Türkiye In-Style

Land Tour

History buffs, it’s time to tick Türkiye off your bucket list. Is a European holiday even complete without a walk through bustling Istanbul, satisfying your tastebuds with some Turkish Delight or witnessing the grandeur of the Pera Palace Hotel at least once in our lifetime? We’ll cover everything you came for and then some on this indulgent tour, fit for royalty.

From price

$15,795
From price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Bunnik Tours
Number Of Days
14
Start Location
Istanbul, Turkiye
End Location
Istanbul, Turkiye
Age Range
Avg. 50+
Group Size
1 to 16
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
Small group
Physical Rating
Moderate
Includes Flights
Yes

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share - (Pricing may vary by accommodation, cabin or fare category)
Start End Availability From price
25 Apr 2027 08 May 2027 Available $15,795
23 May 2027 05 Jun 2027 Available $15,795
05 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027 Available $15,795
19 Sep 2027 02 Oct 2027 Available $15,795
03 Oct 2027 16 Oct 2027 Available $15,795

Inclusions

  • Sightseeing

    See the best of Türkiye
    • 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 Olive Oil  Museum for olive oil tasting
    • Explore Ephesus, the largest Roman city ever uncovered
    • Visit Şirince Village for a hands-on cooking class and lunch
    • Explore Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
    • Delight in an afternoon at leisure in Bodrum
    • 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 Türkiye over tea with a local
    • Explore the quaint village of Avanos
    • Visit one of Cappadocia's underground cities, Ozkonak
    • Marvel at Istanbul's Topkapi Palace on a tour
    • Wander through Istanbul's famous Grand Bazaar
    • Stroll through the Istanbul Spice Bazaar
    • Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus

    Travel

    • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Türkiye. Taxes included
    • Economy class flights within Türkiye
    • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

    Accommodation

    • 5 nights in 5-star hotels
    • 4 nights at the Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul
    • 2 nights in a Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
     Properties include:
    • Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul – With over 100 years of history under its belt, the Pera Palace Hotel is the epitome of classical luxury and old-world charm. Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, this iconic property has welcomed many historical figures through its doors, including Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemmingway and Alfred Hitchcock.
    • 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
      • Şirince - 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.
    • Şirince is a small village in the mountains with hilly terrain. On Day 6, a smaller minibus will be used to access Şirince 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 Türkiye is observed from 08 February to 08 March 2027.
     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.

