Turkish Delight

Welcome to Istanbul!

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner. (D)

East meets West

Discover Istanbul with a captivating, guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Roman Hippodrome and hear about the events held there, marvel at the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and the intricate decoration and blue hues of its interior, stand below the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, visit Topkapi Palace to see how the Sultan’s lived. Later, visit the underground Basilica Cistern, locally known as the “sunken palace”. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore more of this vibrant city. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE - HISTORIC SPOT: The Basilica Cisternis the underground cistern built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the then city of Constantinople. An incredible structure with 336 pillars holding up a magnificent, vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It can be classed as an early example of recycling as the builders made use of stone structures from earlier temples – one of the most famous “recycled stones,” that can still be seen, is the upside-down head of Medusa.

Heart of Turkey

This morning, discover a shopper’s paradise with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, spread over 60 streets and location of over 4000 shops! Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee experience at an historical coffee roaster. Depart Istanbul for an interesting drive to reach Turkey’s capital city Ankara and visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. (B/D) 277 mi / 445 km.

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.

Going Underground

This morning, visit Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its vast and varied collection of artefacts. Later, drive to Ozkonak for a guided visit of the incredible underground city that was carved into the volcanic rock around the 4th century BC. Reach your hotel in Cappadocia. (B/D) 217 mi / 350 km.

LOCAL FAVORITE - ARCHITECTURAL FEATS: In 1972 a local farmer was curious as to why the excess crop water disappeared so fast - it was the start of the discovery of Ozkonak underground city. This city was formed of 10 levels and built to protect about 60 000 people from religious persecution and war. To ensure they could all survive for up to 3 months the city had its own ventilation system, water supply and moving stone doors with a hot oil defense system. Any attackers trying to enter the city would be stopped in their tracks by the hot oil being poured over their heads!

Rock of Ages

A fascinating day of “out of this world scenery” awaits! First, drive to Goreme and visit the open-air museum that is the location of over 300 rock-cut chapels and monasteries that have been hollowed out of the curious “fairy chimneys”. Continue to Pasabag Valley and Pigeon Valley to admire their distinctive landscapes. Then, head to the stunning Red Valley with its rose-hued rocks before stopping to take photos of Uchisar Castle. (B/D) 16 mi / 25 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDER: Set on a high dry plateau in Central Turkey, the surreal landscape of Cappadocia looks like it comes straight from a Hollywood sci fi movie. Instead, lava, volcanic ash and natural erosion caused by wind and rain have been forming it for millions of years - sculpting the famous fairy chimneys, the pigeon houses, the tabletop mountains and the badlands with weaving rock formations.

The Silk Road

En-route to Konya, follow in the footsteps of ancient travelers and stop at Sultanhani to visit an historic Caravanserai (roadside inn) located on the Silk Road, the longest overland trade route, stretching over 4000 miles and dating back over 2000 years. Later, continue to Konya to visit the Karatay Medrese, with its beautiful tile decorations, and the Mevlana Monastery of the Dervishes, which is now a museum. (B/D) 149 mi / 240 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - MUSIC & MEDITATION: Originating from Sufis, a mystical branch of Islam, Whirling Dervishes date back to the 13th century when they were founded by the mystic Persian poet Rumi, the Mevlana Monastery Museum was one of their original lodges. Instantly recognizable in their white gowns, they spin around with their right hand reaching for heaven. A form of active meditation this ritual allows them to abandon their ego, listen to music and focus on God.

Pearl of the Mediterranean

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive. Reach Antalya, located in a stunning position on the Mediterranean coast, and stop just outside the city in a picturesque spot to take photos of the Upper Duden waterfalls. Enter the city and join a guided walk of the Old Town with its clock tower and Hadrian’s Gate. This evening, perhaps enjoy free time for a stroll and dinner in a a local restaurant. (B) 168 mi / 270 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: Founded by the Greeks, and later an important Roman port, Antalya today is a popular resort, the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, known for its sunny weather, stunning coastline and beaches, and crystal blue waters from which it gains the nickname the “Turquoise Coast.” There are also plenty of cultural sites to visit such as Hadrian's Gate and the Old Town.

An Architectural Love Duel

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore more of Antalya, discover more of the city, browse the stores, stroll along the seafront, or spend a lazy day on one of the stunning beaches. For lunch and dinner, try some local specialties that range from haricot bean salads and fresh seafood to pumpkin desserts. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: The day is yours to do as you choose - why not take advantage of an optional excursion to Aspendos to see some fantastic examples of Roman architecture. Legend says it was founded by refugees from Troy and that two of its most prominent structures were built by two love rivals. The King announced that he who built the structure most useful to Aspendos could marry his daughter. One built the aqueduct and the other the theater, both are still standing today. Whilst the aqueduct was the most useful, the King was amazed that from the back of the theater he could hear the architect whisper, “You should let your daughter marry me,” and he did.

The Cotton Castle

Depart Antalya and drive to Hierapolis-Pamukkale. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded as a thermal resort around 190 BC, and said to have been visited by Cleopatra. See the main attractions and take time to marvel at the stunning backdrop of Pamukkale with its travertine terraces and thermal water pools. (B/D) 149 mi / 240 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDER: When the mineral rich thermal waters that flowed down the valley side, cooled, and hardened, a series of bright white travertine terraces were formed, each containing a thermal pool. This incredible sight gave the area its name – Pamukkale “Cotton Castle.” The Romans also took advantage of the thermal springs and founded the spa town of Hieropolis close by.

Ancient Civilization Preserved

This morning, arrive at the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus. Be captivated by stories as you follow your Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour through the ancient ruins and for a visit to the Archaeological Museum to discover more about the city and its people. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Izmir to join an orientation tour to see some of the main landmarks. This evening, enjoy free time to start exploring the tastes and sights of Izmir. (B/L) 186 mi / 300 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.

Elevated Views

A whole day of leisure to spend how you please in the friendly city of Izmir. See Izmir from a different perspective with a stroll along the famous Kordon seafront promenade, browse the stores at the Kemeralti market, or perhaps join an optional excursion to visit further afield. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: Considered one of Turkey’s hidden gems, Izmir is a cultural hub located on the Aegean Sea. It offers lots of cultural and historical sites to visit such as the Agora, the Hisar Mosque, the clock tower, and Konak Square. Take a ride up the historical elevator to its terrace for a stunning view of the city and the coastline, do some shopping at the Bazaar, or try out some of the local seafood specialties.

A Gift Horse & A God of Healing

Depart Izmir and stop at Pergamum for a guided visit of the Asklepion, a healing temple and shrine to the Greek God of medicine. Later, reach Troy for a guided visit of the archaeological site, dating back over 4000 years. See the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse that commemorates the Trojan War and was supposedly the winning tactic. (B/D) 211 mi / 340 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 patients 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.

Bravery on the Beach

Cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to reach the Gallipoli peninsula. Visit the WWI battlefields, the Anzac Cemetery, and the Lone Pine Memorial. Return to Istanbul and enjoy a free afternoon before celebrating your farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)230 mi / 370 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.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)