This magical trip is a true showcase of the best of Western Turkey. You'll soak up the rich history of cosmopolitan Istanbul, be amazed by incredible landscapes and waterfalls, soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and walk in the footsteps of some of history's greats as you visit impressive ruins.
Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours free to explore at your own pace.
After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome.
Cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with an optional 'Half day Bosphorous cruise'.
Today we visit the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.
Step back in time today as we visit Troy and its famed Trojan Horse, followed by a tour of the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time.
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Today we drive south towards the Mediterranean coast, visiting the ancient site of Aphrodisias along the way.
Today you have the option to relax on a day cruise around the 12 Islands of Fethiye or experience one of Turkey's highlights on an optional day tour to Saklikent Gorge, Turkey's longest and deepest canyon.
This morning we will visiting Kayakoy. The morning light provides excellent photos of this deserted Greek village. Afterwards we drive to the resort town of Antalya. Here we will take a walking tour of the old town area of Antalya known as "Kaleiçi". Amongst other things we'll visit Hadrian's Gate, the Ancient Harbour and Suna-Inan Kiraç Kaleiçi Museum which even has a Greek Orthdox Church in its garden!
Today, we will visit famous theatre at Aspendos which is known for one of the best preserved theatres of Asia Minor, still used today. Then we will visit Manavgat Waterfalls for a pleasant resting spot.
Early departure for Konya and the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi with its accompanying museum.
Today we depart for Cappadocia visiting Sultanhani Caravansary, the largest in Anatolia, en route. We continue onto Cappadocia and marvel at the lunar landscape with a fully guided tour of Goreme Valley, the fairy chimneys, Uchisar castle and more. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening!
Today we visit trek through the Pigeon and Love Valleys and explore the many levels of an underground city.
Early morning departure to the nation's capital, Ankara, where we visit Anitkabir, mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, before returning to Istanbul.
After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)