    • Itinerary details

    Day 1 - Depart Australia
    Day 1 - Depart Australia
    Day 2 - Arrive Istanbul
    Welcome to Istanbul, a city like no other. Spanning two continents, Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus, with one shore in Europe and the other in Asia, creating a distinctive fusion of diverse cultures. From traditional tea houses to contemporary art galleries, this compelling mix of contrasts is truly captivating. With its extraordinary blend of East and West, Istanbul offers an unforgettable journey through time and culture. 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. We’ll then set off, walking to a local restaurant for a lovely drink and group welcome dinner.
    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 AD during the reign of Emperor Justinian, this unique spot is truly a sight to behold with its hundreds of columns brightly lit up. We’ll continue on to a local café, where you’ll have the chance to sample traditional Turkish sweets. Famous for its baklava and Turkish delight, this family-owned café has been delighting customers since it first opened its doors in 1864! Special Experience Excite your taste buds with some of Türkiye’s most famous delicacies, including baklava, Turkish coffee, and of course, Turkish delight! Once we’ve satisfied our taste buds, we’ll proceed to explore Istanbul’s most famous architectural wonders. First up is the impressive domed Basilica of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which has inspired architects, scholars and historians for almost 1,500 years. The first church on this site was constructed in 326 AD by Constantine the Great; the current church dates back to 537 AD 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 AD 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 Indulge your palate with a delightful high tea experience at the historic and iconic Pera Palace Hotel. This afternoon, we’ll step into the iconic Pera Palace Hotel, a beautifully preserved landmark in the heart of Istanbul. Built in 1892, it was specifically designed to host elite travellers arriving aboard the legendary Orient Express from Paris. It boasts an incredible Art-nouveau exterior, while its interior takes a more oriental approach, creating an elegant and charming atmosphere. Over the years, it has welcomed some of the world’s most celebrated writers. Agatha Christie is said to have written parts of Murder on the Orient Express here, while Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene were also among its notable guests. Today, it’s recognised as a museum-hotel, with rooms dedicated to famous visitors — if these walls could talk!
    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 25 April to 20 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! Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
    Day 5 - Çanakkale – Kuşadası
    We start our day with a short drive to the legendary ancient city of Troy. Over its 4,000-year existence, Troy has experienced the rise and fall of nine distinct settlements, spanning from the Stone Age to the Roman Empire. If that dsn't give you goosebumps, the sight of the Trojan Horse replica at the city gates certainly will. We'll continue to explore the surroundings, including the famed city central to the Iliad, the Odyssey of Homer, and Virgil's Aeneid. Once thought to be purely mythical, these sites were unveiled as real when archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann unearthed the ruins near the modern city. Our next stop is the Adatepe Olive Oil Museum. Here, we’ll delve into the rich history and traditional techniques of olive pressing and harvesting in Türkiye. We’ll also have the chance to sample some of the local produce. We’ll then continue to Kuşadası, our home for the next two nights. A beautiful beach resort town on the western Aegean coast, it’s Türkiye’s busiest cruise port and boasts a lively atmosphere, a strong contrast to the nearby towns that pack quite the punch with historical sites. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
    Day 6 - Kuşadası – Ephesus – Şirince – Kuşadası
    Our morning begins with a visit to the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus. As the largest and most significant Roman city ever unearthed, stepping into Ephesus is like traveling back in time. Its remarkably preserved ruins span centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire, when it served as the Mediterranean's primary commercial centre. Walking along the marble-paved streets of Ephesus offers a glimpse into daily life from those eras. We'll explore ancient gymnasiums and bathhouses, marvel at the Library of Celsus, and see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We'll also visit a local leather factory, where you'll have the opportunity to watch artisans at work and purchase exquisite, handcrafted Turkish leather products. Next, we'll head to the charming and breathtaking village of Şirince. This scenic town is rich in history and culture, with its beautiful stone houses gracing the hillside, creating a truly picturesque setting. Special Experience Visit Şirince Village and learn to prepare some local culinary specialities in a hands-on cooking class. We'll unwind with an evening at leisure upon returning to our hotel in Kuşadası. This coastal paradise, blessed with around 300 days of sunshine each year, offers plenty to explore. Or you can simply choose to relax and watch the world go by at one of the town's many seafront restaurants. Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
    Day 7 - Kuşadası – Bodrum
    After a leisurely morning in Kuşadası, we’ll make our way to the Karnas Vineyards, tucked away in the lush rolling hills of the Aegean Valley. Deluxe Experience Sample local wines and regional snacks at Karnas Vineyards, a family-owned boutique winery, nestled in the verdant Aegean Valley. 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. Our next stop is Bodrum, a coastal city sitting on a rugged peninsula that offers 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! Arriving here, we’ll enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
    Day 8 - Bodrum
    We will spend this morning exploring 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 AD 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. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Bodrum at your own pace. Relax at a seaside café or wander through the lively bazaars, where you’ll find everything from handmade goods to beautiful jewellery and unique souvenirs.
    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 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. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Flight time will be approximately 2.5 hours.
    Day 10 - Cappadocia
    For those that choose to do hot air ballooning, we have an early start this morning — but it’s totally worth it, we promise! We will have time to rest before commencing with the rest of the day’s sightseeing. Today, we’re diving into the colourful world of Turkish carpets at the local municipality carpet cooperative. Get ready to witness the artistry and tradition behind these stunning textiles. From intricate designs to the weaving process, you’ll see how these timeless treasures come to life, thread by thread. Next, we’re off to the magical Göreme Valley, where nature’s artistry has carved out the famous "Fairy Chimneys"! Formed over thousands of years as wind and rain sculpted the soft volcanic rock, these towering formations create one of Türkiye’s most extraordinary landscapes. Beyond their striking appearance, many of the rock formations hide a fascinating past — with homes, monasteries and churches carved directly into the stone by early Christian communities. While here, we’ll explore several remarkable cave churches, including the beautifully painted Dark Church, and the Church of Saint Barbara, each decorated with colourful frescs depicting biblical scenes. We’ll also see the historic Nunnery complex from the outside, once home to a community of nuns. Together, these sacred spaces offer a captivating glimpse into the spiritual and artistic life that once thrived here. Later today, we will visit a local family where we’ll get the chance to learn about their lifestyle and the local way of life in Cappadocia. This evening we’ll enjoy dinner in a local family restaurant. Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking. 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
    Rise and shine, art enthusiasts! Today kicks off with a colourful journey into the world of ceramics in Avanos. With its cobblestone streets and stunning views over the Red River, this quaint town offers the perfect backdrop for a pottery-making workshop. Get ready to dive into the magic of pottery with a lively lecture that'll spin tales as mesmerising as the pottery wheel itself. Next we dive into an adventure beneath the surface as we explore one of Cappadocia's incredible underground cities, Ozkonak. Featuring a maze of tunnels, chambers and rooms carved into soft volcanic rock over ten levels, this underground city is one of the best preserved in the area. It can hold an incredible 60,000 people and is over 40 metres deep into the Earth. Imagine the hustle and bustle of thousands of people living, sleeping, and working in this underground maze. It’s like stepping into a real-life cave city — a fascinating peek into ancient ingenuity and survival. Later, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Istanbul. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Flight time will be approximately 1 hour.
    Day 12 - Istanbul
    Get set for our final full day exploring the fascinating city of Istanbul! Our first stop is a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Constructed between 1466 and 1478 AD, 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 12,000 pieces of fine Chinese porcelain. We continue our journey to the famous Grand Bazaar. Built in 1457 AD, 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, where 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, as we gently cruise past 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. It’s almost time to bid farewell to this mesmerising country, but not before we feast on a lavish spread of Ottoman cuisine at a beautiful local restaurant. Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking.
    Day 13 - Depart Istanbul
    Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our amazing new friends and to the spectacular Türkiye. We hope you leave with memories of a lifetime.
    Day 14 - Arrive Australia
    Day 14 - Arrive Australia

