The Cradle of Civilisation

Day 1 : Istanbul

On arrival in Istanbul you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Istanbul

Istanbul is a captivating city where East meets West with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a mix of traditional and modern culture. Join your guide to explore the ancient quarter, visiting the Hippodrome and Underground Cistern, the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, the beautiful Blue Mosque and the Turkish Islamic Art Museum.

Day 3 : Istanbul

Today’s walking tour will take you to Topkapi Palace and 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 Bazaar, wondering its labyrinthine streets.

Day 4 : Istanbul

Visit Dolmabahce Palace, the last palace of the Ottoman rulers, before cruising up the Bosphorus where the European and Asian continents converge, with great views of the city skyline. This afternoon visit the Suleymaniye Mosque and explore the bustling Grand Bazaar with its exotic fare.

Day 5 : Istanbul > Nevsehir/Kayseri > Cappadocia

Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Nevsehir or Kayseri Airport and on arrival transfer to Cappadocia. Visit the Devrent Valley and walk through the Zelve Open Air Museum before catching a glimpse of Pasabagi’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

The option (additional cost) of a hot air balloon ride may be possible this morning. Visit the underground city of Kaymakli then travel to Ihlara Valley, a lush oasis in the steppes of central Anatolia. Stop at the lovely village of Selime and continue on to the Agizkarahan Caravanserai.

Day 7 : Cappadocia > Nevsehir/Kayseri > Istanbul > Izmir

Transfer to the Nevsehir or Kayseri Airport for a morning flight to Istanbul then connect with an early afternoon flight to Izmir, or fly direct if that service is available on your specific date.

Day 8 : Izmir > Ephesus > 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 > Aphrodisias > 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 deified 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.