Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. Your journey begins in vibrant Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner.
Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Bursa
In the morning, embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s busiest waterways. Leisurely cruise past the quaint fishing villages that line its shores. Travel towards the old city and see the beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses along the waterfront. Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa, a large city in northwest Turkey that was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum Complex. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city’s bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments. This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal.
Day 3: Cumalikizik and Gordion
Begin your day in the charming village of Cumalıkızık, with its traditional wooden houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Later, head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkey’s modern capital, Ankara. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, the Hilton SA. Perhaps take a dip in its indoor pool or unwind in its jacuzzi or hammam.
Day 4: Sophisticated Ankara
A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey’s bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes visits to the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Later, head to Avanos in Cappadocia. Famed for its unique geological formation, Cappadocia is a scenic delight with golden hills and panoramic views. Visit the underground city of Özkonak, carved into soft volcanic rock.
Day 5: Cappadocia Relaxed Start
With its striking golden, volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly buildings, Cappadocia is anything but ordinary. At every turn you’ll be delighted with yet another geographical or architectural surprise. Today, travel to the striking town of Göreme and explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant and savour the regional flavours of Anatolia. This establishment provides employment for local women and supports their financial freedom. Next, continue on to the Paşabağ Valley, then meet a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. Explore this unique way of living and learn about local traditions and family life. This evening, witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Konya Relaxed Start
Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery-making in Avanos. It’s then time to take a journey along the famous Silk Road to visit a 13th-century caravanserai, a historic roadside inn where travellers would rest and recover after a day’s journey, most notably along the iconic road itself. Later, you’ll head to Turkey’s most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire.
Day 7: Through the Taurus Mountains
See the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret Medrese, and visit the Mevlana Museum before a scenic drive scenic drive through Taurus Mountains to Aspendos, an ancient city in Antalya. Known for having the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travellers.
Day 8: Antalya's Old Town
Visit Antalya's charming Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on places to explore in the city, take a stroll around the harbour or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast.
Day 9: The Pools of Pamukkale Relaxed Start
Cross the soaring Taurus Mountains to see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Next to the ruins, you can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. Later, return to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.
Day 10: Kuşadası
Start your morning with a trip to the Temple of Aphrodite in Geyre, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. Based in the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, it was the focal point of the city in its heyday. You’ll see the towering, fourteen columns of the temple that have been re-erected. Arrive into the coastal resort of Kuşadası for an evening at leisure.
Day 11: Ancient Ephesus
This morning, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos, venerated by both Christians and Muslims. Continue to Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the Roman capital of Asia Minor. Walk the Arcadian Way, a grand processional route that once led to the harbour. Stand before the Library of Celsus, built to honour a Roman senator and store 12,000 scrolls, and step into the Great Theatre, where Saint Paul is believed to have addressed early Christians. At the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, view statues of Artemis, mosaics and household artefacts uncovered during excavations that began in 1863. Later, you may opt to join an Optional Experience in Kuşadası, tasting wines that showcase Anatolia’s 7,000-year winemaking tradition.
Day 12: Troy and Çanakkale
In Homer’s city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan War and the backdrop to one of history’s most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan Horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be found beside the city’s walls. After some time exploring, continue your journey to Çanakkale, a gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields.
Day 13: Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove
This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, this was the site where, for nine months during the Great War, ANZAC troops fought, in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, return to Istanbul, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Day 14: Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire
Today, take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia your way with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting Hagia Sophia Digital Experience, offering an immersive journey through the landmarks marvels, or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia built in A.D. 537, famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and toast to your trip over dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 15: Farewell Istanbul
It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.
