Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure starts in Antalya where you’ll meet with your leader and new travel buddies for a welcome meeting at 8 am. When you’re all acquainted, jump on a public bus with your group and make your way to Cappadocia – home to strange rock formations, fairy chimneys and underground cities. Make sure you have a good book or your favourite playlist lined up for the journey or take the chance to get to know your new travel mates. You’ll arrive in the evening. For dinner, a local family will welcome you and your group into their home for a traditional home-cooked Turkish meal. After, you might like to check out the nightlife in Goreme or watch a traditional sema dance, performed by whirling dervishes.

This morning, head underground and explore some of Cappadocia’s 36 underground cities – these hidden metropolises were carved into the earth thousands of years ago. Next, check out a traditional pottery demonstration with a local artisan, revealing the local secrets and techniques used to create intricate ceramics. You'll also make a stop at Pigeon Valley (named for the many pigeon houses carved into the valley’s rock) and Devrent Valley, AKA the ‘Imagination Valley’, where the unusual rock formations resemble animals. Later this evening, why not join your group for a hike to find a perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset over Cappadocia’s one-of-a-kind landscape.

Today is free for you to explore all that Cappadocia has to offer. You may have seen the iconic hot air balloons over Cappadocia online, and this morning will be your chance to tick that epic sunrise experience off your bucket list. If you’re up for it, rise bright and early and head out and up as the sun rises over the otherworldly city. Heights not for you? There are tonnes of great viewing points around the city where you can grab some pics as the sky fills with balloons. If you’re keen to get out and stretch your legs, why not head out on the Red Valley Hike, which takes you through Meskindir and Rose Valley. The trail also takes you through a cave church with excellently preserved frescoes. You could also explore the markets and street vendors in town. There’s a wealth of incredible Turkish handiwork on display, from ceramics to intricately woven carpets. Your leader will know the best places to see!

Today you’ll travel to Eskisehir – translating to ‘Old City’, this is home to ancient monuments and rock-cut tombs. When you arrive, you’ll visit Odunpazari, a historic district that dates back to the 11th century. As you explore, you’ll see well-preserved buildings from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, including konaks (traditional Ottoman-era houses). Tonight, you might like to explore Eskisehir’s thriving nightlife scene. Ask your leader to point you to all the best local spots!

Board a high-speed train to Istanbul. After dropping your bags at your hotel, you’ll head off on a tour of the Fener and Balat districts, where you’ll be shown all the best bits along the river and get a lay of the land. After hunting down some lunch (borek and Turkish coffee, anyone?), why not explore this incredible city on foot and uncover some hidden gems. Tonight, check in with your leader for the best spots to grab dinner, and maybe rally the group to toast your adventure.

This morning, your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your group leader and travel pals. If you would like to spend more time checking out all Istanbul has to offer, your leader will be able to give you the best tips for making the most of your time in the city. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.