Welcome to Istanbul, a city shaped by European and Asian influences. Upon arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST), you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a welcome meeting and dinner with your fellow travellers.
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) by 3pm. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel for check-in.
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before exploring Istanbul’s top sights with your guide. Visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and striking Ottoman architecture. Discover the Basilica Cistern, an underground structure nearly 1,500 years old, and explore the Hagia Sophia, a landmark of ancient architecture and religious significance.
Next, visit the Spice Market, filled with aromatic scents. In the afternoon, enjoy a Bosphorus Strait cruise, passing wooden mansions along the waterway dividing Europe and Asia.
Travel southwest to Canakkale, the gateway to the Gallipoli battlefields of World War I. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a free afternoon. In the evening, have dinner with your group before heading to Anzac Cove at 7 PM, wearing your commemorative jumper, to spend the night in remembrance and welcome the dawn.
Watch the sunrise in silence at the Anzac Commemorative Site, reflecting on the events that took place 110 years ago. During the Dawn Service, honour the sacrifices of Gallipoli. With blankets, mats and a breakfast hamper, you’ll have the morning to explore, from Anzac Cove to Lone Pine Cemetery.
In the afternoon, return to your hotel for rest and enjoy a free day in Canakkale.
Today, visit the historic city of Troy, famous for the Trojan War, and see the replica of the Trojan Horse. Explore the site with your guide and visit the Troy Museum.
Next, head to Pergamon to see the Asklepion temple, a major shrine and healing centre. Learn about the region’s long history of carpet-weaving and Bergama’s carpet trade.
Continue to Izmir to check into your hotel for the evening.
This morning, explore the Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus with your guide. Discover its rich history, including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visit the ancient amphitheatre, gymnasium, baths and the restored Library of Celsius.
Next, head to Sirince, a village known for its olive oil and fruity wines.
Arrive in Pamukkale in the evening for a restorative dinner at your hotel.
Start your day exploring Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mineral-rich hot springs, petrified waterfalls and stalactites. Take a guided tour of the travertine pools, Hierapolis and the Cleopatra Antique Pools within the ruins.
Relax in the thermal waters and enjoy the landscape before heading to Konya for check-in and dinner at your hotel.
Your day begins with a guided tour of Konya, known for its Sufi whirling dervishes. Visit the Mevlana Museum to learn about their history and see Mevlana’s tomb and gold brocade sarcophagus.
Then, travel to Cappadocia, famous for its cave dwellings and ‘fairy chimneys’—unique volcanic rock formations. In Goreme, check into your cave hotel before enjoying dinner and the scenic surroundings.
Start your day with a sunrise over the fairy chimneys, and opt for a hot-air balloon ride (additional cost) or enjoy breakfast before heading to the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum. Explore the cliff-carved houses, churches and monasteries, which feature Byzantine art and 10th- to 12th-century frescoes.
Next, visit Uchisar Castle, a rock-cut tower, then drive to Pigeon Valley, where cave dwellings are painted white to attract birds, whose droppings fertilize the land. End the day with a demonstration of onyx cutting and polishing.
Begin your day in Urgup, exploring the Old Village and the unique Three Beauties fairy chimneys. Enjoy views of the Red Valley, shaped by centuries of erosion.
Watch a traditional pottery demonstration to learn about local clay-shaping techniques. Then, visit the underground city of Ozkonak, marvelling at its stone doors and construction.
In the evening, attend a whirling dervish ceremony for a mesmerizing performance.
Transfer to Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) for your flight to Istanbul.
Visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, with over 3,000 stalls offering handcrafted jewellery, textiles and books.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city, with options like visiting Topkapi Palace or Dolmabahce Palace.
For a cultural experience, consider an optional visit to a hammam (additional cost).
End your day with a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey.
After one last breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers before checking out this morning and making your own way to the airport for your onward journey.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) at any time. Departure transfers are not included for your tour.