Uncover the wonders of Anatolia on this 10-day tour through Turkey’s cultural heart. Start in Istanbul with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and a Bosphorus cruise. Explore Topkapi Palace, then head to Ankara to visit Atatürk’s Mausoleum and the Anatolian Civilisations Museum. In Cappadocia, tour the Göreme Open-Air Museum and an underground city. Continue to Pamukkale’s thermal terraces, explore the ruins of Ephesus, and visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Discover Pergamon and Troy, then reflect at Gallipoli’s WWI battlefields before returning to Istanbul.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in Istanbul
Once you have arrived at Istanbul airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul
Discover Istanbul
After breakfast, we will drive to the Spice Market for some shopping, followed by free time for you to explore at your own pace.
Next, we will join a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise, where we'll explore the waterway that separates the continents of Asia and Europe. During this excursion, we will enjoy the stunning views of Istanbul, including its lush forests, palaces, and historic wooden houses on both sides. After our cruise, we will have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), explore the Hippodrome, and see the renowned Hagia Sophia. Later, you will end your day at the Grand Bazaar where you will have the rest of the day at leisure to further explore, enjoy some shopping or relax.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast, Lunch
Topkapi Palace & Transfer to Ankara
Istanbul - Ankara. This morning, we will be departing to visit Topkapi Palace, including the harem section, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Later, we will continue towards Ankara, the capital of Turkey, arriving in the early evening.
Overnight: Ankara | Breakfast, Dinner
Anatolian Civilizations Museum & The Underground City
Ankara - Cappadocia. Today, we will visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum to explore Neolithic and Paleolithic ruins from the Urartu, Hatti, Hittite, and Phrygian civilizations. Afterwards, we will head to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. In the afternoon, we will drive to Cappadocia. Along the way, we will stop at one of the largest underground cities in the region, which was built by early Christians as a refuge from attacks.
Please note: that government ceremonies can occur without prior notice, and the mausoleum will be closed to visitors during these times. If this happens during your scheduled visit, the visit will be limited to a panoramic view and photo opportunity only
Overnight: Cappadocia | Breakfast, Dinner
Cappadocia City Tour
After breakfast, we will be embarking on a full-day tour of Cappadocia. starting with the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cave churches nestled in the valley.
We will then continue to Uchisar Village and the remarkable fairy chimneys. In Derbent Valley, we'll have the opportunity to explore unique rock formations and visit workshops where traditional carpets and onyx stones are crafted.
You can opt to join a hot air balloon tour. Departing early in the morning, this experience offers an unparalleled view of Cappadocia's stunning landscapes, including its rock formations, fairy chimneys, and lunar-like terrain.
Overnight: Cappadocia | Breakfast, Dinner
Sultanhan Caravanserai & Transfer to Pamukkale
Cappadocia - Pamukkale. This morning, we depart for Pamukkale. On the way, we will stop to visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai, constructed during the Seljuk Empire, which served as a rest stop for travelers and merchants over many years.
We will then proceed to Pamukkale and explore the Cotton Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its healing thermal waters. Once we have checked in the rest of the day will be at your leisure.
Overnight: Pamukkale | Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Ephesus & Visit the House of Virgin Mary
Pamukkale - Selcuk - Ephesus - Izmir. Today, we start our day by driving to Selcuk to visit the Ephesus Ruins, a city dedicated to Artemis. Here we will explore the historical sites, including the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, and the Agora. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be the final resting place of Jesus' mother. Afterward, stop at a leather production store before proceeding to Izmir.
Overnight: Izmir | Breakfast, Dinner
Pergamon, Troy & Transfer to Canakkale
Izmir - Canakkale. We will start our day with a drive to the Pergamon found in the Bergama region to explore the ancient ruins of Asclepion, the first hospital in Asia Minor's history, or the Acropolis, depending on time constraints. Next, we will proceed to Troy to visit the legendary city celebrated in Homer's Iliad. Later, we will continue our journey to Çanakkale.
Overnight: Canakkale | Breakfast, Dinner
Gallipoli Battlefields & Memorials
Canakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul. Today, we will take a car ferry across the Dardanelles Strait and proceed to the Gallipoli Peninsula. There, we will visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli, one of Turkey's most emotionally moving sites. We will then make stops at Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, the ANZAC Commemorative Site, the Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, as well as the Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels. Additionally, we will visit the 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, The Nek, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast
Departure from Istanbul
After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you might have some time of some last-minute shopping, exploring or relaxation before taking your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. '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.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Yigitalp, Istanbul
Hotel Yigitalp Istanbul is a 4-star hotel located in the Fatih district, within walking distance of the Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque, and other historic landmarks. The hotel features a spa with a traditional Turkish bath, sauna, steam room, and massage services. Dining options include an on-site restaurant serving Turkish and international cuisine, as well as a rooftop bar offering panoramic city views. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, and a TV lounge. The hotel is conveniently situated near public transportation, with tram and metro stations just a few minutes' walk away.
Holiday Inn Cukurambar, Ankara
This elegant hotel is located 6 km from the Atakule observation tower and 9 km from the Ethnography Museum of Ankara. The bright, comfortable rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a relaxed restaurant, a lobby café, an indoor pool, a gym, and a spa area with a sauna and steam room. The hotel also features a business centre and a children’s play area.
Dinler Hotel, Cappadocia
The Dinler Hotel is conveniently located in Urgup, at the heart of Turkey's spectacular Cappadocia region. This large hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, with wonderful views of Urgup or the historic Kayakapi neighbourhood. Each of the rooms is equipped with an en suite bathroom and modern amenities including LCD satellite TV, free WiFi and 24-hour room service. Dinler Hotel has a choice of five bars, a patisserie in the lobby and two restaurants. After a busy day of sightseeing, head back to the hotel for a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool or a sauna and Turkish bath at the fitness centre.
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.
Kaya Prestige Hotel, Izmir
Kaya Prestige, ideally located in the heart of Izmir City Centre, offers a refined and comfortable retreat. The hotel boasts elegant rooms with city views from its rooftop terrace, and both WiFi and parking are complimentary. Each room features plush carpeted floors, flat-screen TVs, and a spacious seating area. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey at the on-site dining options, including Turkish delights at Sediv and Mediterranean cuisine at the Divan Restaurant, complemented by live music. The Merhaba Bar offers a selection of beverages along with breathtaking city vistas.
Iris Hotel, Canakkale
Located between Canakkale and Troy on the coast, the Iris is a modern, low rise hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms and a good size swimming pool. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi connection and has an enviable beach front location. You can enjoy a delicious meal at the outdoor restaurant with views across the ocean.
At a Glance
