Türkiye in Depth

Welcome to Istanbul, a city like no other. Spanning two continents, Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus, with one shore in Europe and the other in Asia, creating a distinctive fusion of diverse cultures. From traditional tea houses to contemporary art galleries, this compelling mix of contrasts is truly captivating. With its extraordinary blend of East and West, Istanbul offers an unforgettable journey through time and contrasting cultures.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5:00pm.

This evening, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a lovely welcome drink.

Get set for a full day exploring the fascinating city of Istanbul! We begin our day with a visit to the Underground Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving Byzantium Cistern. Built in 532 AD during the reign of Emperor Justinian, this unique spot is truly a sight to behold with its hundreds of columns brightly lit up.

Our next stop is a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Constructed between 1466 and 1478 AD, the Topkapi Palace served as the residence of the esteemed Sultans and their households and functioned as the primary hub of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Today it is filled with treasures and antiquities including 12,000 pieces of fine Chinese porcelain. We'll then visit the Hippodrome, once the heart of the political and sporting life of the city. It was the hub of games and riots throughout 500 years of Ottoman history.

We'll continue on to a local café, where you'll have the chance to sample traditional Turkish sweets. Famous for its baklava and Turkish delight, this family-owned café has been delighting customers since it first opened its doors in 1864!

Special Experience: Excite your taste buds with some of Türkiye's most famous delicacies, including baklava, Turkish coffee, and of course, Turkish delight! This afternoon, we'll embark on a leisurely cruise along Istanbul's most famous waterway, the Bosphorus. Our journey will take us along both European and Asian shores, where we'll uncover marvellous monuments and districts, including the Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi), Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy, Ahmat Fethi Pasa Mansion, Ortaköy Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuleli Military School, Arnavutköy and Bebek.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Our day starts with a tour of the impressive domed Basilica of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which has inspired architects, scholars and historians for almost 1,500 years. The first church on this site was constructed in 326 AD by Constantine the Great; the current church dates back to 537 AD and has been a cathedral, a museum, and is now a mosque.

Our next destination is the one-of-a-kind Blue Mosque, constructed in 1609 AD under the patronage of Sultan Ahmet. As we step inside, we are consumed by the grandeur of its interior, adorned with over 20,000 exquisite Iznik tiles. These tiles, meticulously crafted with intricate patterns and varying shades of blue, narrate stories of craftsmanship and artistic brilliance that have withstood the test of time.

Later this afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region renowned for its spectacular landscape – we're in for a real treat! Cappadocia is known for its otherworldly landscapes, characterised by towering rock formations and cone-shaped fairy chimneys that have been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Flight time will be approximately 1.5 hours.

For those that choose to do hot air ballooning, we have an early start this morning — but it's totally worth it, we promise!

We will have time to rest before commencing with the rest of the day's sightseeing. Today, we're diving into the colourful world of Turkish carpets at the local municipality carpet cooperative. Get ready to witness the artistry and tradition behind these stunning textiles. From intricate designs to the weaving process, you'll see how these timeless treasures come to life, thread by thread.

Next, we're off to the magical Göreme Valley, where nature's artistry has carved out the famous "Fairy Chimneys"! Formed over thousands of years as wind and rain sculpted the soft volcanic rock, these towering formations create one of Türkiye's most extraordinary landscapes. Beyond their striking appearance, many of the rock formations hide a fascinating past — with homes, monasteries and churches carved directly into the stone by early Christian communities.

While here, we'll explore several remarkable cave churches, including the beautifully painted Dark Church, and the Church of Saint Barbara, each decorated with colourful frescoes depicting biblical scenes. We'll also see the historic Nunnery complex from the outside, once home to a community of nuns. Together, these sacred spaces offer a captivating glimpse into the spiritual and artistic life that once thrived here.

After lunch, we're venturing into the hidden gem of Paşabaği, a mystical valley where nature and history collide. Picture this: rock-hewn homes, ancient churches, and a peaceful, monastic atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairy tale.

