Your Itinerary
Welcome to Turkey and the legendary city of Istanbul. The city stretches over two continents, straddling the Bosphorus (Istanbul Strait), with one bank in Europe and the other in Asia, creating an atmosphere that is truly cosmopolitan. This unique location combines the vibrancy and liveliness of the Middle East with the sophistication and modernity of Europe, showcasing the contrast between traditional and contemporary elements of the city.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5.00pm.
This evening meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome drink.
Get set for a full day exploring the fascinating city of Istanbul! We begin our day with a visit to the Underground Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving Byzantium Cistern. Our next stop is a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Constructed between 1466 and 1478, the Topkapi Palace served as the residence of the esteemed Sultans and their households and functioned as the primary hub of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Today it is filled with treasures and antiquities including twelve thousand pieces of fine Chinese porcelain.
We’ll then visit the Hippodrome, once the heart of the political and sporting life of the city. It was the scene of games and riots throughout 500 years of Ottoman history.
Special Experience
Excite your taste buds with some of Turkey’s most famous delicacies, including baklava, Turkish coffee, and of course, Turkish delight!
The afternoon is at leisure to further explore the city at your own pace. If you have the opportunity, try some Dondurma, a Turkish ice cream. It’s chewy, stretchy and does not melt!
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional Excursion
Bosphorus Cruise – Enjoy this magical journey covering both European and Asian shores by our private boat. 1hr 15mins - from Euro 50pp (minimum 6 people)
Day 4 - Istanbul - Cappadocia
Today we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cappadocia. The region is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, characterised by towering rock formations and cone-shaped fairy chimneys that have been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion.
Before our flight this afternoon, we tour the impressive domed Basilica of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which has inspired architects and religious leaders for almost 1,500 years. The first church on this site was constructed in 326 by Constantine the Great; the current church dates back to 537 and has been a cathedral, a museum, and is now a mosque.
Our next destination is the one-of-a-kind Blue Mosque, constructed in 1609 under the patronage of Sultan Ahmet. Inside, we marvel at the 20,000 exquisite Iznik tiles that adorn the walls with their striking shades of blue.
Later we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cappadocia.
We begin our sightseeing in Ihlara Valley this morning, a 14-kilometre-long canyon formed by the Melendiz River thousands of years ago. The valley once held thousands of dwellings and a hundred cave churches.
Later we visit Zelve Valley which became one of the most important settlements and religious centres for the Christian community between the 9th and 13th centuries. After some time exploring this open-air museum, we return to our hotel.
Optional Excursion
Hot Air Balloon Ride – Gently float over the countryside in complete harmony with the deep canyons and lush fertile valleys of Cappadocia. Gentle winds carry you over places that could never be reached except by balloon. 45mins - from Euro 340pp
Today, we will explore the secluded monastic valley of Paşabaği, renowned for its abundant rock-carved dwellings and churches.
We’ll then visit the local municipality carpet cooperation where we’ll learn about the production of famous Turkish carpets.
In the afternoon we travel to the unique Göreme Valley. Over thousands of years, the rain has eroded this landscape to give rise to strange rock formations known as 'Fairy Chimneys'. Many of these formations now have homes and churches carved into them. Some of the grottoes are even magnificently decorated with colourful frescoes depicting biblical scenes.
Optional Excursion
Turkish Night – This performance demonstrates the traditional way in which a woman gets married in Turkey. Enjoy the entertaining folklore dances from different parts of Turkey. During the night the waiters will serve soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. 2-3hrs - from Euro 45pp (minimum 5 people)
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
This morning we explore the small village of Avanos, renowned for its exquisite hand-crafted pottery and ceramics. With its cobblestone streets and picturesque vistas overlooking the Red River, it is no wonder Avanos is an extremely popular destination.
Special Experience
Visit a local restaurant in Cappadocia and learn to prepare some of the local culinary specialties in a hands-on cooking class.
Later this afternoon we’ll visit one of Cappadocia's underground cities. During the 6th century the Christian inhabitants of this region began to tunnel into the large soft volcanic rock hills. Some of these tunnels are as deep as 80 metres with eight different levels where thousands of people are believed to have lived.
Day 8 - Cappadocia - Konya - Beyşehir
Today we make our way west to Beyşehir, a central Anatolian town located on the shore of Lake Beyşehir. With a backdrop of the scenic Taurus Mountains, this charming town is bursting with a vibrant local culture and an impressive history. Here you’ll be able to wander quaint streets adorned with traditional Ottoman architecture.