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You should choose this tour if you are looking for an indulgent, premium experience that blends history, culture, and luxury. From staying in a unique cave hotel in Cappadocia to enjoying high tea at the iconic Pera Palace Hotel and exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ephesus, this tour is designed to be a 'fit for royalty' journey through the best of Türkiye.
    This tour is specifically designed for history buffs and mature travellers, with a focus on those aged 55 and over. It is perfect for those who appreciate meaningful, small-group travel experiences that balance guided exploration with the freedom to discover hidden gems and cultural landmarks.
    The pros include a premium, small-group atmosphere (maximum 16 people), high-end experiences like boutique winery visits and luxury cave hotels, and a comprehensive itinerary covering major historical sites. A potential con is the physical demand of certain locations, such as the cave hotel in Cappadocia which involves multiple flights of stairs and uneven cobblestone ground.
    This tour is an excellent option for like-minded travellers who enjoy the social aspect of small group touring. While it is particularly tailored for the 55+ age group, the emphasis on creating lasting memories and connections makes it a welcoming choice for couples or solo travellers seeking a premium experience.
    This tour is ideal for both. First-time visitors will love that it covers all the essential bucket-list highlights like the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, while experienced travellers will appreciate the 'premium' touches, specialist guides at Gallipoli, and the inclusion of unique spots like the Adatepe Olive Oil Museum.
    This tour has a 'Moderate' physicality rating and may not be suitable for those with significant mobility concerns. Specifically, the cave hotel in Cappadocia requires navigating multiple levels of stairs and uneven cobblestone ground, and several days involve significant walking (up to 4 hours on the final full day).
    The tour provides a rich blend of all three, though it leans heavily toward sightseeing and culture. You will visit world-famous architectural wonders and museums, immerse yourself in Turkish culinary traditions and carpet weaving, and enjoy a touch of adventure with an optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia.
    The pace is carefully balanced to ensure comfort for the 55+ age group. While there are some travel-heavy days (up to 5 hours of driving), the itinerary also includes leisurely mornings, evenings at leisure in coastal towns like Kusadasi and Bodrum, and a relaxed cruise along the Bosphorus.
    The itinerary is designed to feel rewarding rather than rushed, striking a balance between guided activities and free time. By using domestic flights to reach Cappadocia and providing dedicated leisure time in resort towns, the tour ensures guests can enjoy the experiences without feeling hurried.
    Yes, the tour covers the most iconic landmarks of Türkiye, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the ruins of Ephesus and Troy, the Gallipoli battlefields, and the unique fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
    While the text does not explicitly mention translation services, it notes that the tour includes specialist guides (such as at Gallipoli) and professional coordination by Bunnik Tours, ensuring that guests are well-guided through the various cultural and historical sites.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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