Day 1

 

Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours free to explore at your own pace.

Overnight Istanbul

4 star

Green Park Hotel Taksim

 

Day 2

 

Istanbul Old City

After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome.

Overnight Istanbul

4 star

Green Park Hotel Taksim

(B)

 

Day 3

 

Safranbolu

After breakfast, we drive to Safranbolu. Visiting some of the finest surviving traditional Turkish civil architecture. Stroll along the town's cobbled streets to Cinci Caravanserai and Bath, Kaymakamlar (Governors) House, Izzet Mehmet Pasa Mosque and the old Yemeniciler shoe makers' guild bazaar.

Overnight Safranbolu

Boutique

Havuzlu Asmazlar Konagi

(B, D)

 

Day 4

 

Hattusa, Cappadocia

Early morning departure for Cappadocia, visit the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa. In the Yazilikaya rock sanctuary there are impressive carved reliefs that portray the Hittite gods. We continue to the unique volcanic area of Cappadocia.

Overnight Cappadocia

5 star

Perissia Hotel

(B, D)

 

Day 5

 

Goreme, Uchisar Castle

Marvel at the lunar landscape with a fully guided tour of Goreme Valley, the fairy chimneys, Uchisar castle, explore the many levels of an underground city and more.

Overnight Cappadocia

5 star

Perissia Hotel

(B, D)

 

Day 6

 

Konya, Beysehir

Morning departure to Konya along the old Silk Road, visit Sultanhani Caravanserai and Mevlana Museum. This centre celebrates Rumi, the famous mystic and poet who founded the Sufi Order of the Whirling Dervishes. Afterwards we drive to Beysehir.

Overnight Beysehir

Special Class

Anamas Konukevi

(B, D)

 

Day 7

 

Antalya, Sagalassos

After breakfast, we drive to ancient site of Sagalassos which dates back to 25 B.C., visiting the Antonin's Fountain, Hamam or large bath house built in second century. After this, we see the still intact ruins of the area, the highest theatre in Anatolia. The theatre was built as a single storey in 180-200 A.D., with the view of the landscape kept in mind for the audience. Sagalassos is one of the best preserved cities in all of Asia.

Overnight Ağlasun

Boutique

Sagalassos Lodge and Spa Hotel

(B, D)

 

Day 8

 

Pamukkale, Hierapolis

This morning we are heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers. End of our visit, drive to Kusadasi.

Overnight Kuşadası

5 star

Tusan Beach Hotel

(B, D)

 

Day 9

 

Ephesus, Kusadasi

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.

Overnight Kuşadası

5 star

Tusan Beach Hotel

(B, D)

 

Day 10

 

Pergamum, Troy

After breakfast, we will drive along the Aegean coast to the ancient city of Pergamum. We visit the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamum, its impressive temples and library that made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. We then continue north to tour the legendary city of Troy.

Overnight Çanakkale

4 star

Akol Hotel

(B, D)

 

Day 11

 

Gallipoli Battlefields

After breakfast, we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels before driving to back to Istanbul.

Overnight Istanbul

4 star

Akol Hotel

(B)

 

Day 12

 

Istanbul

After breakfast, our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

(B)

 

(B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner)