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Turkey In-Style

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Operated by Bunnik Tours
Tripcode: 1011
Overview
Destination:
Turkey, 
Start:Istanbul, Turkey
Finish:Istanbul, Turkey
Duration:14 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Style:
Small group,
Travel Period
May 2025 - September 2025
Immerse yourself in the tales of Turkey, uncovering its rich history, vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, all with an added touch of luxury! Discover ancient cities, marvel at unique vistas, wander quaint villages, connect with friendly locals, and more. Get ready to indulge in pure elegance as you savour unique experiences and create memories to last a lifetime.
Standard inclusions

  • Sightseeing

    See the best of Turkey

    • Visit the impressive Underground Basilica Cistern
    • Taste delicious Turkish delicacies, including Turkish delight
    • Explore Istanbul's iconic domed Basilica of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia)
    • Walk across the Hippodrome
    • Admire the intricate interior walls of the Blue Mosque
    • Enjoy high tea at Kubbeli Lounge Pera Palace
    • Visit the World War I battlefields famous for the ANZAC involvement in the Gallipoli Campaign
    • Stop in the famous town of Troy
    • Visit Adatepe Village on the foothills of the Ida Mountains for olive oil tasting
    • Explore Ephesus, the largest Roman city ever uncovered
    • Visit Sirince Village for a hands-on cooking class and lunch
    • Delight in an afternoon at leisure in Bodrum
    • Visit the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
    • Explore Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
    • Visit Karnas Vineyards, a family-owned boutique winery for a tasting
    • Stay in a cave hotel in the heart of Cappadocia
    • Explore the breathtaking Göreme Valley
    • Learn about life in Turkey over tea with a local
    • Explore the quaint village of Avanos
    • Visit one of Cappadocia's underground cities, Kaymakli
    • Marvel at Istanbul's Topkapi Palace on a tour
    • Wander through Istanbul's famous Grand Bazaar
    • Browse the Istanbul Spice Bazaar
    • Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus

    Travel

    • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Turkey. Taxes included
    • Economy class flights within Turkey
    • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
    • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

    Accommodation

    • 9 nights in 5 star hotels
    • 2 nights in a Cave Hotel, Cappadocia

    Properties include:

    • Orient Occident Hotel, Istanbul – With over 100 years of history under its belt, the Orient Occident Hotel beckons with its beautiful blend of western and eastern influences. Situated in the historical peninsula, this deluxe property is in the heart of Istanbul, with the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia only a short walk away.
    • DoubleTree by Hilton, Çanakkale – Centrally located in Çanakkale, this beautiful property is a short distance from the waters of the Dardanelles Strait, offering beautiful views. The hotel has access to the coastal walkway and has both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool to cool off after a day’s touring.
    • Elite World Hotel, Kuşadası – Conveniently located in the heart of vibrant Kuşadası, Elite World Hotel is only a short walk away from Kuşadası Marina and Beach. Packed with amenities, this stunning hotel is lavishly decorated for the ultimate comfort.
    • The Marmara, Bodrum – Escape to a world of pure tranquillity at the Marmara. Set on a hilltop, this beautiful property offers stunning views of Bodrum Bay and Kos Island below and is conveniently located close by Bodrum Marina and Bodrum Castle.
    • Utopia Cave Hotel, Cappadocia – A peaceful getaway in the centre of bustling Cappadocia, staying here is unforgettable. This property combines its magical geographical location with a luxury, modern touch, providing guests with the ultimate unique experience.

    Hotels listed are an indication and are subject to change without notice.

    Meals

    • 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
    • Meal highlights:
      • Istanbul, enjoy a tasting of Turkey’s most famous delicacies, including baklava, Turkish delight and Turkish coffee
      • Istanbul, savour a delicious high tea at the esteemed Kubbeli Lounge at Pera Palace
      • Sirince, learn to make traditional Turkish cuisine in a hands-on cooking class

    Tour Guides

    • English-speaking locally based tour director
    • Specialist Gallipoli guide

    Porterage

    • Porterage included where available

    Some things to note

    Please note:

    • Women may need a head scarf to enter some mosques and temples and wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. Also, a good tip is to pack a spare pair of socks in your daypack, as sometimes shoes need to be removed when entering and the ground can be hot.
    • Sirince is a small village in the mountains with hilly terrain. On Day 6, a smaller minibus will be used to access Sirince Village and the cooking class.
    • On Day 9 and 11, the airline ticket for your internal flight will be issued locally by our operator.
    • The cave hotel is located right in the heart of Cappadocia, which dates back thousands of years. This means there are multiple flights of stairs, plenty of steps and uneven cobblestone ground to navigate. Rooms are scattered across multiple levels, accessed from outside - they are not inside a singular building. Meeting our mobility and fitness requirements are essential. No two rooms are the same with quirky layouts that can be dimly lit. While these rooms are still comfortable remember you are staying in a cave! These are incredibly unique and a once in a lifetime experience to stay in this unforgettable location.                                              
    • Ramadan in Turkey is observed from 1 March to 29 March 2025.