Our journey begins after breakfast, as we drive southwest to Konya, one of Turkey's oldest cities. En route, we’ll visit one of the largest surviving caravanserai’s along the Silk Road, the 13th century Sultanhanı Caravanserai. Historically, a caravanserai was a roadside inn, where travellers and merchants could rest and recover from the day’s journey. Not only did they provide accommodation and food, it was also an opportunity for merchants to exchange goods with people from across the vast regions the Silk Road covered.
In Konya we’ll visit the Mevlana Museum and learn about the mystical religious order known as the Whirling Dervishes. They use music and dance to induce themselves into a trance-like state. As the ceremonial music plays, they begin whirling, and their long skirts billow, giving the impression that they are floating on air.
Special Experience
Watch as a skilled chef expertly prepares etli ekmek, a Turkish pizza-like dish originating from Konya.
In the evening, we will reach Beyşehir and have some time to unwind before dinner this evening.
Day 9 - Beyşehir - Antalya
Today, we will continue our travels southward along the Mediterranean coast until we arrive at Antalya, the region's largest city and a lively hub of tourism boasting the lengthiest beach in Turkey. Despite the modern tourism infrastructure, Antalya has retained its rich history dating back to 133BC, with its monuments and spectacular tombs surviving the test of time.
First, we begin the day with a short drive to Eflatun Pinar, a Hittite spring sanctuary dating back to the late Bronze Age.
Our next stop is a village near lake Beysehir to visit a local family. This will provide us with a wonderful opportunity to gain further insight into the culture and way of life of Turkey through the eyes of a local resident.
Finally we stop at Esrefoğlu Mosque, a mostly wooden structure constructed in the 13th century.
Later this afternoon we’ll arrive in Antalya.
Enjoy the day at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace. Why not sample some of the delicious street cuisine or visit the spectacular Düden Waterfalls?
Optional Excursion
Perge, Aspendos and Duden Waterfall – Spend the day exploring these fascinating places located in the region of Antalya. First visit the ruins of Perge, an ancient Anatolian city. Then continue to Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Lastly, visit the magnificent Duden Waterfalls. Full Day - from Euro 45pp (minimum 5 people)
We make our way to the fishing village of Kaş today, located on the coast of the sparkling Mediterranean. Kaş hosts a mix of cultural eras with the ruins of the ancient town of Antiphellos, dating back to the 4th century BC, sitting adjacent to modern structures - a unique town where old meets new. The town has managed to maintain its authentic charm and character despite its popularity.
We travel along the Turkish coastline, stopping at Hadrian’s Gate, a triumphal arch built in honour of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is considered the region’s most beautiful gate with pillars built entirely of white marble.
Next, we continue our travels to Phaselis. Set up by the Rhodians in 700BC, the city is located on an isthmus that separates two harbours; it became the most important harbour city of western Lycia.
We’ll arrive in Kaş in the afternoon, where you can soak up the village’s relaxed ambience at leisure.
Special Experience
Enjoy a leisurely day cruising the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Relax and soak up the sun and the spectacular coastal scenery.
On the cruise we will learn about the ancient sunken city of Simena, off the island of Kekova. In the 2nd century the area was hit by a series of fierce earthquakes, which in turn sank the city beneath the Mediterranean waters.
Remember to pack your swimwear today as their will be plenty of time for a relaxing swim!
Pamukkale, an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and historical significance, stands out as one of the highlights of Turkey, and is where we will spend the night.
Over the last 14,000 years, calcium rich water from an underground thermal spring has flowed over the mountainside and slowly solidified, creating shallow white basins and twisted stalagmites. The water at Pamukkale is well-known for its positive effects on the skin and eyes, as well as its ability to alleviate symptoms of asthma and rheumatism.
On arrival we’ll visit the site of Hierapolis, an ancient Greek city that sits atop the famous cascading pool terraces. Established by the kings of Pergamum at the end of the 2nd century BC, this ancient spa town is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site revered for its striking natural formations and its complex Greco-Roman engineering techniques.
Optional Excursion
Whirling Dervishes – A performance about the mystical religious sect known as the Whirling Dervishes, using music and dance to induce themselves into a mystical state. As the ceremonial music plays, they begin to whirl, and their long skirts billow giving the impression that they are floating on air. 1hr – from Euro 25pp (minimum 5 people)
Day 14 - Pamukkale - Kuşadasi
Kuşadası is one of Turkey’s popular beachside towns boasting 300 days of sunshine each year, and also serves as the gateway to the impressive Roman ruins of Ephesus.
