Turkey In Depth with Wonders of the Aegean

Arrive in Turkey's Istanbul, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The evening will be yours at leisure to explore or take the chance to relax and unwind. Stay: Istanbul, Pera Palace Hotel or similar

Be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Cappadocia, home to 36 underground cities. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the troglodyte caves of Kaymakli Underground City, which were excavated in Hittite times, but did not open for tourism until 1964. Afterwards, visit Pigeon Valley to see some of the pigeon houses for which the valley is named. Later, dine at a local restaurant for dinner. Stay Two Nights: Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa or similar (B/L/D)

Set off this morning for a guided exploration of the Goreme Open Air Museum and discover its rock-hewn churches. Continue to the Pasabag Monks Valley, known for its mushroom-shaped rocks. After lunch, see the local way of life with a visit to Avanos, where handmade pottery can be found. Afterwards, call in to see the uniquely shaped pillars of the Love Valley. The evening is yours at leisure. (B/L)

On the way to Konya, call in at the Sultan Han, a 13th-century Seljuk Turkish caravanserai on the Silk Road. Afterwards, visit Galata Mevlevi House, the museum devoted to the Whirling Dervishes, a Sufi religious order that first appeared in the 12th century. Later, arrive at your hotel in time for dinner. Stay: Dedeman Konya or similar (B/L/D)

Gaze out to the beautiful landscapes of Lake Egirdir while travelling to Pamukkale (meaning Cotton Castle) and Hierapolis (meaning Holy City). After lunch, explore the natural springs found within the region's white calcium terraces, which have been used as a spa since the second century BC. This evening, arrive at your hotel in time for dinner. Stay: Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Explore the ruins of Aphrodisias, the ancient temple dedicated to Aphrodite, the love goddess. You will then transfer to Izmir Airport for your included flight back to Istanbul. Stay Two Nights: Istanbul, Pera Palace Hotel or similar (B/L)

Visit the Blue Mosque, aptly named due to the colour of the tiles that surround its interior. You will also wander through St Sophia Museum and head to the underground Basilica Cistern. After lunch, explore the Grand Bazaar. (B/L/D)

This morning, choose from a range of sightseeing tours. Later, board your luxurious ship. Stay Eight Nights: Le Jacques Cartier (B/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• Perhaps explore Topkapi Palace, which once served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans. Afterwards, visit the Spice Market. Or visit the Chora Museum, depicting biblical events through mosaics. Another option is to take a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus.

This morning, arrive in Canakkale and experience the ANZAC legend first hand with an enthralling excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula. See the many trenches and memorials that remain as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the First World War. Commemorate at Anzac Cove, the Australian Memorial at Lone Pine, and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair. After lunch back on board, enjoy a choice of sightseeing in the afternoon. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• Perhaps travel to the ancient city of Troy, the location of the legendary Trojan War and the famed Wooden Horse that was the downfall of this remarkable city. Visit the town's enthralling museum, which houses an interesting collection of Trojan artefacts as well as a fascinating range of ancient fossils from the Bronze Age through to modern times. Alternatively, you may wish to tour the ancient city of Assos.

Spend the day in charming Mytilene, the capital of Lesbos. Admire the once-grand 19th-century mansions, the jumbled ancient streets and the imposing Byzantine castle. Built on the top of a pine-clad hill, it is one of the largest castles in the Mediterranean, with magnificent views from the top overlooking the town and the Aegean Sea. Walk through the marketplace and absorb the dynamic and lively atmosphere of the town. This evening, enjoy a Signature Experience. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Take an exclusive after-hours tour of the Museum of Olive Oil Production, where you will enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal and folk dancing performance.

This morning you will dock in Kusadasi, located on Turkey's Anatolian coast. Drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean. Step back in time today as you immerse yourself in ancient Roman life and imagine the city's former splendour. Broad streets are lined with impressive buildings including the library of Celsus which was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a Roman senator and reportedly a great book lover. Later, enjoy lunch and a folklore show at a local handicraft museum before returning to your ship. (B/L/D)

On the edge of the Aegean you will find the island of Symi, your next port of call. With a more sophisticated ambience than other islands and retaining its historic architecture, you will feel a sense of old-world glamour. A local guide will show you around the town today. From the first sight of Gialos Harbour, you will fall in love with the pastel-coloured houses that line the shores. Almost a century ago, this special place was under Italian rule, who introduced the neoclassical architecture that Symi has adopted ever since. Later, take some time to explore on your own. (B/L/D)

Land on the dazzling Greek isle of Mykonos and embark on a guided tour. Visit Ano Mera, the second largest village of the island and enjoy free time to stroll through the main square, before travelling to Kalafatis beach where you will have time to relax and take in the beautiful setting.

Later, take a walking tour through the main town of Chora. Stroll through the tangle of tiny lanes and take in the whitewashed buildings with iconic blue shutters, and see the blue-domed churches. See the old port and the famous windmills so often featured on post cards. You might even see Petros the Pelican, Mykonos' mascot. With the afternoon at leisure, perhaps spend some time by the beach. (B/L/D)

Paros is one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades; from the busy port of Parikia to its picturesque fishing villages. Travel to Naousa, a charming town known for its whitewashed buildings and sparkling turquoise water. You'll then tour Parikia, the bustling capital of the island. Enjoy a walk through the town and visit fourth-century Byzantine complex, The Church of 100 Doors.

The narrow streets and market area are lively and will give you the opportunity to see the local life. Later, set sail for Naxos where you'll visit the Temple of Apollo. This evening, you may wish to take the opportunity to dine at your leisure on shore. (B/L/D)

Known for its most celebrated export, the iconic Venus de Milo, volcanic Milos arches around a central caldera and is ringed with dramatic coastal landscapes of colourful and surreal rock formations. Here, enjoy a choice of sightseeing tours. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• You may wish to take a tour of the island which includes Plaka, the island's capital, the beach of Sarakino and the small fishing village of Pollonia. Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy a relaxing morning at one of the island's most picturesque beaches, Paleochori.

This morning after breakfast, disembark your ship for the final time and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)