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Gay Travel Türkiye Cultural Tour

September 30, 2019 by



A Gay Travel Türkiye Cultural Tour

 2023  October 8 to 20 – Booking Closed

Prices listed are per person:
Shared Room: $8498
Private Room: $10,298

Deposit: $1000
Booking Closed
This tour is currently closed. Please check back often to see when we run it again. You can also contact us about a custom tour package.

Physical Challenge

Physical Level 1
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Testimonials

“The visit to Turkey was a revelation and a real joy from start to finish. Istanbul is a city on 2 continents and is a great pedestrian-friendly city.” – Tom Murray, Winston-Salem, N.C.

“…from its unusual cuisine, historic archaeological sites and wondrous mosques and palaces, to its friendly people and urbane Istanbul, every day held surprise and delight.” – Rolf F., Jamaica Plains, MA

    HIGHLIGHTS OVERVIEW ITINERARY INCLUDES EXTENSIONS FAQ

From Istanbul to the ancient city of Ephesus, and the beautiful Turquoise Coast to the mysterious landscape of the Anatolian heartland. On this gay travel Türkiye tour, we’ll explore the best of this fascinating crossroads of civilization. Enjoy stunning city sites, archaeological wonders and a boat ride along the coast in a classic vessel on our gay tour of Türkiye.


Highlights

Tour Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, an Ottoman Palace and the Grand Bazaar in the city known as Istanbul, Constantinople, and Byzantium.
Take in vistas of Istanbul from a cruise along the Bosphorus.
Be dazzled by Istanbul’s dizzying nightlife.
Experience a traditional Turkish bath (hammam).
Explore Ephesus, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient sites in the world.
Relax on a comfortable Turkish gulet ( yacht) for one full-day cruise and one half-day cruise to experience the variety of landscapes along the Turquoise Coast,
Walkthrough history at Myra, Perge, and Aspendos near Antalya.
Visit the home of the Whirling Dervishes in Konya.
See the otherworldly sandstone formations and forgotten cave churches of Cappadocia.


Overview

A Classical Tour of Türkiye: Sailing through History

Türkiye: the only country that occupies two continents. Türkiye: a land of so much diversity of seacoasts, mountains, and plains that it could be one continent by itself. Türkiye: home to well-preserved archeological sites that show the vast expanse of the ancient Greek and Roman empires. Türkiye: a cradle of Christian civilization harking back to the days when Istanbul was called Byzantium and Constantinople. Türkiye: home to the Ottoman Empire that extended far beyond the borders of today’s nation. Türkiye: a primarily Muslim country in which secular government has long been enshrined in its constitution. Join us to explore this amazing land with our articulate Turkish guide!


Itinerary


Map:

 

Days 1-3: Istanbul

spice market on the gay HE Travel tour of Turkey

We will arrive in Istanbul and be transferred to our first hotel. Later this evening, we will meet with our tour guide and enjoy our welcome dinner and orientation.

We’ll spend the next two days exploring the city, which is dramatically situated upon three waterways: the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Golden Horn. Istanbul’s exotic flavor comes alive in its magnificent mosques with their minarets, bustling bazaars, and boulevards and bridges. We’ll have ample time to soak in the atmosphere of the city and enjoy its many exciting vistas.

We’ll start at Hagia Sophia, known for its magnificent dome, then tour the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque, with its magnificent paneling of over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles.

After lunch, on our first full day in Istanbul, we’ll wind down with a visit to a traditional Turkish Bath (hammam).

No stay in Istanbul is complete without an unforgettable boat excursion through the Bosphorus, the winding strait that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Mediterranean and Black Seas. We start our second full day in Istanbul with a boat ride, then we’ll take a leisurely visit to either the Dolmabahce Palace, the grand administrative center of the Ottoman government overlooking the Bosporus, or the Topkapi Palace Museum, a former residence of the Ottoman Sultans and now a museum filled with Chinese porcelain and extraordinary jewelry. After lunch at an elegant seafood restaurant, we’ll visit the Grand Bazaar, exploring a labyrinth of streets and passages where more than 4000 merchants will vie for our attention.

