Tour Description
Discover the best of Turkey’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes on this 11-day adventure. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the battlefields of Gallipoli, the Aegean coast’s ancient ruins, and the otherworldly beauty of Cappadocia, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Tour Highlights
Days 1-4: Istanbul - The City of Empires
• Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
• Experience the vibrant Grand Bazaar and enjoy panoramic views on a Bosphorus cruise.
Day 5: Gallipoli - A Journey of Remembrance
• Visit the historic Gallipoli battlefields and memorial sites, paying tribute to the ANZAC soldiers and learning about the profound history of this significant location.
Days 6-8: Ancient Cities Along the Aegean Coast
• Troy: Discover the legendary city of the Trojan Horse.
• Ephesus: Wander through the ancient Roman city and see remarkable sites like the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.
• Visit charming coastal towns and immerse yourself in local culture.
Days 9-11: Cappadocia - A Land of Enchantment
• Marvel at Cappadocia’s surreal fairy chimneys and explore the fascinating underground cities.
• Take an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise for a magical view of this extraordinary landscape.
Itinenary
Day 1
Arrival Day Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Istanbul, the only city to straddle two continents, and once the capital of 4 empires, is currently a modern thriving metropolis. You will be greeted by one of our representatives at the airport, and chauffeured to your hotel. We will get an opportunity to meet our fellow travelers this evening over a welcome drink. Meals – welcome drink Hotel Istanbul- The Vault Hotel Karakoy
Day 2
Istanbul
After breakfast, our guide gives us a walking tour around the major historical sites of the Old City of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern and Grand Bazaar (the largest covered market in the world.) This evening as an option, we board our private luxury boat and take a cruise through the stretch of water separating Europe from Asia, the Bosphorus. We will see palaces, forts, ancient ruins and beautiful Ottoman housing. Meals – Breakfast. Option – Boat -Light refreshments on board. Hotel Istanbul – The Vault Hotel Karakoy
Day 3
Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale
This morning we navigate our way out of the bustling streets of Istanbul, and head towards the ‘Gallipoli’ peninsula, where the Marmara & Aegean Seas connect. Our guide will share stories of battle woes of 1915, and explain in detail how the ANZAC legend was born. We visit Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Johnston’s Jolly, Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Museum, the Neck, and look down at Suvla Bay. This battle-hardened peninsula has now become a tranquil place. Lest we forget. After the battlefields, we relax over a wine tasting where we can taste the regions best grapes. Meals- Breakfast / lunch / wine tasting Hotel Canakkale – Limani Hotel
Day 4
Canakkale – Troy – Pergamon – Kusadasi
Our first stop sees us visiting the ancient city of Troy, dating as far back as 3000 BC. Our guide explains how the IX cities of Troy came to be, as well as the fabled Trojan War, which was the battle that launched 1000 ships. Homer’s legendary Iliad & Odyssey are referenced here. We continue heading south to one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities in Pergamon. Formerly a Greek city, Pergamon played an important role in education and medicine. One of the largest libraries of its time was located here, along with the Asklepieion, Amphitheatre and Altar of Zeus. Our day ends in the port town of Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. Meals – Breakfast / lunch Hotel Kusadasi – La Vista Hotel
Day 5
Kusadasi – Ephesus – Sirince – Kusadasi
Day 6
Kusadasi – Hierapolis – Pamukkale
Day 7
Pamukkale – Konya
Day 8
Konya – Cappadocia
Day 9
Cappadocia
Day 10
Cappadocia – Istanbul
Day 11
Istanbul
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