Essence of Turkey

Upon arrival in Izmir, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free at leisure. You may wish to relax at the hotel or take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy one of the local cafés.

After breakfast, you can opt to join a full-day tour to the ancient city of Ephesus (booked and paid locally), one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of the classical world. Walking along its marble streets, you will see the grand Theatre, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and many other remarkable remains that showcase the city’s past splendour.

The optional tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered place of pilgrimage for both Christians and Muslims. This peaceful site is believed by many to have been the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Later, you will stop at a regional carpet centre to observe the traditional craft of Turkish rug weaving, a skill passed down through generations. The day concludes in Izmir, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Izmir - Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Pamukkale. We depart Izmir, travelling to a leather fashion showroom, where we see first-hand the skill and creativity of Turkish craftsmanship. This visit offers us the chance to appreciate one of the country’s most renowned trades.

From here, we continue to Pamukkale, celebrated for its dazzling white travertine terraces formed by natural thermal springs. These striking formations have drawn visitors for centuries and remain one of Turkey's most famous natural wonders.

Our day concludes with a tour of Hierapolis, the ancient spa city that grew around the hot springs. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its ruins include temples, baths, and a well-preserved theatre that recall its status as a thriving centre of health and culture in antiquity.

Pamukkale - Fethiye. This morning, we drive to the coastal town of Fethiye, a picturesque harbour city on the Turquoise Coast. Known for its natural beauty and lively atmosphere, it serves as the gateway to some of Turkey’s most stunning coastal landscapes.

On arrival, we take a walking tour that includes the ancient Telmessos Theatre, a reminder of the region’s long and layered history. We also visit the bustling Fish Market, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the freshest catch of the day.

The evening is spent in Fethiye, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night,

Today, you have a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy Fethiye at your own pace. You may wish to explore the town, unwind by the harbour, or simply take time to rest.

Alternatively, you can join an optional boat cruise along the stunning Turquoise Coast. This excursion includes swim stops at secluded bays and islands, offering a memorable way to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean.

Fethiye - Antalya. After breakfast, we set out on a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast, travelling towards Antalya, often called the jewel of the Turkish Riviera. The journey offers us sweeping views of turquoise waters and dramatic landscapes before we arrive in this vibrant city.

On arrival, we enjoy an orientation walk through the Old Harbor and the historic Kaleici district, with its narrow streets and charming Ottoman-era houses. In the evening, we share dinner at a local restaurant before spending the night in Antalya.

Today, you may choose to explore Antalya at your own pace, perhaps wandering through the charming Old Town, browsing the local bazaars, or relaxing by the marina.

Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to Perge and Aspendos. At Perge, you can walk through the remains of one of the region’s most impressive ancient cities, while Aspendos is famed for its remarkable Roman theatre, considered among the best-preserved in the world.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Antalya at your own pace, enjoy dinner or simply relax at your hotel.

Antalya - Cappadocia. This morning, we depart early for Cappadocia, travelling across the Anatolian countryside. Along the way, we pause at a 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai, once a vital resting place for traders and their caravans on the Silk Road.

On arrival in Cappadocia, we explore the underground city of Saratli, carved deep into soft volcanic rock and once used as a refuge in times of conflict. In the evening, we enjoy dinner together before settling in for the night in our cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Early this morning, you may choose to experience a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, floating over Cappadocia’s extraordinary landscape of fairy chimneys and valleys.

You will also have the option of joining a half-day tour that visits the Goreme Open-Air Museum, the pottery town of Avanos, Devrent Valley with its imaginative rock formations, and the colourful Red Valley. During the tour, you can also take part in a hands-on pottery demonstration, learning about one of the region’s oldest crafts.

In the evening, you may opt to attend a Whirling Dervishes ceremony, a spiritual performance unique to Turkey. We will then enjoy dinner at our hotel. (All optional activities are booked and paid locally)

Cappadocia - Ankara. Today, we depart Cappadocia and travel to Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. En route, we pass by the vast Salt Lake, one of the largest in the world and an impressive natural landmark. On arrival, we visit Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Ankara.

Ankara - Istanbul. After breakfast, we depart from Ankara and travel to Istanbul. The afternoon is free at leisure, or you may choose to take an optional tour.

On this excursion, you will enjoy a Bosphorus cruise, gliding past Ottoman palaces and elegant mansions along the strait between Europe and Asia. You will also visit the vibrant Spice Market, where your senses will be filled with the colours and aromas of spices, sweets, and local delicacies.

In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner before settling in for the night in Istanbul.

Today, we embark on a full day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. We begin at the Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece that has served as both a Byzantine church and an Ottoman Mosque, and now once again stands as a functioning mosque.

We continue to the Hippodrome, once the centre of public life in Constantinople, before visiting the Blue Mosque, admired worldwide for its striking domes, slender minarets, and beautiful blue Iznik tiles.

In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Topkapi Palace Museum with an optional entrance ticket. This opulent former residence of the Ottoman sultans showcases the grandeur of the empire, though entry to the Harem section is not included.

Our day concludes with a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets. This evening is at leisure, with the option to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner paired with a lively belly dancing performance.

After your final breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!