Highlights of Turkey

Turkey

East and west, see Turkey at its best

15 days £3,395 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Marrying the modern, the classical and the preclassical, Highlights of Turkey skilfully blends key episodes of Roman and Hellenistic civilisation, such as those found in Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Sirince and Ephesus, with preclassical sites such as, Urfa, Hattusa, Çatalhoyuk, and Gobekli Tepe. For that modern edge, throw in Istanbul, Ankara and Konya. And for a spectacle that defies time altogether, disappear down cave cities and up fairy chimneys in Cappadocia.

Our Highlights of Turkey tour will treat you to more places of interest than there are days in the trip. Whether staring at the walls of the world’s oldest city, coming face-to-face with 12,000 year-old carvings, or just strolling down a street in trendy Beyoğlu, there is every reason to leave tantalising Turkey with a whole new outlook.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Iconic head statues on Mount Nemrut
  • Göbekli Tepe: the world's first temple
  • Karahan Tepe: Göbekli Tepe's mind-blowing 'sister site'.
  • The world's first town, Çatalhöyük
  • Learn about Cappadocia's unique history & cultural heritage
  • The spectacular Roman ruins of Ephesus
  • Sublime statuary of Aphrodisias, built to honour Aphrodite
  • Marvel at the beautiful natural landscapes of Pamukkale

Places Visited

Mount Nemrut - Göbekli Tepe - Karahan Tepe - Hattusa - Çatalhöyük - Cappadocia - Ephesus - Aphrodisias - Pamukkale

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (if relevant - refer to itinerary)
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary & Map
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Day 1 : Arrival Istanbul

Upon arrival at the airport, your Travel the Unknown representative will be waiting on hand to escort you to your hotel. Once checked-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in this great metropolis.

Overnight in Hotel Levni, Istanbul

Meal plan: n/a

Sitting on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the world’s truly great cities - overflowing with culture and historical sites. World class attractions such as the exquisite Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, excellent bars and restaurants, jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant markets and a history of epic proportions makes Istanbul a city par excellence.
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Day 2 : Istanbul

Let Turkey's greatest urban project awaken your senses with a full day’s sightseeing around the city that 16th century travel writers affectionately referred to as The Gate of Happiness. Istanbul is dotted with wondrous sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the walls of Constantinople, the Galata Bridge & Tower, the Golden Horn, and countless more.  Its streets are lined with tempting diversions, including great food and handicrafts. Succumb to its legendary attractions getting to know Istanbul. 

Overnight in Hotel Levni, Istanbul

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Hagia Sophia (a.k.a. Aya Sofia) was once a Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul. It later became an imperial mosque, whilst its primary function today is as a museum. The structure is famed in the region for its great dome, which stands as a prime example of Byzantine architecture. It was considered the world's largest cathedral for almost 1,000 years - until the Seville Cathedral was constructed and completed in 1520. 

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Day 3 : İstanbul - Adıyaman - Mt Nemrut - Adıyaman

Following breakfast, take the early morning flight to Adiyaman, a hub for side trips to Mt. Nemrut. Ascend the gentle climb to Nemrut’s famous scattered 2,500 year-old stone heads, exploring the East and West terraces and enjoy stupendous views from the mountain's peak overlooking the Euphrates valley.

Overnight in Hotel Euphrat, Mount Nemrut

Meal plan: Breakfast

Adiyaman is a city in the southeast of Turkey, founded in the 8th century, and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The city used to be known by the Ottoman Turkish name "​Hısn-ı Mansur" (Castle of Mansur) until 1926 when it became Adiyaman.

A mountain of around two thousand metres, Mount Nemrut is home to the tomb of the pre-Roman king, Antiochus I Theos of Commagene. Built by the king himself in about 62 BC as a shrine to his own remains, the site consists of two large statues of Antiochus which dwarf two statue pairs of eagles and lions, and various Iranian, Greek and Armenian Gods. The statues are now damaged and mostly appear beheaded. Scholars have largely attributed this to later attacks on iconoclasm, but the statues have since been returned to their original places. Behind the display of statues are some well-preserved slabs of stone which feature figures in relief carving and are originally thought to have formed a large frieze. Archaeologists interpret the figures as Antiochus’ ancestors, which allegedly included Greeks and Persians. It is the perfect place to experience a sunset or sunrise as the views from the summit are sublime.

