A wonderful introduction to Turkey, this 8 day tour takes in many of the ancient sites. From the thriving city of Istanbul with a full day tour included, you will move on to explore the WWi battlefields of Gallipoli and the ancient historical sites of Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus and Pamukkale.
NOTE: On 2025 departures the following visits will be replaced:
Ancient Pergamum - Replaced with a visit to Assos.
The itinerary was great, though we could have had more info re places enroute (could have done without the hand drawn map though).
Great weather. Lovely trip in all.
Join us on this 10-day small-group tour that starts and ends in Istanbul, offering the perfect introduction to Turkey's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin your journey in the enchanting city of Istanbul, then travel down the picturesque Aegean Coast to explore iconic sites steeped in ancient history. Finally, experience the unique, otherworldly beauty of Cappadocia, with its surreal landscapes and fascinating cultural heritage.
What makes this tour truly exceptional is our fully guided experience. From the moment your adventure begins on Day 1 until the farewell on the last day, a professional tour guide will be with you every step of the way. As knowledgeable experts and dedicated companions, our guides manage every detail, share captivating stories, and provide personalized insights, ensuring a stress-free and enriching journey through Turkey’s most remarkable destinations.
Our guide Zaffer was extremely knowledgeable and made the talks inter sting by telling us about the everyday lives of the people at the archaeological sites. I would have liked an overnight stop at Konya to see the Whirling Dervishes perform. Zaffer did his best and booked us a demo at local hotel at Pamukkale but the room was very crowded and it didn't feel authentic.
It’s time to explore Scotland in winter, undoubtedly one of the most magical seasons of the year! Unravel the mysteries of the ‘Misty Isle’, get the chance for an encounter with the legendary 'Nessie' at Loch Ness, and spend two nights in the historic Highland capital, Inverness.
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.
Experience the highlights of Turkey on this 7-day tour, starting and ending in Istanbul. Explore the historic battlefields of Gallipoli, marvel at the impressive Roman ruins of Ephesus, and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Aegean Coast. Discover the natural wonders of Pamukkale’s travertines and the crown jewel of Turkey, Cappadocia, with its surreal landscapes and fascinating underground cities.
What truly sets this tour apart is the presence of our professional tour guides, who accompany you from Day 1 to the final farewell. As expert storytellers and cultural ambassadors, they ensure a seamless, stress-free experience by handling every detail of your journey. Their insights and personalized guidance allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty, history, and culture of Turkey while leaving all the logistics to us.
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Turkey with a meticulously crafted itinerary that seamlessly blends ancient cities, stunning coastlines, historical landmarks, and modern Turkish culture. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this adventure offers travelers a comprehensive and diverse exploration of this remarkable country.
The tour commences in Istanbul, a dynamic metropolis where the past and present converge in harmony. Travelers experience the city's cosmopolitan vibrancy alongside its ancient wonders, providing a perfect introduction to Turkey's rich heritage.
The journey then takes a poignant turn as travelers visit the battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli, including the hallowed ground of ANZAC Cove, paying tribute to the historical significance of World War II.
As the tour heads south along the Mediterranean coast, travelers encounter Turkey's ancient treasures. Stops at the legendary sites of Troy, the impressive Pergamum, and the exceptionally well-preserved ruins of Ephesus offer insights into the country's illustrious past.
Arriving in the coastal town of Kusadasi, guests are treated to the charm of Turkish seaside life before embarking on an inland adventure. The surreal calcium travertines at Pamukkale beckon, providing a unique opportunity for a rejuvenating dip in the spa waters. The historic ruins of Hieropolis also await exploration.
Continuing the journey, travelers follow the ancient Spice Route deeper into central Turkey, arriving in Konya, where they delve into the art of Sufi dancing and celebrate the poetry of Rumi, a profound cultural experience.
The tour then unfolds into the captivating landscape of Cappadocia, with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai offering a glimpse into the past. In Cappadocia, guests are enchanted by the mesmerizing rock formations, cave churches, underground cities, and the famous 'fairy chimneys,' which define the region's unique charm.
The tour concludes with a return to Istanbul, with the option for a flight back to the city. Along the way, travelers stop in Ankara, the modern-day capital, where they can explore the city's contemporary attractions.
Throughout the journey, accommodations are carefully selected, offering a mix of 4-star and boutique hotels, ensuring comfort and a taste of local charm. For those seeking more time to explore Istanbul's wonders, additional days can be added at the beginning or end of the tour, providing a comprehensive experience of this magnificent city.
Embark on an intensive 5-day journey through Turkey's most poignant historical sites and natural wonders! Begin at the solemn Gallipoli battlefields, honoring WWI history, before delving into the myths of ancient Troy and its new museum. Discover the grandeur of Ephesus, exploring its renowned Library of Celsus and Temple of Artemis, then marvel at Pamukkale's breathtaking white travertine terraces and therapeutic hot springs. This captivating tour offers a deep dive into Turkey's rich past and stunning landscapes, culminating with a convenient return flight to Istanbul.
From Istanbul to Athens. The great capital of the Ottoman Empire to the ancient capital of Greece in 14 magical days. Discover archaeological treasures, natural wonders, and the jewels of the Greek Islands; Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos
Journey through time on this 2-day tour, exploring Turkey's poignant historical sites. Step back into legend at the ancient city of Troy, home of the iconic Trojan Horse. Then, pay your respects at the serene Gallipoli Battlefields, visiting ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair, where you'll walk through original trenches. This powerful tour offers a deep dive into both mythological tales and solemn World War I history.
I enjoyed the variety of places we visited. I especially liked having a local guide at each location to learn about the history and culture of each place. The only regret for me was that we couldn’t spend more time in Lake Bled. I liked that we were able to take the boats over to the island, but I would have also enjoyed seeing a view of the lake from a higher vantage point to be able to see the entire lake with the island in the middle. Otherwise, I was fully pleased with the itinerary of the tour.
