Classical Turkey With Danni

Turkey’s rich heritage, culinary delights, sparkling seas and pink-hued terrain collide in spectacular fashion on this unmissable eight-day odyssey

What's Included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Stay in hand-picked 3-5 star hotels
2 domestic flights
Private minibus
Arrival airport transfer
Accommodation in twin rooms
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room.

MAY 16TH – MAY 23RD 2025

ABOUT DANNI DUNCAN @danni___duncan

Kia ora, fellow travelers! I’m Danni, a childfree influencer and founder of The Others Club. I love experiencing new cultures, trying new foods, and exploring new scenery. My next adventure with Flash Pack is taking me to Turkey, where I’ll swim in secret turquoise coves, soar in a hot air balloon, and explore ancient ruins dating back to the fourth century.
I’m here to encourage you to embrace your full self. I love helping others find confidence in who they are and being unapologetic about it. Join me on this exciting journey!

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.

You and your fellow Flashpackers will 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.

A welcome feast

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 specialities (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

Private boating on the Med

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

Turkey’s finest classical site

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

Explore an underground city

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

Sunrise hot air ballooning

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

Sunset on a private yacht

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

Instanbul insider's tour

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

Goodbye, Turkey

It’s time for your last breakfast with your Flash Pack group but it doesn’t need to be your last day in Turkey. We recommend you spend at least a day – or more – exploring Istanbul. And then there’s the rest of this beautiful and welcoming country to see. Ask us for some tips, and we’ll happily point you in the right direction. Until next time, safe travels.

Our Favourite 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

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.

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.

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 the hotel.

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. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

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.

How much luggage can I bring?

The luggage allowance for the internal flights is 15kg. You can pay locally for extra luggage at a cost of 80 Turkish lira (approximately USD 5) for each additional 5kg.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

Approximately 400 Turkish Lira, the equivalent of USD 45 per day.

The luggage allowance for the internal flights is 15kg. You can pay locally for extra luggage at a cost of 80 Turkish lira (approximately USD 5) for each additional 5kg.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness here. 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.

Will the hot air ballooning go ahead in bad weather?

Unfortunately the hot air ballooning excursion on Day 7 will have to be cancelled 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.

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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