Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Starts
Istanbul, Turkey
Ends
Istanbul, Turkey
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Crossroads of Turkey
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What's Included
Accommodation
All accommodation (3 to 4-star hotels and boutiques)
Meals
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Transport
All transport and transfers24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer serviceGaziantep to Istanbul flight
Guide
Services of a local tour leader throughout
Others
Entrance fees for sights mentioned in itineraryTipping kitty
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day odyssey through Turkey on our Crossroads of Turkey tour, a meticulously curated itinerary that seamlessly weaves together ancient cities, breathtaking coastlines, historical landmarks, and the vibrant tapestry of modern Turkish culture. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this comprehensive adventure promises travelers a diverse and enriching exploration of this remarkable country.
Your journey commences in the captivating metropolis of Istanbul, where East and West harmoniously converge. Immerse yourself in the city's cosmopolitan allure while marveling at its ancient treasures, providing a perfect introduction to Turkey's rich and storied heritage.
The tour takes a poignant turn as you visit the hallowed battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli, including the revered ANZAC Cove, paying homage to the historical significance of World War I.
As you venture south along the picturesque Mediterranean coast, you'll encounter the echoes of Turkey's ancient civilizations. Stops at the legendary site of Troy, the awe-inspiring ruins of Pergamum, and the remarkably preserved ancient city of Ephesus offer profound insights into the country's illustrious past.
Arriving in the charming coastal town of Kusadasi, you'll savor the delights of Turkish seaside life before embarking on an inland adventure. The otherworldly calcium travertines of Pamukkale beckon, inviting you for a rejuvenating dip in the thermal waters. The nearby ruins of Hieropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome.
The journey continues along the fabled Spice Route, leading you deeper into central Turkey. In Konya, you'll experience the mesmerizing art of Sufi whirling dervishes and celebrate the timeless poetry of Rumi, a profound cultural immersion.
Venturing further into the heart of Anatolia, the tour unveils the captivating landscape of Cappadocia, with a stop at the historic Sultanhani Caravanserai along the way. In Cappadocia, prepare to be enchanted by the surreal rock formations, ancient cave churches, subterranean cities, and the iconic 'fairy chimneys' that define this extraordinary region.
From Cappadocia, the adventure takes you to the majestic Mount Nemrut, where colossal statues of ancient gods and rulers stand sentinel over the surrounding landscape. Witness the breathtaking sunrise from this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a truly unforgettable experience.
Your journey then leads you to Sanliurfa, a city steeped in biblical history, believed to be the birthplace of Abraham. Explore its sacred Pool of Abraham and the fascinating archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe, considered one of the oldest temples in the world.
In nearby Harran, you'll encounter the unique beehive-shaped houses and ancient city walls that have stood for millennia. This evocative site offers a glimpse into life in ancient Mesopotamia.
Your next stop is Gaziantep, a culinary paradise renowned for its delectable cuisine and vibrant pistachio markets. Indulge in local specialties like baklava and kebabs while exploring the city's historic sites, including the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to stunning Roman mosaics.
As your extraordinary journey through Turkey draws to a close, you'll fly back to Istanbul, where you can extend your stay to further explore the city's myriad wonders or bid farewell to this enchanting land with cherished memories.
Throughout the tour, you'll be accommodated in a carefully curated selection of 3 to 4-star and boutique hotels, ensuring comfort and a taste of local hospitality.
day 1 - Arrive into Istanbul, transfer to hotel
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of Istanbul for the start of your trip. The rest of your day is free to explore this vibrant city.Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
Accommodation:Istanbul hotel
Extras:Single room supplement (TUSGAA)
day 2 - Istanbul, old city tour
Our trip begins this morning with a full day tour of Istanbul. Lying across two continents this historically important city played an integral role in the development of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum and explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace before ending at the famous Hippodrome.
Accommodation:Istanbul hotel
Meals:Breakfast
day 3 - Gallipoli battlefields and memorials tour
We depart Istanbul this morning for the drive to Gallopoli where we will receive a fully guided tour of this World War I battlefield site. Although home to some of the fiercest fighting during the War today the site is full of poignant memorials set against a subdued wooded landscape. Our tour will include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston Jolly as well as The Nek and Gallipoli Museum. There will also be chance to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war before we head to our hotel in Canakkale.