    Optional Excursions:

    • Hot Air Balloon Ride – This is a thrilling experience that is subject to weather conditions approved by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority. In the event that flights are cancelled on your scheduled booking day, we will do our best to accommodate you, where possible, on the next available days, which may already have prior bookings. However, please note that cancellations can affect the availability of flying slots, making them quite limited.
    • All optional excursions are based on minimum participants and are subject to availability. The length of excursions advised is an approximate only. Optional excursions can be booked on tour directly with your Tour Director or local guide. We recommend arranging the booking at the beginning of the tour to avoid disappointment. Please note some optional excursions may also be available on multiple or alternate days. Prices are a guide only and are subject to change without prior notice. Payment by cash (Euro) is preferred as there are no guarantees that credit card facilities will be available. Please check with your Tour Director or guide locally for information relating to this. Credit card fees and exchange rates are at the discretion of your bank.
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Depart Australia
Day 1 - Depart Australia
Day 2 - Arrive Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey and the legendary city of Istanbul. The city stretches over two continents, straddling the Bosphorus (Istanbul Strait), with one bank in Europe and the other in Asia, creating an atmosphere that is truly cosmopolitan. This unique location combines the vibrancy and liveliness of the Middle East with the sophistication and modernity of Europe, showcasing the contrast between traditional and contemporary elements of the city. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5:00pm. At 6.00pm, join your fellow travellers and tour leader for a drink and lovely welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 - Istanbul
Get ready to spend a full day immersing in the incredible Istanbul. We begin our day with a visit to the Underground Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving Byzantium Cistern. Built in 532 during the reign of Emperor Justinian, this unique location is truly a sight to behold with its hundreds of columns brightly lit up. We then continue on to a local café that’s renowned for their traditional Turkish treats since 1864. Special Experience Excite your taste buds with some of Turkey’s most famous delicacies, including baklava, Turkish coffee, and of course, Turkish delight! Today, we’ll also get the chance to marvel at some of Istanbul’s most famous architectural wonders. First, we’ll tour the impressive domed Basilica of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which has inspired architects and religious leaders for almost 1,500 years. The first church on this site was constructed in 326 by Constantine the Great; the current church dates back to 537 and has been a cathedral, a museum, and is now a mosque. Our next destination is the Hippodrome, once the heart of the political and sporting life of the city. It was the scene of games and riots throughout 500 years of Ottoman history. We will then head to the one-of-a-kind Blue Mosque, constructed in 1609 under the patronage of Sultan Ahmet. As we step inside, we are consumed by the grandeur of its interior, adorned with over 20,000 exquisite Iznik tiles. These tiles, meticulously crafted with intricate patterns and varying shades of blue, narrate stories of craftsmanship and artistic brilliance that have withstood the test of time. Deluxe Experience Delight your taste buds in a breathtaking high tea at the historical and iconic Pera Palace Hotel.
Day 4 - Istanbul – Gallipoli – Çanakkale
This morning we say goodbye to Istanbul as we set our eyes on Gallipoli, our destination for the day. Today is an incredibly moving day. It is a tangible reminder of a not-so-distant past and a significant event in history that shaped Australia's national identity. Special Experience Honour the ANZACs at Gallipoli with a specialist guide, as we explore ANZAC Cove, the Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorials, and Johnston's Jolly. We visit the World War I battlefields, most notable for being held by the ANZACs from 25th April to 20th December 1915, during what is referred to as The Gallipoli Campaign or Battle of Gallipoli. At the end of the war the bodies, still unburied, were cleared by the Allies on returning to the peninsula. Of the 22,000 graves at the 31 war cemeteries, only 9,000 are identified burials with grave markers. The remaining graves are commemorated with a special memorial. We’ll continue onto Çanakkale, our home for the night. Situated on the southern shore of the Dardanelles, Çanakkale is an ancient port city that has housed several civilisations over the past 6,000 years!
Day 5 - Çanakkale – Kuşadası
We begin our day with a visit to Troy, one of the oldest discovered sites in Asia Minor. It actually holds nine settlements, dating from the Stone Age to the Roman Empire along with a replica of the famous Trojan Horse. The celebrated city of the Iliad, the Odyssey of Homer and the Aeneid of Virgil were long believed to be fictional until eccentric archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered the ruins near the modern city. Next on the agenda is visiting the quaint Adatepe Village, a charming Greek-Turkish village nestled in the foothills of the stunning Ida Mountains. While here we’ll visit the Adatepe Olive Oil Museum, where we’ll learn about the rich history of olive oil in Turkey. The locals will show us traditional methods and techniques, and we’ll also delight in the chance to sample some of the local products. We’ll continue on to Kuşadası, our home for the next two nights.
