Day 1: Arrival Day Istanbul

 Welcome to Turkey!
Istanbul, the only city to straddle two continents, and once the capital of 4 empires, is currently a modern thriving metropolis. You will be greeted by one of our representatives at the airport, and chauffeured to your hotel. We will get an opportunity to meet our fellow travelers this evening over a welcome drink.

Meals – Welcome drink

Hotel Istanbul- The Vault Hotel Karakoy

 Day 2: Istanbul

 Today sees us visiting the Underground Cistern built during the Byzantine era, and largest of it’s kind in Istanbul. A short stroll to the Spice Bazaar is an assault on all the senses, before we venture across the Golden Horn to pay homage to the last 6 Ottoman Sultans, and where the revered Mustafa Kemal Ataturk saw his final days at Dolmabahce Palace.
This evening as an option we board our private boat and take a cruise through the stretch of water separating Europe from Asia, the Bosphorus. We will see palaces, forts, beautiful Ottoman architecture and ancient ruins.

Meals – Breakfast

Option – Boat/ Light refreshments on boat

Hotel Istanbul- The Vault Hotel Karakoy

 Day 3: Istanbul

 After breakfast, our guide takes us on a journey through history, as we explore the famed Old City of Istanbul. We visit the majestic Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace before get a chance to enjoy some friendly banter in the largest covered market in the world, The Grand Bazaar… You may even negotiate a great bargain!

Meals – Breakfast

Hotel Istanbul- The Vault Hotel Karakoy

 Day 4: Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale

 This morning we navigate our way out of the bustling streets of Istanbul, and head towards the ‘Gallipoli’ peninsula, where the Marmara & Aegean Seas connect. Our guide will share stories of battle woes of 1915, and explain in detail how the ANZAC legend was born. We visit Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Johnston’s Jolly, Anzac Cove, the Gallipoli Museum, the Neck, and look down at Suvla Bay. This battle-hardened peninsula has now become a tranquil place. Lest we forget.
After the battlefields, we unwind at a local vineyard for some wine tasting of the regions finest grapes.

Meals – Breakfast / Lunch / Wine tasting

Hotel Canakkale – Limani Hotel

 Day 5: Canakkale – Troy – Pergamon – Kusadasi

 Our first stop sees us visiting the ancient city of Troy, dating as far back as 3000 BC. Our guide explains how the IX cities of Troy came to be, as well as the fabled Trojan War which was the battle that launched 1000 ships. Homer’s legendary Iliad & Odyssey are referenced here.
We continue heading south to one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities in Pergamon. Formerly a Greek city, Pergamon played an important role in education and medicine. One of the largest libraries of its time was located here, along with the Asklepieion, Amphitheatre and Altar of Zeus.
Our day ends in the port town of Kusadasi on the Aegean coast.

Meals – Breakfast/lunch

Hotel Kusadasi – La Vista Hotel

Day 6: Ephesus – Sirince – Kusadasi

 Once an ancient Greek city, then a lively Roman city, the legendary site of Ephesus remains one of the most visited places in Turkey. We will marvel at the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, along with the complex plumbing systems, which date as far back as the 10th Century BC. We will also visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. St. John’s Basilica is next on our itinerary, and just a short drive from Ephesus. Here, it is believed to be John the Apostle’s final resting place.We drive to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its olives, wines, nuts and fresh fruit. We will be given an opportunity to sample some of the local delicacies, whilst we relax overlooking the olive groves in this quaint township.

Meals – Breakfast/Lunch

Hotel Kusadasi – La Vista Hotel

 Day 7: Kusadasi – Hierapolis – Pamukkale

 This morning we head to the House of the Virgin Mary, where St John escorted her until the time of her ‘Assumption.’ Continuing east, we drive to the magical site of Pamukkale (Cotton Castle.) The natural travertine’s cascading down the hill has been forming for tens of thousands of years. Once believed to possess healing qualities, numerous people from all over the world have bathed in these pools.
Today we also experience the ruined city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, where Marcus Aurelius Ammianos’ sarcophagi lies and view the very impressive amphitheatre.

