This trip was incredible. I was originally planning on only visiting Istanbul with a friend, but I am so glad I chose to do a group tour with Intrepid. This was my first time ever going on a group tour and I had an amazing time. I got to see so much of Turkey that I would have otherwise never seen. The beautiful coastal towns as well as a variety of landscapes from sunflower fields to rocky mountains to the stunning desert of Cappadocia. Not only did I see nature, but I got to experience a lot of culture by meeting locals, practicing Turkish words, trying different cuisines, learning more about Islam, and hearing about current events. I believe it is the small things that truly shape your experience when traveling abroad. One of these memories was listening to a melodic voice as it echoed over the city singing the evening call to prayer in Konya. It was magical. It may have only lasted a few minutes, but it is something that I will never forget. Everyone in the group got along so well. They were fun, respectful, adventurous, and nice. We all shared so many laughs and bonded so well. I have gained so many great memories and stories from this trip. I feel like I now have 9 new friends! We had a great tour guide. He was calm, patient, funny, nice, informative, and overall a great guy. He made sure everyone had a great time and left with a positive experience. It was the combination of ancient ruins, picturesque scenery, history, people, food, music, and good company that has made this trip one of my all time favorites. I look forward to returning back and exploring more of Turkey.

This was my first solo trip abroad and I would highly recommend anyone to do this trip. Our leader Emre was so welcoming and helpful. We meet other guides along the way who I’m positive would be the same. I can’t fault this trip at all!

Kaan was an amazing trip leader. His calm, approachable and friendly nature only enhanced this trip. He always provided a detailed plan for each day. His knowledge was incredible and he was always open for questions and discussions. As a member who had dietary restrictions, Kaan always ensured there were safe options for me at all restaurants and assisted in communicating with the staff to ensure everything was safe. He allowed us a glimpse of Turkish culture eating at authentic restaurants, meeting locals and travelling as if we were a local - we experienced the culture and all turkey has to offer first hand. Overall, I could not fault his performance as our trip leader and would happily participate in any tour he was coordinating in the future. This trip was truly a trip of a lifetime.

This Real Turkey experience with Intrepid is highly recommended for anyone wanting a rich, authentic journey beyond typical tourist routes. from the vibrant bazaars and historic mosques of Istanbul, to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus steeped in history. Ilter was an excellent guide who made our experience so much better! The trip was perfectly balanced with immersive activities, delicious local cuisine, and moments to relax and connect with fellow travellers. I especially valued the focus on Responsible Tourism, supporting local communities and respecting traditions

Great turkey trip overall! Our guide was fantastic, the group lovely, and the itinerary well-balanced. Cappadocia was a highlight, though extras like balloon rides are pricey if you book in advance. Konya felt skippable. Night bus was tough. Hotels basic, but fine. Would love more time in Istanbul at the end. Still, highly recommend the experience!

Real Turkey gives you a great glimpse of all that Turkey has to offer. I had no expectations of this trip and I’ve come back home in awe! Definitely worth doing a trip to experience the differences between all of the provinces. Cotton castle, Ephesus and sailing the Mediterranean with homemade lunch are definite highlights. Let’s not forget the hot air balloons in Cappadocia too! But the best part is sharing this experience with a knowledgeable guide (thanks Ilter!) and like minded people, in a country that is kind and hospitable. The people I was with definitely made the trip all the more worth while.

The trip was a great way to see different parts of Turkey and get a sense of all the amazing parts the country has to offer. Our tour guide Emre was really friendly and engaging with the group. He provided us with a lot of information and knowledge about the different areas and led the group well. The itinerary allowed us to see and learn a lot about the different cities and areas that we visited

Fantastic trip with packed itinerary! Tour leader was super knowledgeable and organised the group very well. I would highly recommend this tour for travellers looking to see the best of Turkey, covering many places and sites. Travellers should be comfortable with public transport (mainly excellent buses but can take longer than internal flights or private transport) and basic accommodation throughout. Overall, a fantastic trip, great tour leader (shoutout Can!) and a fun group.

The 10 day trip provides a great introduction to Turkey with a good mix of historical sites and monuments and beach days and lounging by the pool. This trip does miss out on Cappadocia (although a tighter itinerary could have fit that in to a 10 or 11 day trip). This trip is also a great way to meet like-minded travellers.

Highly recommend! 15 days was the perfect amount of time to see lots of different sides of Turkiye. The hot air balloon over Cappadocia and sailing in the Mediterranean were once in a lifetime experiences!