Turkey Discovered - 15 Days

Discover Turkish treasures on a trip that packs in Ottoman Istanbul, ancient ruins, Gallipoli and the Aegean, fine Mediterranean beaches, whirling dervishes and stunning Cappadocia. This is ultimate Turkey, in two amazing weeks!

Day 1: Istanbul
Saturday. Welcome to Turkey! Arrive Istanbul and transfer to hotel in Sultanahmet. Rest of day free. Overnight - Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul
Enjoy a tour of old Istanbul. The only city to span two continents sits on the Bosphorus - the strait of water that divides the continents of Europe and Asia. Its illustrious past leaves a rich legacy of churches, mosques, palaces and museums, complemented by the behemoth Grand Bazaar and colourful street life. Sultanahmet, the compact old city of Istanbul, is full of parks, gardens and stunning sights. The Blue Mosque is famed for it’s blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets. The Hagia Sofia, constructed in the 6th century, reigned as the grandest and biggest church in Christendom until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, when it became a mosque. Just around the corner is the stunning Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern. Rest of day free. Tonight, we are free to explore or relax in our hotel. Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Turkey Discovered - 15 Days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Gallipoli
Istanbul – Gallipoli. Today, we enjoy a visit to battle-scarred Gallipoli. On the 25th April 1915, under the guidance of the British Command, the combined forces of Australia and New Zealand, otherwise known as the ‘ANZACs’, mounted an assault at a beach in North-Western Turkey. The futile campaign, infamously known as Gallipoli, is poignantly etched in history due to the enormous loss of lives and the impossibly hopeless situation faced by these brave young soldiers, many of whom had left home for the first time, destined never to return. In the fierce struggle for Turkish territory, thousands perished as the odds were resolutely stacked against them. The Turks sustained terrible losses. Thousands of British, French and Indian Allied troops also died. As always in war, common men died, cruelly robbed of their potential because of actions and decisions of military leaders. Overnight - Gallipoli region (B, D)
A lady standing by the beautiful coastline in Marmaris
Day 4: Troy & Kusadasi
Gallipoli – Kusadasi. At Troy (inspiration for Homer's Illiad and much more recently the movie Troy) we visit the Trojan Horse and ruins. We enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city that dates back to 3000BC! En route to Kusadasi, we explore the ruins of Pergamum with it's impressive temples, library and medical facilities which made it a famous cultural and political centre of it's time. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 5: Ancient Ephesus
Kusadasi. Today, we enjoy a guided tour of the legendary Roman ruins of Ephesus. Positively the best preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus, under the Romans, was a vast city with a population nearing 250, 000 and became the Roman Capital of Asia Minor. It revelled in it's prosperity from commerce and visiting pilgrims who came to see the great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders. Exemplifying the finesse of Roman urban life, Ephesus boasts carefully restored elements including a Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis and the Library of Celsus. Stop by the ancient public toilets and public brothel!

Afterward, we stop at a local leather manufacturer. Turkey produces some of the finest leather goods in the world and many are made here before branding in Italy. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)
People relaxing in the sun at the white limestone terraces of Pammukale
Days 6 - 7: Cotton Castles & Marmaris
Kusadasi – Pamukkale – Marmaris. An early morning start to visit the cotton castles of Pamakkule and the ruins of Roman Hieropolis. There will be time to paddle and walk the terraces. On day 7 we visit beautiful Marmaris, we have time to relax and you can take a stroll along the harbour foreshore, or check out Marmaris Castle, which is now a museum Alternatively you can opt for a day trip to the Greek island of Rhodes. Overnight - Marmaris (B:2, D:2)
Days 8 - 9: Koycegiz & Greek Kayakoy
Marmaris - Fethiye. This morning we drive to the lakeside town of Koycegiz. Here we take a boat cruise to turtle beach and smother ourselves in mud at the local mudbath. En route to Fethiye we'll stop to explore the quaint Greek village of Kayakoy. On day 9, you will have the option to join our 12 island boat cruise or spend the day relaxing at the beach, or shopping in the markets of Fethiye. Overnight - Fethiye (B:2)
A group at a local mudbath a boat ride from Koycegiz
Day 10: Saklikent Gorge
Fethiye – Antalya. Today we visit the stunningly beautiful Saklikent Gorge, Turkey's longest and deepest canyon, where you'll have the chance to go tubing down the icy mountain stream. Overnight - Antalya (B)
Day 11: Whirling Dervishes
Antalya – Konya - Cappadocia. Early departure for Konya, stopping enroute at the scenic Tinaztepe sink hole and cave. Upon arrival to Konya, we tour the monastery of the Mervlana Whirling Dervishes. We then have an afternoon drive to Cappadocia via Seljuk - a fine example of an ancient Silk Road caravanserai. Overnight - Cappadocia (B, D)
Women taking a bike ride through the surreal landscape of Cappadocia
Days 12 - 13: Cappadocia
On day 12 we take a guided tour of the region, taking in the World Heritage listed site of the Goreme Valley, Zelve and Devrent Valley. Cappadocia is an extraordinary national treasure and perhaps even the top jewel in Turkey's illustrious crown. The utter improbability of the seemingly surreal landscapes have to be seen to be believed, with the stuff of fables cave dwellings and phallic ' fairy chimneys' landscape. An optional and fun Turkish folklore evening is available tonight. On day 13, enjoy a trek through the wildly beautiful Ihlara Valley and explore Derinkuyu underground city. Overnight - Cappadocia (B:2, D:1)
Day 14: The Nation's Capital
Cappadocia – Istanbul. Via Ankara, we stop at Anitkabir - the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Day 15: Istanbul
Our tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Bolt on a stay by Mount Nemrut
A UNESCO world heritage site, Mount Nemrut is an impressive funerary sanctuary dedicated to numberous gods in statue form. Earthquakes have meant that the heads toppled to the ground to form eerie but beautiful and unusual works of art.

bolt on a 3 night stay to see this region in its full glory. See here for more details.

Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, whilst the Hagia Sofia is closed on Mondays. Please consider this when booking. Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market are both closed on Sundays.