Istanbul, Ataturk & Cappadocia

Welcome to Istanbul! On arrival in the city, you will be escorted to our hotel. There is a brief welcome meeting at 19:00 and then the rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax or head out and explore the city, formerly known as Constantinople.

Today we discover the sights of Istanbul, one of Europe's oldest and most fascinating cities, straddling the border with Asia. We visit Topkapi Palace, which was home to the majority of Ottoman sultans between 1453 and 1852. Take in the Hippodrome, once home to chariot racing, and uncover the beautiful Blue Mosque. We also see the exterior of the spectacular Hagia Sofia, and you can opt to go inside this incredible site too, for an additional fee. Tonight, there is an optional dinner, complete with traditional belly dancing entertainment.

Istanbul - Ankara. Today you can either enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel, or join an optional cruise along the Bosphorus, the narrow strait of water that divides Istanbul and marks the border between Europe and Asia. The shores of the Bosphorus are lined with Ottoman villas and fortresses, modern hotels and lush parks and gardens.

It's then time to depart Istanbul and make our way to Turkey's capital city, Ankara.

Ankara - Cappadocia. Today we enjoy an included visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in a historic caravanserai and featuring Hittite artefacts dating back several thousand years. We also visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, father of modern Turkey.

Leaving Ankara behind, we make our way east to Cappadocia, a land of magical landscapes and underground cities. We visit one such city, Saratli and enjoy an included group dinner at a local restaurant. You can then opt to watch a Whirling Dervishes performance or spend the evening at leisure.

Consider a memorable sunrise hot air balloon ride over the volcanic valleys of Cappadocia this morning. You can then choose to spend the day exploring Cappadocia at your own pace, or join our optional tour of the region. If you choose the optional excursion, you will visit a 13th century caravanserai and explore Goreme. This historic region is famous for its dramatic rock formations and rock churches, many of which can still be seen today. We also take in the Red Valley and the town of Avanos, and visit Devrent Valley on our way back to the hotel.

Cappadocia - Pamukkale. Today we have a long drive (7 - 8 hours) westwards to Pamukkale. Stock up on snacks and watch the world pass by on a scenic drive. Reaching Pamukkale, dinner is included.

Pamukkale - Izmir. Visit the unique cotton fortress of Pamukkale, with its white lime cascades formed by mineral springs, and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis. After our visit to this Turkish highlight, we journey to Izmir.

Today you have a day at leisure or can join an optional tour of the world-renowned ruins of Ephesus. This ancient city served as a pivotal cultural hub in the past and continues to captivate visitors today. On this optional tour, walk alongside 2,000 year-old marble streets, marvel at the grandeur of an ancient theatre, explore the breathtaking Library of Celsus and the impressive gymnasium, and be awe-inspired by the remarkable Hadrian's Temple.

Our next stop is the House of the Virgin Mary, an important Catholic shrine believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years, accompanied by Saint John.

Izmir - Pergamum - Troy - Canakkale. Say goodbye to Izmir as we visit the ruined city of Pergamum, including the ancient medical centre of Asclepion. We continue to the historic and fabled town of Troy, complete with a replica wooden horse! As well as featuring in a well-known Greek legend, the city of Troy is known for its archaeological wonders, with many ancient towns and cities having been built and rebuilt on top of each other. After our visit, we travel to Canakkale for the night.

Canakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul. Our day begins with exploration of the Gallipoli Peninsula. This area is known for the many bloody battles fought here during the First World War. We visit many of these sites and the surrounding war memorials, including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair.

We then complete our journey back to Istanbul. There's an included visit to the iconic Grand Bazaar for any last minute shopping, and we enjoy a farewell group dinner at a local restaurant.

Your Turkish adventure comes to an end today. Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight.