May 17-25
Istanbul ( IST)
3 star hotels
9 nights
9 breakfasts
12-14
Bhutan backpacking
SHORT ITINERARY :
You’ll touch down at Istanbul Airport at 11 a.m., and right from the start, you’ll realize this Turkey group trip isn’t your typical holiday. We’ll dive headfirst into Istanbul’s rich history—starting with the Grand bazaar and Spice bazaar .
Get ready for a wild ride through the Grand Bazaar, where over 4,000 shops sell everything from spices to jewelry. Warning: you might walk in looking for souvenirs and walk out with a rug, three lamps, and enough Turkish delight to last a lifetime. Haggling is practically a sport here, so feel free to channel your inner negotiator.
We’ll finish the day with dinner on a cruise along the Bosphorus—because what’s a trip to Turkey without a little water under the (literal) bridge?
DID YOU KNOW?
No “Turkey” in Turkey: The bird known as a "turkey" was mistakenly named by European settlers who thought it was from Turkey. In Turkey, the bird is called "hindi," as it was believed to come from India!
On Day 2 of your Turkey group trip, we’ll explore Karaköy—a neighborhood where modern cafes mix with centuries-old charm.
Next, we’ll stroll over to Hagia Sophia, a building that’s had more makeovers than a reality TV star. It started as a church, then became a mosque, and now it’s a museum. The grandeur of the Byzantine mosaics is breathtaking, but keep an eye out for the Viking graffiti. Yep, even back then, tourists couldn’t resist leaving their mark!
Your caffeine fix will come with a side of history, before we head to see Galata Tower from outside. Next we head to Blue mosque, place where you’ll wonder how many Instagram shots it’ll take to capture all six minarets. Fun fact: the mosque was built with so many minarets, the sultan was accused of trying to one-up Mecca (he wasn’t, but he did make history).
Later, we’ll head to Istiklal Street, where you’ll stroll past street performers and quirky shops, or just grab a bite at one of Karaköy’s trendy cafes. Trust me, the street food here is legendary—if you haven’t tried a simit (the Turkish version of a bagel), are you even on a Turkey group trip?
We are organising a food tour today and take you for a walk to taste the following
Kumpir
Turkish ice cream
Simit
San Sebastian Cheesecake
Baklava
DID YOU KNOW?
Cats Rule Istanbul: Istanbul is famous for its enormous stray cat population. Cats are treated like royalty, with residents and tourists alike caring for them, and many shops and cafés welcome cats inside.
Early morning : We will also head to the Süleymaniye Mosque, perched on one of Istanbul’s seven hills, offers not only awe-inspiring architecture but also some of the best panoramic views of the city. Designed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque has a serene courtyard, elegant domes, and intricate details inside, with its spacious interior lit by soft light filtering through stained glass windows.
Start the day on the Asian side of Istanbul with a visit to one of the grand mosques, probably the Çamlıca Mosque. It’s the largest mosque in Turkey, with its stunning architecture, intricate tile work, and peaceful courtyards, offering a sense of serenity and history.
As evening approaches, cross back to the European side and make your way to Galata Tower. The tower stands tall with a view that captures the entire city under the golden glow of sunset, the Bosphorus shimmering below.
To wrap up, you’ll participate in a lamp-making workshop, where you create your own Turkish-style mosaic lamp. The soft glow from your handmade lamp will forever remind you of this memorable day in Istanbul.
Not a bad mix of culture, history, and hands-on creativity!
DID YOU KNOW?
Tulips Came from Turkey: Though often associated with the Netherlands, tulips were first cultivated in Turkey and later brought to Europe by traders. Turkey’s obsession with tulips even led to the "Tulip Era" (Lale Devri) in the Ottoman Empire.
In the afternoon, things get crafty. Ever tried making your own mosaic lamp? Now’s your chance! You’ll create a colorful masterpiece to take home—because who wouldn’t want a Turkish lamp in their living room to brag about ?
DID YOU KNOW?
Turkey’s Eternal Flames: The Chimaera in southern Turkey has flames that have been burning for over 2,500 years due to natural gas escaping from the earth. This phenomenon likely inspired ancient myths of fire-breathing creatures.
On Day 4
, we will reach to Antalya in the morning via flight , a city where you can hit the beach and explore ancient Roman gates all in one afternoon.
We will keep our bags in the hotel freshen up and then head for a chilled out breakfast.
First, we’ll visit Hadrian’s Gate—a 2,000-year-old archway that once welcomed emperors.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ancient Gladiator School: Did you know there’s an ancient gladiator school in Turkey? The remains of a 2,000-year-old gladiator training center were found in the ancient city of Ephesus, once a key center of gladiatorial contests.
Then, get ready for some serious relaxation with a traditional Turkish bath at a local hammam. Picture yourself wrapped in steam, scrubbed clean, and more relaxed than you’ve ever been. It’s like a spa day, but with centuries of tradition behind it.Turkish baths have been an integral part of the culture for centuries, originally designed for socializing as much as for bathing.
Today’s all about chilling. We’ll head to Konyaaltı Beach
In the afternoon, we’ll take a short trip to see the Düden Waterfalls—where, yes, the water literally plunges straight into the sea. It’s nature’s version of a dramatic exit.
If you’re in the mood for adventure, there’s always a beach party happening somewhere.
The Düden Waterfalls are unique because they cascade directly into the Mediterranean Sea, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene.
DID YOU KNOW?
World’s Oldest Underwater City: The ancient city of Kekova is submerged off Turkey's coast. Visitors can take boat tours to see the underwater ruins of this Lycian city, including homes, staircases, and roads.
The highlight of today’s adventure is the surreal landscape of Pamukkale, where you can walk across white travertine terraces filled with thermal water.
Afterward, we’ll head to Cleopatra Beach, where legend says the Egyptian queen herself swam in these very waters. So go ahead—channel your inner royalty!
DID YOU KNOW?
Home of Santa Claus: The real St. Nicholas, who inspired the legend of Santa Claus, was born in modern-day Turkey in the town of Patara. His reputation for secret gift-giving became legendary.
Day 7 is when your Turkey group trip takes a turn into fantasy land—welcome to Cappadocia, where the landscape looks like something straight out of a storybook.
We’ll explore Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Monk’s Valley, where bizarre rock formations, called fairy chimneys, have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. They say the formations in Love Valley resemble something a little cheeky… but I’ll let you be the judge.
Wake up early for the experience of a lifetime: a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique landscape. Floating above the fairy chimneys at sunrise is something you’ll never forget—unless you’re afraid of heights, in which case, let’s just call it a "memorable thrill."
Afterward, we’ll hike through Ihlara Valley, a lush canyon with a river meandering through it, before finishing the day with dinner in a Cappadocian cave restaurant. It’s the perfect way to end the day—delicious food, a cozy cave, and plenty of stories to share.
DID YOU KNOW?
World’s First Stock Exchange: The ancient city of Aizanoi in western Turkey is home to the world’s first stock exchange. The Macellum (marketplace) here set fixed prices for goods, making it an early form of a regulated stock exchange in the 2nd century AD.
Our trip ends today . You will be dropped back to Cappadocia airport by 10am today. Book any flight post that.
If you’re extending your trip, why not cap it off with a paragliding adventure in Fethiye? You’ll soar over the famous blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz Beach, one of the most beautiful spots in the world.
If you’re heading home, just take one last look at the stunning Turkish landscape and let it all sink in. This has been an epic Turkey group trip—and you’ve got the memories (and souvenirs) to prove it!
Turkey is calling, are you ready?
FUN FACTS
Historical Crossroads: Turkey is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. The city of Istanbul straddles both continents!
Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys: The region of Cappadocia is famous for its otherworldly landscape of fairy chimneys—tall, thin spires of rock that have formed due to volcanic activity and erosion.
Ancient Troy: The ancient city of Troy, made famous by Homer's epic "The Iliad," is located in modern-day Turkey. The archaeological site of Troy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Turkish Delight: Turkish delight, or "lokum," is a traditional sweet treat that's been enjoyed for centuries. It comes in a variety of flavors and often includes nuts or fruit.
Blue Mosque: The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, is renowned for its stunning blue tiles and its impressive size. It has six minarets, which is unusual for mosques.
Largest Cathedral Mosaics: The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which has served as both a church and a mosque, boasts some of the largest and most intricate Byzantine mosaics in the world.
Breathtaking Pamukkale: Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is known for its stunning white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. It's a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Feast of Culture: Turkish cuisine is renowned for its diversity and flavor. Dishes like kebabs, baklava, and mezes (small appetizers) are just a few examples of the rich culinary traditions in Turkey.
Unique Language: Turkish is a member of the Turkic language family and uses the Latin alphabet. It's known for its vowel harmony and agglutinative structure, meaning that it often forms words by stringing together various suffixes.