Day 4: Cappadocia

From Istanbul, we will fly to Cappadocia, where we’ll check into our hotel for the next three nights. Over centuries, soft volcanic rock has been sculpted by wind, rain, and erosion into magnificent columns and fantastical shapes, creating one of the most interesting landscapes in the world.

On our first afternoon in the Cappadocia region, we will descend to the remarkable underground city of Ozkonak. This underground City is an ancient city built into the northern slopes of Mt. Idis about 14 km northeast of Avanos in Nevşehir Province, in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a pottery-making demonstration by a local artist, then stop for a wine tasting and learn more about what makes this region ideal for vineyards.

Day 5: Goreme, Red Valley, Esentepe and Uchisar Castle

We will ascend from Derinkuru for lunch,  After the ceremony, we’ll check into our unique lodgings at a cave resort, where we will have a first-hand experience of the unique characteristics of cave dwellings. We’ll conclude our tour with a three-night stay in this other-worldly destination.

The next day we’ll visit the open-air museum of Göreme whose steep cliffs hide many tiny churches dating from the 9th century when Christians fled here to escape persecution. We’ll visit a 180-foot-high fortress carved out of a natural hill dominating the area, for a breathtaking view of the surrounding Cappadocia formations and other sights.

Day 6: Zelve – Pasabag Valleys, Cavusin and Avanos

ballooning over cappadocia on the HE Travel gay tour of Turkey

Today starts at 5 am for anyone who would like to arrange for an optional hot air balloon ride over the vast sandstone landscape. Later in the morning, we’ll visit the region of Zelve, including the Pasabag Valley, Cavusin, and Avanos, where we will have lunch in a cave restaurant.

This evening we will enjoy a Turkish Night Show with a performance and dinner.

Day 7: Do All Dervishes Whirl?

an ancient damaged mural on the HE Travel gay tour of Turkey

After breakfast, we drive for about four hours from Cappadocia to Konya, enjoying the views along the way.

We will have lunch upon arrival in Konya, then in the afternoon, we will tour the city, including a visit to Mevlana Museum to see the cells of the dervishes, fine drawings by famous calligraphy artists, and the tombs of the Sufi and other male dignitaries.

Most tourists get a quick glimpse of the Sufi tradition and then move on, but we are going to slow down and spend one night here so that you will have a chance to see what makes this unique spiritual center so special.

Day 8: Perge, Aspendos, and Antalya

stone bridge on the HE Travel gay tour of Turkey

Today we explore the ancient sites around Antalya. One stop will be the ancient city of Perge, which was founded after the Trojan wars, and was first mentioned in 334 BC when Alexander the Great passed through. Later Perge was where the apostle Paul and Barnabus began their first mission in Anatolia.

Further along, the ancient Pamphylian city of Aspendos is noted for its Roman and Byzantine ruins, and in particular a well-preserved Roman theater. A wide range of coinage from the 5th century BC onward attests to the city’s wealth, which was based on trade in salt, oil, and wool. Aspendos was occupied by Alexander the Great in 333 BC and fell under Roman rule in 133 BC.

This evening we will enjoy an Antalya old city tour by night.

Days 9-10: Kalkan – Bodrum

Enjoy a tour of Myra before our drive to Kekova. We’ll enjoy a 4-hour Gulet Sail from Kevkova to Ucagiz with lunch on board, then enjoy our evening in Kalkan.

The following day we will explore the Ancient City of Xanthose before enjoying lunch at the port city of Fethiye, one of the best sailing harbors of the Mediterranean. We will then make our way to Bodrum, one of the most beautiful locations along Turkey’s Lycian Coast.

Day 11: Sailing the Turquoise Coast

cruising the coast on the HE Travel gay tour of Turkey

In contrast to our busy day the day before, we devote a day to relaxing on an all-day ride on a gulet, a charming and comfortable wooden sailing vessel. Tonight, we will stay in Bodrum and enjoy a free evening.

Day 12: Home of the Ephesians

ephesus arch on the gay HE Travel tour of Turkey

This morning we will drive to the ancient Roman site of Ephesus, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient cities in the world. A walk down the well-preserved wide marble streets lined with columns offers a vision of the ancient Hellenistic and Roman empires, complete with theaters, temples, and baths.

