Glories of Turkiye

Day 1 : Istanbul

Upon your arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel where you will receive a welcome briefing.

Day 2 : Istanbul

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s iconic sites including the Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and the Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and grand architecture.

Optional (own expense): Visit Topkapi Palace Museum, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans (Harem section excluded).

Continue your tour with a stroll through the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.

Optional (own expense): Join a dinner with belly dancing entertainment.

Day 3 : Istanbul > Gallipoli > Canakkale

Travel to the historic Gallipoli Peninsula, site of many battles during World War I. You will also visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair. Cross the Dardanelles Strait and overnight in Canakkale.

Day 4 : Canakkale > Troy > Pergamon > Izmir

Visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War – around the 12th or 13th century BCE. Enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional local village on the way to Pergamon. Once you have reached Pergamon, visit the ancient Medical Center in Asklepion. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 5 : Izmir

Today is at leisure to explore at your own pace. Or, there is the option to join a full-day tour (own expense) to the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural centre of the ancient world, and explore 2,000-year-old marble streets and many important sites, including the Library of Celsius and Hadrian’s Temple. A short drive then takes you to St. Mary’s stone cottage where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production centre to have a first-hand experience of this unique art form. Later you will be transferred back to Izmir.

Day 6 : Izmir > Pamukkale

After breakfast, visit a leather fashion showroom, showcasing Turkish craftsmanship. Continue to Pamukkale, renowned for its white travertine terraces formed by thermal springs. Enjoy a tour of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 7 : Pamukkale > Fethiye

Today enjoy a morning drive to the coastal town of Fethiye, and embark on a walking tour featuring the Telmessos Ancient Theatre and the bustling Fish Market.

Day 8 : Fethiye

Free day to relax or join the optional (own expense) boat cruise along the turquoise coast, with swim stops at secluded bays and islands.

Day 9 : Fethiye > Antalya

This morning depart on a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast to Antalya, the jewel of the Turkish riviera. Explore the charming Old Harbour on a walking tour. Antalya is known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters and ruins of its ancient Roman port.

Day 10 : Antalya

Spend a full day at leisure in Antalya, or you can join an optional tour (own expense) to Perge, a well-preserved ancient city, and Aspendos, boasting one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world.

Day 11 : Antalya > Cappadocia

Early morning departure to Cappadocia with a visit en route to the 13th century Seljuk caravanserai. Later visit the underground city of Saratli, carved into soft volcanic rock.

Day 12 : Cappadocia

Optional activity (own expense): Experience a spectacular Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise, offering panoramic views of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and lunar landscapes.

Enjoy an optional half-day tour (included) to discover the Goreme Open-Air Museum, Avanos (famous for pottery), Devrent (Imagination) Valley, and Red Valley. Participate in a hands-on pottery demonstration.

An optional activity (own expense) this evening is to witness a mesmerising Whirling Dervishes ceremony.

Day 13 : Cappadocia > Ankara

Early morning departure to the capital city of Ankara, passing through the striking Salt Lake area. Visit the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Day 14 : Ankara > Istanbul

After breakfast, depart for Istanbul. The remainder of the day is at leisure, or there is the option to take an afternoon tour (own expense). The tour includes a Bosphorus cruise through the strait that separates Asia and Europe. Its shores are lined with fine neighbourhoods, Ottoman palaces, fortresses, old wooden villas and lively streets. You then head for the Spice Market, ideal for picking up Turkish delights and souvenirs. Celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner.

Day 15 : Istanbul

After breakfast transfer to airport where arrangements conclude.