Meals – Breakfast

Hotel Pamukkale – Tripolis Hotel

 Day 8: Pamukkale– Saklikent Gorge – Kalkan

 This morning we drive to Turkey’s largest gorge, Saklikent. We marvel at the flow of water gushing from the mountains, and for those wishing to get a little wet, there’s an opportunity to walk through it. We relax on the viewing platforms enjoying refreshments whilst taking in the breath taking views.
We then travel to one of the most picturesque townships on the Mediterranean, Kalkan, enjoying an evening to ourselves.

Meals – Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Kalkan – Likya Residence Hotel

 Day 9: Free day / Option – Blue Cruise Along The Turquoise Coast

 This morning after breakfast, we can spend the day however we please. There’s an optional daily boat cruise along the turquoise coast, which will involve swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. Or, you may wish to relax by the hotel pool, or walk down to the beach for a dip. This is your day to do as you please!

Meals – Breakfast

Hotel Kalkan – Likya Residence Hotel

Day 10: Kalkan -Kaputas -Antalya

 Today, we’re on the road again, and continue heading east, along the stunning coastline. This is the start of the famous Lycian trail. We will be fortunate enough to stop for a swim in one of Turkey’s most naturally beautiful beaches, called Kaputas, before stopping for lunch in the stunning town of Kas.
We retire for the day in the seaside city of Antalya.

Meals – Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Antalya – The Marmara Hotel

Day 11: Antalya – Aspendos – Konya  

 After breakfast, we enjoy a walk around the grand amphitheatre of Aspendos, before our journey takes us north to the religious capital of Turkey, home of Mevlana and the Whirling Dervishes where we visit the Mevlana museum.

Meals – Breakfast

Hotel Konya- Hotel Ney

Day 12: Konya – Silk Road – Cappadocia

 We continue heading towards central Anatolia, and enjoy the scenic drive as we witness a dramatic change in landscape. After a short visit to the largest Caravansaray in Turkey, Sultanhani, we continue on to Cappadocia. Your faces should light up as we sit in awe at how this unusual landscape was formed. We enjoy an early evening fascinated by the wonder that is Cappadocia.

Meals – Breakfast

Hotel Cappadocia – Kale Konak

Day 12: Konya – Silk Road – Cappadocia

 We continue heading towards central Anatolia, and enjoy the scenic drive as we witness a dramatic change in landscape. After a short visit to the largest Caravansaray in Turkey, Sultanhani, we continue on to Cappadocia. Your faces should light up as we sit in awe at how this unusual landscape was formed. We enjoy an early evening fascinated by the wonder that is Cappadocia.

Meals – Breakfast

Hotel Cappadocia – Kale Konak

Day 13: Cappadocia

 Often described as a ‘moonscape’ the unique rock formations, which make up the Cappadocia region, will undoubtedly blow your mind. There is an optional hot air balloon ride to start your day, which will be followed by our guided tour of Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Cavusin and Avanos. This evening we attend the highly recommended ‘Turkish Night’ which consists traditional Turkish folklore and belly dancing.

Meals – Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Cappadocia – Kale Konak

Day 14: Cappadocia

 Underground cities were constructed prior to the Persian raids across the Anatolian plains. Today, we’re fortunate to be guided through one of the largest remaining underground cities, approximately 85mtrs deep. Soon after, we will visit Ihlara Valley, Pigeon Valley and Selime Monastery before putting our feet up for the day.

Meals – Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Cappadocia – Kale konak

Day 15: Cappadocia – Istanbul

 This morning, enjoy some free time exploring the sites of Cappadocia before boarding our afternoon flight back to Istanbul. For those who didn’t get an opportunity to experience a hot air balloon ride, this morning is your last chance.

Meals – Breakfast

Istanbul hotel - The Vault Hotel Karakoy

 Day 16: Tour Concludes in Istanbul

 After breakfast, we bid farewell to our newfound friends, and reflect on what has been a memorable experience. If you’re planning to stay in Turkey longer, we are also able to assist with accommodation bookings, or private guided tours.

Meals – Breakfast