Along the way we’ll visit Aphrodisias, a city dedicated to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, which was once a prominent hub for the arts. The Sculpture School of Aphrodisias gained widespread recognition for its excellence. This is evident in the fine marble statues and architectural reliefs scattered throughout the site. We also see the grandeur of the biggest stadium in the classical world, which could accommodate 30,000 spectators. While this stadium was originally constructed for athletic competitions, it was later repurposed for various events such as games, circuses, gladiator fights, and displays of wild animals, after being damaged by an earthquake in the 7th century.
After our sightseeing we continue to Kuşadası.
Optional Excursion
Hot Air Balloon Ride – See the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pamukkale hot springs from a completely different angle as you take to the skies on a hot air balloon adventure. 45mins – from Euro 210pp
Day 15 - Kuşadası – Ephesus – Kuşadası
This morning is at leisure for you to explore the sights of Kusadasi before we make our way to Ephesus.
Step back in time today as we visit Ephesus, the largest Roman city ever uncovered. Initially established as a port, it was used as a very important commercial centre due to its strategic position. Once populated with 300,000 people, Ephesus has an enormous amphitheatre, which can still hold 24,000 spectators.
As we walk down the marble-paved streets, we gain a sense of the daily life during those times. We also observe various structures, including gymnasiums, bathhouses, public latrines, the Library of Celsus, and the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We’ll also stop at a local leather factory where handmade leather goods are produced.
As the site of Ephesus is quite large with little shade, we recommend taking a hat and plenty of water with you as drinks are only sold outside of the complex.
This evening we’ll head to a renowned vineyard in western Turkey for a delicious wine tasting and dinner. There’s over 20 wine grape varieties grown in the vineyards here, both local varieties and some completely new to Turkey, so we’re in for a real treat during our sampling.
Day 16 - Kuşadasi - Çanakkale
Situated on the southern shore of the Dardanelles, Çanakkale is an ancient port city that has housed several civilisations over the past 6000 years. Çanakkale is also widely regarded as the entry point to the Gallipoli Peninsula.
On the way to Çanakkale we stop at the Pergamum where we’ll visit the Asclepion, a famed ancient medical centre and the world's first psychiatric hospital. Pergamum stands today as a supreme example of the region’s multi-layered cultural landscape.
This afternoon we’ll visit Troy, one of the oldest discovered sites in Asia Minor. It actually holds nine settlements, dating from the Stone Age to the Roman Empire along with a replica of the famous Trojan Horse. The celebrated city of the Iliad, the Odyssey of Homer and the Aeneid of Virgil were long believed to be fictional until eccentric archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered the ruins near the modern city.
Day 17 - Çanakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul
Special Experience
Honour the ANZACs at Gallipoli with a specialist guide, as we explore ANZAC Cove, the Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorials, and Johnston's Jolly.
We visit the World War I battlefields, most notable for being held by the ANZACs from 25th April to 20th December 1915, during what is referred to as The Gallipoli Campaign or Battle of Gallipoli. At the end of the war the bodies, still unburied, were cleared by the Allies on returning to the peninsula. Of the 22,000 graves at the 31 war cemeteries, only 9,000 are identified burials with grave markers. The remaining graves are commemorated with a special memorial.
Today is an incredibly moving day. It is a tangible reminder of a not-so-distant past and a significant event in history that shaped Australia's national identity.
Later this afternoon we’ll return to Istanbul.
We begin the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Built in 1457, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It is most famous for its antique shops, jewellery, carpets, hand-painted ceramics, embroideries and spices.
Making our way to the exotic Spice Bazaar, you’ll have some time to browse through the stalls at your leisure and soak up the scents of hundreds of spices permeating the air.
Next, we’ll take a walking tour through the neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat, perhaps two of the most historically rich districts in Istanbul. Fener is the historic Greek neighbourhood of Istanbul and is nestled on the shores of the Golden Horn. It is a neighbourhood with a unique atmosphere, where colourful houses share fences with ancient mosques and churches. The adjacent district of Balat is renowned for its Jewish heritage and centuries-old synagogues, historic mansions and diverse array of architectural styles. Both areas boast historical significance in Istanbul and are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon soaking in the culture of this beautiful city for the last time. Why not head to Eminonu and join the locals for the best fast food you can find? If you have the opportunity, try some Dondurma, a Turkish ice cream – it’s chewy, stretchy and does not melt!
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group farewell dinner.
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Today marks the completion of our adventure through fascinating Turkey. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Day 20 - Arrive Australia
Day 20 - Arrive Australia
