Explore the best of Turkey’s west coast, experience a 3 day Gulet cruise around the Mediterranean, and marvel at the beauties of Cappadocia on this 10 day tour. Set off on your tour by immersing yourself in the wonders of Istanbul, visit Troy and Pergamum, take a relaxing break on your gullet and bath in the healing waters of Pamukkale. After visiting the awe inspiring ancient city and ruins of Ephesus, enter the otherworldly Cappadocia.
The Flying Carpet Tour is a captivating 15-day journey through Western Turkey, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Troy, and Pergamon, this tour takes you on a fascinating exploration of Turkey’s most iconic sites.
Travel through time as you walk among the remnants of powerful empires, from the grandeur of the Ottoman palaces in Istanbul to the well-preserved ruins of Roman cities. Witness the moving landscapes of Gallipoli, where history and heroism are deeply intertwined. Experience the ethereal beauty of Pamukkale’s cascading travertines, the hidden churches of Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, and the pristine shores of Fethiye and Antalya.
Beyond its breathtaking sights, this tour also offers immersive cultural experiences, such as a traditional cooking course in Cappadocia and a wine tasting in Sirince, allowing you to connect with Turkey’s rich traditions and flavours.
Our tour was well planned with variety and interesting points of interest. Everything was done top notch. Travel Director was amazing. Had incredible knowledge, and was so personable and the driver provided us with safe transportation. Thank you for making our vacation so special.
Another spectacular trip with Explore. I highly recommend this company. As a solo female traveller they have never let me down. Explore is 100 % reliable.
Following the famed Aegean coastline, we discover Ottoman Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, ancient Ephesus and Pamukkale, finishing in coastal Marmaris - gateway to the Greek Islands. This 7 day holiday from Istanbul to the Mediterranean sea will give you an insight into the fascinating history, culture and landscapes of western Turkey.
This ten-day, private, guided tour takes you to some of the most beautiful castles of Transylvania and offers you a relaxing holiday in this enchanting land. Your journey starts from Bucharest, the capital city. From there you will head for Sibiu, the former cultural capital of Europe. See the magnificent Alba Carolina, a citadel decked in white, followed by a one-night-stay in Haller Castle. See the big fortified church in Biertan and visit Sighisoara, the only medieval citadel in Europe that is still inhabited, along with Peles and Bran castles
Learn more about the myths and legends surrounding these fairy tale castles and fortresses. Wander down the streets of medieval cities and take in the beautiful landscape of Romania along the way. For more details, scroll down to the itinerary section below.
Embark on your own grand tour of discovery on this 10-day journey of Greece, taking us from ancient Athens to Thessaloniki through the sanctuaries, monasteries, monuments, and stunning landscapes at the heart of this cradle of Western civilization.
This action-packed eight-day tour of Turkey offers an ideal overview to this diverse and beautiful country. You do not need to worry about flights, overland transport or hotel bookings, as all logistics are taken care of. Sit back and relax as you visit some of the most impressive sites in the country, including bustling cities, ancient ruins, natural wonders, and more.
Included in this itinerary are historic destinations like Ephesus and Hierapolis as well as famous natural landmarks like Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
The flights from and to Istanbul that we generally use are listed below:
From Istanbul: The flight leaves at around 07:00 to 07:30 am and arrives in Izmir between 08:00 and 08:30 am.
From Cappadocia: The flight leaves between 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm and arrives in Istanbul between 9:30 pm and 11:00 pm.
(Note: The schedule may vary as per flight availability)
The 13-day Turkey Highlights and Mediterranean Cruise Tour promises an extraordinary journey through the heart of Turkey, combining historical and cultural exploration with a tranquil 3-night cruise along the enchanting Mediterranean coast. This carefully crafted itinerary offers travelers an immersive experience, showcasing Turkey's diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
The adventure commences in Istanbul, the mesmerizing city that straddles Europe and Asia. Here, the blend of cultures and traditions creates a captivating atmosphere. After delving into Istanbul's treasures, the tour heads to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of historical significance that pays tribute to the ANZAC day battlefields and memorial sites. It's a poignant reminder of the past.
Turning south, the journey unfolds along the scenic Mediterranean coastline. Along the way, travelers explore the ancient ruins of Troy, the ancient city of Pergamum, and the remarkably preserved city of Ephesus, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. The traditional town of Selcuk serves as a delightful stopover.