NOTE: it is a 30-40 minute walk up uneven steps to reach the summit.

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Day 4 : Adiyaman - Urfa - Göbeklitepe - Urfa

Set off from Adiyaman to your new base in Urfa. This legendary town has strong associations with the prophet Abraham and the city of Ur. It also happens to lie a short hop from the venerable Gobekli Tepe, at almost 12,000years old, it is the oldest neolithic settlement site discovered yet.

Return to base in Urfa, home to a rather special Archaeological Museum. This impressive museum houses a replica of one of Gobekli’s stone circles, as well as other important archaeological exhibits from the region.

Overnight in Hilton Garden Inn, Urfa

Meal plan: Breakfast

Urfa (a.k.a. Sanliurfa, “the prophet’s city”, or Edessa in ancient times) is the most spiritual city in Eastern Turkey. It is a major centre for pilgrimage and its traditions are very much alive and well. The “Sanli-“ part of its name (meaning “great” or “dignified”) was awarded by the Turkish legislature in 1984 in recognition of the city’s pivotal role in the Turkish war of Independence. Of particular note for visitors are Urfa Castle (the current walls were constructed by the Abbasids in 814AD), the Pool of Sacred Fish where Abraham was thrown in to the fire by Nimrod, the park of mosques, the market area and the Urfa museum.

Göbekli Tepe, the oldest place of worship in the world, is an archaeological site without equal. Prior to its discovery in 1994 and its subsequent excavation it was widely believed by anthropologists that religion evolved as a result of living in larger communities which was itself the result of the change from foraging to agriculture. However, Göbekli Tepe has turned our theories of our own evolution on their head. The vast religious site dates from the hunter gatherer period and there is no evidence of any agriculture or even human habitation, suggesting that it may have been the emergence of religion that lead us to civilisation and thus to agriculture. The site contains a vast array of circular structures and huge pillars, some with beautiful limestone carvings of lions, foxes, snakes and birds, believed to be gatekeepers of the entrance to the next world. To date, less than ten percent of the site has been excavated. 

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Day 5 : Urfa - Harran - Karahan Tepe - Urfa

Leave Urfa after breakfast for Harran, a place so old so as to be mentioned in the Book of Genesis. Explore its deep connections with the past in its beehive houses, under its astrological clock, as well as at Anatolia’s first madrassa.

Afterwards, visit Gobekli Tepe’s lesser-known contemporary, the prehistoric Karahan Tepe. In many ways its equal, they have only scratched the surface with Karahan Tepe. Time may tell that this neolithic site proves even more consequential to humanity’s story than Gobekli Tepe.

Return to Urfa for a relaxing evening in and around your hotel.

Overnight in Hilton Garden Inn, Urfa

Meal plan: Breakfast

Visit the ancient city of Harran, once the centre of Egypt's Hermetic tradition. See its ominous "Astrological Tower", citadel and local village and take in one of the most atmospheric sites anywhere in the world. Mentioned in the Book of Genesis, Harran is believed to have once been home to the Prophet Abraham. The site of the first Islamic university in Anatolia, Harran also boasts the remains of an 8th century mosque, a citadel and some 300 year old beehive mud homes which enjoy a constant temperature throughout the year, winter or summer. 

Not far from Göbekli Tepe is another Pre-Pottery Neolithic site called Karahan Tepe, which dates to a similar age as Göbekli Tepe. Stone rows, T-shaped stone pillars, and other standing stones cover a hill but they have not been excavated so are still largely covered with soil though they stick. Some people believe it may prove to be even more important than Göbekli Tepe. 

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Day 6 : Urfa - Ankara

A morning’s flight from Sanliurfa regional airport sees us land in Ankara in good stead to while away the afternoon at its fascinating Anatolian Civilisation Museum.  Evening spent at your leisure.

