Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul for the start of your trip.
| OVERNIGHT
Istanbul – Boutique hotel

Our trip begins this morning with a full day tour of Istanbul. Lying across two continents this historically important city played an integral role in the development of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum and explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace before ending at the famous Hippodrome.
| OVERNIGHT
Istanbul – Boutique hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast

We depart Istanbul this morning for the drive to Gallopoli where we will receive a fully guided tour of this World War I battlefield site. Although home to some of the fiercest fighting during the War today the site is full of poignant memorials set against a subdued wooded landscape. Our tour will include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston Jolly as well as The Nek and Gallipoli Museum. There will also be chance to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war before we head to our hotel in Canakkale.
| OVERNIGHT
Canakkale – 4 star hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we make the short drive to the ancient city of Troy. Lying undiscoverd until midway through the 19th Century the excavations here brought the legend of the Trojan horse and the poems of Homer back to life. We then continue our drive south to the acropolis of Pergamum. A former kingdom we enjoy a full tour of the site including the Temple of Trajan and the famous library which is believed to have rivalled the library of Alexandria and helped shape Pergamum into a renowned cultural and political centre.
| OVERNIGHT
Kusadasi – Boutique hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey.
| OVERNIGHT
Kusadasi – Boutique hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast, Dinner

We travel east this morning to Pamukkale, site of the well known white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Pamukkale translates as ‘cotton castles’ and the naturally occuring geology here has created cloud like formations unlike anywhere else. We then head to the ancient city of Hierapolis to enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools lodged amongst ancient columns left by the Romans who used the pools for their therapeutic powers.
| OVERNIGHT
Pamukkale – 5 star hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Pamukkale this morning and head south towards the Mediterranean coast, visiting the ancient site of Aphrodisias en-route to the coastal town of Fethiye.
| OVERNIGHT
Fethiye – Boutique hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast

Today you have the option to relax on a day cruise around the 12 Islands of Fethiye or experience one of Turkey’s highlights on an optional day tour to Saklikent Gorge, Turkey’s longest and deepest canyon.
| OVERNIGHT
Fethiye – Boutique hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast

We have a relaxing morning before taking a late afternoon drive to the resort town of Antalya, visiting the deserted Greek village of Kayakoy on the way.
| OVERNIGHT
Antalya – 4 star hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast, Dinner

Today we tour Aspendos, known for one of the best preserved theatres of Asia Minor, still used today. We’ll then have a pleasant rest stop at Manavgat waterfalls.
| OVERNIGHT
Antalya – 4 star hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast, Dinner

Travel back in time today as we follow the ancient Silk Road towards Konya. On arrival in Konya we include a visit to the Mevlana Celaleddin mausoleum and museum – the former home of the original Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes.
| OVERNIGHT
Konya – 4 star hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast, Dinner

We learn more about the history of the Silk Route with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai before arriving in Cappadocia. Unlike nowhere else on earth, the spectacular landscape includes fairytale views full of improbable rock formations and underground villages. We’ll tour the Goreme Valley, Uchisar castle, see the ‘fairy chimneys’ and more. Later there is an optional fun traditional Turkish folklore evening.
| OVERNIGHT
Cappadocia – Boutique cave hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast, Dinner

Today we trek through the beautiful Pigeon and Love Valleys, and explore the many levels of an underground city. We will be shown around the subterranean churches and fortresses used by Christians to avoid persecution over a thousand years ago.
| OVERNIGHT
Cappadocia – Boutique cave hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast, Dinner

We leave early this morning and drive to Turkey’s capital Ankara to visit Anitkabir, mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, before returning to Istanbul. An optional morning flight to Istanbul is available from Kayseri in Cappadocia.
| OVERNIGHT
Istanbul – Boutique hotel
| MEALS
Breakfast

The tour ends in Istanbul today, and your time is free for some last minute shopping or sightseeing until we transfer you to the airport for your departure.
| OVERNIGHT
N/A
| MEALS
Breakfast