Türkiye Expedition

After breakfast, enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents. The day begins with visits to the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem), and the Hippodrome.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between the two continents on the stunning strait that separates Europe and Asia.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Burdock Hotel

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.
Overnight : Çanakkale Category : 5 star Hotel : Hilton Double Tree Canakkale

Step back in time today as we visit Troy where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award winning, Troy Museum. We continue on to Bergama and up to the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. From here we continue on to Kusadasi.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : 5 star Hotel : Elite World Kusadasi

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus, once a bustling trade hub and religious center. Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from the site of the Temple of Artemis to the grand facade of the Library of Celsus and the impressive amphitheater. We will also visit the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where artifacts from the ancient city bring its history to life. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we will learn how carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. Afterward, we head to Sirince for a wine tasting experience.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : 5 star Hotel : Elite World Kusadasi

After a leather shop visit, we will head to Aphrodisias the ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of Beauty, Love and Fertility, also famous for its school of sculpture, we visit the stadium, which is the best preserved in Anatolia, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, theatre and the Museum. Then, we continue to Pamukkale.
Overnight : Pamukkale Category : 4 star Hotel : Adem Pira Hotel

This morning we will explore 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.

Then we will head to Salda Lake, is known as Turkish Maldives. It is a mountain lake and located in the mountains before we travel down to South.
Overnight : Fethiye Category : 4 star Hotel : Mara Palace Hotel

Today, you are free to explore the town at your own pace and there is also optional tours and activities.

Optional tours and activities; 12 island boat trip and Saklikent Gorge tour
Overnight : Fethiye Category : 4 star Hotel : Mara Palace Hotel

This morning, we head to Kayakoy, where the light is perfect for capturing striking photos of this hauntingly beautiful deserted Greek village. After exploring Kayakoy, we continue our journey to the vibrant coastal city of Antalya. Upon arrival, we will visit the Antalya Necropol Museum, which offers fascinating insights into ancient burial practices and showcases artifacts from various historical periods.
Overnight : Antalya Category : Boutique Hotel : Ruin Adalia Hotel

We will visit Perge a famous antique site, early in the morning. After Perge we drive to Aspendos which has the best preserved 2nd Century Amphitheatre in Turkey. We return back to Antalya city in the afternoon and the remainder of your day is free.
Overnight : Antalya Category : Boutique Hotel : Ruin Adalia Hotel

We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet, whose teachings continue to inspire people worldwide. Inside the Mevlana Museum, we will explore his beautifully adorned tomb, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits on the Whirling Dervishes and their spiritual traditions.Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road, we will visit the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.
Overnight : Konya Category : 4 star Hotel : Novotel Konya

Today we head to Cappadocia, visiting Sultanhani Caravansary, an ancient Silk Road stop off for merchants and traders. Later we explore the many levels of an underground city.

After checking into our hotel we visit a traditional Turkish home for dinner. Here you can do a course and help cook if you wish.
Overnight : Cappadocia Category : Boutique Cave Hotel : Gamirasu Hotel

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys. We then visit Pigeon and Red Valley, followed by Cavusin village and lastly Avanos town where we will learn about hand-made pottery.
Overnight : Cappadocia Category : Boutique Cave Hotel : Gamirasu Hotel

Departure in the morning from Cappadocia, we head to Ankara for our direct flight to Kars. On arrival to Kars Airport, you will meet your tour guide and transfer to Kars city center.

Explore the historic heart of Kars, a city reflecting Armenian, Seljuk, Ottoman, Russian and Caucasian influences. Visit Kars Castle, followed by the Church of the Twelve Apostles (Kümbet Mosque), one of the city’s most important medieval monuments.

Continue through the old quarters of Kars, discovering the distinctive Russian-era stone architecture and other historical landmarks. Free time to experience the local atmosphere and cuisine.
Overnight : Kars Category : Boutique Hotel : Beylerbeyi Sarayı Kars

After breakfast, depart for the magnificent Ani Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated near the Turkish-Armenian border.

Explore the impressive remains of this once-prosperous medieval city, including its city walls, cathedral, churches and other historic monuments.

Continue to the fascinating Tuzluca Salt Caves, an extensive underground complex within ancient rock-salt deposits.

After the visit, drive through the spectacular landscapes of Eastern Anatolia towards Doğubayazıt.
Overnight : Dogubeyazit Category : 3 star Hotel : Tehran Boutique Hotel

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, dramatically situated above the Doğubayazıt plain.

Continue towards Lake Van and follow the scenic route along the northern shores of Lake Van.

Arrive in Ahlat, an important medieval center, and visit the famous Selcuk Cemetery, renowned for its monumental carved tombstones.

Continue to the spectacular Mount Nemrut Crater explore the impressive volcanic caldera and its crater lakes.

Continue to Tatvan.
Overnight : Tatvan Category : 4 star Hotel : Kardelen Hotel

After breakfast, depart from Tatvan and travel along the southern shores of Lake Van towards Gevaş.

Take a boat trip to Akdamar Island and visit the magnificent Church of the Holy Cross, famous for its medieval Armenian architecture and remarkable stone reliefs.

Return to the mainland and continue to Van.

In the afternoon, visit Van Castle, the monumental Urartian citadel overlooking Lake Van. Explore the historical surroundings and enjoy panoramic views across the lake.
Overnight : Van Category : 4 star Hotel : Karaca Hotel Van

After breakfast, depart for Ayanis Castle, one of the most important Urartian archaeological sites in the region, built during the reign of King Rusa II.

Return towards Van and visit the Van Cat House, dedicated to the protection of the famous Van cat.

Continue to Old Tuşba, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Urartu, exploring the archaeological and historical areas around the old city and Van Castle.

Return to the hotel in Van.

Overnight : Van Category : 4 star Hotel : Karaca Hotel Van

After breakfast, depart from Van towards Çavuştepe Castle, an impressive Urartian fortress dating back to the 8th century BC.

Continue to Hoşap Castle, spectacularly positioned on a rocky hill overlooking the Hoşap River.

Proceed towards Başkale and visit the historic St. Bartholomew Church, subject to local accessibility and current conditions.

Continue to Vanadokya, the remarkable fairy-chimney landscape of Başkale, known for its unusual rock formations and dramatic scenery.

After the visit, continue through the spectacular mountain landscapes towards Yüksekova. Arrival and hotel check-in in the evening.
Overnight : Yuksekova Category : 4 star Hotel : Yuksekova Double Tree by Hilton

After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to the spectacular Sat Lakes in the high mountains of Hakkâri.

Explore the beautiful high-altitude lakes, alpine meadows and dramatic mountain scenery of the region. Enjoy time for sightseeing, walking and photography.

The exact itinerary will depend on seasonal, weather and road conditions.

Return to Yüksekova in the late afternoon.
Overnight : Yuksekova Category : 4 star Hotel : Yuksekova Double Tree by Hilton

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport according to the flight schedule. You'll be met at Istanbul Airport.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Burdock Hotel

After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.