Welcome to Istanbul, the enchanting city where East meets West. Upon arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your journey. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps take a gentle stroll through the neighbourhood, soak in the sounds of the bustling streets, or unwind with a Turkish tea as you absorb the city’s vibrant energy. Istanbul is a city layered with history, from Byzantine marvels to Ottoman masterpieces, and even your first wander offers glimpses of its captivating contrasts. Settle into your hotel and relax after your travels, ready for the adventure ahead. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, embark on a guided journey through Istanbul’s most celebrated monuments. Begin with the glorious Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans and their legendary court. Continue to the iconic St. Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering, and admire its immense dome and centuries-old mosaics. Nearby, the Blue Mosque awaits with its elegant minarets and striking blue tiles. Wander through the atmospheric Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, where vibrant colours, aromatic spices, and handcrafted wares fill the countless stalls. Throughout the day, your expert guide reveals the significance and stories behind these landmarks, helping you appreciate the depth of Istanbul’s cultural and architectural heritage. After a full day of exploration, return to your hotel for a restful evening. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by a leisurely morning to relax or explore at your own pace. Later, transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport to board your domestic flight to Cappadocia, a convenient and time-saving inclusion designed to enhance your journey. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel, located amidst one of the world’s most surreal landscapes. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to unwind, settle in, or wander among the unique rock formations near your hotel. As evening falls, enjoy dinner at your hotel and prepare for tomorrow’s full day of exploration in this extraordinary region. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Begin your morning in the dreamlike valleys of Cappadocia, where soft volcanic rock has been shaped by nature into cones, chimneys, and ancient dwellings. After breakfast, join your guide for a full-day exploration of the region’s most iconic and historic sites. Your journey begins at an underground city an astonishing network carved deep into the earth, once used as a refuge during turbulent times. Continue to the Open Air Museum in Göreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where early Christian monks carved chapels into the rock and decorated them with vivid frescoes that still glow with colour centuries later. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before travelling to the natural fortress of Uchisar, offering panoramic views across Cappadocia’s breathtaking landscape. Along the way, discover local handicraft traditions, from handwoven carpets to exquisite Turkish tiles and onyx creations. As evening approaches, you may choose to join an optional Turkish Night Show with dinner, complete with music and traditional dance. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L)

Depart early today as you begin your overland journey towards Pamukkale, travelling through the serene Anatolian countryside. En route, stop at the magnificent 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai, a masterful example of Seljuk architecture and a key stop on the ancient Silk Road. Explore its grand stone halls and learn how traders, merchants, and caravans once found shelter within its fortified walls. Continue your scenic drive, observing changing landscapes as you make your way to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Pamukkale's unique calcium terraces gleam against the horizon, hinting at the natural beauty you will explore tomorrow. A delicious dinner is served at your hotel this evening, offering a peaceful end to a day of travel and discovery. Overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D)

After breakfast, begin your guided visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its healing thermal waters and extensive archaeological remains. Wander through the vast Necropolis, one of the best-preserved ancient cemeteries in the world, and take in the theatre, baths, and striking remains that speak to the city’s prosperous past. Marvel at Pamukkale’s famous terraces, where mineral-rich waters cascade over white limestone pools, creating a truly surreal landscape. Following your visit, travel towards Selçuk to explore the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only remnants remain, its historical importance continues to captivate travellers. Continue to Izmir for check-in at your hotel and a relaxing evening at leisure. Overnight in Izmir. (B,D)

This morning, journey to the remarkable ancient city of Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved archaeological sites. Walk through the marble streets once traversed by emperors and scholars, discovering the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, intricate frescoes, and grand temples that reveal the city’s immense significance. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the charming village of Sirince, famed for its hillside views, boutique shops, and traditional fruit wines. Stroll through its narrow cobblestone lanes, browse local crafts, and take in the warm hospitality of this picturesque village. Return to Izmir in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Izmir. (B,L,D)

Depart early this morning for Bergama, the site of ancient Pergamum, renowned for its medical centre, the Asklepion. Explore the ruins of treatment halls, healing pools, and grand colonnades where ancient physicians once practised pioneering medical techniques. Continue your journey north to Troy, the legendary city immortalised in Homer’s epic tales. Visit its ancient walls, archaeological layers, and significant excavation areas that reveal millennia of history. After your visit, travel onwards to Canakkale, located along the Dardanelles Strait, and settle into your hotel for the evening. Enjoy dinner at your hotel and rest in preparation for tomorrow’s meaningful visit to Gallipoli. Overnight in Canakkale. (B,D)

After breakfast, cross the Dardanelles and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, an historic site of immense significance to Australians and New Zealanders. Here, moving stories of courage and sacrifice unfold as you visit ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Nek, and the 57th Regiment Memorial. Walk the grounds where soldiers once fought and reflect on the events that shaped national identities. After this meaningful experience, continue your journey to Istanbul. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your hotel for your final night in this extraordinary city. The evening is free for rest or exploration. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)

After breakfast, enjoy some final moments at leisure before your transfer to Istanbul Airport. Take with you unforgettable memories of ancient wonders, natural beauty, and heartfelt cultural encounters as your journey through Turkey comes to an end. (B)