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Tantalise Your tastebuds On This Turkey Real Food Adventure Tour

★★★★★4.7(1008 reviews)Duration: 10 daysProduct code: 6467

Overview

Start and end in Istanbul with this food and culinary tour on a Turkey Real Food Adventure with a 10-day tour package and tasting the delights that are on offer.

Take a culinary adventure through Turkey, a country that is steeped in history and tradition, where east meets west and the ancient mixes with the modern day.

Begin in the magnificent city of Istanbul, discovering the real Turkish kebab, being awed by the Aya Sofia and Blue Mosque and exploring the well-trod passageways of the Grand Bazaar.

Soak in seaside flavours of Bodrum and forage for local produce, try your hand a making gozleme ( Turkish pancake) and meet a family passionate about winemaking.

Be astonished by the landscape of the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and walk through the valleys of rock-cut churches. Spend time with a local Goreme family who will teach you the secrets behind central Anatolian cuisine in a culinary class with a local legend.

Visit the ancient city of Ephesus and go wine tasting in the traditional Turkish charming village of Sirince.

This tour is packed with so much your tastebuds won't know what hit them.

Highlights

  • Visit the Egyptian spice bazaar and taste some of the local street food in Istanbul
  • Explore Bodrum and the Yurut family who have been making wine for 20 years
  • Journey to a local farm and join farmers in the fields and hot houses
  • Go to Selcuk market and buy some fresh local produce
  • See the stunning landscape of Cappadocia and go to a famous winery
  • Be welcomed into a local home who will teach you how to cook the local cuisine

Good to Know

  • Scheduling: Private tour: only your group takes part.
  • Languages offered on the Activity / Tour: English, German, French
  • Duration: 10 days
  • Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Available March to October 2020 Available March to October 2020
  • Pick-up service Pick-up service
    Pick up from Istanbul Airport.
  • Easy Cancellation Easy Cancellation
    There is no cancellation fee once Customers Cancel at least 7 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
    There is 50% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 3 and 6 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
    There is 100% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 2 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
  • Confirmation will be received within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Cut-off Time
    Available to be booked until 3 days before the tour starts.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation
  • Professional guide
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary
  • Domestic flights
  • Pick up and drop off at Istanbul Airport

Exclusions

  • Other services not mentioned
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities (optional)
  • Meals that are not stated in the itinerary
  • Drinks

What To Expect

  1. Day 1: Arrival Day

    Once you arrive at Istanbul Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

    Istanbul, the only city in the world that straddles two continents, so when you explore the streets of Istanbul, you'll see a significant mix of east and west.

    Before you start the tour, there will be an important welcome meeting, and following the session, you will go out for your first taste of Turkey with a classic – a kebab. You might be very familiar with the shaved meats and pita bread sensation at home, but nothing can beat the kind they wrap up in Istanbul.

  2. Day 2: Istanbul

    Head to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar today where you will meet a spice merchant and sit down for a Turkish coffee and enjoy a traditional Turkish sweet.

    Continue your walking tour to the Sultanahmet and Eminonu, taking in some of the most important sites of the city, like the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Hippodrome.

    The area around Eminonu has some delicious street food, and the local favourites include roasted kestane (chestnuts), barbecued corn, and of course Turkish delight.

    In the afternoon, jump on a ferry and in 20 minutes you’ll arrive at the part of Turkey that sits on the continent of Asia in the cool city of Kadikoy.

    Hit the Sarkuteri (delicatessen) and sample some pastirma (seasoned cured beef), olives, and a variety of tasty cheese? Get some provisions and head out for a picnic.

  3. Day 3: Explore Bodrum

    Take a flight from Istanbul to Bodrum (approximately 1 hour) which is located on a bay on the Aegean coast, and the area is all about hilly landscapes, beautiful coves and rustic villages.

    Bodrum is a relaxing and a fantastic corner of Turkey, with charming resorts that are adored by sailors and beach-lovers alike. But don’t be fooled. While it may be a favourite among international visitors, the region keeps an authentic side, with traditional Turkish delicacies and magnificent ancient ruins.

    Check in to the hotel and spend a while exploring Bodrum Town, then take a public dolmus (bus) to meet the local wine-making Yurut family who has been making wine for 20 years, and produces 12,000 bottles a year. Learn about their journey and perhaps find a new favourite drop.

