Wellness in Turkey Tour
WELLNES IN TURKEY TOUR
At Our Local Tour we are delighted to work with a small local operator based in Istanbul whose commitment to ethical, responsible travel is paramount. They have designed the Wellness in Turkey tour as a relexing and unique way to experience authentic Turkey.
They design tours of their country, crafted with love and understanding. They are also keen to show visitors to the country that there is more to Turkey than the famous beach resorts. This unique wellness focused tour covers the important cultural and historical aspects of the country with yoga lessons in Cappadocia and hike through beautiful pine forests. Take a Turkish bath and learn to cook with the locals on this immersive 12 day tour.
Day 1 – Welcome to Türkiye
You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and tour leader for a welcome meeting. This will give you the opportunity to set your intention for the trip ahead and get to know your travel buddies. After the meeting, your tour leader will take you to a special and local restaurant for a vegetarian dinner and begin the 'Wellness in Turkey' tour.
Overnight at the Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel or similar (D)
Day 2 – Istanbul
Enjoy your daily tour guided by your tour leader exploring special spots of Istanbul including Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Harem section, Sultanahmet Square, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. We have included a special Turkish bath session with a scrub and massage to get you invigorated for the journey ahead.
Overnight at the Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel or similar (B)
Day 3 – Fethiye
We will drive to airport to catch a flight to Dalaman. Late afternoon we will take a walk from the Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz to Kayaköy. It’s a great walk and the perfect opportunity to take some beautiful photographs. The ghost town of Kayaköy is a must-see. Once a thriving community of Muslims and Christians, the town was abandoned during the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Nowadays, the beautiful homes, churches, and shops continue to stand in the sun, dilapidated but still filled with a certain air of mystery.
Overnight at the Alesta Yacht Hotel or similar (B)
Day 4 – Ovacik to Faralya
Today you will put your walking shoes and head to the 4th longest hiking trail in Europe, Lycian Way. You will hike for around 4 hours along the 13km from Ovacik to Faralya village. Begin your walk to Faralya in its spectacular location at the top of the Butterfly Valley. An ascent over the western end of the Baba Dag mountain range will take you to the traditional village of Kirme with terraced rice fields, where locals harvest olives and keep goats and cattle. From here, continue down a deep valley to Faralya.
Overnight at the Alesta Yacht Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 5 – Antalya
Today we will drive to Antalya where we will have a guided tour of the old city. Kaleici is the beautiful old quarter of Antalya city. Its ancient, narrow cobbled streets are lined with old Ottoman houses and shady stone courtyards, while the restored Roman harbour is full of restaurants serving fresh seafood. One of the historic homes also houses the Suna-İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum, which focusses on ethnography and also happens to contain an Orthodox church in the beautiful garden. You can also do some shopping in one of the many little stores selling souvenirs, or just sit down at a cafe for a much-needed rest in the shade.
Overnight at the Aspen Hotel or similar (B)
Day 6 – Yoga and Gulet Trip
We start early this morning with our yoga instructor taking a session before we head off for a trip in a traditional Gulet. A gulet is a wooden classic yacht built usually in Bodrum or Marmaris from the southwestern coast of Turkey. The average size of the gulet is 20 to 30 meters in length and feature 4 to 8 cabins. The Turks have always been expert boat builders and have evolved these boats from spartan fishing boats into luxury crewed sailing yachts with all of the amenities. Enjoy time on our private charter as we stop off and explore the area. Remember your swimwear and sun cream!
Overnight at the Aspen Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 7 – The Ancient city of Perge
Today we will explore Perge. This stunning ancient city contains some of the most beautiful Hellenistic and Roman Ruins in all of Turkey. The city was established at the top of a hill between 2 rivers, the Catarrhactes and Celastrus and the earliest settlers were in this area around 2000 B.C. The city was also one of the most important sculpture production centres of the ancient times, and famous for its architecture, marble sculpting and the statues. Here, you’ll explore and admire the ruins of the Roman temple, old school buildings, baths and the impressive entrance.
Overnight at the Aspen Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 8 – Cappadocia
We will drive to the airport for our flight to Cappadocia. On arrival we will have a guided tour of underground city followed by a pottery demonstration. Later in the afternoon there will be a Sufi dance demonstration with an instructor and you are very welcome to join in!
Overnight at the Heybe Hotel or similar (B)
Day 9 – Yoga and Wine tasting
It is a busy day today. We will start with a Yoga session that takes place in a lovely valley this morning. Having limbered up and feeling energetic, we then take a soft hike in the Red valley and meet with a local guru to teach us about the carpet manufacturing that is located in this region. Finally, what better way to finish off the day than a wine tasting session where you can sample the local produce.
