Classic Turkey

Istanbul - Ankara. Today, you’ll be collected between 12:00 and 13:00 from your centrally located hotel as we begin our journey to Ankara, approximately 450 km away.

We will be travelling by coach, crossing the intercontinental bridge in Istanbul, and continuing through changing landscapes of rural Turkey, passing rolling hills and small towns along the way. Upon arrival in the capital, dinner will be served at the hotel. After, you will have the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

Please note: Arrive in Istanbul the day prior to the start of the tour, to ensure you are not late for the pick up on day 1. The order of activities on this tour may vary depending on your arrival day. All Inclusions remain the same. This tour is conducted in English. However, dependent on the mix of the group, touring may also be bilingual, in one additional language as well as English.

Ankara - Cappadocia. After breakfast, we will be departing to explore Ankara, Turkey's capital. We will visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which features exhibitions showcasing artifacts from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartu periods, among others. We will also explore the Atatürk Mausoleum, a monument dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

Afterward, we depart for Cappadocia, covering a distance of 290 km. En route, we will visit an ancient underground city built by Christian communities to protect themselves from Arab raids. This city features preserved stables, communal areas, meeting rooms, and small family quarters. We will then continue to the Cappadocia region for your overnight stay.

Please note: that the mausoleum may be closed for government ceremonies without prior notice, and if our schedule coincides, we will opt for a panoramic view instead, with a photo stop.

This morning, you will have the opportunity to opt to join a hot air balloon tour. Departing early in the morning, this experience offers an unparalleled view of Cappadocia's stunning landscapes, including its rock formations, fairy chimneys, and lunar-like terrain.

After breakfast, we will be embarking on a full-day tour of Cappadocia. starting with the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cave churches nestled in the valley.

We will then continue to Uchisar Village and the remarkable fairy chimneys. In Derbent Valley, we'll have the opportunity to explore unique rock formations and visit workshops where traditional carpets and onyx stones are crafted.

Cappadocia - Pamukkale. This morning, we will be departing for Pamukkale, located 610 km away. Along the way, we will visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai, a medieval Seljuk inn. After, we will continue traveling to Pamukkale, where you'll have free time to explore the "Cotton Castle," known for its unique natural limestone hot spring pools and petrified travertine waterfalls. Later, we will make our way to the hotel for dinner. The rest od the day will be at your leisure.

Pamukkale - Selcuk - Ephesus - Izmir. After breakfast, we will be departing for Selcuk-Efeso, approximately 200 km away. We will then set out to explore the archaeological site of Ephesus, a city devoted to the goddess Artemis. While here, we will visit notable landmarks such as the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, the Agora, Marble Street, and the largest theater from antiquity.

Next, we will venture to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Jesus' mother. We will then stop at a leather production center, before we continue to İzmir, located about 85 km away and recognized as the third-largest city in Turkey. We will then gather for dinner at our hotel.

Izmir - Bergama - Canakkale. This morning, after breakfast, we will be departing for Pergamon, now known as Bergama, located 110 km away. Once we have arrived in Bergama, we will explore the ruins of Asclepion, renowned as the most significant hospital in Asia Minor and its therapeutic center.

Next, we travel approximately 190 km to Troy, an iconic archaeological site famed for its connection to Homer's Iliad saga. After our visit to Troy, we will continue to Canakkale, about 25 km further. We will enjoy dinner at the hotel; the rest of the evening will be at your leisure.

Canakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul. After our final breakfast, we’ll take a car ferry across the Dardanelles Strait and head to the Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the WWI campaign. Our first stops include Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, and the ANZAC Commemorative Site—key locations marking the landing and early battles of the ANZAC troops.

Next, we’ll visit the Mehmetçik Statue, a tribute to Turkish soldiers, and the Lone Pine Australian Memorial. At Johnston’s Jolly, we’ll explore preserved trenches and tunnels used by both Turkish and Allied forces during the campaign.

We’ll then continue to the 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, The Nek—scene of a courageous yet tragic charge—and finish at the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, honouring one of the campaign’s most significant engagements.

We will then depart for Istanbul, arriving between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, where you will be transferred to your hotel, you will then make your way to the airport for your onward flight.