  4. Day 4: Journey to a local farm in Bodrum

    There is not a better way to discover the local produce then pick it yourself, and today you'll visit a local farm and join farmers in the fields and hothouses.

    Forage for vegetables and put them all together to make a gozleme (Turkish pancake) using traditional techniques.

    Remember to bring along some headwear and some sunscreen, in addition to your appetite, on this fun day out discovering regional produce.

  5. Day 5: Selcuk Tour

    Catch a dolmus (public bus) to Selcuk (approximately 3.5 hours) and when you arrive, take the time to explore this fascinating town.

    On the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lies some historical buildings, including the Grand Fortress and the Isa Bey Mosque.

    Selcuk is the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis (though only a single pylon remains).

    This evening you will visit Sirince, a local village steeped in Greek Ottoman tradition and a photographer's paradise.

    Postwar settlers revived Selcuk's wine industry and make use of the local fruit.

    Enjoy a tasting and buy a bottle to take on a walk up a gentle slope along cobbled streets and alleys to an atmospheric garden cafe where you'll discover how manti (Turkish stuffed dumplings) are made. After learning how to prepare them, feast on a serving for dinner.

  6. Day 6: Ephesus Tour

    Today you will have a tour of Ephesus, one of Turkey's most famous ancient sites and explore this spectacular preserved ancient city with your local guide who brings its colourful 1500-year history to life.

    Watch in amazement as the sophistication of this former metropolis reveals itself. It once had running water, public toilets, a medical institute, Roman baths and a brothel.

    The amphitheatre is well preserved and still regularly hosts concerts, but the marvellous library might be the main highlight.

    Continue onto Izmir (approximately 1.5 hours) before heading back to Selcuk and hitting the local market where you can buy some vine leaves, and spend an hour or two adding rice and spices and rolling them into delicious morsels that are locally called sarma perfect for the train picnic tonight.

    Board the overnight train, which features first-class cabins with twin beds, a fridge and a wash basin with all bedding provided. 

  7. Day 7: Goreme

    Arrive in Konya by early morning and take a private transfer to Goreme (approximately 3 hours) which is your gateway to the fairy chimneys of Capadoccia.

    Stop for a snack of Etliekmek, a larger local variation of the traditional Turkish lahmacun (flatbread baked with ground meat, peppers, tomato, and onion).

    Stop at Derinkuyu, an astounding old subterranean city that goes as deep as 60 metres underground and used to have wine and oil presses, cellars, stables, refectories, and chapels, not to mention 20,000 residents.

    For lunch, you could go to a local pide saloon for Turkey's answer to the Italian pizza with toppings like grilled lamb, tender spinach, black pepper, fresh egg and Turkey’s famous peynir (cheese) which is made from sheep’s milk.

    Over the next three nights, you'll stay in the village of Ortahisar, famous for its friendly inhabitants, narrow streets, picturesque stone houses, and lovely churches as well as the castle-like rock formation after which the town is named.

  8. Day 8: Cappadocia Tour

    For the early birds, you could try a hot air balloon ride over the majestic landscape at sunrise and is a highly recommended experience. The cost of this activity can vary depending on the type of flight you choose.

    Walkthrough the Soganli Valley on a hiking trip, taking in the arid surroundings and towering vistas and take the opportunity to stop for lunch at a local restaurant in this beautiful place and savour the fresh local flavours next to the memorable landscapes.

    Visit one of Cappadocia's famous wineries to learn about the areas 4000-year-old wine industry.

    Afterwards, stroll through the stunning Red Valley to watch the sunset, enjoying a glass of the local wine.

    For dinner, perhaps try the local speciality, testi kebab. Your guide will be able to recommend a restaurant dedicated to the perfection of this delicious clay pot dish.

  9. Day 9: Prepare some classic central Anatolian dishes.

    Enjoy a free morning at leisure to do as you please then later be welcomed into the home of a local Nuray, an award-winning regional cook.

    Under her tuition, learn to prepare some classic central Anatolian dishes (the menu will depend on the season) then sit down to enjoy the results over lunch.

    The rest of the afternoon, you are then free to visit the excellent Goreme Open Air Museum, or you could experience a Turkish hammam (bath).

    In the evening, you could choose to dine in a restaurant set inside a 475-year-old building.

  10. Day 10: Departure Day

    This morning after breakfast, wave the fairy chimneys a fond goodbye and transfer to one of the region's airports for a flight back to Istanbul.