Later, we head to the Zelve Valley, once a bustling hub for Christians from the 9th to 13th centuries. Today, it's an outdoor museum, where we can wander among ancient dwellings and incredible churches carved into the rocks. After some time exploring this fascinating open-air museum, we return to our hotel before enjoying dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride – Gently float over the countryside in complete harmony with the deep canyons and lush fertile valleys of Cappadocia. Gentle winds carry you over places that could never be reached except by balloon. 45mins - from Euro 340pp. Cash only.

Rise and shine, art enthusiasts! Today kicks off with a colourful journey into the world of ceramics in Avanos. With its cobblestone streets and stunning views over the Red River, this quaint town offers the perfect backdrop for a pottery-making workshop. Get ready to dive into the magic of pottery with a lively lecture that'll spin tales as mesmerising as the pottery wheel itself. We'll then head to a local restaurant for a hands-on cooking class!

Special Experience: Visit a local restaurant in Cappadocia and learn to prepare some of the local culinary specialties in a hands-on cooking class. Run by a local women's cooperative dedicated to preserving the region's culture, this experience invites us to make Turkish ravioli, known as mantı. We'll learn how to prepare the dough, fill it, and shape each ravioli by hand, guided by traditional cooking techniques and insider tips. At the end, we'll get to savour the delicious creation we made from scratch!

Next we dive into an adventure beneath the surface as we explore one of Cappadocia's incredible underground cities, Ozkonak. Featuring a maze of tunnels, chambers and rooms carved into soft volcanic rock over ten levels, this underground city is one of the best preserved in the area. It can hold an incredible 60,000 people and is over 40 metres deep into the Earth. Imagine the hustle and bustle of thousands of people living, sleeping, and working in this underground maze. It's like stepping into a real-life cave city — a fascinating peek into ancient ingenuity and survival.

Optional Excursion: Whirling Dervishes – A performance about the mystical religious sect known as the Whirling Dervishes, using music and dance to induce themselves into a mystical state. As the ceremonial music plays, they begin to whirl, and their long skirts billow giving the impression that they are floating on air. 1hr – from Euro 40pp (minimum 5 people). Cash only.

After breakfast, we'll make our way to Konya, one of Türkiye's oldest and most mystical cities. Here, we'll visit one of the largest surviving caravanserais along the Silk Road, the 13th century Sultanhanı Caravanserai. Historically, a caravanserai was a roadside inn, where travellers and merchants could rest and recover from the day's journey. Not only did they provide accommodation and food, it was also an opportunity for merchants to exchange goods with people from across the vast regions the Silk Road covered.

Next, we’ll visit the home to the legendary Whirling Dervishes, the Mevlâna Museum. Whirling Dervishes are spiritual dancers that belong to a unique religious order that use music and dance to enter a trance-like state as a way to connect with the divine. As the ceremonial music builds up, they begin their mesmerising whirling dance, their long skirts twirling and billowing, creating the illusion of floating on air. Walking through the museum and its exhibitions, we'll get an insight into the long history of this fascinating tradition. ,

Special Experience: Watch as a skilled chef expertly prepares etli ekmek, a Turkish pizza-like dish originating from Konya. We're in for a real treat today for lunch, stepping into the heart of Konya's culinary traditions with a hands-on demonstration from a local expert. We will watch them prepare etli ekmek, a thin and delicious pizza-like Turkish speciality that has been a favourite in the region for generations — and hopefully a new favourite dish for us! After, we'll savour a tasty lunch.

This afternoon, we'll settle into our hotel before a delightful dinner together.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

This morning our eyes are set on a picturesque village that hugs the shores of Lake Beyşehir, where we'll visit a friendly local family. This intimate visit offers a unique chance to experience Turkish culture firsthand, with a glimpse into daily life through the eyes of the locals.

Our next stop today is the mesmerizing Esrefoğlu Mosque, one of Türkiye's oldest mosques. Built in the 13th century, this wooden marvel is a fine example of Seljuk architecture. With its elegant minaret and beautifully intricate façade, it's a place where history and art blend seamlessly.

We then journey south, along the breathtaking Mediterranean coast, making our way to Antalya — the region's largest city and tourism hotspot. With its ancient monuments and scenic tombs, Antalya's rich history stretches all the way back to 133 BC. As we arrive, the longest beach in Türkiye awaits, offering a perfect mix of modern vibrancy and timeless beauty.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Today we get to enjoy the day at leisure and explore Antalya, the sparkling gem of Türkiye's Mediterranean coast. This lively city blends the best of ancient history and modern luxury. Stroll through its charming old town, visit Roman ruins, and marvel at towering tombs that have stood the test of time. With its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere, Antalya offers the perfect mix of sun, culture, and history — making it a must-see destination.

Optional Excursion: Perge, Aspendos and Duden Waterfall – Spend the day exploring these fascinating places located in the region of Antalya. First visit the ruins of Perge, an ancient Anatolian city. Then continue to Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Lastly, visit the magnificent Duden Waterfalls. Full Day - from Euro 50pp (minimum 5 people). Cash only.

Saying goodbye to Antalya this morning, we'll set off for the quaint town of Demre, taking the coastal route that boasts scenic Mediterranean landscapes. Here we'll discover St. Nicholas Church, one of the most historically significant Christian pilgrimage sites in the eastern Mediterranean. This Byzantine church is the final resting place of St. Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop whose legacy eventually inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus. After, we'll enjoy some free time for lunch and further exploration.

We then continue on to the sun-kissed paradise of Fethiye, where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. A stunning port city nestled on the Turquoise Coast, the town sits between lush pine-covered mountains and bright blue waters of the Mediterranean. Its streets and harbour are dotted with remnants of the past, from Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs to Ottoman-era architecture. If this destination was described in two words, it would be ‘Mediterranean magic'!

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Today's agenda? Pure, unadulterated bliss as you have the entire day at leisure to relax or explore the hidden gems of Fethiye.

If shopping is your thing, then you may wish to discover Fethiye's bustling market. Here, vibrant stalls burst with colourful textiles, aromatic spices, and quirky trinkets begging for attention. It's a treasure trove for curious souls! Or, if you're eager to take a dip in the sparkling blue water, head to Ölüdeniz Beach. With the lush national park on one side and the famous lagoon on the other, this scenic spot is unlike any other. Its sandy shores are the perfect place to settle in for a day of Mediterranean swimming.

As a bustling port town, Fethiye is brimming with deliciously fresh seafood. If you are fans of mussels, you're in for a treat — stuffed mussels are a local speciality here, filled with rice and rich, aromatic spices. Yum!

Farewelling Fethiye this morning, we set our eyes on Dalyan, a quaint town hugging the Dalyan River. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, the town is bursting with charming restaurants, cafés and shops, and has a rich history that stretches back to the 10th century.

Here we'll board a traditional, flat-bottomed boat and embark on a scenic journey through the Dalyan Delta. This protected, eco-rich wetland connects Köyceğiz Lake to the Mediterranean Sea, and we'll have the opportunity to discover some of the narrow, reed-lined channels. We will also explore İztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, a pristine stretch of coast where loggerhead sea turtles come to lay eggs!

This afternoon we continue on to Pamukkale, an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Pamukkale stands out as one of the highlights of Türkiye and this incredible location is where we will spend the night.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Our day begins with a visit to the site of Hierapolis, an ancient Greek city that sits atop the famous cascading pool terraces. Established by the kings of Pergamon at the end of the 2nd century BC, this ancient spa town is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site revered for its striking natural formations and its complex Greco-Roman engineering techniques.

Over the last 14,000 years, calcium rich water from an underground thermal spring has flowed over the mountainside and slowly solidified, creating shallow white basins and twisted stalagmites. The water here in Pamukkale is well-known for its positive effects on the skin and eyes, as well as its ability to alleviate symptoms of asthma and rheumatism!

We continue our fascinating journey to Aphrodisias, an ancient city dedicated to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. Once a major cultural and artistic hub, this city is renowned for its exceptional Sculpture School, which created some of the finest marble statues and architectural reliefs you'll ever see. As we stroll through the site, we'll marvel at these masterpieces. One of the real showstoppers is the gigantic stadium, the largest in the classical world, with a capacity of 30,000 spectators. Originally designed for athletic events, it later hosted gladiator fights, wild animal displays, and even circuses, especially after an earthquake in the 7th century altered its use.

After soaking in the rich history of Aphrodisias, we head to Kuşadası, a charming coastal town that boasts 300 days of sunshine annually. It's a perfect spot to relax and unwind, but the best part? It's the gateway to the incredible Roman ruins of Ephesus, just waiting to be explored!

Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride – See the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pamukkale hot springs from a completely different angle as you take to the skies on a hot air balloon adventure. 45mins – from Euro 210 pp. Cash only.

This morning is at leisure for you to relax or explore the sights of Kuşadası before we make our way to Ephesus, the largest Roman city ever uncovered.

Stepping into Ephesus is like traveling back in time. Its remarkably preserved ruins span centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire, when it served as the Mediterranean's primary commercial centre.

Walking along the marble-paved streets of Ephesus offers a glimpse into daily life from those eras. We'll explore ancient gymnasiums and bathhouses, marvel at the Library of Celsus, and see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We'll also visit a local leather factory, where you'll have the opportunity to watch artisans at work and purchase exquisite, handcrafted Turkish leather products.

This evening we'll head to a renowned vineyard in western Türkiye for a delicious wine tasting and dinner. There are over 20 wine grape varieties grown in the vineyards here, both local varieties and some completely new to Türkiye, so we're in for a real treat during our sampling.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Situated on the southern shore of the Dardanelles, Çanakkale is an ancient port city that has housed several civilisations over the past 6,000 years. Çanakkale is also widely regarded as the entry point to the Gallipoli Peninsula.

On the way to Çanakkale, we'll visit the Asclepieion of Pergamon, a famed ancient medical centre and the world's first psychiatric hospital. Pergamon stands today as a supreme example of the region's multi-layered cultural landscape.

This afternoon we'll visit Troy, one of the oldest discovered sites in Asia Minor. It holds nine settlements, dating from the Stone Age to the Roman Empire along with a replica of the famous Trojan Horse. The celebrated city of the Iliad, the Odyssey of Homer and the Aeneid of Virgil were long believed to be fictional until renowned archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered the ruins near the modern city.

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Honour the ANZACs at Gallipoli with a specialist guide, as we explore ANZAC Cove, the Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorials, and Johnston's Jolly. We visit the World War I battlefields, most notable for being held by the ANZACs from 25 April to 20 December 1915, during what is referred to as The Gallipoli Campaign or Battle of Gallipoli. At the end of the war the bodies, still unburied, were cleared by the Allies on returning to the peninsula. Of the 22,000 graves at the 31 war cemeteries, only 9,000 are identified burials with grave markers. The remaining graves are commemorated with a special memorial.

Today is an incredibly moving day. It is a tangible reminder of a not-so-distant past and a significant event in history that shaped Australia's national identity. Later this afternoon we'll return to Istanbul.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

We begin the day with a visit to the famous Grand Bazaar. Built in 1457 AD, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It's most famous for its antique shops, jewellery, carpets, hand-painted ceramics, embroideries and spices.

Making our way to the exotic Spice Bazaar, you'll have some time to browse through the stalls at your leisure and soak up the scents of hundreds of spices permeating the air.

Next, we'll take a walking tour through the neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat, perhaps two of the most historically rich districts in Istanbul. Fener is the historic Greek neighbourhood of Istanbul and is nestled on the shores of the Golden Horn. It's a neighbourhood with a unique atmosphere, where colourful houses share fences with ancient mosques and churches. The adjacent district of Balat is renowned for its Jewish heritage and centuries-old synagogues, historic mansions and diverse array of architectural styles. Both areas boast historical significance in Istanbul and are included in UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure to bask in the culture of this beautiful city for the last time. Tonight, we'll enjoy a lovely group farewell dinner.

Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Today marks the completion of our adventure through fascinating Türkiye. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!