PRIVATE TOUR: From historic and majestic Istanbul to surreal Cappadocia, all the classics of Turkey are here with an added visit to Antalya, Perge and Aspendos with some of the world's most beautifully preserved amphitheatres.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Old City sights
After breakfast enjoy a full day tour of the magnificent city of Istanbul. Explore Topkapi Palace, the exterior of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Roman Hippodrome; once home to chariot races, gladiatorial battles and public executions, before trying your hand at a spot of haggling in the Grand Bazaar. Tonight, there is an optional Turkish dinner with traditional Turkish entertainment.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast
Cappadocia
Istanbul - Cappadocia. Driving to Ankara we visit the mausoleum and museum of Kemal Ataturk, one of Turkey’s most revered leaders, famous for his progressive reform of Turkish society and his incredible strategic command during World War I, thwarting the Allied attempts at invading Turkey. You will then enjoy a picturesque journey through the Lakeland before arriving in Cappadocia.
Overnight: Cappadocia | Breakfast, Dinner
Cappadocia
Cappadocia. This morning opt for a hot air balloon ride over the incredible landscape of Cappadocia, before embarking upon a full day sightseeing tour of the region. Discover the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, visit the Kaymakli Underground City where early Christians took refuge from their persecutors and the Open Air Museum in Goreme - where you can view some of the best examples of Byzantine art in the rock cut churches with frescoes and paintings dating back to the 10th century. You will also visit the natural fortress of Uchisar before
being given a demonstration of the local handicrafts of hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and potteries.
Overnight: Cappadocia | Breakfast, Dinner
Konya
Cappadocia - Konya. Today we drive onward to Pamukkale via the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece of Sultanhan Caravanserai and Konya. In Konya visit the 13th century Mevlana Museum; the original lodge of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi Muslim group. It contains the tomb of Mevlana, a leading philosopher and mystic of Islam, which remains an important place of pilgrimage. Tonight you have the option to watch a Whirling Dervishes performance.
Overnight: Konya | Breakfast
Antalya
Konya - antalya. This morning drive to Antalya and visit the ancient city of Perge, originally settled by the Hittites around 1500BC. Perge has an impressive colonnaded street and is the site where most of the statues on display at the Antalya Museum were unearthed. Also visit Aspendos, which is home to one of the best preserved
amphitheatres in the world.
Overnight: Antalya | Breakfast, Dinner
Pamukkale
Pamukkale - Kusadasi. After breakfast visit the incredible white calcium terraces of Pamukkale and ancient Hierapolis, with its Necropolis graveyard of over 1200 graves. The Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium, dating back to third century BC and the sacred pool are some of the highlights of Hierapolis. The shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient roman ruins that lie beneath. This afternoon, en route to Kusadasi we visit the ruins of the great Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World), which is situated in a marshy basin between Selcuk and Ephesus.
Overnight: Kusadasi | Breakfast, Dinner
Ancient Ephesus
Kusadasi. This morning you will drive to the ancient and magnificent city of Ephesus, one of the largest and most well preserved ancient city’s in the Mediterranean, with Roman theatres, fountains, buildings, churches and temples. Ephesus was originally built on the north slope of Mount Pion in 1000 BC but was later relocated to its current location in 4th century BC. This afternoon you can visit a Turkish leather manufacturing house where products are available for
sale.
Overnight: Kusadasi | Breakfast, Dinner
Pergamum
Kusadasi - Canakkale. This morning, departing early we visit Bergama, the site of the ancient city of Pergamum which remained hidden from the modern world until 1871 when the German engineer Carl Humann rediscovered it when some locals showed him an interesting and strange mosaic that turned out to be the Altar of Zeus. Pergamum, one of Turkey’s oldest civilised settlements, inhabited since pre-historic times through to Ionic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. You will have the chance to visit the ancient acropolis situated on top of a steep hill and the aforementioned Altar of Zeus. We continue to Troy, the ancient city made famous by Homer’s Odyssey and the fable of Helen, Achilles and
the Trojan horse. Afterwards drive on to Canakkale.
Overnight: Canakkale | Breakfast, Dinner
Gallipoli
Canakkale - Istanbul. After breakfast cross the Dardanelles to visit the evocative battlefields of Gallipoli. In World War 1 the Allies tried in vain to capture Turkey in order to better supply troops in Europe via access to the Black Sea and also open up better supply routes to Russia. It was on the beaches of the Gallipoli peninsula where the Allies landed and over 11,000 Anzacs lost their lives. Visit key sites such as Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, The Nek and other Turkish and Allied trenches.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast
Istanbul
Istanbul. Your tour arrangements end after breakfast. Onward transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour when booking 4 star. For the frequently used 5 star hotels, please refer to the 5 star Trip Notes. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Kent Hotel, Istanbul
The charming Kent Hotel is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.
Dilek Kaya, Cappadocia
Set in a restored old house, the Dilek Kaya offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful setting. Rooms are spacious with original stone walls and en suite facilities. The hotel also sports an outdoor pool and complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests to enjoy. There is also an impressive Spa and Health Club onsite which includes Turkidh Bath, Sauna, Steam Room and Fitness Room.
Hilton Garden Inn, Konya
Centrally located with excellent facilities, the Hilton Garden Inn is modern and right next door to the Mevlana Culture Centre - home to the famous Whirling Dervishes. Rooms are spacious and benefit from 24 hour high speed internet and the renowned Garden Sleep System mattresses - guaranteed to provide a great nights sleep. Discover traditionally brewed Turkish coffee and refreshing tea every morning before breakfast at the mouthwatering Sumac Grill. The hotel is is located within walking distance of a range of shopping and business districts.
Antalya Hotel, Antalya
Antalya is a modern and spacious hotel with beautiful views of the turquoise sea. The elegantly furnished rooms are large and most of them have either sea or mountain views.
Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel, Pamukkale
Set in landscaped gardens, the Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel has an envious location in Pamukkale. Guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and offer a wonderful level of comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep. The on site thermal spa offers guests the chance to relax, revitalise and enjoy what this region is most famous for. Breakfast can be eaten outside on the terrace while dinner is often taken by the shimmering water of the pool.
Marina Hotel, Kusadasi
Marina hotel is a modern hotel with a sea view and balcony from nearly every spacious room. It has recently been renovated and features an indoor and outdoor pool and you may also use the facilities and beach of 5-Star Pine Bay.
Hotel Akol, Canakkale
Built in 1990 and recently renovated the Hotel Akol is a comfortable hotel with fantastic views across the Dardanelles. Guestrooms are bright and spacious and have excellent facilities including Wi-Fi being available throughout. There are a number of great restaurants and bars at the hotel, including Radika Fish Restaurant, arguably one of the finest sea food eateries in Canakkale. Sipping a cold beer in the evening at the trendy rooftop bar overlooking the city is the perfect way to end an evening. Well located on the seafront in the centre of town.
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreAt a Glance
