Legendary Turkey Journey

Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we begin the Istanbul City Tour with a visit to the Hippodrome, once the centre of chariot races and home to three notable monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Next, we explore the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque for its striking interior adorned with blue Iznik tiles. Opposite the mosque stands the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, originally the Church of Divine Wisdom and a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. For over a thousand years, it was the world’s largest church, famed for its 6th-century golden mosaics. After lunch, we visit the Ali Pasazade market, where you can browse a variety of spices, traditional sweets, Turkish coffee, souvenirs and more, all offered at reasonable prices. We then return to the hotel to relax. This evening, you may choose to join an optional dinner cruise on the Bosphorus from 19:30 to 23:30. The cruise offers dinner with unlimited local drinks, along with entertainment including belly dancing, Turkish folklore performances and a DJ, providing a lively way to experience the straits that separate Europe and Asia. After the cruise, you will be transferred back to your hotel for the night.

We depart early for Gallipoli to explore the historic battlefields. En route, we pause at a restaurant area where you can enjoy breakfast and relax before continuing. Upon arrival in Gallipoli, we break for lunch at a local restaurant, giving you time to rest before the afternoon tour. We visit the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, starting with the Gabatepe Museum, which offers insight into the campaign. Then we explore key sites including Ariburnu Cemetery and Anzac Cove, where the conflict began, followed by Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair. After the tour, we drive to Canakkale for hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight accommodation is in Canakkale.

After breakfast, we check out and set off for Troy, the renowned archaeological and mythological site famed for the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. Following the tour of Troy, we embark on a three-hour drive to Pergamon. En route, we pause for lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the impressive Bergama Museum, which houses many significant relics from Ancient Pergamon. Pergamon is also known for its jewellery, stones and silver, so we will stop at a jewellery centre along the way. Later, we arrive in Kuşadası to check in and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, we set off for a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites. Along the way, we visit the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the Roman Baths, Celsus Library and the Grand Theatre. Following lunch, we visit a carpet weaving centre where this traditional Turkish craft is still practised. Next, we continue to the village of Sirince, known for its authentic Anatolian Greek architecture with whitewashed houses set on a hillside. Sirince is also famous for producing some of Turkey’s finest fruit wines. You will have some free time to explore the village at your own pace. On the return journey, we stop at a well-regarded leather production centre, offering quality goods at factory prices. This guided tour ensures a relaxed shopping experience, free from the usual market pressures, while providing insight into the skills of local artisans. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, we travel to Pamukkale and check in to the hotel upon arrival, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the striking calcium terraces known as the ‘Cotton Castle’ and explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. You can stroll around this remarkable natural site and, if you wish, take a dip in the warm waters of the natural springs. We return to the hotel for dinner. For those seeking a unique experience, there is an optional tandem paragliding flight over Pamukkale’s white travertines, offering spectacular aerial views of the area’s distinctive landscape. This activity concludes around 17:30, with transfer back to the hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, we travel to Antalya. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel, leaving the rest of the day free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Dinner will be served at the hotel. There is an optional hot air balloon tour available early this morning, with pick-up at 05:30. This experience offers a spectacular sunrise flight over the ancient city of Hierapolis and the striking white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s natural wonders. The flight concludes with a champagne celebration before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Please confirm your participation with your guide the day before, as the tour departs very early. Overnight in Antalya.

After breakfast, we explore Antalya’s old town, Kaleiçi, beginning with the marina, Clock Tower, Hadrian’s Gate and the Broken Minaret. Kaleiçi is a compact historic district that reflects Antalya’s layered past—from a Roman city to Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman influences. Hadrian’s Gate, also known as The Three Gates, is a triumphal arch built to honour the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The Broken Minaret belongs to the Korkut Mosque, originally a 2nd-century Roman temple, which explains why it never had a minaret. We also visit Hidirlik Tower, a distinctive stone structure at the edge of Kaleiçi and Karaalioglu Park, dating back to the Hellenistic period and later modified in the 2nd century AD, possibly serving as a fortification or lighthouse. After lunch, we drive to Düden Waterfalls, where several streams from the Taurus Mountains cascade into the Mediterranean, creating a series of scenic falls. Following the visit, we return to the hotel for some free time. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

After breakfast, we transfer to Antalya airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul (flight not included). Upon arrival, you will make your onward journey home. We hope you have enjoyed your tour and look forward to welcoming you on another trip in the future.