Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner. (D)
Includes meal(s): Dinner
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 Sultans lived, and 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 4,000 shops! Enjoy [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, later renamed Constantinople, and today called Istanbul, 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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Bravery on the Beach This morning, drive to the Gallipoli peninsula and visit the WWI battlefields, ANZAC memorials and cemeteries, the Lone Pine Memorial, and Chunuk Bair Memorial before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
A Gift Horse & A God of Healing Start your day with a guided visit of the archaeological site, dating back over 4000 years. See the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse that commemorates the Trojan War, the legendary tactic said to have secured the Greek victory. Continue to Pergamum for a guided visit of the Asklepion, a healing temple and shrine to the Greek God of medicine. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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 people’s souls needed to be mended as well as their bodies
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Ancient Civilization Preserved Arrive at the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus and be captivated by stories as you follow your Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour through the ancient ruins, including a visit to the St. John Basilica, where St. John the Apostle is said to have been buried. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Ephesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It was one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire, and today it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
The Cotton Castle This morning, 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. Later, arrive in Bursa. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more and try local specialties. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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 Hierapolis close by
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
In the Shadow of Mount Olympus Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and has lots to offer. This morning’s sightseeing tour features a visit to the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), an architectural masterpiece famous for its 20 domes supported by 12 pillars. Plus, a visit to the Historical Covered Bazaar and silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri (candied chestnuts) tasting. Later, return to Istanbul and this evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Wander through the long winding bazaar in Bursa’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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Heart of Turkey This morning, visit one of the ancient Constantinople’s most remarkable feats of engineering, the Underground Cistern, known by the locals as the Sunken Cistern. Depart Istanbul for an interesting drive to reach Turkey’s capital city Ankara. En route, visit a traditional village to experience Turkish hospitality during a home visit with a local family and gain an authentic insight into everyday life and local traditions. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Underground Cistern was built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the 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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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
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!
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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 to admire the distinctive landscape, before stopping to take photos of Uchisar Castle. Today’s last stop is Avanos, a town famed for its pottery. Visit the studio of a pottery artist and enjoy an interactive presentation about the ceramic creations. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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.
(B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Final Discoveries After your flight back to Istanbul, enjoy one final evening in this captivating city. Take time to wander atmospheric streets, browse colorful bazaars for last-minute treasures, or savor the flavours of Türkiye in one of the city's many cafés and restaurants. It's the perfect opportunity to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your journey. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Enjoy some free time to explore Istanbul at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the city's vibrant streets, browse the many shops and cafés, or soak up the atmosphere in one of its historic districts. This is also the perfect opportunity for a last-minute visit to one of Istanbul’s famous bazaars in search of souvenirs and local treasures. Alternatively, you may wish to join one of the optional experiences available, offering further opportunities to discover this captivating city
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
