This 8-day Turkey tour takes you from bustling Istanbul to the Mediterranean at Kusadasi and then inland to the beautiful scenery of Cappadocia. The itinerary is designed to combine some of Turkey's classic highlights in a week's visit, balancing bustling cities, beautiful scenery, ancient ruins and modern Turkey. You'll stay in a mix of 4-star and boutique style properties along the way.
Starting in Istanbul, the beating heart of Turkey and historically a vitally important connecting point between the continents of Europe and Asia, we visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Spice Bazaar, Hippodrome and take a cruise on the Bosphorus before flying south to the Mediterranean coast at Kusadasi. We have two nights here, and a tour to the nearby ruins at Ephesus. One of the best preserved ancient Greek & Roman sites in the whole of the Mediterranean region, this is a spectacular site with a fascinating history. We'll also visit a village famous for producing local fruit wines, and learn about the importance of carpet making in Turkey. Our next stop is at the stepped calcium travertines and hot pools at Pamukkale, before we continue into the centre of Turkey along the ancient Spice Route, passing old caravanserais and visiting the Mervlana museum at Konya on the way. This brings us to picturesque landscape of Cappadocia where we visit the strange rock formations, cave chuches and 'fairy chimneys' in the Goreme valley and venture down into one of the labarynthine underground cities built by Christians centuries ago to hide from persecution. The tour then finishes with a drive (or optional flight) via Ankara back to Istanbul where extra nights are available to spend more time exploring the city.
Wonderful trip with our guide Lisa. The itinerary was good, but many long bus rides-which is necessary to cover mainland Greece and get in as much as we did in 7 full days. Would have loved to have an overnight stay in Nafplio. Enjoyed staying in hotels within walking distance to the towns-made it really easy to just go during free times. The dinner buffets at the hotels were not my favorite but understand why since a couple nights we were getting into the hotels late due to traveling. Kalabaka and Meteora were a highlight for me. The Olive Farm and Cooking night were wonderful. Both the Santorini and Mykonos stays were wonderful. The optional catamaran excursion on Santorini was great.
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.
More time is needed in Acropolis Delphi and Dion,
the museum of the Acropolis was not on the itinerary which is a shame
especially that there was not free time to see it by ourself
Begin in Porto, a city steeped in history and known for its stunning riverside views. Stroll along the Douro River, explore historic districts, and visit to a renowned Port wine cellar. Journey into the idyllic Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards cascade down the hillsides. Explore Tomar, a town steeped in the mystique of the Knights Templar. Delve into Coimbra, home to one of Europe's oldest universities. Discover the architectural marvel of Pena Palace in Sintra, nestled amidst lush hills, before immersing yourself in Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, a city that thrives on captivating contrasts
Discover Turkey on this 9-day tour, from the historic treasures of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Visit iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Gallipoli’s battlefields, then explore ancient Troy, Pergamum, and the remarkably preserved ruins of Ephesus. See the striking white terraces of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis before heading to Cappadocia, renowned for its fairy chimneys, cave churches, and underground cities, and then return to Istanbul.