Day 6 - Kuşadası – Ephesus – Sirince - Kuşadası
Welcome to the lively Kuşadası! One of Turkey’s most popular beachside towns, Kuşadası boasts an impressive 300 days of sunshine each year. It also serves as the gateway to the remarkable Roman ruins of Ephesus, our first stop this morning! The largest Roman city ever uncovered, a visit to Ephesus is truly like stepping back in time. Initially established as a port, it was used as a very important commercial centre due to its strategic position. Once populated with 300,000 people, Ephesus has an enormous amphitheatre, which can still hold 24,000 spectators. As we walk down the marble-paved streets, we gain a sense of the daily life during those times. We also observe various structures, including gymnasiums, bathhouses, public latrines, the Library of Celsus, and the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We’ll also stop at a local leather factory where handmade leather goods are produced. As the site of Ephesus is quite large with little shade, we recommend taking a hat and plenty of water with you as drinks are only sold outside of the complex. Special Experience Visit Şirince Village and learn to prepare some local culinary specialities in a hands-on cooking class. With a population of under 500 residents, the quaint and incredibly beautiful village of Şirince is a total must-see while in the İzmir region. This picturesque town is bursting with history, culture and beautiful scenery with stone houses adorning the town’s hillside. We’ll return back to the idyllic Kuşadası, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 7 - Kuşadası – Bodrum
Sitting on a rugged peninsula of the same name, the coastal city of Bodrum is our destination today. Offering visitors a true Mediterranean experience, this town boasts abundant bays and pristine beaches along its stunning coastline. The sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea are beyond inviting. Beautiful scenery aside, this town is bursting with history and iconic landmarks, and has a rich cultural heritage to match. Plus, the cuisine found here is otherworldly – if you are a fan of seafood, prepare to find heaven in Bodrum! After a morning at leisure in Kuşadası, we’ll hit the road with our eyes set on Bodrum. Deluxe Experience Sample local wines and regional snacks at Karnas Vineyards, a family-owned boutique winery, nestled in the verdant Aegean Valley. Tucked away in the lush rolling hills of the Aegean Valley is Karnas Vineyards, our destination this afternoon. Renowned for their award-winning wines produced with traditional and sustainable methods, this family-owned boutique winery is set on endless stretches of sprawling vines – a visit here will make you feel as if you’ve stepped right into a postcard! They’re known for growing several varieties of grapes, including Zinfandel, Syrah (Shiraz), Cabernet Franc and Vermentino. Arriving in Bodrum, we’ll enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Day 8 - Bodrum
We will spend this morning discovering one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, a magnificent tomb constructed between 353 and 350 B.C. Initially located in the ancient city of Halicarnassus, which is now known as Bodrum, the Mausoleum stood at approximately 45 metres high and was adorned with intricate sculptures. This iconic architectural marvel was unfortunately destroyed by several earthquakes between the 12th and 15th century. We continue on to explore the Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St. Peter, a medieval waterfront fortification. Situated on a small rocky peninsula, the castle was built from 1402 onwards by the Knights of St. John. While here, we’ll visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed within the rooms and towers of the Bodrum Castle. This fascinating museum features artifacts from the 16th century, including remains from ancient shipwrecks. We will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Why not stroll along the spectacular coastline, or wander the city centre and explore the many boutiques, cafes and restaurants?
Day 9 - Bodrum – Cappadocia
Today we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cappadocia. The region is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, characterised by towering rock formations and cone-shaped fairy chimneys that have been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion. We’ll transfer to the airport for our midday flight, via Istanbul to Cappadocia. Special Experience Stay in a luxurious cave hotel in the heart of Cappadocia, immersing in the town’s unique and mystical atmosphere. Complimenting Cappadocia’s otherworldly charm is our accommodation for the next two nights. We’ll get the chance to stay in ‘cave rooms’, an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends together history, culture and comfort – this is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the true Cappadocia! Please note: The cave hotel is located right in the heart of Cappadocia, which dates back thousands of years. This means there are multiple flights of stairs, plenty of steps and uneven cobblestone ground to navigate. Rooms are scattered across multiple levels - they are not inside a singular building. Meeting our mobility and fitness requirements are essential. No two rooms are the same with quirky layouts that can be dimly lit. While these rooms are still comfortable remember you are staying in a cave! These are incredibly unique and a once in a lifetime experience to stay in this unforgettable location
