Journey Across Turkey - 10 days

Once you have arrived in Fethiye, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner before spending the night in Fethiye.

Today is free for you to relax and make the most of Fethiye at your own pace. You might like to wander around the harbour, explore the old town’s narrow streets, or simply enjoy the beach and cafés.

If you prefer, you can join the optional boat cruise along the turquoise coast, with swim stops at secluded bays and islands.

Fethiye - Antalya. This morning, we depart Fethiye and enjoy a scenic journey along the Mediterranean coastline as we travel towards Antalya, often called the jewel of the Turkish Riviera.

On arrival, we set out on an orientation walk through the historic Old Harbor and the narrow streets of Kaleici, with its Ottoman-era houses and lively atmosphere. In the evening, we share dinner together at a local restaurant before settling in for the night.

Today, you will have a day at leisure in Antalya. You may wish to spend time wandering through the old town, with its narrow streets and Ottoman-era houses, browse the local bazaars, or enjoy the cafés overlooking the harbour. Alternatively, you might choose to relax at your hotel or take a stroll along the waterfront.

If you wish, you can join the optional excursion to Perge, once a thriving Roman city with impressive ruins including its stadium and ancient baths. The tour continues to Aspendos, renowned for its remarkable Roman theatre, considered one of the best preserved in the world and still used for performances today.

Antalya - Cappadocia. Early this morning, we set off for Cappadocia, travelling across the Anatolian plateau. Along the way, we pause at a 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai, once an important stop for traders and travellers along the Silk Road.

Later, we explore the underground city of Saratli, carved into the soft volcanic rock and once used as a refuge during times of invasion. We then make our way to our accommodation, where we will enjoy dinner.

Today, you have a full day at leisure in Cappadocia to enjoy the region at your own pace. You might like to explore the villages with their cave houses, visit local shops, or simply relax and take in the unique landscapes.

Alternatively, you can opt to join an early morning hot air balloon ride, offering breathtaking views of the fairy chimneys and lunar-like valleys as the sun rises. Later in the day, you may opt to join a half-day tour visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the pottery town of Avanos, Devrent (Imagination) Valley, and the striking Red Valley, with the chance to take part in a hands-on pottery demonstration.

In the evening, you can also opt to join a traditional Whirling Dervishes ceremony before we return to the hotel for dinner and our overnight stay. (All optional activities are booked and paid locally)

Cappadocia - Ankara. After breakfast, we depart for Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Our journey takes us past the vast Salt Lake, one of the largest in the country and a striking natural landmark.

On arrival in Ankara, we visit Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. This impressive site not only honours Atatürk’s legacy but also offers insight into the nation’s modern history. We then continue to our hotel for the evening.

Ankara - Istanbul. Today, we visit the Spice Market, a vibrant bazaar filled with colourful stalls where you can pick up Turkish delights, spices, and souvenirs.

In the afternoon, you may opt to join a Bosphorus cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia and passing grand Ottoman palaces and elegant waterside mansions. This evening, we come together to celebrate the end of our journey with a farewell dinner.

This morning, we embark on a full day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. We begin at the Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece that has served as both a Byzantine church and an Ottoman Mosque, and now once again stands as a functioning mosque.

We continue to the Hippodrome, once the centre of public life in Constantinople, before visiting the Blue Mosque, admired worldwide for its striking domes, slender minarets, and beautiful blue Iznik tiles.

In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Topkapi Palace Museum with an optional entrance ticket. This opulent former residence of the Ottoman sultans showcases the grandeur of the empire, though entry to the Harem section is not included.

Our day concludes with a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets. This evening is at leisure, with the option to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner paired with a lively belly dancing performance.

After your final breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!