Sightseeing

See the best of Turkey

• Visit the impressive Underground Basilica Cistern
• Taste delicious Turkish delicacies, including Turkish delight
• Explore Istanbul's iconic domed Basilica of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia)
• Walk across the Hippodrome
• Admire the intricate interior walls of the Blue Mosque
• Enjoy high tea at Kubbeli Lounge Pera Palace
• Visit the World War I battlefields famous for the ANZAC involvement in the Gallipoli Campaign
• Stop in the famous town of Troy
• Visit Adatepe Village on the foothills of the Ida Mountains for olive oil tasting
• Explore Ephesus, the largest Roman city ever uncovered
• Visit Sirince Village for a hands-on cooking class and lunch
• Delight in an afternoon at leisure in Bodrum
• Visit the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
• Explore Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
• Visit Karnas Vineyards, a family-owned boutique winery for a tasting
• Stay in a cave hotel in the heart of Cappadocia
• Explore the breathtaking Göreme Valley
• Learn about life in Turkey over tea with a local
• Explore the quaint village of Avanos
• Visit one of Cappadocia's underground cities, Kaymakli
• Marvel at Istanbul's Topkapi Palace on a tour
• Wander through Istanbul's famous Grand Bazaar
• Browse the Istanbul Spice Bazaar
• Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus

Travel

• Return economy-class flights from Australia to Turkey. Taxes included
• Economy class flights within Turkey
• Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
• All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

Accommodation

• 9 nights in 5 star hotels
• 2 nights in a Cave Hotel, Cappadocia

Properties include:

• Orient Occident Hotel, Istanbul – With over 100 years of history under its belt, the Orient Occident Hotel beckons with its beautiful blend of western and eastern influences. Situated in the historical peninsula, this deluxe property is in the heart of Istanbul, with the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia only a short walk away.
• DoubleTree by Hilton, Çanakkale – Centrally located in Çanakkale, this beautiful property is a short distance from the waters of the Dardanelles Strait, offering beautiful views. The hotel has access to the coastal walkway and has both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool to cool off after a day’s touring.
• Elite World Hotel, Kuşadası – Conveniently located in the heart of vibrant Kuşadası, Elite World Hotel is only a short walk away from Kuşadası Marina and Beach. Packed with amenities, this stunning hotel is lavishly decorated for the ultimate comfort.
• The Marmara, Bodrum – Escape to a world of pure tranquillity at the Marmara. Set on a hilltop, this beautiful property offers stunning views of Bodrum Bay and Kos Island below and is conveniently located close by Bodrum Marina and Bodrum Castle.
• Utopia Cave Hotel, Cappadocia – A peaceful getaway in the centre of bustling Cappadocia, staying here is unforgettable. This property combines its magical geographical location with a luxury, modern touch, providing guests with the ultimate unique experience.

Hotels listed are an indication and are subject to change without notice.

Meals

• 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
• Meal highlights:
  • Istanbul, enjoy a tasting of Turkey’s most famous delicacies, including baklava, Turkish delight and Turkish coffee
  • Istanbul, savour a delicious high tea at the esteemed Kubbeli Lounge at Pera Palace
  • Sirince, learn to make traditional Turkish cuisine in a hands-on cooking class

Tour Guides

• English-speaking locally based tour director
• Specialist Gallipoli guide

Porterage

• Porterage included where available

Some things to note

Please note:

• Women may need a head scarf to enter some mosques and temples and wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. Also, a good tip is to pack a spare pair of socks in your daypack, as sometimes shoes need to be removed when entering and the ground can be hot.
• Sirince is a small village in the mountains with hilly terrain. On Day 6, a smaller minibus will be used to access Sirince Village and the cooking class.
• On Day 9 and 11, the airline ticket for your internal flight will be issued locally by our operator.
• The cave hotel is located right in the heart of Cappadocia, which dates back thousands of years. This means there are multiple flights of stairs, plenty of steps and uneven cobblestone ground to navigate. Rooms are scattered across multiple levels, accessed from outside - they are not inside a singular building. Meeting our mobility and fitness requirements are essential. No two rooms are the same with quirky layouts that can be dimly lit. While these rooms are still comfortable remember you are staying in a cave! These are incredibly unique and a once in a lifetime experience to stay in this unforgettable location.                                              
• Ramadan in Turkey is observed from 1 March to 29 March 2025.

Optional Excursions:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride – This is a thrilling experience that is subject to weather conditions approved by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority. In the event that flights are cancelled on your scheduled booking day, we will do our best to accommodate you, where possible, on the next available days, which may already have prior bookings. However, please note that cancellations can affect the availability of flying slots, making them quite limited.
• All optional excursions are based on minimum participants and are subject to availability. The length of excursions advised is an approximate only. Optional excursions can be booked on tour directly with your Tour Director or local guide. We recommend arranging the booking at the beginning of the tour to avoid disappointment. Please note some optional excursions may also be available on multiple or alternate days. Prices are a guide only and are subject to change without prior notice. Payment by cash (Euro) is preferred as there are no guarantees that credit card facilities will be available. Please check with your Tour Director or guide locally for information relating to this. Credit card fees and exchange rates are at the discretion of your bank.