Accommodation:Canakkale hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
day 4 - Tour of Troy, Museum of Troya and the Ancient Assos
This morning we make the short drive to the ancient city of Troy. Lying undiscoverd until midway through the 19th Century the excavations here brought the legend of the Trojan horse and the poems of Homer back to life Whilst here we'll also visit the new award winning Museum of Troy. We continue on to Assos, taking in the views from the Temple of Athena, overlooking the Aegean and the Greek island of Lesbos. At the ancient harbour, you will have free time to wander the charming streets, maybe grab yourself a meal at a harbourside seafood restaurant. From Assos we head south to Kusadasi.
Accommodation:Kusadasi hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
day 5 - Kusadasi, Ephesus Roman ruins tour
After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey.
Accommodation:Kusadasi hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
day 6 - Drive to Pamukkale and Hieropolis
We travel east this morning to Pamukkale, site of the well known white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Pamukkale translates as 'cotton castles' and the naturally occuring geology here has created cloud like formations unlike anywhere else. We then head to the ancient city of Hierapolis to enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools lodged amongst ancient columns left by the Romans who used the pools for their therapeutic powers.
Accommodation:Pamukkale hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
day 7 - Drive the Silk Road to Konya
Travel back in time today as we follow the ancient Silk Road towards Konya. We learn more about the history of this important trade route with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai before arrivingin Konya where we include a visit to the Mevlana museum - the former home of the original Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes.
Accommodation:Cappadocia hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
day 8 - Cappadocia, full day tour
Today we set out to explore the beautiful and surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Unlike nowhere else on earth, this bizarre setting creates a fairytale view full of improbable rock formations and underground villages. Often described as the jewel of Turkey we have a full tour here to explore the subterrenean churches and fortresses used by Christians to avoid persecution over a thousand years ago.
Accommodation:Cappadocia hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
day 9 - Travel to Mount Nemrut for Sunset via Kahramanmaras
Departing Cappadocia early, our journey takes us through Kahramanmaras towards Adiyaman, culminating in an awe-inspiring sunset at the renowned Mount Nemrut.We'll make our way to the historic Mount Nemrut, site of the ancient Commagene Kingdom's royal tombs and imposing statues of Greek and Persian gods. As we climb to the Tumulus of Antiochos, once the capital of this Hellenistic kingdom, we'll anticipate the dramatic sunset that awaits us. This ancient burial mound, hidden for nearly two thousand years, will provide a majestic setting as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with a tranquil palette atop Mount Nemrut.
Accommodation:Adiyaman hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
day 10 - Travel to Sanliurfa via Harran
After breakfast, we embark on a journey to Sanliurfa (Urfa), taking a scenic route that winds past the awe-inspiring Ataturk Dam, a marvel of modern engineering. Our path will then lead us to the ancient town of Harran, a fascinating relic of the past renowned for its distinctive beehive-shaped mud-brick houses and well-preserved city walls.Upon reaching Sanliurfa, we'll delve into its rich religious history, beginning with a visit to the revered Holy Pools of Abraham, a site of immense spiritual significance. Legend has it that these pools were created when the Prophet Abraham was thrown into a fire but was miraculously saved by God, transforming the flames into water. We'll also explore the cave believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, a place of deep reverence for believers.
Accommodation:Sanliurfa hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
day 11 - Exploring Gobekli Tepe and Sanliurfa
Our journey begins at the awe-inspiring Gobekli Tepe, a groundbreaking archaeological discovery that has revolutionized our understanding of early human civilization. This sacred site showcases the oldest known temples, built an astounding 11,000 to 13,000 years ago—long before the invention of pottery, writing, the construction of Stonehenge, or even the Pyramids.Our exploration of ancient wonders continues with visits to the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, home to exquisite Roman-era mosaics, the Kizilkoyun Necropolis, an ancient burial ground with fascinating rock-cut tombs, and the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts from the region's rich history.
Accommodation:Sanliurfa hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
day 12 - Exploring Halfeti and Gaziantep. Fly to Istanbul
Our journey continues with a scenic drive towards Gaziantep, where a new chapter of our adventure unfolds. Upon reaching Gaziantep, we'll embark on a mesmerizing boat trip to Halfeti, a partially submerged village where you'll witness the haunting beauty of a sunken city beneath the placid waters. This unique experience will be followed by a visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, a world-renowned institution that houses an extraordinary collection of mosaics recovered from the depths of the ancient city of Zeugma. These mosaics, renowned for their intricate artistry and vibrant colors, offer a window into the rich cultural heritage of a lost civilization. As the day draws to a close, we'll catch a flight back to Istanbul, where we spend our final night.
Accommodation:Istanbul hotel
Meals:Breakfast
day 13 - Istanbul, free time, transfer to airport
Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Optional tours are available locally to see more of Istanbul, and we can also add extra nights in the Istanbul hotel if you'd like to spend more time exploring the city.
