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 bus with your group and make your way north to the city of Konya – the birthplace of Sufism (a religious belief and practice seeking the truth of divine love and knowledge) and the home of the famous whirling dervish. While you’re here, make sure you check out the Mevlana Museum – the former dervish school turned museum – where you can visit the mausoleum of Rumi – a famous Sufi poet. For dinner, your leader can give you the best insider recommendations, so make sure to ask them where to find the tastiest kebab. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today, say farewell to Konya and hop on a bus to Cappadocia – home to strange rock formations, fairy chimneys and underground cities. Later in the morning, head underground and explore some of the 36 underground cities – these rabbit-warren metropolises were carved into the earth thousands of years ago. You'll also make a stop at Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley. Then, check out a traditional pottery demonstration with a local artisan, revealing all the secrets to creating the perfect ceramics. Tonight, 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 hit up a traditional sema performance of whirling dervishes. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

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 or a few selfies as the sky fills with balloons. Today is free for you to explore on your own. Maybe check out one of the picturesque valleys in the area or park up at a cafe and take in the views. Your leader will know the best places to see! Then, why not take a hike and find a perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset. You can only book the optional hot air balloon activity with your trip leader. Your leader will discuss this with the group early in the trip. The price of the hot air balloon activity is indicative only as the prices may fluctuate between different seasons. Your leader will advise you of the correct rate at the time of booking. Due to local regulations, hot air balloon flight times vary. This means that your flight may be before or just after sunrise. This is subject to the activity provider’s discretion and is not within our control.

Today is your day to explore all that Cappadocia has to offer. 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 natural sharp sandstone structures glow in the sun, and the trail takes you through a cave church with excellently preserved wall frescoes. If hiking is not your thing, why not explore the markets and street vendors in town. There is a wealth of incredible Turkish handiwork on display, from ceramics to intricately woven carpets. Don't forget to check out the Goreme Open Air Museum, where you can explore the fairy chimneys, cave churches and ancient villages. Tonight, you’ll be hopping on an overnight bus to take you to Istanbul, so settle in and snooze the night away. Your travel time today will be approximately 12 hours. We’re committed to reducing our carbon emissions. One way we’re doing this is by assessing our transportation options and selecting a lower-carbon alternative where possible. Flights are generally the highest carbon-emitting transport on our trips, so we’ve included an overnight bus on this trip instead. The bus has reclining seats, air con and power outlets. At a minimum, there will be two stops during the drive. Some optional activities vary in price based on the number of people who want to participate. Prices listed are a guide only and will depend on group numbers.

Rise and shine in Istanbul. Your overnight bus will arrive in the capital city of Turkey early this morning, so after dropping your bags at your hotel, the day is yours to explore. With your group, you’ll be heading 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.