Overnight in Radisson Blu Ankara, Ankara

Meal plan: Breakfast



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Day 7 : Ankara - Hattusa

Capitalising on Anatolia’s archaeological riches, see the once-great capital of the Hittites. A site of outstanding historical and cultural value, Hattusa dates from the mid-second millennium BC and sits in the typical landscape of the North Anatolian range. Lose yourself in a Bronze Age world before ending the day at a nearby hotel.

Overnight in Baskent Demiralan Hotel, Hattusa

Meal plan: Breakfast

Hattusa was once the centre of the Hittite Empire, dating back to the late Bronze Age. Set in what were once rich agricultural fields and among scenic, rolling hills within a typical landscape of the Northern Central Anatolian mountain region, the city has some fine examples of early ancient architecture. Originally the inner city was a vast array of temples and monuments, overlooked by the royal residence on the acropolis. An architectural masterpiece in its time, the city gateway was once adorned with reliefs of warriors, lions and sphinxes, framing four temples, each of which had their own courtyard. The city was inexplicably destroyed, along with the Hittites themselves, in the 12th century BC. By the 20th century, the principal remains of Hittite inscriptions were found on over 10,000 tablets.

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Day 8 : Konya - Catalhoyuk - Konya

Fuel up for the long drive to the Sufi cradle of Konya. Stop off en-route for a glimpse of Turkey’s Seljuk influence at the caravanserai of Sultanhan. Before returning to Konya for an overnight stay, steady yourself for the sight of Çatalhoyük. This 9,500 year-old proto-city settlement is one of the grandest and best preserved Neolithic urban snapshots anywhere.

Overnight in ​Hilton Garden Inn, Konya

Meal plan: Breakfast

Konya is an affluent, mid-sized city in Central Turkey. It is the centre of all things Sufi and also strongly linked to Seljuk culture.

Çatalhöyük, widely believed to be the world’s first town, is one of the best preserved examples of a Neolithic and Chalcolithic settlement. Built around two hills of the Anatolian plateau, the settlement was inhabited for two thousand years between 7500 BC and 5700 BC. Çatalhöyük began life as a village and, unusually, in a time when village settlements were abandoned and new land used to build cities, the buildings were adapted and urbanised to accommodate a growing population. With a particularly advanced culture for its time, Çatalhöyük boasts impressive early artworks: unusual artistic wall paintings, flint daggers with decorated bone handles and most notably, the clay and marble figurines found scattered around the site which archaeologists take as evidence of a female deity. 
The housing designs are perhaps the most striking – all the houses were clustered together in a maze-like manner, but instead of streets or footpaths the roofs functioned as paths between the houses which were accessed through steps and ladders leading to the ceiling. With no windows either, these ‘doorways’ in the ceiling were also the only means of ventilation. Çatalhöyük also had unusual burial customs, burying their dead under the floorboards, painting skulls with ochre.

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Day 9 : Konya - Ihlara - Derinkuyu - Cappadocia

On the way to arguably Turkey's most beloved natural attraction, stop at the Ihlara Valley. Let its sheer-sided canyon walls enfold you along its 16 km length. Carved into the landscape by natural forces along the valley’s Melendiz river are said to be 105 churches.

Go from there to Derinkuyu to do some subterranean exploring.. The underground city, one of the largest of its kind anywhere on Earth, holds up to eighteen storeys to a depth of nearly 100m (300 ft).  Alleged to be the work of the Phrygians, Derinkuyu was probably used as much as a defensive refuge as a provisions store.

Arrive into the light of Cappadocia, probably Turkey’s most beloved natural wonder, and a contender for ninth wonder of the world. 

Overnight in The MDC Cave Hotel, Cappadocia

Meal plan: Breakfast

Ihlara Valley is situated in southern Cappadocia. It was formed by several volcanic eruptions and is famous for being home to hundreds of rock-cut underground dwellings and churches dating back to the Byzantine Empire. Because of its secluded nature it became the preferred hiding place and settlement of the first Christians to escape the Romans. The most famous churches are Ağaçaltı Church with a cross plan, Sümbüllü Church, and Pürenliseki Church.

