Welcome to Istanbul, where centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history meet the atmosphere of contemporary Turkey. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet the local representative and transfer to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you time to settle into your accommodation and relax after your travels. Enjoy a gentle beginning to your journey before tomorrow’s guided introduction to the city’s celebrated landmarks.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: None

Breakfast at your hotel before a full day discovering Istanbul’s historic landmarks with your guide.

Visit Topkapi Palace, once the centre of Ottoman court life, where the setting introduces the power and traditions of the sultans who ruled from Istanbul. Continue to the galleries of Hagia Sophia, offering a perspective on one of the city’s most significant historic buildings.

The Blue Mosque provides another expression of Istanbul’s architectural heritage, while the Grand Bazaar brings its trading traditions to life through covered passages and colourful shops.

Together, these visits reveal the different cultural influences that have shaped Istanbul and provide an engaging introduction to your journey through Turkey.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast (B)

Breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your included domestic flight to Cappadocia.

Leaving Istanbul behind, fly into the next chapter of your journey, where unusual rock formations and centuries of history create a striking contrast with the city. On arrival at Cappadocia Airport, transfer to your hotel and settle in for your two-night stay.

Dinner is included this evening as you prepare for tomorrow’s exploration of the region.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Breakfast at your hotel before a full day exploring Cappadocia’s distinctive landscapes and historic sites.

Visit an underground city, discovering a remarkable aspect of the region’s heritage beneath the surface. Continue to the Göreme Open Air Museum, where rock-cut religious buildings reveal how earlier communities adapted their surroundings to spiritual and everyday life.

The programme also includes Uchisar and lunch at a local restaurant. During the day, discover local handicraft traditions associated with handmade carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and pottery, adding a cultural dimension to the region’s natural and historical attractions.

An optional hot air balloon experience is available early in the morning at an additional cost. An optional Turkish evening show with dinner is also available at an additional cost. Please enquire when booking.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

Breakfast at your hotel before an early departure towards Pamukkale.

Along the way, visit the 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai, a substantial example of Seljuk architecture. Its stone gateways and enclosed spaces recall the merchants and caravans that once travelled across Anatolia, bringing a historical connection to the route you follow today.

After the visit, continue your overland journey to Pamukkale. This travelling day connects Cappadocia with the next region of your itinerary, where ancient history and distinctive natural formations come together.

Arrive for your overnight stay, with dinner included this evening.

Overnight in Pamukkale.

Meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Breakfast at your hotel before visiting Hierapolis and its extensive necropolis. Discover the archaeological remains of this ancient city alongside Pamukkale’s striking white terraces, formed by mineral-rich waters.

The combination of ancient remains and natural formations gives this morning’s visit its distinctive character. Continue towards Selcuk to see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although little survives of the original sanctuary, the site recalls its importance in antiquity.

Travel onwards to Izmir for a two-night stay, with dinner included this evening.

Overnight in Izmir.

Meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Breakfast at your hotel before travelling to Ephesus, where the scale of an ancient city unfolds through its library, theatre and temples.

Explore with your guide, discovering the buildings and public spaces that reveal the importance of this centre of the ancient world. The surviving architecture offers a compelling insight into the life and ambitions of the communities that once lived here.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Sirince. The village provides a change of pace after Ephesus, with time to browse its shops and enjoy the local atmosphere. Those wishing to sample the village’s wines may enjoy an optional tasting, payable locally.

Return to Izmir, with dinner included this evening.

Overnight in Izmir.

Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

Breakfast at your hotel before an early departure to Bergama, associated with ancient Pergamum.

Visit the Asklepion, an ancient healing centre whose surviving remains offer insight into the medical and spiritual traditions of the classical world. Continue to Troy, the archaeological site associated with the legendary Trojan War.

These visits introduce two contrasting stories of antiquity: the pursuit of healing at Pergamum and the enduring legends connected with Troy. After sightseeing, continue to Canakkale for your overnight stay.

Dinner is included this evening.

Overnight in Canakkale.

Meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Breakfast at your hotel before crossing the Dardanelles and continuing to the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Visit ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine and the 57th Regiment Memorial. These places provide an opportunity to reflect on the Gallipoli campaign and the experiences of the soldiers whose stories remain closely connected with the peninsula.

For Australian travellers, this is a particularly meaningful part of the journey, bringing familiar names into their geographical and historical setting.

After the visits, continue to Istanbul for your final night. Enjoy the evening at leisure as your journey returns to the city where it began.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast (B)

Breakfast at your hotel before your included shuttle transfer to Istanbul Airport, bringing your journey through Turkey to a close.

Departure transfers operate at the two scheduled shuttle times of 09:00 and 13:00. If a different transfer time is required, an additional charge applies.

End of services.

Meals: Breakfast (B)