Bazaars, Balloons & Rooftop Sunsets
Dates: May 28th – June 1st 2026
Cost: €975
For the first time in 4 years, we’re planning a LONG WEEKEND adventure to Turkey – another addition to our new “long weekend adventures”, for those who don’t have the time or budget for our far-flung expeditions!
This is the trip for anyone who’s had Turkey on their list and keeps putting it off. Istanbul is one of those cities that hits you straight away, the chaos, the colour, the smell of simit and fresh fish, mosques and markets packed into every corner. Then you swap it all for the lunar landscape of Cappadocia, fairy chimneys, rose-tinted valleys, and the kind of sunrise you genuinely can’t get anywhere else on earth.
Five days isn’t long, but trust us, we’ve packed it properly!
What’s Included
4 nights accommodation
All activities, as listed
Meals, as listed
International JJ leader
Local tour guide
Excluded
Airport pickup on the day the trip starts
Personal expenses
International Flights
Travel Insurance
Visa costs
Accommodation
Throughout our stay in Turkey, we will stay in a mix of boutique hotels.
All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room, unless you choose to pay extra for your own room. We will partner you with an adventure buddy – an amazing way to make new friends! You’ll be moved around to pair up with a new friend every couple of nights.
All rooms will be twin-sharing, private rooms.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Istanbul
Welcome to one of the world’s great cities!
Arrive in Istanbul and make your way to the hotel at your leisure.
Get settled in, and join the group for your welcome dinner that evening. Istanbul doesn’t need much of an introduction, but by tomorrow you’ll start to see what all the fuss is about.
Meals Include: Welcome dinner
Day 2 - Tour of Istanbul
Today, we explore Istanbul on foot!
We’re taking you to the Sultanahmet district, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Spice Bazaar, and winding our way through the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops.
It’s loud, colourful, and you will absolutely buy something you didn’t plan to!
The evening is for rooftop drinks (at a secret spot!) as the sun goes down over the Bosphorus, and getting a taste of Istanbul nightlife! It will be magical ✨
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Flight to Cappadocia + ATV Adventure
Morning flight out to Cappadocia (about 1.5 hours), and then straight into the good stuff. We’ll check into our *very unique* cave hotel (with insane views!), have a spot of lunch, then be ready for some adventure!
This afternoon, we’re exploring the valleys by ATV as the sun starts to drop and the landscape turns golden. Cappadocia looks like something from another planet: ancient volcanic rock carved into towering cones, cave dwellings, and valleys that stretch out in every direction.
A proper welcome to one of the most surreal places you’ll ever visit.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 4: Sunrise Balloon Ride + Full Day in Cappadocia
The alarm goes off before dawn. Worth it.
This morning, we’re taking you on a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. You float up above the fairy chimneys as the sun rises over the valleys. You’ve seen pictures, and now you’ll get to experience it for yourself!
After landing (and probably a celebratory glass of champagne), we’re onto a packed, full-day tour.
We’ll explore Love Valley, with its famously shaped rock formations (yes, they look exactly like you think), descend into one of Cappadocia’s underground cities, carved out by early Christians as a place to hide from invaders, and have some time for shopping. Cappadocia is known for beautiful ceramics, textiles, and Turkish lamps.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Day 5: Departure
Time to head home! We’ll organise one airport transfer at a time that works for most of the group.
Safe travels, and see you on the next one!
Meals included: Breakfast
FAQ & Itinerary Notes:
This itinerary, as always, is open to small changes depending on the weather, flights, etc. Fear not, if we have to make any adjustments, it will be to swap something out with an equally, if not better, experience!
Please note that this trip begins in Istanbul and ends in Cappadocia.
I'm ready! How do I book?
Ready for an epic long weekend in Turkey?
Click the BOOK NOW button to head to our payment portal and secure your spot with a €450 deposit. The remaining balance will be due 1 month before departure.
How many people are on the trip?
This trip requires a minimum of 6 guests to proceed; the minimum must be met at least 6 weeks before departure to be guaranteed.
If the minimum number of guests is not met by then, a full refund will be issued.
Expect to travel with 6-10 new friends!
Why are deposits non-refundable?
The deposit for your trip is non-refundable due to several important factors. Firstly, when you book a spot, we immediately begin the process of planning and preparing for your journey. This involves engaging staff who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of your trip is meticulously organised. These preparations often involve upfront costs that are incurred from the moment your booking is confirmed. Additionally, by requiring a non-refundable deposit, we aim to ensure that all participants are committed to the trip.
We understand that plans can change, which is why we insist all travellers have trip insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might affect their ability to participate.
What about my other payments? Are they refundable?
All payments, except your deposit, are fully refundable three months prior to the departure date. After the three-month mark, any payments made are non-refundable. This is because we are usually unable to find a replacement at such short notice, and have contracts in place with our vendors that need to be fulfilled.
Again, we strongly recommend all travellers have travel insurance so that they can refund you should your plans change. At the end of the day, we are a small business, and we want nothing more than to continue showing our guests the world. We hope you understand the importance of adhering strictly to this policy.
How much money will I need for non-included meals, alcohol, and souvenirs?
Turkey is great value, especially once you’re out of the touristy spots. Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:
Lunches are your main daily expense since they’re not included. A sit-down lunch at a local restaurant will run you around €5–10. If you grab a döner or a börek from a street stall (highly recommended), you’re looking at €2–4.
Alcohol is widely available in Turkey and reasonably priced. A beer at a bar is around €3–5, and a glass of wine is typically €5–8. Rooftop bars in Istanbul can be a bit pricier, budget €8–12 per drink.
Souvenirs are where Turkey will really test your willpower. The Grand Bazaar and Cappadocia’s shops are full of beautiful goods: hand-painted ceramics, evil-eye jewellery, Turkish lamps, textiles, and spices. Prices vary wildly, and bargaining is expected in the bazaars, so have fun with it. Budget €50–100 if you want to bring a few things home, more if you fall in love with a rug (it happens).
How does tipping work?
To keep things smooth and stress-free, we will collect a kitty of €30 at the beginning of the trip. This ensures that all of our incredible on-the-ground vendors are taken care of, including guides, drivers, meals, and activities listed in your itinerary.
How physically demanding is the trip?
This trip is accessible for most fitness levels. There’s a decent amount of walking on the Istanbul tour, and the ATV adventure and hot air balloon ride are both pretty low-impact. The underground city involves some narrow passages and low ceilings, just a heads up if you’re claustrophobic!
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes! Let us know in advance and we’ll do our best. Turkish cuisine is generally very vegetarian-friendly, with lots of mezze, grilled veg, and cheese-based dishes. Severe allergies should always be flagged to us ahead of time.
What if I want my own room?
We believe that rooming is one of the best parts of the experience. It feels a little like adult summer camp and has always been a highlight for our guests, with nothing but positive feedback in the past.
That being said, if you feel that sharing does not suit your travel style, we are happy to discuss the option of a single room supplement. Simply reach out to us at janetsgrouptrips@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What are the health and vaccination requirements?
No mandatory vaccines are required to enter Turkey.
We recommend being up to date with routine vaccinations and consulting your GP or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure if you would like further guidance.
Who’s leading the trip?
Janet will be leading this Turkey trip!
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