Derinkuyu Underground City is an ancient multi-level underground city of the Median Empire in the Derinkuyu district in Nevşehir Province, Turkey. Extending to a depth of approximately 60 m, it was large enough to shelter approximately 20,000 people together with their livestock and food stores. It is the largest excavated underground city in Turkey. 
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Day 10 : Cappadocia

Spend the whole day out and about in this truly magical realm. Spread over 80 sq km, Cappadocia’s captivating landscape is rightly lauded for its bizarre volcanic rock formations, as well as valleys where horses fit for Persian princes were raised.

Be guided to the area’s hotspots, including the Goreme Open Air Museum; Ozkonak Underground City; the pottery centre of Avanos; Uchisar castle, and the fairy chimneys of Avcilar Valley.

Overnight in The MDC Cave Hotel, Cappadocia

Meal plan: Breakfast

Uchisar is situated at the highest point in Cappadocia, and is home to the most spectacular natural castles. The top of the Uchisar Castle provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area with Mount Erciyes in the distance. Many hollowed out rooms in the castle rock are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels and passages. Most of the rooms, located on the north side of the castle are in use as dovecots today.

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Day 11 : Cappadocia - Kayseri - Izmir - Ephesus - Sirince

A short-haul flight from Kayseri to Izmir puts you in range of Ephesus. Reaching its zenith during Roman rule, what was essentially a Greek city, renowned throughout the Mediterranean world for its Temple of Artemis, was gradually abandoned as silting caused the coast to move further out. Experience Ephesus under brilliant daylight, frequent its museum and its library, and see fragments where one of the Seven Wonders use to stand. Climb the hill of St John to survey the place in all its former glory.

End the day nearby amid the charm of Sirince, a delightful little town where the feel is decidedly Greek and the accommodation is dotted high on its peach and olive  hillsides.

Overnight in Nisanyan, Sirince Village

Meal plan: Breakfast

The buzzing metropolis of Izmir is now the third most populated city in Turkey, with a history of over 3,500 years. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, Izmir has long had an important trade and military significance thanks to its large port. It is considered to be one of the most liberal cities in today’s Turkey.

Ephesus is one of the most magical sites in Turkey. Extremely well-preserved, the earliest structures of Ephesus date back to the 12th century BC. The main attractions today include an enormous theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the spectacular terraced houses once inhabited by wealthy Romans and adorned with exquisite mosaics. Fundamentally a Greek city, Ephesus was one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation, and remained an important religious centre for much of Turkey’s ancient history. Its coastal location also facilitated its role as an ancient trading centre.
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Day 12 : Sirince

A rest day and a breath of fresh air in wonderful Sirince. Let this Greek-inspired town,  nestled in green, low-slung hills,  lull you into a gentle rhythm. Enjoy tranquility in an authentic setting only ten minutes from Ephesus.

Overnight in Nisanyan, Sirince Village

Meal plan: Breakfast

Şirince was settled in the 15th century when Ephesus was abandoned. In December 2012, Şirince was one of the spots where New Age mystics flocked to to witness the Mayan Apocalypse.
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Day 13 : Sirince - Aphrodisias - Pamukkale

From Sirince the tour heads to the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, by way of Aphrodisias. These UNESCO-listed ruins of a small, Hellenistic city known for its marble and its cult worship of Aphrodite, comprise two components: Aphrodisias’ city walls, and its marble quarries.

From Aphrodisias, the tour moves to the brilliant white stone and blue pools of Pamukkale. Translated from Turkish into Cotton Castle, Pamukkale exists for its calcite waters emanating from a cliff aquifer 200m above. Nature’s artistry has created a beautifully surreal landscape of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls, and ceramic-white basins.

Conclude with an evening at leisure in your hotel.

