Istanbul Old City, Gallipoli Battlefields, Troy, Pergamum, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Pamukkale - Calcium Travertines, Hieropolis
Highlights
Istanbul Old City, Gallipoli Battlefields, Troy, Pergamum, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Pamukkale - Calcium Travertines, Hieropolis
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 hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (TUSGTT)
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. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional half-day Bosphorus cruise, sailing the spectacular strait that divides Europe and Asia.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
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 hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
2026 Itinerary:
Departing from Çanakkale, our journey takes us to the legendary ruins of Troy. Here, you will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the acclaimed Troy Museum. We then continue to the charming village of Behramkale. Characterised by its traditional stone houses and winding streets, it offers a fascinating window into authentic Turkish village life. Enjoy some free time to wander, admire the spectacular scenery, and perhaps relax with a traditional Turkish tea or coffee at a local café before we travel south to Kuşadası.
2027 & 2028 Itinerary:
Departing from Çanakkale, our journey takes us to the legendary ruins of Troy to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the acclaimed Troy Museum. Our route then leads to Bergama, where we visit the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamon. Once one of the most significant cultural and political centres of the ancient world, its impressive temples and grand library remain a spectacular sight. From Bergama, we continue our journey south to Kuşadası.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Delve deep into antiquity today with an expert-led tour of Ephesus and the historic grounds of the Temple of Artemis. Soak up the captivating atmosphere of the ancient ruins and the grand theatre before heading to the Ephesus Archaeology Museum to view its stellar collection of local artefacts. To conclude the day, we celebrate Turkey's enduring heritage at a traditional carpet village, observing the meticulous art of hand-weaving and learning the secrets behind the value of these textiles.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
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 hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today we head to the nearby airport in Denizli from where we'll take a short domestic flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel and have the remainder of the day free.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - post-tour
included with
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
All transport and transfers
Domestic flight from Denizli to Istanbul
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
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
All transport and transfers
Domestic flight from Denizli to Istanbul
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
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
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
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 an unforgettable journey through the heart of Turkey with our meticulously crafted 8-day tour, offering an immersive introduction to this culturally rich and historically significant land. Our adventure begins amidst the ancient splendor of Istanbul, a city steeped in history and tradition, where the East meets the West in a captivating blend of cultures. As we wander through its labyrinthine streets, we'll marvel at iconic landmarks such as the majestic Hagia Sophia, the grand Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar, immersing ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of Turkish life.
But our exploration doesn't stop there. Delving deeper into Turkey's storied past, we venture onwards to the solemn cemeteries and poignant war memorials of Gallipoli, paying tribute to the fallen heroes of a bygone era. From there, we traverse the azure waters of the Dardanelles by ferry, arriving at the legendary archaeological site of Troy, where the echoes of ancient legends whisper through the ruins, including the iconic wooden horse that stands as a testament to the city's mythical past.
Continuing our odyssey through time, we ascend to the hilltop ruins of Pergamum, once a mighty citadel of the ancient world, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a glimpse into the grandeur of Hellenistic civilization. Then, we journey onwards to the awe-inspiring Roman city of Ephesus, where the remnants of an illustrious past come to life amidst its remarkably preserved streets, temples, and amphitheaters, offering a window into the opulence and sophistication of Roman urban life.
Leaving behind the coastal vistas, we venture inland to behold the surreal beauty of Pamukkale, where cascading terraces of shimmering white travertine create an otherworldly landscape, juxtaposed against the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, where history and nature intertwine in a breathtaking tableau. Concluding our journey, we bid farewell to the wonders of Turkey's interior and return to Istanbul, where our adventure first began.
Yet, the journey doesn't have to end here. With the option to extend your stay, you have the opportunity to delve deeper into the enchanting labyrinth of Istanbul, uncovering hidden gems and secret corners at your leisure. Whether you choose to wander through the vibrant neighborhoods of Beyoglu, cruise along the glittering waters of the Bosphorus, or simply savor the flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine in a quaint café, the magic of Istanbul awaits, ready to captivate and inspire.
In the end, our 8-day tour of Turkey is more than just a journey through time and space—it's an immersive experience that will leave an indelible imprint on your soul, forever weaving the threads of Turkey's rich tapestry into the fabric of your memories.
Many of our group itineraries can be booked as private departures, offering the flexibility to customise your accommodation or work with our sales team to create a completely tailor-made journey. Contact us for details
