Classical Turkey
Fly over the fairy chimneys aboard a hot air balloon, cook up an Aegean-style feast and sail the Med in your own private boat
What's included
- Max 14 travelers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
About your trip
Turkey’s rich cultural heritage, extraordinary culinary delights and pink-hued terrain collide in spectacular fashion in this seven-night, eight-day trip.
With your fellow travelers, you’ll lose the tourists, and embrace the real Turkey, a country where you can swim in secret turquoise coves, take to the skies in a hot air balloon and pick your way through ruins dating back to the fourth century.
Turkey’s famous food and hospitality will form the backbone of your trip, from the talented chefs who show you how to make gözleme and the artisans who teach you local crafts, to the guides who lead you through classical ruins and take you on a heady tour of Istanbul’s spice market. This is an unmissable odyssey through Turkey, which will sweep you away from the crowds and straight to the heart of this incredible country.
- Touch down at Izmir Airport, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your first hotel
- Explore the culinary backstreets to sample some stand-out Turkish specialties (think stuffed mussels and lokma honey balls)
- Get to know your group over a traditional mezze dinner at a local tavern and raise a glass of raki
- Spend an idyllic day on your very own private boat soaking up the coastal scenery
- Cruise the glittering Mediterranean, stopping in sheltered bays to swim while your crew prepares lunch on board
- Enjoy a private cooking class, where you’ll discover traditional Aegean recipes and learn the art of clay pot cooking
- Explore ancient Ephesus – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – strolling the marble streets walked by Antony and Cleopatra
- Enjoy a traditional Turkish feast in a local restaurant, seated on the floor, where you can watch local ladies baking gözleme
- Take a short flight to Cappadocia and visit a subterranean city; discover a labyrinth of tunnels, churches and even a winery
- Take part in a pottery workshop with world-famous artist Galip Korkcu – a rare opportunity
- Head out to a nearby valley for wine tasting with a local sommelier, basking in the dusky pink glow of sunset
- Rise early for your sunrise balloon ride over Goreme National Park, sipping on champagne as you float serenely
- Get up close to the surreal towering boulders on a hike through the Cappadocia valley
- Visit a local carpet weaver before lunch with a local family in their traditional Cappadocia cave house
- Fly to the ancient city of Istanbul, the cultural and intellectual heart of Turkey, where East meets West
- Soak up the city skyline on board a sunset cruise, sailing along the Bosphorus River that divides Europe and Asia
- Take a city tour of Istanbul, sampling Turkish Delight at the Spice Market, exploring the buzzing Grand Bazaar and finishing at the Blue Mosque
- Indulge in an optional hammam before ending your final night with a grand farewell dinner
- Say goodbye to your Flash Pack group and make your way to the airport for your onward flight
- You’ve embraced the real Turkey, in all its natural and cultural beauty. Your reward? Returning home feeling utterly fulfilled – and with some new friends, too
Our Favorite Hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Doors of Cappadocia
One of Turkey’s best cave hotels, carved into the mountain, with a rooftop pool and beautiful views of Goreme National Park.
Nişanyan Hotel
Turkey’s first boutique hotel run by the impressive Ms Mujde, lauded for her cookery skills and peerless hospitality.
Marmara Pera Hotel Istanbul
The views from the roof terrace of this hip hotel are incredible – perfect for sipping cocktails by the side of the pool.
Important notes
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). Fly out of either Istanbul Airport (IST) on the Europe side or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asia side.
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
We recommend arriving by 3 pm.
Your welcome meeting with your Flash Pack guide and group will begin around 5-6 pm, although we suggest getting to Izmir earlier to enjoy some free time to explore.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 45 minutes away from your final hotel.
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Do you include airport transfers?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. However, your Pack Leader will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 25 USD per day
- Driver: 15 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, porters, waiters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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How much luggage can I bring?
The luggage allowance for the internal flights is 15 kg. You can pay locally for extra luggage at a cost of 80 Turkish lira (approximately USD 5) for each additional 5 kg.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
Approximately 400 Turkish lira, the equivalent of USD 45 per day.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
This adventure is fast-paced, however, the activities aren’t too strenuous so it is a fantastic trip for those with a normal level of fitness who want to see a lot in their time here.
We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness here.
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Will the hot air ballooning go ahead in bad weather?
Unfortunately the hot air ballooning excursion on Day 7 will have to be canceled if the weather conditions are poor. As an alternative, you will be offered a one-hour package at the Hurrem Sultan Hammam in Istanbul where you will enjoy the full Turkish bath experience.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.
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