Highlights of Turkey – 9 nights – 10 days

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL

Meet at the crossroads of East and West – the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph. Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for dinner.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: ISTANBUL

Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire as you stroll through Topkapi Palace with views over the Bosphorus. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine Hippodrome, where thundering chariots once raced, before viewing the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles. Later, join an experience at the museum of Classical Turkish Music.

Then discover Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, wandering its covered lanes packed with colourful stalls, spices, ceramics, and keepsakes.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3: ISTANBUL - GALLIPOLI - ECEABAT - ÇANAKKALE

Remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli. You’ll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields, which still hold deep significance for the Turkish, Australian, and New Zealand nations.

Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair, where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I. This evening, stay in Çanakkale where you’ll dine at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4: ÇANAKKALE - TROY – DEMIRCIDERE - IZMIR

Visit a land of Trojan legends, where the ancient city of Troy has been immortalised by Homer in tales of King Priam, Hector, Paris, and Helen. Explore the archaeological site revealing nine layers of civilisation and see the replica wooden horse that recalls the Greek strategy used to end the legendary siege.

Later, travel to the village of Demircidere for your culinary experience. Meet local women, visit the village bakery, and enjoy lunch made with fresh, homegrown produce. Continue to Izmir and settle into your seaside hotel before dining together this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: IZMIR - EPHESUS - PAMUKKALE

Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, admiring the well-preserved facade of the Library of Celsus and the remains of the Temple of Artemis. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian, guarded by Medusa’s head, and the Great Theatre, built by the Romans in the 2nd century and still in use today.

You’ll learn about the intricate heritage and artistry of Turkish carpet weaving during a visit to a local carpet emporium. Then, relax and unwind in the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6: PAMUKKALE - HIERAPOLIS - KONYA

This morning, enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs.

Continue to Konya, where you’ll visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi Order, which reveals the origins of Sufism and the spiritual legacy of Rumi. This evening, dine at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7: KONYA - CAPPADOCIA

Continue your journey to Cappadocia, you’ll see a 13th-century caravanserai and the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Then dive into Culture to learn about the traditional art of pottery making in Avanos.

Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to witness the Whirling Dervishes ceremony, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Experiences

1. Performance of Whirling Dervishes Followed by Dinner at a Local Restaurant

DAY 8: CAPPADOCIA – GÖREME – SARATLI - CAPPADOCIA

The otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia take centre stage today as you explore its volcanic terrain dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. You can choose an Optional Experience to watch sunrise as hot air balloons glide above the valleys and dramatic rock formations.

Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Dive into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. This evening, enjoy traditional pottery kebabs during dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Optional Experiences

1. Sunrise Balloon Watching in Cappadocia

DAY 9: CAPPADOCIA - ISTANBUL

Take a short flight this morning to Istanbul. You may choose to join an optional Traditional Bosphorus Cruise, soaking up the city’s skyline from the water as palaces, minarets, and waterfront neighbourhoods glide by.

Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Optional Experiences

1. Traditional Bosphorus Cruise

DAY 10: ISTANBUL

Say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as you prepare to depart for the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast