Comprehensive tour of Turkey's ancient sites, beautiful Mediterranean coastline, and scenic wonders of Pamukkale and Cappadocia
Highlights
Istanbul old and new; Gallipoli war memorials; ancient sites at Troy, Ephesus, Hieropolis, Sirince, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Kayaköy, Catalhoyuk, Aspendos, Konya, Sultanhani Caravansary, Cappadocia, Lake Van, Dogubayazit, Mount Ararat, Ani, Kars
Itinerary
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of Istanbul for the start of your trip. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and start to look around Istanbul. A welcome meeting will be held in the hotel lobby at 7pm where you can meet your guide and fellow travellers. However, this is not essential and may be missed if you have a late flight arrival.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (TUSGTE)
Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
Our trip begins this morning with a tour of the old city 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.
In the afternoon 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.
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
This morning we make the short drive to the ancient city of Troy. Lying undiscoverd until midway through the 19th Century the excavations here brought the legend of the Trojan horse and the poems of Homer back to life. We then continue our drive south to the acropolis of Pergamum. A former kingdom we enjoy a full tour of the site including the Temple of Trajan and the famous library which is believed to have rivalled the library of Alexandria and helped shape Pergamum into a renowned cultural and political centre.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Immerse yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus, formerly a vibrant trade hub and religious centre. Ephesus now offers a glimpse into ancient marvels, including the site of the Temple of Artemis, the grand facade of the Library of Celsus, and the imposing amphitheatre. We will also explore the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where artefacts from the ancient city bring its past to life. Following this, we will visit a traditional carpet village to discover the intricate craft of hand-weaving and learn what defines the value of these unique pieces. Our day concludes in Sirince, where you will enjoy a local wine tasting experience.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Following our visit to the leather shop, we will travel to the ancient city of Aphrodisias. Dedicated to the goddess of beauty, love, and fertility, this site is renowned for its historical school of sculpture. During our exploration, we will visit the stadium. the best-preserved example in Anatolia, as well as the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, the theatre, and the local museum. We will then continue our journey to Pamukkale.
OVERNIGHT:
Pamukkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
This morning we explore Pamukkale, the site is well known for the 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.
Then we will head to Salda Lake, is known as Turkish Maldives. It is a mountain lake and located in the mountains before we travel down to South.
OVERNIGHT:
Fethiye boutique hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Today is yours to explore the town at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to join one of our optional tours and activities, which include a 12-island boat trip or a tour of the Saklikent Gorge.
OVERNIGHT:
Fethiye boutique hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we travel to Kayakoy, where the light is perfect for capturing striking photographs of this hauntingly beautiful deserted Greek village. After exploring the site, we continue our journey to the vibrant coastal city of Antalya. Upon arrival, we will visit the Antalya Necropolis Museum to gain fascinating insights into ancient burial practices and view artefacts from various historical periods.
OVERNIGHT:
Antalya hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
We will visit Perge a famous antique site, early in the morning. After Perge we drive to Aspendos which has the best preserved 2nd Century Amphitheatre in Turkey. We return back to Antalya city in the afternoon and the remainder of your day is free.
OVERNIGHT:
Antalya hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the renowned 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet whose teachings continue to inspire people across the globe. Inside the Mevlana Museum, we will explore his beautifully adorned tomb, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits detailing the spiritual traditions of the Whirling Dervishes. Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road, we will visit the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.
OVERNIGHT:
Konya hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today we travel to Cappadocia, stopping at the Sultanhani Caravansary, an ancient Silk Road waypoint for merchants and traders. Later, we will explore the intricate levels of a subterranean city. After checking into our hotel, we will visit a traditional Turkish home for dinner. You are invited to join a short cooking class and help prepare the meal if you wish.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia boutique cave hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We have another day to explore Cappadocia today where we'll make stops to marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, the Pigeon Valley, known for its many pigeon houses which are carved into the soft volcanic tuff. Later, we'll visit the Red Valley, Cavusin and Avanos Town where we'll learn a little about handmade pottery.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia boutique cave hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
After leaving Cappadocia this morning, we'll heard to the capital city of Van, from where we'll take a direct flight to the eastern city of Van. On arrival at Van Airport, your local guide will meet you and travel with you to the Citadel. The Citadel of Van is a huge stone fortress, built during the Kingdom of Urartu between the 9th and 7th centuries BC. Later, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you'll have free time during the evening.
OVERNIGHT:
Van Hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast today, we'll take a ferry to cross Lake Van, making a stop on Akdamar Island, where you'll have a chance to see the amazing 10th century church, built as a palatine church for the kings of Vaspurakan. Time permitting, you may have a chance to take a swim in Lake Van. After time at Lake Van, we'll travel back to the city centre by road, to visit the Uratu Museum, the largest of its type. The museum is laid out in such a way that it will take you on a historical journey, through different time periods from the Paleolithic to the Ottoman era.
Leaving the museum behind, we'll make time to visit some Van cats, possibly the best known export of this region of Turkey, often referred to as 'the swimming cats'.
OVERNIGHT:
Van Hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Today will begin with a drive to Dogubayazit, with stops along the way in Muradiye and the Bendimaahi Falls. Whilst in Dogubayazit, we'll visit the beautiful Ishak Pasha Palace, constructed between 1685 and 1784. The Palace features a unique fushion of architecture from Seljik, Ottoman, Georgian, Armenian and even Persian eras.
Later in the day we'll travel around the Western edge of Mount Ararat, known as one of the great natural spectactles of the word, and considered to be one of the resting places of Noahs Ark. The name 'Ararat' comes from the Bible and is a transliteration of 'Uratu' the name foreigners gave to this region during the time of the Bible.
We'll end the day with a drive to Kars where we'll spend the night.
OVERNIGHT:
Kars hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Today, we embark on a captivating journey to Ani, the ancient capital of the Armenian kingdom, renowned for its unrivaled grandeur and size during the mid-10th century. Amidst the ruins, we'll uncover vestiges of several churches, the majestic shell of Ani Cathedral, the citadel, and a mosque. Prepare to be amazed by the remarkable frescoes within the Church of St Gregory (Tigran Honentz), which have astonishingly endured centuries of exposure to the elements.
This afternoon, our exploration continues with visits to the 12 Apostles Church and the imposing Kars Castle.
OVERNIGHT:
Kars hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Today we'll take a domestic flight from Kars to Istanbul where we'll spend our final night in Turkey. Why not use your final night in Istanbul to revisit the Grand Bazaar where you can purpose some last minute souvenirs.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
The tour ends in Istanbul today, and your time is free for some last minute shopping or sightseeing until we transfer you to the airport for your departure.
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 Flights (Ankara/Van & Kars/Istanbul)
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Services of a local tour guide throughout
Entrance fees to sites visited
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Cooking Class
Wine Tasting
Tipping kitty
excluded by
International flights (available on request)
Visa fees
Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for guide and 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. If a share cannot be arranged, the single supplement will be payable.
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
Turkey is a land of contrasts, with a vibrant modern culture following a long history showing the marks of several different civilisations which have left a wealth of incredible ancient sites to explore. The scenery also varies hugely, from the dramatic Bosphorous strait in Istanbul, to the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, forested hills and mountains further inland and special highlights like the surreal landscapes of Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
This comprehensive 19 day tour takes all this in and more. Starting and finishing in Istanbul, the tour learns about modern history at the war memorials and ANZAC cemeteries at Gallipoli before developing deeper into the past with tours of some of the region's most important historic sites at Troy, Ephesus, Hieropolis, Aphrodisias, Aspendos and Side. There are plenty of stops to relax and enjoy the seaside at the coastal towns of Kusadasi and Fethiye and Antalya, with a 12-island boat cruise also included in the Gulf of Fethiye.
The tour then heads inland, following the ancient Silk Road trading route to see the Sultanhani Caravansary at Konya before heading south east to see Lake Van, Biblical Mount Ararat, Kars and the ruins of ancient Ani.
There are a wealth of opportunities to taste traditional and modern Turkish cuisine and to pick up souvenirs and learn more about this fascinating country along the way. Accommodation is in a mix of 4-5 star and boutique style properties, either on a breakfast only or half-board basis depending on the location and other options available nearby.
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
