Highlights of Turkey

Day 1  Istanbul      
Arrive into the effervescent capital and transfer to your hotel. Join your fellow travellers and travel director for a welcome reception this evening.      

Day 2  Istanbul  
Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire as you stroll through Topkapi Palace, explore the Hagia Sophia and visit the Blue Mosque, before trying out your haggling skills in the Grand Bazaar. Later, visit the Byzantine Hippodrome to see where chariots once raced and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.      

Day 3  Istanbul to Canakkale      
Pay your respects to the thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli as you visit Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields, Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair where some of the fiercest fighting took place in World War I. Continue to Canakkale this evening.  

Day 4  Canakkale to Izmir      
Visit a land of Trojan legends as you admire the archaeological excavations revealing nine separate periods of settlement and the symbolic replica wooden horse of the lengthy siege of the city. Continue to the ancient kingdom of Pergamon dine with the locals and travel to the broad boulevards of seaside Izmir.      

Day 5  Izmir to Pamukkale      
Explore the ancient ruins of the Greek city of Ephesus, admiring the well-preserved facade of the Library of Celsus and the famous Temple of Artemis. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian guarded by Medusa's head and the Great Theatre, before relaxing in the thermal pools of your hotel in Pamukkale.      

Day 6  Pamukkale to Konya  
Enjoy a leisurely morning visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis before heading to Konya.    

Day 7  Konya to Cappadocia      
This morning, visit the Mevlana Museum and Maussoleum before continuing to Cappadocia to see a 13th Century caravanserai and learn about the art of pottery in Avanos. Later, perhaps join an optional experience to watch the Whirling Dervishes over dinner. Tonight, stay in an ancient Ortahisar rock castle with rooms hewn for the surrounding rock and views overlooking the fairy-tale landscape.      

Day 8  Goreme  
Embark on a full day excursion to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, the Pasabagi and Kizil Vadi Valleys and the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Learn of the ancient art of carpet weaving on a visit to a Turkish carpet emporium before enjoying dinner this evening.      

Day 9  Cappadocia to Istanbul      
Take a short flight to Istanbul this morning where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.    

Day 10  Istanbul      
You tour comes to an end after breakfast.

Please note: This Itinerary is valid for  2024 departures. The itinerary for departures prior to this date will vary.