The tour takes an idyllic turn with a 3-night cruise aboard a traditional Turkish gulet in the Gulf of Fethiye. Travelers have the opportunity to visit secluded bays, swim in crystal-clear waters, discover charming local villages, and unwind on the deck while soaking up the Mediterranean sun. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Leaving the coast behind, the journey heads inland to explore more of Turkey's treasures. The tiered calcium travertines and the ancient spa city of Hierapolis at Pamukkale showcase nature's wonders and ancient marvels. A drive along the historic Silk Road brings travelers to Cappadocia, known for its surreal landscapes, including the iconic "fairy chimneys."
While in Cappadocia, guests stay in a boutique 'cave hotel,' adding a unique touch to the experience. The tour explores the captivating Goreme Valley, visits underground cities, and offers an opportunity to hike through the mesmerizing landscapes. The region's rich history and geological wonders come to life during this leg of the journey.
The final leg of the tour takes travelers back to Istanbul, with a stop in Ankara along the way. In the Turkish capital, they visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the revered Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, gaining insight into Turkey's modern history.
The tour runs during the warmer months, from late April through to October, ensuring pleasant weather for exploration. Accommodations are in comfortable mid-range hotels, and during the Gulet cruise, many guests choose to sleep under the stars on the deck, adding a touch of magic to the Mediterranean experience.
Dive into beauty and history as you explore the medieval cities, tranquil lakes, stunning coastlines and quaint villages of Croatia and Slovenia. Explore Ljubljana, Slovenia’s romantic capital city. Discover the richness of Opatija, the “Riviera of Croatia” and an Istrian gem. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park by foot and by boat, a place where waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs connecting sixteen pristine lakes. Step back into Roman times in Split’s Diocletian’s Palace. Enjoy visits to local restaurants, wineries and artisanal food producers. Take in the white stone buildings and massive city walls of the ancient harbor town of Dubrovnik. Explore fascinating Zagreb. Delight in the old-world charm found in this sunny Adriatic paradise.
Turkey is a land of contrasts, with a vibrant modern culture following a long history showing the marks of several different civilisations which have left a wealth of incredible ancient sites to explore. The scenery also varies hugely, from the dramatic Bosphorous strait in Istanbul, to the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, forested hills and mountains further inland and special highlights like the surreal landscapes of Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
This comprehensive 19 day tour takes all this in and more. Starting and finishing in Istanbul, the tour learns about modern history at the war memorials and ANZAC cemeteries at Gallipoli before developing deeper into the past with tours of some of the region's most important historic sites at Troy, Ephesus, Hieropolis, Aphrodisias, Aspendos and Side. There are plenty of stops to relax and enjoy the seaside at the coastal towns of Kusadasi and Fethiye and Antalya, with a 12-island boat cruise also included in the Gulf of Fethiye.
The tour then heads inland, following the ancient Silk Road trading route to see the Sultanhani Caravansary at Konya before heading south east to see Lake Van, Biblical Mount Ararat, Kars and the ruins of ancient Ani.
There are a wealth of opportunities to taste traditional and modern Turkish cuisine and to pick up souvenirs and learn more about this fascinating country along the way. Accommodation is in a mix of 4-5 star and boutique style properties, either on a breakfast only or half-board basis depending on the location and other options available nearby.
Hop on an unforgettable journey through the lands of myths and legends that still continue to resonate today! Discover the timeless wonders and stories of Dracula as you explore Transylvania inside out, a most fascinating part of Romania. Starting off at the Romanian capital, Bucharest, soak in the unique culture reflected in the countless monuments of this magical city. Ride through the mystical forests, mountains and mists to reach the Dracula's Castle. Travel back in time through gorgeous samples of gothic and baroque architecture from various eras of Romanian history.
Embark on an immersive 7-day journey through Turkey's most iconic historical sites and natural wonders! Begin in Istanbul, exploring its magnificent Old City, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, with an optional Bosphorus cruise. Journey to the poignant Gallipoli battlefields and unravel the myths of ancient Troy before discovering the grandeur of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities. Marvel at Pamukkale's stunning white calcium terraces and therapeutic hot springs, gaining insights into local crafts. This captivating tour seamlessly blends deep historical insights with breathtaking beauty, concluding conveniently in the vibrant resort town of Marmaris.
