Highlights of Turkey

Today marks the first day of this incredible trip through Turkey, with Istanbul as the first stop! Take advantage of the complimentary hotel transfer if you arrive on Day 1 or have booked our pre-accommodation. After settling into the hotel, enjoy the free day to explore this striking city at leisure! Board a tram to the Grand Bazaar and discover this lively local market. Be sure to visit the alleys for gold, leather, bowls and tea. To get away from the crowds, marvel at the fantastic views and savour a drink from a rooftop terrace. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner and get to know your tour leader and travel companions for this trip.

This morning, embark on a locally guided tour of Istanbul after enjoying breakfast. One side of Turkey is in Europe, while the other is in Asia, making it one of the only countries to span two continents! Tick top attractions like the Blue Mosque and take a glimpse into the past at Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome. Join today’s optional excursion for a full-day tour of this magical city. Istanbul+ includes entrance to the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, a Bosphorus cruise, a visit to the buzzing spice bazaar, and a delicious Turkish lunch. It’s sure to be a day to remember!

Explore the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli today! Not only is this where 30,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers were lost but also the place where the national identities of Turkey, New Zealand and Australia were born. See top attractions like the Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorial in ANZAC Cove and the Neck and Johnston’s Jolly Cemetery! After concluding the tour of the battlefields, journey on towards Çanakkale, tonight's rest stop and the location of this evening's included dinner.

Today, revisit ancient times in the city of Troy! The famed Trojan Horse manoeuvre, as well as the 12th-century Trojan War, took place here. Continue the journey to the majestic Acropolis of Pergamum after learning about the history of Troy. Enjoy a tour of the city's spectacular temples as well as Pergamum's library, responsible for making this a prominent cultural and political spot at the time. Spend the night in Kuşadasi after enjoying an included dinner with the group.

Today calls for historic experiences as the group embarks on a guided tour of Ephesus and visits the Temple of Artemis. Here, embrace the city's magical and ancient atmosphere. Up next is Şirince, meaning 'pleasant', a village that was once believed to be called ‘Çirkince’ (‘ugly’) in attempts by Greek slaves to discourage others from visiting. Today's itinerary wraps up at a carpet village for a first-hand discovery of the long-standing Turkish weaving traditions. Tonight, unwind at the hotel after an adventure-filled day!

Today's adventure starts with a presentation of handmade local leather goods. Up next is Pamukkale - one of the tour highlights! Explore the white calcium terraces known as travertines, unique to this marvellous town. These hot, natural spring waters that cascade down the terraces were used in Roman times for their believed healing powers. The day ends with a tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis. Opt for a traditional Whirling Dervish show tonight before enjoying an included dinner.

Traverse the ancient Silk Road today! Stop at Sultanhani Caravanserai - an inn on the side of the road that used to serve as a rest stop for travelling traders - and walk where those who came centuries before have walked! En route, enjoy another stop at the Mevlana Museum in Konya - home to the famous poet Rumi's mausoleum. Arrive in Cappadocia and look forward to an included dinner at the hotel tonight.

Today, behold Cappadocia, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as one of Turkey's top attractions as the tour visits the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum. Marvel at the majesty of these rock-cut churches before finding a rooftop spot for unmatched top-down views of the fairytale-like chimneys. Another option is to discover the underground city of Kaymakli's many levels and indulge in a Turkish bath – an excellent way to end an adventurous day! After dinner this evening, take advantage of the optional excursion and enjoy a legendary evening of Turkish traditions!

This morning, depart Cappadocia as the tour continues to Ankara. Upon arrival, visit the famous mausoleum of President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Ankara was declared the capital city of Turkey by Ataturk in 1923. Experience a wide variety of performing arts and cultural attractions in this lively city! This is the last stop on the Highlights of Turkey tour before heading back to Istanbul for the final night of the tour.

Before the tour concludes this morning, enjoy a final breakfast in Turkey with your tour group. Bid your new global friends farewell after 10 exciting days on tour, and remember to exchange contact details. We hope to see you on another the tour operator tour soon!