Ancient Turkey Exploration: An 8-Day Adventure
Turkey
$3900 pp (interest free payment plans offered) | $800 deposit due to reserve spot
+optional $350 single room supplement
June 13-20, 2026
14 spots available
About the Adventure
This 8-day journey through Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya explores Turkey’s layered history through ancient cities, sacred landscapes, and coastal terrain shaped by centuries of civilization. Beginning in Istanbul, the route traces the legacy of the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman empires before crossing into Anatolia’s surreal valleys, underground cities, and early Christian sites. In Cappadocia, we'll move through volcanic landscapes and rock-cut monasteries, complemented by a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the region’s iconic formations. The journey continues south through Konya and along the Lycian coast, following sections of the historic Lycian Way to ruins once visited by Alexander the Great. The experience concludes on the Mediterranean with a private yacht cruise along turquoise coves, balancing archaeological depth with coastal exploration.
Trip Led by Lillee & Haley
This trip is co-led by Lillee and Haley, two close friends who share a thoughtful, curiosity-driven approach to travel.
🌿Lillee brings a creative, community-focused perspective shaped by her work in the music industry and her role leading marketing strategy for Kook’s Wild Ride. Her first KWR trip to Nepal sparked a love for intentional group travel rooted in reflection, movement, and meaningful connection, and she has since traveled with KWR through Peru and beyond.
✨Haley is an adventure-minded guide whose passion for travel began while studying abroad in Australia and grew through years of exploring destinations across the U.S. and abroad. After joining her first Kook’s Wild Ride trip to Peru, she connected deeply with the balance of adventure and presence that defines the experience.
Together, Lillee and Haley create a supportive and immersive travel experience that blends exploration with intention, helping travelers experience Turkey with ease, curiosity, and connection.
8-Day Itinerary Overview
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
DAY # 1
Arrival in Instanbul (D)
You will arrive in Istanbul, airport pick up and taken to the hotel.
Activities:
☯ Arrive at Istanbul Airport with private transfer to the hotel
☯ Free time upon arrival for rest or independent exploration, depending on flight timing
☯ Guided sunset walk from the Old City through Gülhane Park and across the Galata Bridge
☯ Evening walk through Karaköy, followed by dinner at a traditional kebab restaurant
Accommodation: Old City Istanbul
DAY # 2
Explore Instanbul (B)
A full day of cultural exploration through Istanbul’s most iconic historic sites.
Activities:
☯ Visit Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
☯ Walk through Sultanahmet Square and the Hippodrome
☯ Explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
☯ Afternoon Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia
Accommodation: Old City Istanbul
DAY # 3
Istanbul → Cappadocia (B)
Transition from city landscapes to Cappadocia’s surreal volcanic terrain.
Activities:
☯ Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Kayseri
☯ Guided hike through Red Valley and Rose Valley
☯ Sunset viewing over Cappadocia’s rock formations
Accommodation: Cappadocia Cave Hotel
DAY # 4
Explore Cappadocia (B, D)
An immersive day combining natural landscapes, ancient sites, and local craftsmanship.
Activities:
☯ Sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia
☯ Scenic viewpoints in Göreme
☯ Visit to an underground city (Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı)
☯ Hike through Ihlara Valley
☯ Explore Selime Cave Monastery
☯ Optional ceramics workshop
☯ Traditional dinner with folklore show
Accommodation: Cappadocia Cave Hotel
DAY # 5
Cappadocia → Antalya (via Konya) (B, D)
A scenic travel day tracing Anatolia’s religious and cultural history.
Activities:
☯ Coach journey through central Anatolia
☯ Visit to Konya and the Mausoleum of Mevlana
☯ Stop in Beyşehir near the national park and lake
☯ Evening arrival and hotel check-in in Antalya
Accommodation: Antalya City Hotel
DAY # 6
Lycian Coast & Ancient Ruins (B, D)
A coastal hiking day focused on ancient civilizations and natural phenomena.
Activities:
☯ Visit the ancient city of Olympos
☯ Coastal walk through ruins and forested trails
☯ Evening hike to Mount Chimaera’s eternal flames
Accommodation: Antalya City Hotel
DAY # 7
Mediterranean Yacht Tour & Return to Istanbul (B, L)
A relaxed coastal finale followed by travel back to Istanbul.
