From the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of the Ottoman Empire as well as Greek, Roman and Seljuk civilisations, Turkey is a country full of fascinating contrasts.
We discover the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia as we walk through Kizilçukur (Red Valley) and explore Pasabaglar, with its unique rock formations known locally as fairy chimneys.
The mystical city of Konya was the home of Mevlana, founder of the Whirling Dervishes, and Termessos is an ancient city with impressive Greco-Roman remains.
We also visit the extraordinary natural wonder of Pamukkale, one of the world’s most breathtaking sights, before discovering the ruins of Hierapolis – a city founded by the king of Pergamon.
Some of the many other highlights of Turkey experienced on this comprehensive journey include the magnificent site of the ancient city Ephesus, the fabled walled city of Troy and the poignant battlefields of Gallipoli.
Enjoy a cruise around the hidden coves and islets around Kekova.
Day 1 and 2 Istanbul
Your licenced local guide will unveil the treasures of İstanbul for you. Sit back and let yourself be guided safely through the centuries-old history of this fascinating city.
Day 3. Anzac Cove -Gallipoli -Çanakkale
We will visit ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, Lone Pine and other important sites.
Day 4. Troy Pergamon
Visit en route Troy, made famous first by the Iliad, Homer’s epic poem, and later Pergamon archaeological site. This gateway to ancient history with its multi-layered ecavations showing a cross-section of many ancient civilaisations.
Day 5 and 6. Kuşadası
Main visits: Aphrodisias, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Priene, Miletus, Dydimes, Izmir. Discover the treasures at these less visited sites of immense historical and cultural interest.
Day 7 .Pamukkale
Pamukkale translates literally to “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, homage to a local legend.
This myth details that the terraces are actually a waterfall made from cotton (which is the principal crop of the local area), which was left out to dry by giants in years gone by.
Visite Hierapolis, one of the antique cities of the Aegean.
Day 8. 9 Fethiye
Visits old Greek village Kayaköy, abandoned since the population exchange and the cool beauty of Saklıkent Gorge.
Day 10 .Kekova Island Antalya
Boat trip in Kekova
Day 11 .Antalya -Konya
Visit the museum of the mystic Mevlana Celalettin Rumi, founder of the whirling Dervishes’ Sufi order.
Day 12-13 -Cappadocia
Visit: Goreme and Zelve open air museums, Derinkuyu (underground city), fortress of Uchisar…
Day 14 Cappadocia-Ankara (Night train to Istanbul)
En route, discover Ihlara canyon and visite the Hittite museum in Ankara (Anatolian civilisations museum)
