Istanbul Gallipoli Troy Pergamon Kusadasi Journey

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you have the rest of the day at leisure to begin exploring Istanbul 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 Asil Efendi, a lively shopping area offering exotic spices, traditional Turkish sweets, coffee, souvenirs and more at reasonable prices. We then return to the hotel for some rest. 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, alongside entertainment including belly dancing, Turkish folklore performances and a DJ, providing a memorable night where Europe meets Asia. After the cruise, transfer back to the hotel for overnight in Istanbul.

We depart early for Gallipoli, stopping en route at a restaurant area where you can enjoy breakfast and a short rest before continuing. Upon arrival, we break for lunch at a local restaurant to recharge before exploring the battlefields. We visit the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, starting with the Gabatepe Museum, followed by key sites including Ariburnu Cemetery and Anzac Cove, where the campaign began. The tour continues to Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair, each significant in the history of the Gallipoli campaign. After the visit, we transfer to our hotel in Çanakkale for check-in and dinner. Overnight in Çanakkale.

After breakfast, check out and set off for Troy, the renowned archaeological and mythological site famed for the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. Following your visit, enjoy a three-hour drive to Pergamon, pausing for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, explore the impressive acropolis of Pergamon, once a significant cultural and political centre known for its temples and library. Pergamon is also celebrated for its jewellery, stones and silver, so we will stop at a jewellery centre en route. Later, continue to Kuşadası for hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight in Kuşadası.

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 explore a traditional carpet weaving centre, where this age-old craft is still practised. Next, we continue to the village of Şirince, known for its distinctive Anatolian Greek architecture with original white-painted houses on the hillside. Şirince is also famous for its fruit wines; here, we visit local vineyards and learn about the wine-making process from Turkish vintners. Later, you can test your new knowledge of fruit wine production. On the return journey, we stop at a well-known leather production centre, offering quality goods at factory prices. This guided tour ensures a relaxed shopping experience, free from the usual market pressure, while providing insight into traditional craftsmanship. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Kuşadası.

After breakfast, we transfer to Izmir Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul (flight not included). From Istanbul, you will continue your journey home. We hope you found the tour memorable and look forward to welcoming you on another trip in the future.