This 12 day tour, starts and ends in Istanbul, Turkey. A circuit of Turkey encompassing all the highlights. Down the Aegean coast visiting the WW1 Gallipoli battlefields, Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus and Pamukkale, onto the Mediterranean coast visiting Aphrodisias, Fethiye, Antalya and Aspendos, into the centre to visit amazing Cappadocia and back to Istanbul via the countries capital Ankara. 6 UNESCO sites.
Early morning departure to Gallipoli from Istanbul. 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 Pergamon. 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 head 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.
This morning we drive to Fethiye and board our Gulet. Relax at the pre-cruise information session. Enjoy an onboard dinner while meeting the other passengers.
This morning we drive to Fethiye and board our Gulet. Breakfast is served on deck before continuing the cruise to Dockyard Island, Tasyaka and Bedri Rahmi Bay. Tonight will be spent at a secluded cove or island.
Today we cruise to Gocek Island to swim, snorkel or just laze in the sunshine.
This morning we disembark from our gulet after breakfast and head to 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!
Full day tour of the ancient ruins of Perge, Aspendos and Side. In Aspendos, you can see the Roman Theatre built in the 2nd century and seating 15,000 people. Side is one of the best classical sites in Turkey with Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins.
Today we travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya along the way. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening!
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, 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. Our tour concludes with the arrival to Istanbul at approximartely 7 pm.