Istanbul Gallipoli Troy Pergamon Ephesus Pamukkale Journey

On arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to explore 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 historic monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Next, we explore the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque for its stunning interior of 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, adorned with remarkable 6th-century golden mosaics. After lunch, we visit Asil Efendi, a lively shopping area where you can browse exotic spices, traditional sweets, Turkish coffee, and souvenirs. We then return to the hotel for some rest. This evening, you have the option to join a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus from 19:30 to 23:30. Enjoy dinner with unlimited local drinks, accompanied by belly dancing, Turkish folklore performances, and a DJ, all while cruising between Europe and Asia. The evening concludes with a transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

We depart early for Gallipoli, stopping briefly at a roadside restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast and stretch your legs before continuing. Upon arrival, we break for lunch at a local restaurant, allowing time to relax before exploring the battlefields. We visit the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, starting with the Gabatepe Museum, which provides insight into the campaign. Then we tour key sites including Ariburnu Cemetery and Anzac Cove, where the conflict began, followed by Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair. After the battlefield tour, we drive to Canakkale for hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight in Canakkale.

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 the visit, we drive for approximately three hours to Pergamon, pausing en route 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 visit a jewellery centre before continuing to Kuşadası. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel where dinner will be served. Overnight in Kuşadası.

After breakfast, we set off for a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. Along the way, we visit the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the renowned 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 Şirince, known for its authentic Anatolian Greek architecture with whitewashed houses set on a hillside. Şirince is also famous for its fruit wines; we will tour local vineyards and learn about the wine-making process from Turkish winemakers. Later, you will have the chance to test your 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 pressures, while providing insight into the skills of local artisans. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Kuşadası.

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 have the option to relax 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 famous white terraces, 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 transfer to Denizli 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.