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 

 After breakfast, our guide gives us a walking tour around the major historical sites of the Old City of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern and Grand Bazaar (the largest covered market in the world.) This evening as an option, we board our private luxury boat and take a cruise through the stretch of water separating Europe from Asia, the Bosphorus. We will see palaces, forts, ancient ruins and beautiful Ottoman housing.

Meals – Breakfast.

Option – Boat -Light refreshments on board.

Hotel Istanbul – The Vault Hotel Karakoy

 Day 3: 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, 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 relax over a wine tasting where we can taste the regions best grapes.

Meals- Breakfast / lunch / wine tasting

Hotel Canakkale – Limani Hotel

Day 4: 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 5: Kusadasi – 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.
After lunch, we learn about Turkish hand-woven carpets, and this afternoon, 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 6: 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 which are believed to possess healing qualities.
Today we also experience the ruined city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, where Marcus Aurelius Ammianos’ sarcophagi lies. The amphitheatre is also very impressive.

Meals – Breakfast

Hotel Pamukkale – Tripolis Hotel

Day 7: Pamukkale – Konya

 This morning we continue our journey east to the home of Mevlana and the Whirling Dervishes, Konya. This afternoon we are guided around the Mevlana museum and enjoy a night to relax.

Meals – Breakfast

Hotel Konya – Hotel Ney

Day 8: Konya – Cappadocia

 As we continue heading towards central Anatolia along the ancient Silk Trade route, we can enjoy the scenic drive as we witness a dramatic change in landscape. After a visit to the largest Caravansaray in Turkey, Sultanhani, we continue onto Cappadocia.

Meals – Breakfast / lunch

Hotel Cappadocia – Yunak Houses Hotel

 Day 9: 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 – Yunak Houses Hotel

 Day 10: 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 11: 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