Anatolian Journey

Once you arrive in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you time to begin exploring, enjoy a meal, or simply relax after your journey.

This morning, we begin our guided tour of Istanbul’s historic heart, visiting the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once home to the Ottoman sultans, and the iconic Blue Mosque, famed for its striking blue Iznik tiles.

We will then view the Hagia Sophia from the outside, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has stood at the crossroads of empires for centuries. Our tour also includes time at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. This evening will be at your leisure.

Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia. Today, we travel to Ankara to visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk and its museum, the resting place of the national leader who established the modern Republic of Turkey. We then continue our journey to Cappadocia. Following a scenic drive past the Salt Lake, we will then arrive in Cappadocia for our overnight stay.

You will have the option of joining an early morning hot air balloon ride, drifting above Cappadocia’s extraordinary landscape of fairy chimneys and sweeping valleys at sunrise.

Afterwards, we set out on a full-day exploration of the region, visiting one of Cappadocia’s underground cities, carved deep into the rock as places of shelter. Next, we will visit the Open-Air Museum in Goreme, home to remarkable cave churches adorned with frescoes. Then we will visit the natural rock fortress in Uchisar, the highest point in the area.

We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant during the day. We also take time to discover the region’s traditional handicrafts, including handmade carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and pottery, learning about the craftsmanship that has been preserved for generations.

This evening, you may choose to join an optional night tour featuring a Turkish dinner and cultural show.

Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale. After breakfast, we depart early for Pamukkale. En route, we make our first stop at the impressive 13th-century Seljuk masterpiece, the Sultanhan Caravanserai, once an important stop for traders travelling along the Silk Road, before arriving in Konya. Here, we visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the resting place of the revered Sufi mystic Rumi and a significant pilgrimage site. We then continue our drive to Pamukkale, where we stay overnight.

Pamukkale - Hieraplois- Selcuk - Izmir. We begin the day with a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis, exploring its vast necropolis, one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, and then we will make our way to the remarkable white limestone terraces for which Pamukkale is renowned.

We then continue our drive to Selcuk to see the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Afterwards, we travel on to Izmir, where we will stay.

Izmir - Ephesus - Sirince - Izmir. This morning, we drive to the ancient city of Ephesus, where we explore its magnificent Library of Celsus, grand theatre and impressive temples, bringing to life one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean.

We then enjoy lunch in a traditional nomadic tent in Selcuk, where we sample freshly made Turkish gozleme. Afterwards, we continue to the charming village of Sirince, considered one of the most picturesque villages in Turkey. Here, you will have time to browse the small local shops and perhaps taste some of the village’s well-known fruit wines. We then make our way back to Izmir.

Izmir - Bergama - Troy - Canakkale. We depart early today for Bergama to visit the Asklepion, an important ancient medical centre known for its well preserved remains and sacred healing traditions. We then continue to Troy, the legendary site of the Trojan War immortalised in Homer’s epic poems. Afterwards, we drive to Canakkale, where we stay overnight.

Canakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul. Today, we cross the Dardanelles and continue to the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Here, we visit Anzac Cove, where Allied troops landed in April 1915; the Nek, site of a tragic and courageous charge; Chunuk Bair, a strategic ridge fiercely contested during the campaign; Lone Pine, scene of intense trench warfare and now home to memorials; and the 57th Regiment Memorial, honouring the Ottoman regiment that played a pivotal role in the defence. These sites commemorate the soldiers who fought here during the First World War and remain places of deep national significance.

After our visit, we return to Istanbul, where we stay overnight.

After our final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring or relaxing. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!