An 11-day small-group tour featuring highlights of Turkey's ancient past, beautiful scenery and historic monuments
Itinerary
Your 11 day adventure starts with your arrival in Istanbul. This is a grand and ancient city of mosques and museums, winding roads and historical landmarks.
Perched at the intersection of two continents, Istanbul features a unique blend of European and Asian culture, history, and architecture. After being transferred to your hotel, you will have the rest of the day to yourself in Istanbul.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
Following breakfast, embark on a fully guided tour of Istanbul, the captivating city that bridges two continents. Your morning programme features unrivalled historical marvels, including the magnificent Blue Mosque, the iconic Hagia Sophia, the expansive Topkapi Palace (featuring Hagia Irene and the Harem), and the ancient Hippodrome.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
This morning we'll take a 1 hour cruise along the Bosphorous River to take a view of the city from this narrow straight of water which separates Europe from Asia, along the way your guide will give you an overview of the historical sights as you pass by.
This afternoon we'll take a short flight to Kayseri and onwards by a short road transfer to Cappadocia. This magical place has emerged as one of the most popular destinations in Turkey. Its unique landscape is made up of hundreds of volcanic rock formations in strange and peculiar shapes.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia Cave hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Prepare to be captivated by the surreal, lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia. Today is dedicated to exploring this unique terrain, beginning with the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open Air Museum. Here, you will discover incredible rock-cut churches adorned with ancient, beautifully preserved Byzantine frescoes. Next, wander among the iconic fairy chimneys, marvelling at the towering, wind-sculpted rock formations that define the region. The adventure continues as we descend into one of Cappadocia's fascinating underground cities, navigating the multi-level network of tunnels and chambers carved by early inhabitants. With spectacular photo opportunities at every turn, ensure your camera is fully charged.
This evening, you have the chance to join an optional traditional Turkish folklore event. Featuring vibrant local dances and captivating belly dancers, it promises to be an unmissable and memorable night.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia Cave hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the revered 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet whose profound teachings continue to resonate across the globe. Inside the Mevlana Museum, you will have the opportunity to view his exquisitely adorned tomb, study ancient manuscripts, and discover fascinating exhibits dedicated to the Whirling Dervishes and their enduring spiritual traditions.
Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road, our next stop is the Çatalhöyük Museum. Here, the captivating history of one of the world's oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements is vividly brought to life.
Following our exploration, we will settle into the historic city of Konya for the evening.
OVERNIGHT:
Konya hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today we leave Konya and visit the travertines of Pamukkale. This remarkable natural site is made up of white calcium steps that are dotted with bright blue pools and hot springs, creating a magical contrasting landscape.
We then head to the ruins of the city of Hierapolis, which features many temples and other religious sites, earning it the name "The Sacred City". We see its impressive theatre, which is beautifully preserved, as well as the Necropolis, the enormous graveyard.
We continue to the Temple of Apollo. This was built in dedication to the famous Apollo, the Greek god of poetry, music, healing, and medicine.
OVERNIGHT:
Pamukkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Today, we will explore the ancient city of Laodicea, once the chief settlement of the Lycus River Valley region. Originally known as Diospolis, or 'the City of Zeus' in honour of the greatest of the Olympian gods, it was later named Laodicea ad Lycum. Wander through these impressive ruins and uncover the layered history of this fascinating archaeological site. This afternoon, we will appreciate a showcase of beautifully handcrafted local leather goods, highlighting the region's enduring artisanal traditions, before travelling to the coastal town of Kuşadası, where our day concludes.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today we head to the ancient city of Ephesus. This ancient landmark has been excellently preserved and restored, and you are able to walk its streets and explore it much as its original inhabitants might have done.
We also visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before stopping at a carpet weaving village. This is an important traditional craft in Turkey, and we get to see first-hand how the process works.
Later, we'll continue on to the former Greek village of Sirince where we'll have an opportunity to learn about wine production by visiting a local vineyard where you'll be able to sample 3 of the local wines before returning to our accommodation for the evening.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Step back in time today as we travel to Bergama to marvel at the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamon. Once a renowned cultural and political centre, its impressive temples and historic library offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world. From here, our journey continues to the legendary ruins of Troy. You will have the opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit the spectacular, award-winning Troy Museum before we head to the coastal city of Çanakkale to conclude our day.
OVERNIGHT:
Canakkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
After crossing the Dardanelles Strait by ferry, we make a tour of the important World War 1 battlefield sites on the Gallipoli Peninsula, including ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original tunnels and trenches and the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials. We'll then drive back to Istanbul to finish the tour.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
The tour comes to an end today. After breakfast in Istanbul, your time is free until you are transferred to the airport for your departing flight.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - post-tour
included with
All accommodation in 4 to 5-star & boutique style hotels
All transport and transfers in AC vehicles
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Istanbul to Kayseri flight
Entrance fees for sights mentioned in itinerary
Services of a local tour guide throughout
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Tipping kitty
excluded by
International flights (available on request)
Visa fees (e-visa or visa on arrival for most nationalities)
Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for guide & driver
Any other items not mentioned above
Detailed Description
Are you ready to explore the wonders of Turkey? This 11-day tour package will take you to some of the most beautiful and historical sites in the country. From Istanbul’s Old City to Cappadocia’s underground cities and fairy chimneys, you’ll get an up-close look at the culture and history of Turkey.
Your journey begins in Istanbul, a city full of history and culture. You’ll explore the Old City, where you can find ancient mosques, palaces, and markets. You’ll also visit the famous Sultanhani Caravansary, a 14th century inn where caravans used to stay on their way from Europe to Asia.
Next, you’ll head to Cappadocia, where you can explore its underground cities and fairy chimneys. These unique geological formations were formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. You’ll also have the chance to take a hot air balloon ride over this stunning landscape.
After Cappadocia, you’ll make your way to Pamukkale for a look at its calcium travertines. These natural wonders were formed by thermal springs that have been flowing for centuries. You can also explore nearby Hieropolis and its ancient Greek and Roman ruins.
You’ll then travel to Acropolis of Pergamum for a look at its ancient ruins from the Hellenistic period. After that, it’s off to Troy for a visit to this legendary city made famous by Homer's Iliad. Finally, you'll visit Gallipoli battlefield sites before heading back home with memories that will last a lifetime!
This 11-day tour package is perfect for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience in Turkey! You'll get an up-close look at some of the country's most iconic sites while learning about its rich history and culture along the way. From exploring Istanbul's Old City to taking a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, this tour has something for everyone! So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today!
