Tantalising Türkiye

Arrive in Istanbul. We'll meet you at the airport before personally escorting you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth transition into your adventure through Türkiye. Later, join your fellow travellers at a delightful welcome dinner, where you’ll have the opportunity to forge new friendships.

This morning, take an included flight to Izmir. On arrival, drive an hour south to the former Greek village of Şirince. Surrounded by rolling mountains, the village is famous for its wine and olive oil production. Savour a wine tasting, then continue to the Çamlık Steam Locomotive Museum, located on the former ORC mainline, the oldest railway line in Türkiye. The open-air museum is home to a fascinating collection of more than 30 steam locomotives from around the world. Afterwards, drive to Kuşadası, where you'll enjoy dinner and stay tonight.

After breakfast, drive east through the fertile Menderes River valley, famous for its cotton production, figs and olives. Stop at the archaeological site of Aphrodisias, a former city-state that was founded near a marble quarry in the early second century BC. Aphrodisias became a major artistic centre and was home to many notable schools of sculpture. The city was famous for its many elaborate structures made from local marble, as well as the ceremonies that took place in the Aphrodite Temple in the name of Aphrodite.

Following your exploration, visit a local museum housing artefacts found in the city before savouring a tantalising lunch at a local restaurant. Then, continue to Pamukkale, where you'll stay for two nights. Pamukkale, which means 'Cotton Castle' in Turkish, is famous for its myriad of white travertine terraces, formed by the deposit of calcium carbonate from the thermal waters that flow down the hillside.

Today, explore the ruins of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, situated atop Pamukkale's travertines. Likely established by Eumenes II in 190 BC, Hierapolis was rebuilt during the reign of Roman emperor Tiberius in AD 14 to 37. The city survived until 1334, when it was abandoned after an earthquake. Extensive ruins have been excavated since the 19th century, and the city was designated a World Heritage Site in 1988. Discover the ancient streets, remarkably preserved theatre and hundreds of tombs.

Then, wander through Pamukkale's natural cascading pools, which attracted thousands of people in ancient times for healing purposes, as they continue to today. Relish lunch back at your hotel before embarking on your chosen sightseeing activity. Afterwards, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Freedom of Choice – Relax at Doğa Thermal Health & Spa

Take time to rejuvenate in the mineral-rich thermal pools at your spa hotel, renowned for their soothing and revitalising properties.

Freedom of Choice – Laodicea

Step into history with a visit to Laodicea, an ancient city near Pamukkale on the Lycus River. This recently excavated archaeological wonder contains one of the seven churches of early Christianity described in the New Testament Book of Revelation. Marvel at the grand theatres and colonnaded streets, all showcasing the city's size and sophistication.

Journey through the spectacular Taurus Mountains to Antalya, the largest city on Türkiye's western Mediterranean coast. Home to crystal-clear turquoise waters and golden beaches set against the backdrop of dramatic mountains, Antalya seamlessly blends its history with the new. Savour lunch before exploring the remarkably preserved Old Town of Kaleiçi, which translates to 'inside the castle'. Until modern times, the city remained almost entirely enclosed within its walls. Visit Hadrian's Gate, the city walls, ancient harbour and protected Ottoman quarter.

After breakfast, visit two major archaeological sites on the Mediterranean Coast of Türkiye, the ancient Greco-Roman cities of Aspendos and Perge. Begin in Aspendos, well-known for its Roman Theatre built by Marcus Aurelius, the best-preserved theatre in Türkiye. Then, drive to the impressive aqueducts, which brought water to the city from the mountains in the north. Continue to Perge, once a renowned centre of learning and visited by St. Paul. The awe-inspiring Greco-Roman site features two main colonnaded streets, a vast stadium and striking temples, offering a glimpse into its glorious past.

Travel once more through the picturesque Taurus Mountains before arriving in Konya. Known as the ancient city of Iconium in the Bible, Konya is rich in spiritual and historical significance. While St. Paul was unsuccessful in establishing a community here, Konya later became world-famous as the home of the revered Sufi poet and mystic, Rūmī, known as Mevlâna in Türkiye. After lunch, visit the Mevlâna Museum, which houses the tomb of this famous spiritual leader. The mausoleum is a sacred Islamic shrine and has become a place of universal pilgrimage. Continue to the Karatay Museum, a former Seljuk theological school, and marvel at the exquisite collection of tiles from the 13th century. Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.

Depart Konya and visit the Sultanhanı Caravanserai, one of the largest Seljuk caravanserais that provided lodging along the legendary Silk Road. Continue to Kaymaklı, one of the several underground cities in Cappadocia that were used in times of danger. In ancient times, inhabitants carved underground dwellings out of the soft volcanic rock, which eventually grew to become entire cities. Set eight levels deep into the earth, Kaymaklı features a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms. After lunch, visit Pigeon Valley and enjoy a photo stop at Uchisar Castle before arriving at your hotel. Tonight, a spectacular Signature Experience awaits.

Signature Experience – Enchanting Evening in Cappadocia

Experience the magic of Cappadocia during an unforgettable evening as you immerse yourself in the region's rich heritage. Savour traditional Turkish fare while being mesmerised by the hypnotic rhythms of belly dancers. Then, witness a captivating whirling dervish ceremony, a form of physically active meditation that originated among certain Sufi groups.

Today is dedicated to exploring the treasures of the Cappadocia region. Your first stop is the World Heritage-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum, where you'll see a spectacular cluster of rock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries with beautiful Byzantine frescoes. Next, visit Paşabağı, a small valley where Türkiye's famous basalt-topped fairy chimneys can be found. Continue to the Zelve Open-Air Museum, home to crumbling caves and churches across three valleys. Zelve served as a monastic retreat from the 9th to the 13th century before it became a village, which was inhabited until 1952. Round off your day with a visit to a pottery workshop or weaving centre, then savour dinner this evening in Cappadocia.

This morning, take an included flight to vibrant Istanbul. Straddling Europe and Asia, Türkiye's largest city is known for its rich history, striking architecture and iconic landmarks. Upon arrival, continue to your luxurious hotel, where you'll stay for the next two nights. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore this majestic metropolis.

Today you'll enjoy a full-day tour showcasing Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Begin at the historic Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine life, before continuing to the magnificent Blue Mosque. Then step inside the legendary Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking masterpiece that has stood for centuries as a symbol of the empire’s artistry and ambition. After the tour, relax with a leisurely afternoon at your own pace. This evening, come together with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey.

Following breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.