Activities:
☯ Private yacht cruise along the Mediterranean coast
☯ Swim stops at secluded coves
☯ Lunch onboard the yacht
☯ Transfer to airport and flight to Istanbul
Accommodation: Istanbul Hotel (near airport or city)
DAY # 8
Optional Extra Instanbul Day (B)
A flexible departure day to revisit favorites or enjoy a final café stop.
Activities:
☯ Breakfast at the hotel
☯ Free time for shopping or independent exploration
☯ Private transfer to Istanbul Airport
Included
Airport pick up & drop off
7-nights includes hand-picked 4-5 star hotels
12 meals (Veg and Vegan-friendly options)
Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
Boat tour in Istanbul (not private)
Private yacht tour in Antalya
Local private cultural guide
Transportation between destinations + 2 domestic flights
Your dedicated trip operator (Haley and Lillee!) will handle all your pre-trip worries, assist with flight bookings, guide you in
Not included
International flights
Trip insurance- (highly recommended)
Any Table Drinks, Tea/ Coffee, Water, Chocolates, Beer etc.
Any Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Personal Insurance & emergency rescue charges if necessary
Personal Expenses, Medical and evacuation Cost, Travel Insurance and Laundry
Cost raised by re-routing, cancellation, political disturbance which are not under our control etc
Tips to the guides and drivers [tips are expected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel is one of those things that naturally gives rise to queries, so we’re here to put your mind at ease. Which trip is right for me? What do I do about visas? How much do I tip? For questions frequent and otherwise, this is the spot.
Do I Need a Passport?
YES. The second you consider a trip with us, please check to ensure your passport is up to date and does not expire up to 6 months after the trip. At the moment, all of our trips are international. However, if we choose to do a
domestic one you would not need a passport but would need the REAL ID come 2025. In general, this is something you should consider getting soon to assist with your travel needs next year
Will I need a Visa?
Whether you need a visa depends on the country we are visiting. We will let you know in advance if a visa is required for any of our trips. Please be aware that visa fees are not included in the trip prices, but they are generally inexpensive. We will guide you through the simple visa application process before each trip.
KWR Trips that require a visa:
● 2024: Nepal, India
● 2025: None
Do I need to buy Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in our trip package. While it is not mandatory to join our trips, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can cover various aspects of your journey, and there are many types and options available. We are happy to assist you in finding the right insurance that suits your needs before the trip.
Are flights included?
Flights are not included in our trip packages. However, we are happy to assist you in finding and choosing the best flight options for each trip. Please keep in mind that we recommend purchasing flight insurance for added
peace of mind.
Are transfers to and from the airport included?
Yes, transfers to and from the airport upon arrival and departure are included in our trips. Please note, that if you arrive or depart outside of the scheduled trip dates, we can arrange transfers for an additional fee.
I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?
We are dedicated to accommodating special dietary requirements as best as we can. Please inform us of your specific needs in advance, and we will make every effort to ensure you are properly catered for throughout the trip. Please note that the ability to accommodate dietary restrictions may vary by location. We are knowledgeable of the areas we visit though, and will inform you if your specific needs cannot be met.
How do you arrange room sharing on the trip and who will I have to share with?
We arrange rooms based on your preferences. Often, friends and partners sign up together and request to share a room. Alternatively, solo travelers sometimes express a desire to share, and we assist in pairing them up.
Room arrangements depend on the trip's participants, including individuals and groups of friends.
Note that room options vary by country, typically offering choices such as solo, double, and occasionally triple occupancy.
Prices vary based on your room selection, and there is always an additional charge for a single room.
If I am traveling with a significant other or friend, how do I ensure we are put in the same room?
When you sign up for the trip, please specify the person you wish to room with.
We will ensure that you are placed together in the same room automatically.
Are there options for single rooms if I don’t want to share?
Yes, single rooms are available on our trips. There is an additional fee for solo
rooms, which varies by country. We will inform you of this fee when you sign up.
When is the final due date for my trip?
We typically offer payment for our trips in 2-3 installments. The initial deposit is
deducted from the total trip price. The final payment is due typically between 35
to 60 days prior to the start of the trip. The exact deadline depends on the country
and payment schedule requirements.
Let’s connect and travel
Immerse yourself in local culture, enjoy daring adventures, and form long-lasting friendships with fellow travelers from around the globe.
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