Overnight in Thermal Spa Hotel Colossae, Pamukkale

Meal plan: Breakfast

Created in honour of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, the ancient city of Aphrodisias boasts the best preserved ancient stadium in the whole of Asia Minor. Thanks to its nearby quarry, in Greek and Roman times the city had some of the best marble structures in the ancient world, and was a centre of excellence for marble statuary, exporting finished sculptures throughout the Roman world. The best surviving buildings include the Temple to Aphrodite (where orgies were held before it was converted to a church!), the Tetrapylon and the Bouleuterion, which was constructed between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The on site museum contains some beautiful statues.

Deriving from springs in a cliff almost 200m high, overlooking the plain, calcite-laden waters have created at Pamukkale (translates to “Cotton Palace”) an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins.
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Day 14 : Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Istanbul

This final day on tour aims for  a fuller appreciation  of Pamukkale and adjoining Hierapolis. Founded by the Pergamene kingdom in the 2nd century AD, this Hellenistic thermal spa, adorned with buildings, amphitheatre and temples, translates as Sacred City in old Greek. Enticing pilgrims for centuries with its miraculous waters, among Hierapolis’ most celebrated pools is the Ancient (Cleopatra) Pool where, for an extra on-site fee, one can soak pleasantly in its thermal waters.

Spend all day wandering this sizable site, while discovering just why Pamukkale/Hierapolis are stars in the UNESCO constellation. Catch an evening flight back to Istanbul, where a transfer awaits to transport you to your hotel. 
 

Meal plan: Breakfast

At the end of the 2nd century B.C. the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of Pergamon, established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The theatre is particularly outstanding. The ruins of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can also be seen at the site. Along with Pammukale it was awarded UNESCO heritage status in 1988.

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Day 15 : Istanbul - Departure

At the appropriate time, transfer to the international airport for your flight home.

Let us know if you wish to extend your trip elsewhere in Turkey or in the region.
 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Hotel Levni

Istanbul (2 nights)

This Boutique Hotel with a Spa right in the heart of Sultan Ahmed has a total of 75 beautifully furnished rooms and suites. Standard room facilities include: air conditioning, a minibar and a hairdryer. There are also a TV, telephone and a kettle among the facilities in each room.  All kinds of delicacies are available at the hotel's restaurant, including specialities for vegetarians and diabetics, too. The hotel has its own bistro (providing light snacks) and a a cosy wine/beer pub. Enjoy your leisure time in the indoor swimming pool or fitness room. 

Visit hotel's site
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Hotel Euphrat

Mount Nemrut (1 night)

A basic hotel located close to Mount Nemrut. All rooms are en-suite and come fitted with an LCD TV, minibar, air conditioning and free wireless Internet. The on-site restaurant serves a range of local delicacies. 

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Hilton Garden Inn

Urfa (2 nights)

Located in an area known as the ''Fertile Crescent'' where a great deal of traditional architecture has been preserved, the Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of the city center and Urfa's main historical sites. Comfortable en suite rooms feature AC, satellite TV, tea/coffee making facilities and a minibar.

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Radisson Blu Ankara

Ankara (1 night)

Located on the Old City's main thoroughfare, close to Gençlik Park and the Citadel, Radisson Blu Hotel, Ankara offers cosmopolitan surroundings overlooking the historic district. From our spacious rooms with private balconies, you can enjoy expansive views of the lake with its rowing pond and vibrant amusement park boasting colorful nighttime lighting displays. Situated just 27 kilometers from the Esenboga International Airport (ESB), the hotel is adjacent to the subway station and only 2 kilometers (or a short bike ride!) away from the city center.

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Baskent Demiralan Hotel

Hattusa (1 night)

Baskent Demiralan is a modern, three star hotel within 10 minutes drive of Hattusa. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi access in all areas. Rooms have carpeted floors and air conditioning. All rooms include attached bathroom, a mini refrigerator, TV with satellite channels, hairdryer and a seating area.

