Splendours of Turkey

Meet the marvellous merge of Europe and Asia at the magical Istanbul to embark on a cultural discovery through ancient lands. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a Ciconia representative at the airport. In the afternoon, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Greet the diverse and incredibly tasteful Turkish cuisine tonight on a group dinner, make sure to leave room for delicious desserts.

Journey to the heart of Istanbul old town and witness the perfect blend of ancient and modern unfold before you. Stroll with your expert local guide through the Hippodrome, visit the charming Blue Mosque and the mysterious Cistern Basilica. Enjoy an exquisite meal worthy of Sultans next to the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Enjoy some personal leisure time in the old town, discover hidden gems and embrace the local culture. In the afternoon meet the breath-taking Bosphorus in all its charm as you cruise in-between Europe and Asia.

Today, we are taking a scenic ride to Ankara, the Turkish capital, where our first stop will be the impressive Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Here you’ll discover countless ancient civilizations that has dominated Asia Minor throughout history. After our dinner at the hotel, personal leisure time to spend the evening exploring the capital as you please.

Start the morning with a visit to Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk – the final resting place of the founding father of Republic of Turkey. It is a location sacred to Turkish people, a glorious yet calming place of great importance. With a scenic drive through the Anatolian countryside, we make our way to Cappadocia on a comfortable ride. One of the most popular sites in Turkey, the famous region is decorated with stunning caves and fairy-chimneys: unique formations of eroded volcanic rocks and tuff. Starting the adventure at Avanos - famous for its top-quality clay, learn all about pottery-making at an interactive workshop. After a long day of cultural discovery, relax at your hotel and join your group over dinner at the hotel.

Rise early to join the hot-air balloon experience, flying over the magical fairy-chimneys. A bucket-list item for all keen travellers, it is an experience not to be missed (please bear in mind that this optional experience is dependent on weather conditions). As you disembark your balloon, you will get the chance to explore the wondrous formations up close at Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The soft rock has allowed for both nature and people to carve incredible underground cities, chapels, cave houses and much more. These impressive millennia-old underground structures have sheltered countless Christians escaping the Roman Empire in the 4th century and housed Orthodox monks in the 12th century. Here you’ll witness the wonders of nature as well as each culture engraved in the fabric of this marvelous geography. Later on, delve into one of the finest and oldest crafts of Turkey at its home as we visit a carpet-weaving workshop. In the evening, you can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of cultural discovery. Alternatively, you may join a live show of whirling dervishes to witness the unique divine ritual, an unforgettable experience. You can also join an optional wine tasting session or Turkish Night show.

Start an unforgettable day by exploring the famous underground city of Kaymakli where ancient Christians took refuge to escape raids and wars for centuries. Here you will discover the complex network of underground tunnels, storerooms, burial chambers and chapels dating back to various eras. Together with the unique geology, each civilization and culture have shaped this marvelous heritage over thousands of years into a one-of-a-kind experience for all travelers. The journey continues towards Konya, home of the famous whirling dervishes - members of the Sufism order. You can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of discovery.

Meet the diverse Turkish culture and its various facades today. Starting with an 8-century-old center of education and architectural beauty, Karatay Madrasa, continue to the Museum and Mausoleum of Mevlana, also globally known as Rumi. Explore the ideas and works of the famous scholar, poet and theologist of the 13th century, whose teachings of understanding and acceptance have lived on to this day. In the afternoon, breathe in the clean scent of the sea as we drive to Antalya. Giving a break at a marvelous local restaurant for lunch, we will arrive to our hotel late in the afternoon. Antalya is a hugely popular seaside resort with endless beaches and premium service. Dinner at the hotel and personal leisure time in the evening.

Today, our first stop will be Perge located 15 km east of Antalya, and home to remarkable ruins of ancient Pamphylia city. The acropolis here holds incredible mosaics dating back to the Bronze Age. With a short drive away lies Aspendos, the sister town of Perge. Aspendos is known for having the best-preserved theatre of antiquity. Imagine an amphitheater maintained in excellent quality over 2,000 years and an unbelievable capacity of 12,000! Its incredible acoustics haven’t aged a day. We return to Antalya to rest up after an epic adventure.

This morning, we are heading inlands and arrive in our hotel at the Cotton Castle of Turkey, Pamukkale. Walk in shallow pools of calcar with breath-taking scenery unfolding before you in terraces of snow-white travertines. Famously known for its mineral-rich waters and healing properties, Pamukkale region has welcomed endless visitors over millennia. Delve into history at the ancient city Hierapolis, witnessing the majestic amphitheater of 15,000 seats and ever-impressive acoustics. Rest up, relax or even savor the spa or massage services of your hotel. Your seat for dinner is already reserved at the hotel restaurant.

This morning we are driving to the amazing ruins of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll the incredibly well-preserved ancient city and the impressive library. With a short ride away from the marvelous wonders, you will visit Virgin Mary’s house in the mountains – where she is believed to have lived her final days. Our next stop will be of culinary discovery at a lovely restaurant in the countryside famously known for delicious Gozleme. Following the cultural overload, we arrive to our hotel at seaside metropolitan Izmir - the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Turkish seafood culture and raki.

A day filled with epic adventure awaits. In the morning, we will depart for Pergamon. Home to healing waters and ruins of the Asklepion medical center, it is one of the most important centers of healing of the Roman world. Our journey continues with the visit to the ancient city of Troy where we will witness the ruins of the once glorious city with a special place in mythology and history. Pose with the famous Trojan Horse before departing for Çanakkale and arrive to our hotel just in time for dinner.

After a delicious breakfast, we leave for the famous shores of Gallipoli. Arriving in Gallipoli, we pay our respects to the fallen Turkish and Australian soldiers who bravely fought here during World War 1, still commemorated every year in April. Witness the now-green battlefields, visit the Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair and other important historical sites. In the afternoon, with a scenic drive through the countryside, we make our way to Istanbul on a comfortable ride. Relax at your hotel and join your group over dinner at the hotel.

The day is yours to haggle your way through the famous Grand Bazaar to find the perfect souvenir for your loved ones and yourself!

Our marvelous adventure comes to an end over breakfast with newfound friends. Make sure to bid farewell and exchange numbers before checking-out of the hotel (at 11:00). Complementary airport transfers are available all day, have a safe and smooth journey!