Turkiye – A Cultural Gem | April 2026

20 Days
TYPOLOGIES

All Tours

DIFFICULTY

MIN. AGE

To be confirmed

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Explore the ancient city of Ephesus

  2. Float in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia's fairytale-like canyons, chimneys and rock formations

  3. Shop in the world's most famous and colourful bazaars 

  4. Cruise the waters of Bodrum on a traditional gulet

  5. Watch the sacred dance of the Whirling Dervishes

  6. Behold the architectural beauty of Hagia Sophia

  7. See the unique white landscape that is formed at the Pamukkale thermal pools

ACTIVITY RATING

Mention Türkiye to anyone who has travelled there, and more often than not, you’ll get a very positive response. Türkiye has it all...  history, unique culture, varied landscapes, architecture, food (with great tea and coffee) and a diverse group of friendly people. There is also a special kind of affinity between our two countries as a result of the history over the last 100 years and more.

Türkiye has a population of around 85 million and is considered one of the most progressive countries in the region. Its diversity is helped by the fact that eight countries border it. While most of the country is very cold in winter (especially in the mountainous regions), summers can be very hot. Much of the population lives on or near the water, with Theea to the south, the Agean to th Mediterranean to the west, and The Black Sea to the north. The Sea of Marmara, the famous Bosphorus and the Dardanelles (which together form the Turkish Straits) make the boundary between Europe and Asia.

Türkiye has a wonderful ancient cultural heritage. The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire of the Middle Ages (with no exact dates being identifiable). Today, we distinguish the Byzantines from the Romans via its Greek influence and Christianity. The country was once the centre of the Ottoman Empire (1299 – 1923), which, during its prime, covered three continents, including much of South Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Its capital, Constantinople (now Istanbul), was the centre of commerce and politics between the East and West for hundreds of years.

A young military officer named Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was involved in establishing the modern Republic of Türkiye. Although he died in 1938, he is very highly regarded across the country even today, and you’ll notice flags and posters bearing his image all over the country. Atatürk (meaning father of Turks) would be its first president. In short, he modernised Türkiye and helped it become the flourishing nation it is today. Even though the country is predominantly Muslim, Istanbul is a very modern city with a European flavour. On the streets, you’ll see young people – men and women sipping coffee at the local café and shopping for Western brands. It has a population of around 12 million people, about three times that of Türkiye’s capital Ankara.

Your Blue Dot Travel tour will take you to many of the must-sees (and some of the less known parts) of this wonderfully cultured country!

DEPARTURE DATE
April 2026
DURATION 20 days
TOUR COST To be confirmed
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Additional (to be confirmed)
AVAILABILITY
Places available

INCLUDED

  • All ground transportation as per itinerary
  • Twin-share accommodation
  • Transfers to and from hotels as per itinerary
  • Meals as listed on the itinerary
  • Entry fees to places of interest as per itinerary
  • All tipping, including drivers and guides
  • Experienced English-speaking local tour guide
  • Escorted by an Australian host (subject to a minimum number of 10 clients)

NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights to the start and end of the tour
  • Electronic travel authorisation or tourist visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Any meals not indicated on the itinerary
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature, e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls
  • Transfers to and from airports if not travelling on group flights

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Optional 4-night Istanbul extension
  • Tour cost excludes international flights
  • Tours depart with a minimum of 4 clients
  • No more than 16 clients on any trip
  • Tour extensions – before or after tour extensions can be arranged on your behalf
  • Business or premium economy flights can be arranged at an additional cost if available
  • To book and reserve your place on a tour, a deposit of $500 and a completed booking form is required

ITINERARY

TOUR MAP

To be confirmed

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Explore the ancient city of Ephesus

  2. Float in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia's fairytale-like canyons, chimneys and rock formations

  3. Shop in the world's most famous and colourful bazaars 

  4. Cruise the waters of Bodrum on a traditional gulet

  5. Watch the sacred dance of the Whirling Dervishes

  6. Behold the architectural beauty of Hagia Sophia

  7. See the unique white landscape that is formed at the Pamukkale thermal pools

ACTIVITY RATING