    Your incredible Turkey trip will finish on arrival at the airport, and the guide will be available to assist you with your onward travel plans.

Pickup and Drop-off / Meeting Point

This map is provided by Google Maps, which may set its own cookies.

Pick up from Istanbul Airport. Times will be depending on your flight arrival time

Know Before You Go

  • Please wear a hat and sunscreen as it can get very hot
  • Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear
  • Please check if you need a visa to travel to Turkey
  • Make sure you have adequate insurance

Traveler reviews

4.7

★★★★★

1008 reviews

  • 5 stars320
  • 4 stars180
  • 3 stars0
  • 2 stars0
  • 1 star0
  • Changler · AE2024-02-07
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    We have had an amazing tour. our guide was first class, very knowledgeable, informative and helpful. We cannot fault this at all. Thank you for a wonderful day. We would highly recommend this trip. .

  • johnsoffice2 · US2024-02-07
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    I WOULD DEFINITELY BOOK THIS TOUR AGAIN. THANKS. .

  • Roberto · ES2024-02-07
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    The experience was great from start to end. The booking process was easy. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we learned so much about this beautiful city. The group size for their tour was also perfect as it wasn't too much, so that we can understand and communicate well with the guide. We would definitely recommend trying this tour out to learn about the city.

  • Tugce · KH2024-02-06
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Our guide knowledge was more than we could have asked for. Well worth the money and I will be recommending this tour and company to all of our friends.

  • Holly Simpson Glasgow · GB2024-02-06
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    This fabulous company truly excels at accommodating your every wish. They were extremely well informed, organized, as well as kind and helpful. Believe me, these people genuinely care that you have a good experience.

  • David · US2024-02-06
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Excellent guide and tour.

  • danielle B · GR2024-02-06
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Fantastic tour! The professionalism of the tour guide was phenomenal. They were extremely friendly and ensured all needs were taken care of. My tour guide had an extensive knowledge. I could not have been happier with this tour.

  • Sepp K · AT2024-02-06
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    I booked this tour for myself although I was single, It was one of the BEST tours I have been on in any country! My guide was WONDERFUL and provided such great information and background...she was amazing! She also offered to take pictures of everyone at certain points in the tour. Take this tour and you won't be disappointed!

  • Keryn · NZ2024-02-06
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    THE GUIDE WAS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND MADE IT AN INTERESTING TOUR FOR MY FAMILY.

  • Stuart O · US2024-02-05
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDE WHO PROVIDED A GREAT EXPERIENCE AND ENSURED THAT EVERYONE HAS ENOUGH TIME TO VISIT SITES AND ENJOY SOME FREE TIME.

  • Lillie · US2024-02-05
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    We had an amazing tour with our guide. Fun and fascinating! Thank you so much. Incredible tour.

  • Ashlin · DE2024-02-05
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Everything was good, The price totally perfect.

  • Amanda S · LY2024-02-05
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Our guide was so friendly and informative and we loved every minute and would strongly recommend this tour. Thanks.

  • Fam. Jones · GB2024-02-05
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    I really liked this tour and our tour guide was excellent. A very professionally organised tour.

  • Mario B · IT2024-02-05
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    What a fantastic tour!!! We really enjoyed. guide is a fantastic- so knowledgeable and friendly, we really enjoyed his company! Communication was excellent. Everything was very well organised. I highly recommend this trip!!

  • Tracy O · NZ2024-02-05
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    We had a wonderful tour guide who was very informative and efficient in providing us with information so I can just say Excellent Guide. Thank you

  • TonyD · US2024-02-04
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    it was definitely the highlight of the trip! Our guide was so friendly, accomadating and knowledgeable. He went above and beyond, making everyone feel welcome. Our group bonded together nicely because of guide's positive attitude and enthusiasm. The journey was comfortable. A really fun and interesting experience, amazing! My mum and I throughly enjoyed it, it is a must if you want to have perfect tour.

  • ryan · US2024-02-04
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had. A very good tour we will recommend to others.

  • T Bloise · US2024-02-04
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    would give this company 6 stars is if i could. Our guide was very professional and knowledgeable. We got skip the line tickets and had a wonderful day. You can trust this company.

  • Jing Yi · US2024-02-04
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS TOUR. Would highly recommend this tour. GREETINGS.

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