A Turkey Trip to Remember
My wife Pooja and I joined the Orange Jacket New Year’s 2025 trip to Turkey, led by the amazing Neha. As lifelong solo travelers, we were initially skeptical about a group trip. But with friends now tied up with kids or other priorities, we decided to take a chance – and honestly, it turned out to be the best decision in a long time!
The Tribe :
We were the oldest (and only married) couple in the group, but the youthful energy transported us straight back to our college days. From long airport waits to early morning flights and 5-hour road trips, nothing felt tedious with this lively bunch. It was like living in a hostel again, where something was always happening – endless banter, impromptu games, and late-night shenanigans.
The Vibe :
This wasn’t just a trip; it was an experience. We played Mafia until late in Cappadocia, danced to Bollywood hits in Antalya, made reels at Taksim Square, and even recreated Khwaja Mere Khwaja in front of a mosque! For 10 days, worries stayed back in India as we immersed ourselves in stories, laughter, and memories. Traveling with this group wasn’t just refreshing – it was downright rejuvenating.
The Leader :
Neha Karnani, our incredible trip leader, was the glue that held it all together. She ensured everything ran smoothly – from clicking our pictures to finding great vegetarian food (and not just Indian!). Her "10 minutes, or I’ll leave and send the location" threat became legendary, though she never actually left anyone behind. Neha even took us beyond the itinerary to make sure this trip would stay etched in our hearts forever.
In short, Turkey with Orange Jacket wasn’t just a vacation – it was a journey filled with laughter, new friendships, and unforgettable moments. We’d do it all over again in a heartbeat !
GROUP TRIP DATES:
FLIGHTS AND VISA DETAILS :
USD 1350 / Pax ( Before April 17 )
USD 1400 / Pax ( After April 17 )
Note: Indian customers can pay using todays conversion rate from INR-USD
You can block the slot by paying a token amount of 10500 INR for this trip either by UPI , credit card/ EMI or by Bank transfer.
Be Proud Of You. A Trip Is Gift To Self. When Was The Last Time You Gifted Yourself ?
Before 45 days of trip, there will be 10% cancellation charge
Before 30 days and within 44 days of arrival, there will be 25% cancellation charge
Before 15 days and within 29 days of arrival ,there will be 50% cancellation charge
Within 14 days of trip there will be 100% cancellation charges
Note that the cancellation charge is on the trip amount. All this been said if you or me can find a replacement for the slot. I will be happy to refund the entire amount. 🙂
Here’s a solid packing list for your Turkey trip in December.
Mandatory : Original ID Proof( Aadhar/Voter Id)
Clothing:
Modest attire for religious sites (long pants/skirts, shirts with sleeves).
Lightweight clothing for warm weather and layers for cooler evenings.
Swimsuit for coastal areas.
Avoid tank tops and short shorts in cities or religious sites.
Footwear:
Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing.
Sandals for warmer weather.
Hiking boots for outdoor activities.
Accessories:
Scarves/shawls for mosques.
Sunglasses and sunhat for sun protection.
Small daypack for daily excursions.
Smartphone/camera and chargers.
Power bank for on-the-go charging.
Pro Tip:
If you’re visiting mosques, bring a light scarf for women to cover your head, and consider wearing easy-to-slip-off shoes since you’ll be required to remove them before entering.
Most people come alone for my trips. About 25% of the people bring a friend or partner.Honestly It really doesn't matter. I have seen on all the batches I have lead. Most people really gel with everyone, even the ones who thought wouldn't gel up, surprise themselves always with the way they got comfortable with everyone.
Each trek/ trip is rated according to the number of days we spend outdoors . If you aren't sure where to start, go with an easy trip or trek.
For trips,
I dreamed of trips where we could go out hike , get exhausted , come back to hotel and have a great evening. This is exactly why some of my trips have Day hikes in it. It is a perfect chance for people who have never hiked in their entire life. Don't worry, We are there :).
For treks,
you can start with Sandhakphu or Chandrashila . You can also benchmark yourself for the treks.
If you have never done a high altitude trek, then start with a easy or Easy- moderate trek. That way you will understand how your body reacts to high altitude and you can check you cardio strength too.
Usually, most batch sizes are between 12-20 people who are aged between 16-38. Most people come alone or with a friend. The trip would feel like you are travelling more with college friends than strangers. We tend to do more outdoorsy things than regular trips .
For example : If we find a very pretty waterfall/ a beautiful sunset / Rainbow on the way. We would stop the vehicle right away to catch the beauty of it.
We usually sleep very late on these trips as we play a lot of group games and most people feel they will miss the precious time with the group members and decides to stay awake.
Here are few places you can read more about the brand and trips
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