Delve Deep: Turkey

Ancient ruins. Colourful bazaars. Intoxicating flavours. And a unique culture waiting to be discovered. Welcome to Turkey! Check into the hotel and meet the gang – we’re a mixed bunch but are all in it together, just like it should be. Tonight, start your Turkish love affair with an included dinner at a local restaurant – then watch Hagia Sofia turn a million shades of orange as the sun sets on your first day. Sh*t, this is gonna be good.

Rise and shine – if the call to prayer didn’t wake you, the anticipation for today will. First up: a walking tour to soak up the city’s icons. We’ll roam the courts and pavilions of Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace. Wander the home of Byzantine entertainment at the Hippodrome. Gawp at the mesmerising interior of the Blue Mosque. Head into the cavernous depths of the Basilica Cistern. And be swept away in Hagia Sophia’s beauty. Then? The rest is up to you. Get lost amongst the maze of jewellery, lanterns, rugs and everything-in-between stalls of the Grand Bazaar. Sip on Turkish coffee at one of Yildiz Park’s old-school pavilions. Or take the ferry across to Asia for an explore (yeah, this place straddles two continents – cool, right?). Tonight, seek out somewhere local for a drool-worthy kebap or share meze with your trip mates. Think: Turkish tapas board. Mmm.

Wave goodbye to Istanbul – we’re rolling on to the vibrant city of Eskişehir (es-kee-sheh-heer). Literally meaning ‘old city’, this place has a history that dates back to 3000 BC. Get your bearings on an orientation walk with our expert Trip Leader – before heading out to do your own thing. Need some suggestions? Wander the banks of the Porsuk River. Check out the old Odunpazarı quarter. Then, seek out a local haunt for some çiğbörek – meat filled pastries deep fried to perfection. Yes please. Thanks to the university here, the nightlife is pumping – so gather the gang, track down a bar and get ready to discover it like a local.

No lies – today is a bit of a drive day. BUT we’ve got some awesome stops to make. First: check out the out-of-this-world Tuz Gölü (aka Salt Lake). Then: there’s the opportunity to head underground and take a peek at Cappadocia’s famous cave dwellings. Used as a place of hiding for centuries, this maze of hand-carved passages, tunnels and rooms is 100% worth an explore. Trust us. Feeling a bit tense from all the coach-napping and cave-exploring? We got you. Sign up for an optional Turkish Bath experience later. The Ottomans have been raving about it since 1405. Meaning? It’s gotta be good. Tonight, stuff your face with an included Turkish dinner. This is as authentic as it gets.

You’ve seen the balloon-filled skies of Cappadocia on Instagram. Now it’s time to experience it without the filter. Jump on an optional hot air balloon ride, and watch the sun rise over the otherworldly valley – prepare to be WOWed. Then? We’ll head to Göreme National Park to explore more 4th-century dwellings, rock-carved churches and Byzantine artwork. Take in all the views from Uchisar Castle, before we check out the impressive structures of Love Valley. Tonight, let the pros show you how it’s done at a traditional Turkish dance show. Disclaimer: don’t try Dervish whirling unsupervised.

Onwards! We’re swapping psychedelic rock valleys for glittering turquoise beaches. Today’s drive to Antalya is your chance to catch up on some zzzs, pump the tunes and message the rents (you’ll be too busy later, trust us). Dump your stuff at the hotel and head out on an orientation walk with your in-the-know Trip Leader. Then: the rest is up to you. Soak up some rays at Konyaaltı Beach. Relax at a local hammam. Explore the cobblestone streets of Kaleiçi. Seek out some fresh AF seafood and meze. Then, head up to Karaalioğlu Park for allll the sunset views over the Med.

Squeeze in one last dip before we make tracks to Fethiye (feh-tee-yeh). But first: we’ll make a pit stop at one of the world’s deepest canyons. You charged your camera, right? Take an optional wading tour through the crystal-clear water of Saklikent Gorge – surrounded by towering canyon walls and rushing rapids, sexy reef shoes are a must. Or sit back with a Turkish tea and enjoy the serenity. Later we’ll roll into the aquamarine paradise of F-Town. Locals say this place was gifted to Earth by God – when you see the beaches, you’ll know why. Tonight, get the gang together for an included dinner and watch the sunset over the harbour. This is livin’.

You’ve got 24 hrs to do your own this-is-what-I-came-for-thing. Need some suggestions? Sign up for an optional cruise around the islands, and spend the day worshipping the sun aboard a traditional Turkish gulet. Treat your eyeballs to some I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E views, in between refreshing dips in turquoise water and catching some zzzs above deck. Prefer dry land? Easy. History buffs should take a trip to the ghost city of Kayaköy. Adrenalin enthusiasts find a seat at Zirve Bar to watch the paragliders do their thing off Mt Babadağ (or partake, if that’s your thing). Then, burn off those second helpings of baklava with a hike to Amyntas Rock Tomb. Top tip: go later for allll the sunset views.

That’s not a hot spring, THIS is a hot spring. We’re headed inland to check out the World Heritage-listed ‘Cotton Castle’ of Pamukkale. The gleaming white terraces are on alllll the socials (eye roll), but they’re even more incredible in person. Trust us. Wade in the warm, mineral-rich waters. Explore the ancient Greek-Roman ruins of Hierapolis. Or unleash you inner Cleopatra with a soak in the Antique Pool. Then? We’ve got our GPS set for Kuşadasi, where an included dinner and rooftop cocktails along the glittering Aegean Coast awaits.

Ready to tick a Wonder of the Ancient World off your list? Thought so. Channel all the Indiana Jones vibes as we check out the ruins of Ephesus. Jump on a guided tour or explore the Temple of Hadrian, forgotten city halls, massive amphitheatre and statue-lined Curetes Way on your own. Don’t leave without gawping at the Temple of Artemis – this one’s for the memory bank. Back in Kuşadasi, the afternoon is yours for the taking. Cross over to Pigeon Island and check out the Byzantine fortress (birds not included). Hit the beach in town or journey south to buzzing Kadınlar Denizi. Flex your haggling skills at the Grand Bazaar. Or hunt down a harbourfront restaurant for fresher-than-fresh seafood. This is what you came for.

From one ancient archaeological site to another – we’re making tracks to the impressive Pergamon Acropolis. Catch allll the panoramas as we ride the cable car to the top. Then: wander through the colossal marble columns, explore ancient libraries, altars and temples – and soak up the views from the world’s steepest ancient amphitheatre. Tip: don’t look down. After, we’re setting our sights on the Ruins of Troy. Thanks to Brad Pitt’s oiled six-pack you know part of the story, but our expert Trip Leader will help set the REAL scene as we wander around what’s left of this legendary city. We’re winding things up in the waterfront city of Çanakkale tonight.

Today, we’ll make our way back to Istanbul. But first: Gallipoli – the historic peninsula with views stretching out over idyllic sandy beaches. We’ll pay our respects at the Australian War Memorial at Lone Pine and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair. Then it’s onto ANZAC Cove and the Turkish Memorial for a chance to stop and reflect on a piece of the past that changed the histories of Australia, New Zealand and Turkey forever. Back in Istanbul, we’ve got one last group dinner together. Suck up those tears – we’re going to give this unbelievable trip the send-off it deserves!

1 country. 13 days. Ancient wonders. Scenic stunners. And countless good times with a bunch of randoms, who are now like family. Get down to breakfast and swap those contact deets – you’re going to need them for that reunion trip. Then, squeeze in one last dondurma (Turkish ice cream) before you go. Where to next?