Overnight at the Heybe Hotel or similar (B)
Day 10 – Goreme Open Air Museum
Today we visit one of the highlights of our Turkish tour. Goreme Open Air Museum is a Byzantine monastic settlement that housed some 20 monks, then a pilgrimage site from the 17th century. This splendid cluster of monastic Byzantine artistry with its rock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries is a must see on any tour of Capadoccia. In the afternoon we will visit a local family and have a private cooking class in a real cave house. Amazing memories and experiences that will last for ever.
Overnight at the Heybe Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 11 - Istanbul
Today we will drive to Kayseri airport and catch our flight back to Istanbul. There is free time in the afternoon to do some last-minute shopping or explore more of the city. This evening there will be a farewell dinner as we reminisce over the highlights of our wellness tour in Turkey.
Overnight at the Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel or similar (BD)
Day 12 – End of Türkiye Tour
The tour ends after breakfast this morning. We can either arrange transfers back to the airport for you or further arrangements. Just let us know!
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book the Wellness in Turkey Tour
Departure Dates
This is a private tour and can be scheduled for any departure date.
Price - from £4250 per person (based on two people sharing)
Included in the Wellness in Turkey Tour
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Transportation as described with A/C and driver
- All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
- Daily breakfast (B), plus lunch (L) and dinner (D) as shown in the itinerary
- Services of a local expert English speaking guides
- Flight from Istanbul to Dalaman, Antalya to Cappadocia and Cappadocia to Istanbul (Luggage allowance for internal flights: 15 kg.)
- Yoga mats will be provided for each group member
- All entrance fees and excursions as mentioned
Not Included in the Wellness in Turkey Tour
- International travel to the start and end point - contact us for information and flight options
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Any visa requirements
- Drinks
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips for drivers and guides
Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.
Visa and Passport Information
Passport validity
If you are visiting Turkey, your passport should be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive and there should be a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps. You can find more detail about the requirements for entry into Turkey on the website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you are a resident in Turkey, your passport must be valid for six months from the date you arrive.
Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
Visas
British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes are able to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you plan to remain in Turkey for a period of more than 90 days, you should either apply for a longer stay visa before you travel, or get a residence permit from the local authorities in Turkey before your 90 day stay has elapsed. If you intend to work in Turkey, ensure you have the correct permits. More information is available from the Turkish Ministry of the Interior. If you do not abide by the terms of your visa or permit, you may be fined, deported and banned from re-entering the country.
If you’re entering Turkey via a land border crossing, make sure your passport has a dated entry stamp before you leave the border crossing area.
If you hold a different type of British nationality (eg BN(O), British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person, British Subject or British Overseas Territories Citizen), check visa requirements with the Turkish Consulate General before you travel. These types of passport are classed as ‘UK Special Passports’ in the Turkish e-Visa system. You will need to apply for a visa from the Turkish Consulate General before you travel.
Health
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website. General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines is controlled in Turkey. For more information on controlled medicines and the relevant documentation required, contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate before you travel. See this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines.
What to bring on your Wellness in Turkey Tour
Clothing
Lightweight clothing which can be layered is adviseable and a warmer jumper for cooler evenings. A light rain coat is suggested. There is a laundry available in most hotels.
Footwear
Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals. Waterproof footware is recommended.
Luggage while on your tour
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suit case.
Equipment
We recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a waterbottle. A solar charger for your phone and other electronics is a good idea.
Currency
The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. You can get local currency from banks and exchange bureaus, known as DOVIZ in Turkish. As of 13 October 2022, Turkish banks will no longer accept the old style £20 and £50 sterling banknotes.
Use of electronic devices
Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets /points.
Weather in Turkey
Summers are hot and dry with refreshing sea breezes and clear waters. It is often cooler on higher ground and in the mountains and can be cold at night, even in the summer. During the shoulder seasons (loosely speaking, before mid-May and after early October), temperatures and rainfall can be erratic, with some temperatures dropping to 8-12 degrees, and other days being bright and sunny up to 25 degrees. Mountain locations will be cooler than on the coast, of course. In the winter, temperatures usually hover between 0 and 10 degrees, but are usually wet, particularly around the coast.
Time Zone
Turkey is GMT +3
Internet Availability
Wifi Internet access, often free, is common all over Turkey. Virtually all hotels have Wifi and many restaurants, cafés, bars, beach café-bars and offices offer it.
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