Highlights
Gallipoli: Visit ANZAC Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula, the landing site for Australian and New Zealand forces on 25 April 1915. The site remains the focus of ANZAC Day commemorations, including the dawn service held here each year.
Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.
Ephesus: Visit the Archaeological museum housing many of the artefacts from Ephesus.
Ephesus: Walk through Ephesus with a Local Expert, following the Arcadian Way into the heart of the Roman city. You’ll stand before the Library of Celsus, take in the scale of the amphitheatre and visit the House of the Virgin Mary, set in the hills above the ruins.
Pamukkale: Walk along the travertine pools at Pamukkale, where thermal waters have created white limestone terraces across the hillside. You’ll see how the calcium-rich water continues to shape the formations, leaving new deposits as it flows.
Konya: Step inside the Sultanhani Caravanserai, built in 1229 to support traders and travellers crossing the Anatolian plain. See how the space was designed for overnight shelter, with stables, storerooms and a central courtyard still intact.
Saratli: Explore the underground city of Saratlı, where tunnels, rooms and passageways were carved out to provide shelter and storage. You’ll walk through the lower levels and see how early communities built out daily life below ground.
Göreme: Explore the rock-cut churches of Göreme, carved into the soft volcanic rock of Cappadocia. Inside, you’ll see early Christian frescoes that have survived for centuries, offering a close look at how communities once lived and worshipped here.
Avanos: Visit a pottery studio in Avanos, a town on the Kızılırmak River with a clay-working tradition that dates back to Hittite times. Watch how red river clay is prepared and shaped at the wheel, and follow the stages as each piece is formed, dried and decorated.
Ankara: Visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey and the Republic’s first President. You’ll walk through the ceremonial complex and enter the Hall of Honour, observing how the architecture and setting underline his role in the country’s modern history.
Istanbul: Cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. You’ll watch ferries, fishing boats and cargo ships share the waterway and see how Istanbul’s districts line both banks, built around this route between Europe and Asia.
Istanbul: Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula with your Local Expert. You’ll move between the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the former palace complex of Topkapi, tracing how the city shifted from Byzantine Constantinople to the Ottoman capital while life continues in the surrounding streets and markets.
Konya: Step inside the Sultanhani Caravanserai, built in 1229 to support traders and travellers crossing the Anatolian plain. See how the space was designed for overnight shelter, with stables, storerooms and a central courtyard still intact.
Saratli: Explore the underground city of Saratlı, where tunnels, rooms and passageways were carved out to provide shelter and storage. You’ll walk through the lower levels and see how early communities built out daily life below ground.
Göreme: Explore the rock-cut churches of Göreme, carved into the soft volcanic rock of Cappadocia. Inside, you’ll see early Christian frescoes that have survived for centuries, offering a close look at how communities once lived and worshipped here.
Avanos: Visit a pottery studio in Avanos, a town on the Kızılırmak River with a clay-working tradition that dates back to Hittite times. Watch how red river clay is prepared and shaped at the wheel, and follow the stages as each piece is formed, dried and decorated.
Ankara: Visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey and the Republic’s first President. You’ll walk through the ceremonial complex and enter the Hall of Honour, observing how the architecture and setting underline his role in the country’s modern history.
Istanbul: Cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. You’ll watch ferries, fishing boats and cargo ships share the waterway and see how Istanbul’s districts line both banks, built around this route between Europe and Asia.
Istanbul: Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula with your Local Expert. You’ll move between the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the former palace complex of Topkapi, tracing how the city shifted from Byzantine Constantinople to the Ottoman capital while life continues in the surrounding streets and markets.
Itinerary
Experience the allure of Turkey on this immersive 11-day guided trip, designed for seniors and seasoned travelers seeking both comfort and cultural discovery. From the birthplace of civilizations in Troy and Ephesus to the dazzling mosaics of Istanbul, every stop is steeped in history. Marvel at Pamukkale’s turquoise travertine terraces, visit the cave dwellings of Cappadocia, and dine in view of swirling Whirling Dervishes.
Unique moments abound: walk an organic farm in the Maeander River Valley, soak in a hotel’s Turkish baths, and barter for treasures in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. The journey also includes a visit to Atatürk’s Mausoleum in Ankara, connecting you to the nation’s modern story.
What sets this tour apart is the rich blend of ancient wonders, local encounters, and authentic gastronomy—delivered at a relaxed, accessible pace for maximum enjoyment.
day 1Welcome to Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, the only major city set across two continents, shaped by the Bosphorus and a skyline of domes and minarets. Youll transfer to Canopy by Hilton Istanbul, in the Beyolu district, and have time to settle in. If time allows, head out for a first look at the citys waterfront life, watching ferries cross the strait and taking in views towards the historic peninsula. This evening, meet your Travel Director and your small group for dinner in a local restaurant and begin getting to know the travellers youll be exploring with.
day 2Gallipoli, Anzac Cove and Troy
day 3Izmir
day 4Ancient Ephesus
day 5The Pools of Pamukkale
day 6The Underground City and Cappadocia
day 7The Cappadocia Experience
day 8Ankara
day 9To Istanbul
day 10Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire
day 11Farewell Istanbul
What's Included
Customer Reviews
The places visited were all intrinsically linked to the history of Türkiye and helped us to really understand the country. The distances between our stops were sometimes large, but pitstops were made, which kept us going. It can feel gruelling at times, but it was worth it. Be aware that you really do need to be physically fit, not just for the stops, but simply getting on and off the bus.
Great. Balanced
We couldn’t fault the experience. Our guide was amazing, she was so organised and knowledgeable and helpful throughout our trip. The hotels were lovely. On checkin our guide would phone ahead so when we arrived we would be given our room key and bags taking to our room within minutes. The meals were amazing also. The driver was incredible, very smooth and always at the step of the bus to help everybody out safely. Our bags were taken from the bus so we didn’t need to lift them. The excursion we were taken to were first class and our guide knew all about the history. This trip was first class and would have to be the best ever trip we have done. Happy client from New Zealand
This is a particularly enjoyable experience as it unlocks a door to the people and culture of a part of the world that has some incredible sights, unforgettable scenery, and people who respect and preserve their past, while they are fully immersed in bringing this to the attention of any lucky visitor, by providing people with all the modern conveniences needed to have a memorable time in Türkiye.
The itinerary covers the main parts of Turkey and lots of variety. Loved the tour
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