Overview
Itinerary
Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire, strolling through the exquisite Topkapi Palace with its spellbinding views of the Bosphorus. We explore Hagia Sophia, once one of the greatest churches in all of Christendom, before following in the footsteps of the faithful for a visit to the Blue Mosque – its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles are a sight to behold.
Dive Into Culture as you haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops. Later, we visit the Byzantine Hippodrome to see where thundering chariots once raced to victory. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city. (B)
Visit a land of Trojan legends, an ancient city immortalised by Homer in the stories of King Priamus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. We admire the archaeological excavations at Troy revealing nine separate periods of settlement and the symbolic replica wooden Trojan horse commemorating the epic war machine constructed by the Greeks to end a lengthy siege.
We continue to the ancient kingdom of Pergamon to visit the Asclepion Medical Centre whose staff of entwined snakes remains a symbol of modern medicine today. This afternoon, we Connect With Locals over lunch in the village of Demircidere at a Be My Guest experience. We travel to the broad boulevards of seaside Izmir later, and dine in our hotel this evening. (B/BMG/D) Stay: Mövenpick
Visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum in Konya, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, which reveals the origins of Sufism. Continuing your journey to Cappadocia, you'll see a 13th-century caravanserai then Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to watch the Whirling Dervishes then enjoy a Regional Meal at a local restaurant.
Tonight, you'll enjoy an overnight stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories set alongside the ancient Ortahisar rock castle. Many of the rooms are hewn from the surrounding rock and boast views of Cappadocia's fairy-tale landscapes. (B) Stay: Dilek Kaya
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Istanbul with a Local Specialist
- Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the poignant War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, the Asclepion Medical Centre at Pergamon, the ancient city of Ephesus, the Virgin Mary's House at Ephesus, the Cotton Castle springs at Pamukkale, the ruins of the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the underground city of Saratli
- View the Wooden Horse at Troy
- Connect With Locals - Meet the most liberated women in Turkey in the village of Demircidere, where you'll learn how to bake traditional bread and taste the local wine at our Be My Guest lunch.
- Stays With Stories - Located alongside the ancient Ortahisar rock castle, many of the rooms at Dilek Kaya Hotel are hewn out of the surrounding rock.
- Dive Into Culture - Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
- Dive Into Culture - Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
- Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- 1 Welcome Reception
- 9 Breakfasts
- 5 Dinners
- 1 Be My Guest
- 1 Farewell Dinner
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Trafalgar Europe (2023-24)
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. These 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.
