Wonders of Turkey

Day 1  Istanbul        
It’s the city Napoleon said should be the capital of Earth and while it may not quite have reached that stature, Istanbul’s history as the capital of two great empires has left an enviable legacy of art, architecture and culture. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and explore the city for a glimpse into what lies ahead.  

Day 2  Istanbul      
Discover how centuries of Ottoman rule shaped the city's heritage as the meeting point between East and West when you join your Local Specialist this morning for a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to Hagia Sophia, once the leading church in Christendom, the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque.
Later, you’ll have some time to explore Istanbul your way or perhaps visit Topkapi Palace Museum, and a cruise on the Bosphorus, separating Europe and Asia.

Day 3  Istanbul to Ankara  
Ramble past the colourful displays of lanterns, pottery and fabric as you wander through one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar. The scents of Turkish tea will linger long after you leave Istanbul, bound for Ankara. Arriving in the Turkish capital, you’ll visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder and father of the Turkish Republic, before an evening to do as you please.  

Day 4  Ankara to Cappadocia      
The hometown of the Hittites is under the spotlight this morning. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, then continue to the whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the underground city of Saratli. This evening you could join an Optional Experience with the Whirling Dervishes, watching them whirl around and around in remembrance of God.      

Day 5  Cappadocia  
Cappadocia's fairy-tale chimneys take centre stage this morning as you journey to Pasabagi and Red Valley. Visit a regional rug production centre then enjoy an afternoon on your own amidst the fantasy landscapes. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.

Day 6  Cappadocia to Pamukkale    
First up is the ancient city of Konya, the final resting place of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana whose famous mausoleum you will visit before continuing to the cotton fortress of Pamukkale, home to mineral-rich thermal waters which cascade down snow-white travertine terraces.  

Day 7  Pamukkale to Izmir  
The ethereal white pools and terraces that cascade down surrounding cliffs are a sight to behold this morning as you see the ruins of the ancient Roman health spa of Hierapolis. Head west to the Aegean coastline, arriving in Izmir in time to explore this pretty port town, with its lengthy promenade. Learn about its multicultural past, and its history as a Greek city.  

Day 8  Izmir  
Today you may choose to visit Ephesus, a 2,000-year-old site and home to the iconic Library of Celsus and Hadrian’s Temple. Sample some of the delicious local olive oil, take a bite out of a juicy peach and wander through cobbled marketplaces into a world before cars and supermarkets.  

Day 9  Izmir to Çanakkale  
Visit the ancient kingdom of Pergamon this morning before moving on to Troy. This ancient city inspired Homer’s tales about the wrath of Achilles and the siege of the same city, which was only broken through the clever construction of a wooden Trojan horse, a replica of which can still be seen today. Continue to Çanakkale later where dinner is served at your hotel this evening.

Day 10  Çanakkale to Istanbul  
A poignant start to the day sees you visit Gallipoli, where significant World War I battles were fought with heavy losses on both sides. You’ll visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair paying tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in this relentless conflict before returning to Istanbul. As your journey through Turkey draws to a close, there’s always time for one last Raki!  

Day 11  Istanbul  
Your whirlwind encounter with the wonders of Turkey has come to an end. You’ve stood at the crossroads of East and West, trod in the footsteps of the ancients and admired ethereal landscapes that belong in a storybook. For now it’s time to end this chapter with a heartfelt farewell to your newfound friends.