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​Hilton Garden Inn

Konya (1 night)

Hilton Garden Inn in Konya is located close to Mevlana Tomb and Museum, Alaeddin Mosque, and Ince Minaret Medrese. All rooms offer complimentary WiFi, an adjustable Garden Sleep System bed™, minibar and a spacious work desk with ergonomic chair. Dining options include a restaurant, a coffee shop/café, and a bar/lounge. Additional amenities include a fitness facility, room service (during limited hours) and complimentary wireless internet. 

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The MDC Cave Hotel

Cappadocia (2 nights)

MDC HOTEL is located in Ürgüp, Cappadocia, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. The name Cappadocia comes from Katpatuka, an ancient Persian word meaning “land of horses.” The region is now largely agricultural and the spectacular landscape is dotted with distinct rock structures. The MDC HOTEL grounds cover 15,000 m2, ideally located between an old river valley and ancient Ürgüp.  Room Facilities: Jacuzzi/Whirlpool, telephone, radio, LCD TV, tea/coffee maker, minibar and a safety deposit box. 

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Nisanyan

Sirince Village (2 nights)

Nisanyan House is considered one of Turkey's finest hotels, yet it is a simple and friendly sort of place. It comprises of several historical houses, a tower, and many other unique and interesting accommodation options. It has intricately detailed decor and benefits from extensive beautiful grounds. Set in a remote rural village, it is only ten minutes from Ephesus, and prides itself on its excellent food. 

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Thermal Spa Hotel Colossae

Pamukkale (1 night)

Relax with a Turkish bath or tan yourself in the solarium. Take a dip in the outdoor pools and thermal pools in this eco-friendly hotel that is just 4km from the historic city of Hierapolis. Treat yourself to a massage or take in the views from your balcony. Every room is tastefully decorated and some feature saunas and hot tubs. 

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Extensions

Culinary Turkey (3-14 days)

Tickle your taste-buds with a tour of Turkey's cuisine

Turkey's Beaches

Relax and unwind on Turkey's Mediterranean beaches

The Magic of Cappadocia (4 days)

Unique history and fairytale landscapes

Troy and Nicaea Extension (2 days)

Explore two sites of enormous historical significance in this short extension

Thrace Extension (3 days)

Explore European Turkey in the Thrace region, a fascinating and little seen region

Turkey Gullet Experience

Set sail aboard a Turkish Gulet and explore Turkey's coast

Konya Extensions (3 days)

Day trip options from Konya

Istanbul Extensions (5 days)

Extend your trip from Istanbul

Turkey's Cities (1-14 days)

From Bodrum to Istanbul, explore Turkey's historic cities

Trekking in Turkey (3-14 days)

Discover Turkey's splendid and varied terrain on foot

Luxury Turkey

Discover the best Turkey has to offer

Highlights of Turkey (15 days)

East and west, see Turkey at its best

Archaeology of Western Turkey (15 days)

Uncover historical secrets in the west

Silk Road through Turkey (14 days)

Ancient trading routes, historic battles and striking scenery

Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey (14 days)

Discover Eastern Turkey's archaeological wonders

Black Sea & Eastern Turkey (14 days)

Natural wonders, ancient sites & Kurdish culture

Eastern Turkey & Georgia Explorer (14 days)

From Ancient Anatolia to the Heart of Georgia.

Treasures of Eastern Turkey (12 days)

Ancient sites and Kurdish culture

Turkish Volcano Trek (10 days)

Stunning eastern peaks including Mount Ararat

Classical Turkey (10 days)

Journey through Turkey's iconic sites

Aegean Sea Gulet Cruise (8 days)

Explore the Gulf of Gokova on a classic Turkish sailboat

Southern Turkey Snapshot (7 days)

Turkey's southern frontiers: the cradle of civilisation

Classical Constantinople (4 days)

Discover the exotic charms of this eternal city

Reviews

I went on this trip rather than all the other interesting possibilities in the world because I wanted to go to Gobekli Tepe. Being there was all I could have hoped for. It was a stunning experience and I was moved to tears. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Regarding the food, the olives were the best I`ve ever tasted. And the yoghurt is fabulous. Also the cheese and pistachios and apricots. Oh yes, and the watermelon : ) Thanks to David too for being so patient with my endless questions

Cynthia Bishop , Eastern Turkey Explorer, Turkey

Travel the Unknown were very responsive to my personal wishes, and flexible enough to make this a fantastic tour- we covered a lot in a limited time. Guides were pleasant and informative, and the transport was excellent.