Day 10 - Cappadocia
We will begin our sightseeing later this morning to rest after our early start for those that chose to do hot air ballooning. Our first stop of the day is the local municipality carpet cooperation where we’ll learn about the production of famous Turkish carpets. We continue on to the unique Göreme Valley. Over thousands of years, the rain has eroded this landscape to give rise to strange rock formations known as 'Fairy Chimneys'. Many of these formations now have homes and churches carved into them. Some of the grottoes are even magnificently decorated with colourful frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Later today, we will visit a local family where we’ll get the chance to learn about their lifestyle and local way of life in Cappadocia. This evening we’ll enjoy dinner in a local family restaurant. Optional Excursion Hot Air Balloon Ride – Gently float over the countryside in complete harmony with the deep canyons and lush fertile valleys of Cappadocia. Gentle winds carry you over places that could never be reached except by balloon. 45mins - from Euro 340pp. Cash only.
Day 11 - Cappadocia – Istanbul
Our sights are set back on Istanbul today, as we say goodbye to the enchanting vistas of Cappadocia. Before our flight to Istanbul tonight, we’ll enjoy some sightseeing around the Cappadocia region. We begin our day by driving to the charming village of Avanos, a town famous for its centuries long tradition of pottery making and carpet weaving. While here, we’ll enjoy a lecture by locals on ceramic art. We continue our journey to Kaymakli to discover the incredible Kaymakli Underground City. Featuring a maze of tunnels, chambers and rooms carved into soft volcanic rock over eight levels, this underground city is one of the best preserved in the area. It can hold an incredible 3,000 people and is over 85 metres deep into the Earth. Today, only four of these levels are accessible by the public. It is believed that the origins of Kaymakli date back to the eight and seventh centuries B.C.E. and was established by the Phrygians. Later, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul.
Day 12 - Istanbul
Get set for our final full day exploring the fascinating city of Istanbul! Our first stop of the day is a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Constructed between 1466 and 1478, the Topkapi Palace served as the residence of the esteemed Sultans and their households and functioned as the primary hub of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Today it is filled with treasures and antiquities, including twelve thousand pieces of fine Chinese porcelain. We continue our journey to the famous Grand Bazaar. Built in 1457, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It is most famous for its antique shops, jewellery, carpets, hand-painted ceramics, embroideries and spices. We’ll also make our way to the exotic Spice Bazaar, you’ll have some time to browse through the stalls at your leisure and soak up the scents of hundreds of spices permeating the air. Later this afternoon, we will embark on a leisurely cruise along Istanbul’s most famous waterway, the Bosphorus. Our journey will take us along both European and Asian shores, where we’ll uncover marvellous monuments and districts, including the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi), Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy, Ahmat Fethi Pasa Mansion, Ortaköy Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuleli Military School, Arnavutköy and Bebek. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a beautiful local restaurant.
Day 13 - Depart Istanbul
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Today marks the completion of our adventure through fascinating Turkey. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Day 14 - Arrive Australia
Day 14 - Arrive Australia
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Travellers

Operator
Bunnik Tours

With over 25 years experience and a multitude of industry awards, Bunnik Tours' overarching aim remains simple: to provide a better way for travellers to see the world. We do this by creating a series of unique holiday experiences: - Small group tours of no more than 20 passengers, specifically designed to capture the essence of the places we visit. Tours that provide the perfect balance between organised sightseeing and free time for independent discovery. Holidays that visit the famous attractions but also wander off the usual tourist trail. Complete and stress-free tour packages with accommodation, guides, tipping, and meals included (and much more!). Independent travel packages are a flexible way to visit one or more destinations. They can also be added onto our small group tours for a unique experience! A strong belief in responsible travel and sustainable tourism. We have always been a family of travellers at heart, exploring the world around us with equal parts wonder, good humour and curiosity. As a family business we understand that our family's name and reputation is at stake every time we sell a holiday. We take your trust very seriously and look forward to the day when we can help you explore the world. Dennis Bunnik is the chair of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and we are actively involved in helping to improve the overall professionalism of the travel industry. Discover our passion for this incredible planet and its inhabitants, and experience your tour the ‘Bunnik Way’! - Dennis, Marion & Sacha Bunnik

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