The Cradle of Civilisation

Day 1 : Istanbul

You will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Istanbul

Join your guide to explore the ancient city quarter, the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque (outside visit only while construction continues) and Topkapi Palace with its remarkable collection of priceless jewellery, porcelain and costumes.

Day 3 : Istanbul

Visit the Archeological Museum – the variety and quality of the objects on display make this among the most outstanding institution of its kind, with fine Greek and Roman sculpture, Mesopotamian jewellery and an important collection of Hittite artifacts. Also visit the Spice Market and Suleymaniye Mosque.

Day 4 : Istanbul

Visit Dolmabahce Palace, the last palace of the Ottoman rulers before cruising up the Bosphorus. This afternoon visit the Underground Cisterns, Turkish Islamic Art Museum and Grand Bazaar.

Day 5 : Istanbul > Nevsehir > Cappadocia

Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Nevsehir and on arrival transfer to Cappadocia. Visit the Dervent Valley and walk through the Zelve Open Air Museum before catching a glimpse of Pasabag’s Fairy Chimneys. Stop at Avanosa, a centre of terracotta art since 3,000 BC, for a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop then continue to Goreme Open Air to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia.

Day 6 : Cappadocia

Optional balloon ride before visiting the underground city of Kaymakli. Travel to Ihlara Canyon, a mirage in the steps of Anatolia up to Belisirma Village. Stop at the lovely village Selime and onto the Agizkarahan Caravanserai.

Day 7 : Cappadocia > Nevsehir > Istanbul > Izmir

Transfer to the Nevsehir Airport for a morning flight to Istanbul then connect with an early afternoon flight to Izmir.

Day 8 : Izmir

Today visit Ephesus. If you’ve ever heard the words “an epistle to the Ephsians”, now is your chance to sit in the theatre where St Paul preached. Walk along colonnaded streets imagining them crowded with people visiting shops and taverns or simply strolling in the shade. See the Library of Celsus, bathhouses, a gymnasium and Roman Terrace houses decorated with mosaics and frescoes rivalling those of Pompeii. Ephesus is among the best-preserved classical cities in the world, and the perfect place to get a feel for life in Roman times. See the House of the Virgin Mary and Basilica of St John before returning to your hotel.

Day 9 : Izmir

Visit Aphrodisias, with its magnificent architecture. There was a settlement on the site as early as 5,800 BC but Aphrodisias did not develop into a major city until the Roman era. Among the monumental structures that have survived, many in an excellent state of preservation, are a vast stadium, the Baths of Hadrian, an exquisite odeon, the Portico of Tiberius, a sebastian (a shrine to the deifed emperors) and a theatre seating 8,000. Return to Izmir for overnight.

Day 10 : Izmir > Istanbul

Transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul, where your journey ends.