After touring Ephesus we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, then drive to our hotel in Kusadasi. Tonight we will enjoy our Farewell Dinner before departing the next morning.

Day 13: Istanbul Return & Departure Day

view of bosphorus on the HE Travel gay tour of Turkey

From Kusadasi, we will provide a transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Istanbul to connect with flights home or to your next destination. For those who would like to spend more time in Istanbul, our local partners can also arrange transfers and lodging to extend your stay.


Price Includes

Price includes: All transportation within Türkiye, including domestic flights from Istanbul to Kayseri; Airport departure taxes for group flights; Transfer from Istanbul Airport to the hotel on arrival; Deluxe hotel rooms in double occupancy, with private bath (limited number of single rooms available upon request); All breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 4 dinners; Entrance fees to included sites, as well as to a Turkish bath in Istanbul; One full day and one half-day ride on a classical gulet (sailing vessel) along Turquoise Coast; Gratuities for porterage and included meals. Services of a knowledgeable HE Travel tour host (with a minimum number of participants);  HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage.

Not included: Airfare between home and Istanbul; Flight from Izmir to Istanbul to connect with international flights; Departure taxes for international flights (if any); Turkish visa obtained upon arrival (cost has recently been US$20 payable in cash upon arrival at Istanbul); Gratuity for guides, host, and hotel staff; Personal items including alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: Approximately $350 – This MUST be reserved in advance but you will pay directly to the vendor once on tour. — AS of 8/3/23 this is no longer an option for the 2023 tour.

We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance to protect your vacation investment in case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight delay, illness, or injury. Click Here to learn more about our Insurance partner.


Extensions

When you travel “Back-to-Back” on two or more of our tours, you are eligible for a discount! Contact us for details.

Arrive Early and Join our Italy Unveiled Tour!

HE-Gay-Travel-Italy-Unveiled-cute-gay-group-in-capri-italy-posing-happy

An exquisite gay cultural tour of Italy with a congenial gay group exploring the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and the enchanting regions of Basilicata and Puglia. We’ll delve into the history of Pompeii, and delight in the natural splendor of the region, admiring the tenacity with which ancient residents settled the cliffs and islands of the Mediterranean. Read an article about this tour in South Florida Gay News.

Or

Arrive Early and Join our Scotland Tour!

SM-Scotland-mutisport-gay-travel-adventure-tour-hiking-biking-canoeing-ziplining-hetravel-worldwide-hiking

On this gay Scotland Adventure Tour, we find the most enjoyable ways to see the destination. We will start our journey with a walking tour to give some history and to view the Old Town of Edinburgh before we head to the countryside. Join us as we explore Cairngorms National Park on foot, and zip-line through the tree-tops of Loch Lomond National Park. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Loch Tay and views from Dunnottar Castle. We will even have time for a private closed-door whiskey distillery tour. Head to Scotland now and get your fix on men in sexy kilts.

FAQ

What if I am traveling alone?
Most of our trips draw more single travelers than couples. When couples do join us, it’s usually because they’re looking forward to interacting with a gay group; if they wanted a holiday by themselves, they wouldn’t have signed up to travel with us. Furthermore, the activities included with our trips serve as natural ice-breakers. Within a day, you’ll be traveling with friends. You don’t need to pay the single supplement if you’re traveling alone. We’ll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself. For selected trips, including cruises, we will charge half the single supplement if you request a roommate but we can’t match you with someone.
What is the physical activity level of this tour?
Physical Activity Level
Physical Level 1

To fully enjoy this tour you need to be able to walk around unevenly paved ancient sites for 1-4 hours each day. During the season we visit Turkey, days should be warm with occasional showers.
Where does the tour start and end?
This tour starts in Istanbul, Turkey and ends in Izmir, Turkey.
Additional Questions
For answers to your additional questions, please email info@hetravel.com or call 305-294-8174
You might be interested in our Gay Italy History Tour.
Read about our Jewels of India Gay Cultural Tour.


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