John Colligan , Eastern Turkey Snapshot & archaeology extension

This tour comprehensively covered many of the most important ancient archaeological sites in Anatolia, starting with the chronologically earliest Göbekli Tepe, Çatalhöyük, the Hittite capital Hattusha, Harran, Gordion and Mount Nemrut. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Travel the Unknown and its representatives in Turkey.

Eric , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

We’ve been doing a few small group tours in recent years and this was the first trip we’ve taken with Travel the Unknown, and it did not disappoint. We chose this tour as it included all the sites that we wanted to see for year that were hard to find elsewhere, including Gobekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, Mount Nemrut, Hattusa and Catalhoyuk. The entire experience was well organized and planned to near perfection. Our guide, Hasan Tekdal, was just amazing at pulling together thousands of years of history along with the culture and peoples of the region to create a once in a lifetime experience.

Rod & Ellen , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

Travel the Unknown was able to take an abundance of ideas from three experienced travels in my group and synthesize them into a perfect, custom-made adventure, with a wide variety of activities and experiences, led by personable local guides with incredible expertise.

Wendy , Tailormade Turkey

We were fortunate to book a private trip to Turkey with Travel the Unknown. All aspects exceeded our expectations: booking the trip, the guides and personalized tours, transport, accommodation and the food! Our tour operator on the ground was the best! She went out of her way to ensure a wonderful and special experience of Turkey and the private gulet cruise.

Johanna, Shiree, & Madelein , Tailormade Turkey

Travel the Unknown is an excellent company to chose for a real travel experience. It was a fabulous holiday where we felt we saw a different side to Turkey and saw sights and had experiences that were once in a lifetime events. I would certainly recommend them to anyone wanting to have new experiences and see the true side of a country.

Neil , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

This was my third trip with Travel the Unknown and I was just as fully satisfied as on our previous trips. Rahul and his staff are extremely responsive and knowledgeable. Our original itinerary involved areas that were affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey, so the itinerary had to be modified. Rahul accomplished this in a seamless fashion and created a trip that was as interesting, and more varied, than the original one. Kudos for that.

Stephen Kamin , Eastern Turkey Explorer

As a worldwide traveller, explorer & author travelling through COVID times, my trip with Travel The Unknown was a perfect choice for my adventure in Turkey. As a solo booking , I didn’t need the usual tourist bling. I knew what I wanted to see and the company chose the best guide I could have wished for. No fuss. Dealing with my preferences. This company know exactly what they are doing with complete knowledge of their guests, countries and Travel passage. I highly recommend Travel the Unknown.

Tessa Skola , Tailormade Eastern Turkey

This trip was an amazing and very exhilarating experience. We had high hopes of Gobekli Tepe, which were totally fulfilled- it is utterly amazing, but we had not anticipated some of the other gems to be so exceptional as well. We were a small group, which made the trip very personal. Altogether it was a marvellous week, helped by having a caring guide and an excellent driver.

Joy Lawley , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey

I had a lovely time in Turkey. Both of the tours that were part of the package were fabulous, both tour guides were very knowledgeable and made the trips very interesting providing plenty of information, and the places where we went for lunches as part of the trip were superb. David McGuinness is a credit to Travel the Unknown, he goes that `extra mile` to keep customer happy. I`d like to say a huge `thank you` for all the help you gave me organising and planning my trip. I certainly will recommend anyone to use you for planning their `unknown` destination holiday. The emails, telephone calls were all spot on, well done :-) :-)

Jane Kimberley , The Magic of Cappadocia, Turkey

A great way to travel to some of the more remote and interesting places in the world. It was a very interesting area and we saw a lot that we would never have managed on our own. I would recommend the holiday to others.

Marion McCallum , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey
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