious breakfast, and pack your bags for departure. The trip ends here. Depending on the flight schedule, say goodbye to this amazing journey with happy memories and mesmerizing experiences and catch your flight back to India.
More about Turkey
More about this tour
Turkey has coastal plains, a high central plateau, and various mountain ranges; its climate is temperate, with harsher conditions in the interior. Home to three biodiversity hotspots, Turkey is prone to frequent earthquakes and is highly vulnerable to climate change. Turkey has universal healthcare, growing access to education, and increasing innovativeness. It is a leading TV content exporter. With 21 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 30 UNESCO intangible cultural heritage inscriptions, and a rich and diverse cuisine, Turkey is the fourth most visited country in the world.
