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.
A tour of 8 people plus our guide and driver, a perfect number for our van. A most enjoyable 2 weeks seeing the highlights of Turkey with some fine company My expectations were pleasantly met as to the variety of our itinerary be it mosques, historical sites, Greek/Roman/Underground cities, temples, ruins, natural attractions. I felt at times we were rushed a little through some Greek/Roman cities however I understand we all move at a different pace to take in these wonders, mine perhaps being slower The hotels were a mix of mainly 3 star with the occasional 4 star and all were suitable for a quiet nights rest. The breakfasts and occasional dinner on offer did vary in quality but I personally found them to be fine. I opted for the single-supplement accommodation however it was random as to whether I was given a room with 2 single beds or 1 double bed (preferable), there was no option given at check-in so that was disappointing. I also chose the tour lunch pack but in hindsight there was no need as eating choices were abundant for our luncheons I was pleased I opted for the excursion to Troy and Gallipoli which included a visit to the ancient site of Pergamon en-route, and I considered the hotel in Canakkale the best hotel of the trip I would most certainly recommend Eskapas and this tour for some wonderful lifetime memories of Turkey
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.
Adventure in premium style from the vibrant streets of Amman to the magical landscape of Wadi Rum and world wonder of Petra.
Float on the Dead Sea before bathing in its healing mud. Flying to Cairo, stand in awe against the Pyramids and roam its chaotic bazaars. Ride to bustling port city of Alexandria and stand beside the ruins of the Great Library of Alexandria. Taking a comfortable flight to Luxor, sail the wonders of the Nile for 5 days on a Nile Cruiser.
Explore the incredible treasures of Egypt and Jordan on an exquisite 16-day adventure.
Roam the bustling bazaars and astounding museums of Cairo before witnessing the mighty Pyramids. Soak in the marvellous wonders scattered along the Nile on a superior Nile Cruiser for 4 days. Fly back to Cairo and to Amman to launch the Jordan leg of your tour, saving much-valuable time and energy. Uncover the amazing gems of Jordan as the capital Amman, ruins of Jerash, Petra and Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.
Discover the wonders of Egypt and Jordan on this 16 day adventure. Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Nile felucca cruising and Red Sea relaxation. Topped off with Jordan, home to the stunning Rose City of Petra (voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World), the red desert of Wadi Rum and the buoyant Dead Sea.
Marvel at Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, spot locals sipping pastis in Nice and admire Florence the home of Michelangelo and the Renaissance, as you circle the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Embrace the city of Pisa with a stop at the famous leaning tower, where Italian astronomer Galileo was said to have pioneered his theories of gravity. In France, work up an appetite in the medieval streets. In Spain, dine with the locals in Basque tradition with an evening of San Sebastian pintxos tastings, snack-sized tapas, while sipping on a refreshing glass of local Txakoli wine. In Rome, taste the seasonal flavours and of course, handmade pasta.
From Amsterdam to Rome and onto Paris, this grand tour takes in Cinque Terre, abundant Florence sightseeing and a delectable Lucerne Dine Around evening. Start your tour with a curated cruise through the canals led by local experts—the perfect introduction to the Netherlands. Onwards in style into Germany, the Rhine's UNESCO world heritage sites give way to the golden city of Prague—where your local guide will lead you through the hilltop castle courtyards and the grandiose St Vitus Cathedral or through the Jewish Quarter. A tour of Italy serves up the gondola-filled canals of Venice and the opulence of Rome, before Swiss delights beckon in Lucerne. Paris dazzles last with a chance to shop the city's boutiques like a local and enjoy views of iconic sights, including Notre-Dame and the Louvre.
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.
