Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you are met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel in the city. This personal welcome makes your first steps in Turkey smooth and relaxed, with assistance right from the start. After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure. You may like to stretch your legs with a gentle walk in the surrounding streets, getting your first impressions of a city where Europe and Asia meet. Cafés, shops and local eateries are never far away, and the distant outline of mosques and minarets hints at the rich history you will begin exploring tomorrow. Alternatively, you might prefer to rest after your journey and enjoy the facilities of your hotel, knowing that a full programme of touring awaits. There is no set sightseeing today, allowing you to adjust to the new time zone and settle in at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, your exploration of Istanbul begins with a full-day guided tour of the city’s most celebrated monuments. Start at Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, where opulent courtyards and pavilions overlook the Bosphorus. Your guide introduces you to the political power and daily life of the court that ruled a vast empire. Continue to St Sophia (Hagia Sophia), a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, admired for its soaring dome and remarkable history as both church and mosque. Nearby stands the Blue Mosque, famed for its elegant proportions and interior lined with blue Iznik tiles. The tour concludes at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets, where hundreds of stalls sell jewellery, textiles, ceramics, leather goods and souvenirs. There is time to wander, browse and soak up the atmosphere before returning to your hotel. Throughout the day, your guide provides historical context and practical tips, helping you feel at ease in this vibrant city. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)

After breakfast, depart Istanbul by coach and travel across the countryside towards Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey. On arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the impressive resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Republic. The complex combines monumental architecture with a museum that outlines the story of the War of Independence and the creation of the modern state. After this visit, continue your overland journey into the heart of Anatolia. The scenery gradually shifts from urban landscapes to rolling plains and distant mountains as you drive towards Cappadocia. Late in the day, arrive in Cappadocia and check into your cave-style or superior hotel, where you can relax and settle in. Dinner is included this evening, giving you the chance to enjoy local hospitality and flavours in a comfortable setting. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

An unforgettable day awaits in Cappadocia. For those who wish, an optional hot air balloon tour is available in the early morning, offering breathtaking aerial views of the valleys and rock formations at sunrise. After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion through this remarkable landscape. Visit an underground city, a complex network of tunnels and chambers used as refuge in times of danger. Continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum, where rock-cut churches decorated with colourful frescoes reveal the spiritual and artistic life of early Christian communities. You also visit the natural rock fortress of Uchisar, which commands sweeping views over the region. Lunch is included today at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of regional cuisine. There will be opportunities to learn about Cappadocia’s traditional handicrafts, including hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and pottery, with explanations from local experts. In the evening, an optional Turkish night tour with show and dinner is available for those interested in music and folklore. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L)

Today begins with an early departure from Cappadocia as you drive towards Pamukkale, crossing wide Anatolian landscapes. En route, stop to visit Sultanhan Caravanserai, a 13th-century Seljuk masterpiece that once served caravans travelling along the Silk Road. Its sturdy stone walls, courtyard and vaulted halls provide a vivid picture of how traders and travellers were sheltered centuries ago. After the visit, continue your drive to Pamukkale. As you approach, you may glimpse the famous white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading over the hillside. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner. Depending on timing, you may have the opportunity for a short walk or to use the hotel’s facilities before retiring for the night. This evening offers a welcome pause after a day on the road, preparing you for tomorrow’s onward journey towards the coast. Overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D)

After breakfast, leave Pamukkale and travel southwest towards Fethiye, a relaxed harbour town on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Today is mainly a travel day, giving you time to watch the countryside unfold as you descend from the inland plateau towards the sea. Arriving in Fethiye, you are transferred to your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. You might like to explore the waterfront promenade, where fishing boats and yachts line the marina, or wander through local streets lined with small shops and cafés. The atmosphere is noticeably different from the inland regions you have just visited more coastal, laid-back and infused with sea air. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel, and the night is free to relax. With three nights in Fethiye, you are perfectly placed to enjoy both organised activities and free time over the coming days. Overnight in Fethiye. (B,D)

Following breakfast, transfer to Fethiye Harbour and board your comfortable motor-sailing boat for a full-day cruise among the islands and bays of Fethiye Bay. The friendly crew welcomes you on board and the captain sets course for some of the most attractive coves in the area. During the day, you will stop at selected spots where you can swim in clear waters or simply relax on deck and enjoy the scenery. Some islands can only be seen properly from the sea, and your route is designed to showcase the best of them. Lunch is served on board, adding to the relaxed holiday feel. There is ample time to sunbathe, read or chat with fellow travellers as the boat moves gently between anchorages. In the late afternoon, return to Fethiye Harbour and transfer back to your hotel. This memorable day on the water is often a highlight of the tour, combining gentle adventure with plenty of time to unwind. Overnight in Fethiye. (B,L,D)

Today is completely free for you to enjoy Fethiye and its surroundings at your own pace. After breakfast, you might choose to spend the day relaxing by the pool or at a nearby beach, taking advantage of the pleasant coastal climate. Alternatively, you may wish to wander through the town centre, explore the local market, or walk along the promenade with its cafes and harbour views. If you prefer to be more active, optional local excursions can be arranged on the spot, such as additional boat trips or nature-focused activities, all subject to availability and weather conditions. Your tour leader or local representative can provide suggestions and assistance. With no fixed schedule, this is an ideal moment in the itinerary to rest, reflect on your journey or enjoy a final swim in the Aegean. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening, and you spend one last night in Fethiye before your onward connection tomorrow. Overnight in Fethiye. (B,D)

After breakfast, your tour concludes with a transfer to either Fethiye Port or Marmaris Port, depending on your onward travel arrangements. Many guests choose to connect from Marmaris by ferry to Rhodes, making this tour a natural springboard for a wider Greek Island journey. Your local representative will confirm your exact departure time and port the day before, ensuring a smooth transition to the next stage of your holiday. As you leave the coast behind, you carry with you a blend of memories: Istanbul’s palaces and bazaars, the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia, the long roads across Anatolia, the terraces of Pamukkale and the relaxed rhythm of life in Fethiye. Services end on arrival at the port. (B)