Adventure tour of Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia
Highlights
Istanbul, Gallipoli battlefields & memorials, Troy, Pergamum Acropolis, Ancient Greek & Roman ruins at Ephesus & Hieropolis, Pamukkale calcium travertines, Sultanhani Caravansary, Cappadocia underground churches & fairy chimneys
Itinerary
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul for the start of your trip.
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul - 4 star hotel
| MEALS: None
| EXTRAS: Extra nights in Istanbul, Single room supplement
Our trip begins this morning with a full day tour of Istanbul. Lying across two continents this historically important city played an integral role in the development of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum and explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace before ending at the famous Hippodrome.
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul - 4 star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
We depart Istanbul this morning for the drive to Gallopoli where we will receive a fully guided tour of this World War I battlefield site. Although home to some of the fiercest fighting during the War today the site is full of poignant memorials set against a subdued wooded landscape. Our tour will include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston Jolly as well as The Nek and Gallipoli Museum. There will also be chance to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war before we head to our hotel in Canakkale.
| OVERNIGHT: Canakkale - 4 star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Canakkale, our journey begins at the ancient city of Troy. Here, we will explore this renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit the award-winning Troy Museum.
We then travel to the historic village of Behramkale. This picturesque settlement, characterised by its traditional stone houses and narrow winding streets, offers an authentic insight into Turkish village life. You will have ample time to wander through the village, admire the stunning coastal scenery, and perhaps sample a traditional Turkish tea or coffee at a local café. The day concludes as we head south towards our final destination, Kusadası.
| OVERNIGHT: Kusadasi - 4 star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey.
| OVERNIGHT: Kusadasi - 4 star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel east this morning to Pamukkale, site of the well known white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Pamukkale translates as ‘cotton castles’ and the naturally occuring geology here has created cloud like formations unlike anywhere else. We then head to the ancient city of Hierapolis to enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools lodged amongst ancient columns left by the Romans who used the pools for their therapeutic powers.
| OVERNIGHT: Pamukkale - 5 star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel back in time today as we follow the ancient Silk Road towards Konya. We learn more about the history of this important trade route with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai before arrivingin Konya where we include a visit to the Mevlana museum – the former home of the original Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes.
| OVERNIGHT: Cappadocia - 4 star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we set out to explore the beautiful and surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Unlike nowhere else on earth, this bizarre setting creates a fairytale view full of improbable rock formations and underground villages. Often described as the jewel of Turkey we have a full tour here to explore the subterrenean churches and fortresses used by Christians to avoid persecution over a thousand years ago.
| OVERNIGHT: Cappadocia - 4 star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
We leave early this morning for the drive to Ankara, Turkey’s modern day capital city. We visit Anitkabir – mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk before returning to Istanbul by road. This is a long day's drive, and we can arrange an upgrade to an internal flight from Kayseri in Cappadocia if you prefer (please ask for current times & prices).
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul - 4 star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
Your time is free in Istanbul today for some last minute sightseeing and shopping before we transfer you to the airport for departure.
| OVERNIGHT: N/A
| MEALS: Breakfast
included with
All accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels as stated in the itinerary
All transport and transfers
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Services of a local tour leader throughout
Entrance fees to various sites
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Tipping kitty
excluded by
International Flights
Visa fees
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks, tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for guide & driver
Any other items not mentioned above
Extras /
Upgrades
Single Room Supplement
This option guarantees you a single room in hotels throughout the tour. If you are a single traveller who would like to share, let us know and we will see if we can pair you up.
Extra night pre-tour - Price from £30.00
This option adds an extra night to the start of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability at the time of booking). Your airport arrival transfer is still included.
Extra night post-tour - Price from £30.00
This option adds an extra night to the end of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability at the time of booking). Your airport departure transfer is still included
Detailed Description
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Turkey with a meticulously crafted itinerary that seamlessly blends ancient cities, stunning coastlines, historical landmarks, and modern Turkish culture. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this adventure offers travelers a comprehensive and diverse exploration of this remarkable country.
The tour commences in Istanbul, a dynamic metropolis where the past and present converge in harmony. Travelers experience the city's cosmopolitan vibrancy alongside its ancient wonders, providing a perfect introduction to Turkey's rich heritage.
The journey then takes a poignant turn as travelers visit the battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli, including the hallowed ground of ANZAC Cove, paying tribute to the historical significance of World War II.
As the tour heads south along the Mediterranean coast, travelers encounter Turkey's ancient treasures. Stops at the legendary sites of Troy, the impressive Pergamum, and the exceptionally well-preserved ruins of Ephesus offer insights into the country's illustrious past.
Arriving in the coastal town of Kusadasi, guests are treated to the charm of Turkish seaside life before embarking on an inland adventure. The surreal calcium travertines at Pamukkale beckon, providing a unique opportunity for a rejuvenating dip in the spa waters. The historic ruins of Hieropolis also await exploration.
Continuing the journey, travelers follow the ancient Spice Route deeper into central Turkey, arriving in Konya, where they delve into the art of Sufi dancing and celebrate the poetry of Rumi, a profound cultural experience.
The tour then unfolds into the captivating landscape of Cappadocia, with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai offering a glimpse into the past. In Cappadocia, guests are enchanted by the mesmerizing rock formations, cave churches, underground cities, and the famous 'fairy chimneys,' which define the region's unique charm.
The tour concludes with a return to Istanbul, with the option for a flight back to the city. Along the way, travelers stop in Ankara, the modern-day capital, where they can explore the city's contemporary attractions.
Throughout the journey, accommodations are carefully selected, offering a mix of 4-star and boutique hotels, ensuring comfort and a taste of local charm. For those seeking more time to explore Istanbul's wonders, additional days can be added at the beginning or end of the tour, providing a comprehensive experience of this magnificent city
