Overview
Pay tribute to the fallen war heroes at the Anzac cemetery and visit 3 of the most famous ancient sites in the country: Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus. Each very different and distinctive. Troy, the oldest, dating from 3,000BC and made up to 9 separate cities all built over each other; Pergamon an impregnable defensive site with amazing views in all directions which flourished as one of the ancient world’s greatest centers of healing; and Ephesus, the greatest city in the Eastern Mediterranean during Roman times which boasts an extraordinary number of superbly preserved monuments.
Cross from Europe to Asia on board a scenic ferry journey across the Dardanelles Strait and get ready to taste the superb Turkish cuisine, an interesting blend of Mediterranean specialties and flavors.
This is the perfect vacation if you are looking for a genuine and unique blend of diverse cultures, centuries of history and atmosphere, the mysterious East with the familiar West.
Itinerary
Welcome to Istanbul!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
A Gateway between Orient and Occident
ISTANBUL: Guided sightseeing includes the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee experience at an historical coffee roaster. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITIONS: Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.
Bravery on the Beach
GALLIPOLI: Visit the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry.
TROY: Enjoy a guided visit of the ancient city. (B/D) 236 mi / 380 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY & HERITAGE: Visit the moving and inspirational sites, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial.
The Sacred Way
PERGAMUM: Guided visit of the Asklepion, a shrine to the Greek God of medicine.
EPHESUS: Visit the archaeological museum. (B/D) 267 mi / 430 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HEALING THE BODY &THE SOUL: Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of serenity and history. The sick approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a path that started their journey to health determined according to what dreams the patience experienced and which also included theatre shows. All of this was done in the belief that healing was a sacred art, and that people's souls needed to be mended as well as their bodies.
Ancient Civilization Preserved
EPHESUS: Follow your Guide for a walk through the ancient ruins.
HIERAPOLIS: Visit the Greco-Roman thermal resort dating back to 190 BC, and see the “cotton castles” of Pamukkale, the stunning natural wonder comprised of brilliant white terraces and turquoise pools of water. (B/D) 137 mi / 220 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: Ephesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It was the second biggest city of the Roman Empire and today it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
In the Shadow of Mount Olympus
BURSA: Visit the Great Mosque, the historical covered bazaar, and the silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting. (B) 280mi / 450 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ANCIENT TASTES ON THE SILK ROAD: Wander through the long winding bazaar in Bursa, Turkey's centuries-old city center, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the buzzing marketplace. Treat your taste buds to one of the city's famous sweets, the Kestane Sekeri, and find the perfect gift for yourself or a friend, a piece of authentic Bursa-made silk.
Ancient Walls & Ecumenical Council
IZNIK: Guided visit includes the Great Mosque (St. Sophia's Church) and the Archaeological museum.
ISTANBUL: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (B/D) 137 mi / 220 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CERAMIC BEYOND TIMES: Iznik is a completely "open-air museum" with its rare ancient history and uniqueness. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Iznik tiles – a treasured artform dating back to the Ottoman Empire.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- We've packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world's most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Ride a ferry across the Dardanelles.
- 7 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
- Istanbul: Renaissance Istanbul Polat Bosphorus (Superior First-Class):
The Renaissance Istanbul Polat Bosphorus Hotel offers 213 luxurious air-conditioned rooms, all fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, complimentary toiletries, an electric kettle and a coffee maker. The on-site Bar and Restaurant offer breakfast and an à la carte menu of Mediterranean food and Turkish specialties to combine with drinks and cocktails. The hotel also provides a beautiful Spa & wellness center with fitness area, an indoor pool and Jacuzzi. - Troy Area: Doubletree By Hilton Canakkale (Superior First-Class):
The centrally located DoubleTree by Hilton provides 155 air-conditioned rooms with kettle/Coffeemaker, minibar, Free toiletries, TV and Wi-Fi. The hotel offers 2 pools, a Spa & Wellness center, and a Fitness center to relaxation. Delicious meals can be savored at the on-site Restaurant. Mega Beach is 2 km away and the Archaeological Museum and Archaeology Museum are both just a short walk away. - Kusadasi: Charisma De Luxe Hotel Kusadasi (First-Class):
Located close to Kusadasi Marina and Kusadasi Castle, this 218-room seafront hotel features a 60m private beach, a seasonal infinity pool with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and is only a short walk away from Kusadasi's shopping and entertainment area. Relaxation options include a heated indoor pool, Turkish Hammam, Spa treartments and fitness center. The hotel's main restaurant serves a mix of international and Turkish cuisine and there is also an a-la carte seafood restaurant and lobby bar. All rooms have a partial sea-view and balcony, LCD TV with satellite channels, a minibar, bathrobes and slippers and Free Wi-Fi internet access. - Pamukkale: Adempira Termal & Spa (First-Class):
The Adempira Termal&Spa Hotel has 310 modern air-conditioned rooms, fully furnished with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric tea pot, a minibar, desk and an equipped bathroom with shower, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. A buffet breakfast is avaiable each morning at the homestay and the Sultan sofrasi restaurant offers delicious dishes. The Hotel provide a Fitness center, Spa & Wellness center furnished with Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, Sauna and Spa services. - Bursa: Moevenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa (First-Class):
Located in the city centre of Bursa, close to the greenery of Bursa Kültür Park this upscale property blends city life with nature. The 136-room hotel boasts an Italian Restaurant, an international restaurant combining Turkish cuisine, a lobby bar with a classical warm atmosphere and a trendy rooftop restaurant bar. The hotel also features a thermal swimming pool and Spa area with thermal Turkish bath and a wellness center. The spacious guestrooms are contemporarily decorated and come with a flat screen TV with satellite channels, minibar and electric kettle and have Free Wi-Fi internet access. - Istanbul: The Artisan Istanbul Mgallery (Deluxe):
Located in the heart of Istanbul's commercial city center, this contemporary 136 room property offers artisanal local culinary delights at the rooftop restaurant which features sweeping views of the city and the Bosphorous strait. All air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated in a modern style and are fitted with flat-screen TV's, a telephone, an electric kettle, a safety deposit box and a minibar. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness room, a spa and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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