Istanbul to Cappadocia & Izmir

Welcome to Istanbul! On arrival in the city, you will be escorted to our hotel. There is a brief welcome meeting with our guide and then the rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax or head out and explore the city, formerly known as Constantinople.

Today after breakfast, we discover the sights of Istanbul, one of Europe's oldest and most fascinating cities, straddling the border with Asia. We visit Topkapi Palace, which was home to the majority of Ottoman sultans between 1453 and 1852. Take in the Hippodrome, once home to chariot racing, and uncover the beautiful Blue Mosque.

We see spectacular Hagia Sofia from the outside, and you can opt to go inside for an additional fee. The church was constructed in the 6th century in the Byzantine capital. It was later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, and is still functioning as a mosque today. It is considered one of the world's greatest architectural marvels.

Our final stop is the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace filled with a maze of narrow alleys and shops. Here, we can explore thousands of stalls offering everything from traditional Turkish carpets, ceramics, and jewellery to spices, textiles, and souvenirs. There is an optional dinner, complete with traditional belly dancing entertainment for an additional fee.

Istanbul - Ankara. After breakfast, you can explore Istanbul further at leisure or opt for an exhilarating Bosphorus cruise (additional fee) and experience the magnificent strait that divides Asia and Europe. The shores of the Bosphorus are dotted with elegant neighbourhoods, grand Ottoman palaces, historic fortresses, charming old wooden villas, hotels, parks, gardens, restaurants, and cafés.

We then embark on a scenic drive to the vibrant capital city of Ankara, where we'll spend the night.

Ankara - Cappadocia. After breakfast, we explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in a historic caravanserai (traditional Silk Road inn). The museum showcases artifacts dating back 7,500 years, including the world's most extensive and priceless collection of Hittite relics.

We then visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, the revered father of modern Turkey. After our visit, we set off on a drive to Cappadocia. Along the way, we'll explore a 13th-century caravanserai and uncover the intriguing underground city of Saratli, one of many subterranean settlements built for protection and spiritual reasons. On the way to our hotel, we stop at a regional rug production centre.

For those seeking further excitement, you can join an optional Whirling Dervishes performance for an additional fee, to experience this mesmerizing display of traditional dance and spiritual ritual.

Opt to start your day with an exhilarating hot air balloon tour, floating gently above Cappadocia's volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys, and ancient caves as the sun rises. (booked and paid locally)

After breakfast, spend the day as you please, or join us on an optional full-day tour of Cappadocia for an additional fee.

We explore the historic region of Goreme, nestled among stunning rock formations. Dating back to the Roman period, this area is home to numerous rock churches, remnants of a time when Christianity flourished here. We'll also visit the Red Valley. Next, we head to Avanos, renowned for its exquisite pottery. Here we can take part in a brief pottery workshop to learn about the local craft in a cave.

On our way back to the hotel, we will make a stop at the Devrent Valley, known for its impressive rock formations.

Cappadocia - Pamukkale. After, breakfast at our hotel, we say goodbye to Cappadocia as we journey to Pamukkale. On arrival, there is an included dinner and you can spend the rest of the night at leisure in Pamukkale.

Pamukkale - Izmir. Today we visit the unique cotton fortress of Pamukkale. This surreal landscape, often referred to as the 'Cotton Castles,' was sculpted by frequent earthquakes in the fault depression of the Menderes River basin. We’ll be captivated by the gleaming white cliffs, crystalline marble, and sparkling quartz formations that shimmer in the sunlight. Whilst here, we can also visit the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis and enjoy a swim in our hotel’s thermal pool.

Later, we will make our way to Izmir, where we spend the night.

Today you have the choice to unwind in Izmir at leisure. This resort town is home to fabulous beaches, with Ilica and Cukuralti being top choices. Alternatively, you can join our optional tour of the world-renowned ruins of Ephesus, for an additional fee.

Ephesus served as a pivotal cultural hub in the past and continues to captivate visitors today. We will walk alongside 2,000-year-old marble streets, marvel at the grandeur of an ancient theatre, explore the breathtaking Library of Celsus and the impressive gymnasium, and be awe-inspired by the remarkable Hadrian's Temple.

The optional tour also visits the House of the Virgin Mary, an important Catholic shrine believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years, accompanied by Saint John. We also visit a regional rug production centre.

Back in Izmir, the final night of our tour is at leisure.

Izmir - Istanbul. Your Turkish adventure comes to an end today. Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before an included transfer to the Istanbul airport for your onward flight.