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.
It was a great experience with many highlights throughout our tour. We particularly enjoyed the many immersive stops (i.e. wine tasting, weaving, truffle hunting, pasta making, etc.) in addition to our guided tours. Our tour guide, was very well versed, knowledgeable, and helpful and provided good insights and tips throughout our trip. I can't imagine someone else doing a better job than she did! The local experts were also on top of their games.
10 days of la dolce vita, pronto. This one is pure Italian travel, covering all the big bucket-list destinations of Venice, Florence & Rome, plus the smaller charms of Pisa, Verona, and Siena. We'll ooh and aah over antipasto & chianti, dine on regional specialities in local trattorias, boat through the canals and islands of Venice, and explore the architecturally magnificent city of Florence. Expect plenty of world-famous espresso & pizza on the way.
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.
Excellent trip with a superb tour leader in Antonio Marretta. A comprehensive tour around the island including all the major cities and ancient sites. Although a full on itinerary there is still sufficient free time for individual exploration. Antonio’s learned but easily understood lectures on significant aspects of Sicilian history and development were a tremendous bonus.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Syracuse, Sicily, Monreale Cathe
Syracuse, Sicily, Monreale Cathedral, Palermo, Giardini Naxos, Catania, Taormina, CORINTH, Piazza Amerina, Villa Romana Del Casale, Agrigento, Marsala, Mozia Island
We saw and learned a great deal and had what I felt was enough free time and choices. Our guide was great - knowledgeable, personable, and could anticipate our needs. We had a nice group - 29 persons which wasn't too large.
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.
Very laid back and easy with two days in most places and a good quantity of free time. Fantastic tour director who kept her flock in control. Driver was phenomenal and a pleasure to talk to. As always there is too much to see and remember so picture taking is essential.
My husband and I brought our entire family on this vacation to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. Great trip, the best way to see much of Italy in a short time - 8 days. The country, food and people are wonderful in Italy. Our tour guide was great! I highly recommend.
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.
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.