Day 1: Arrive Istanbul, Türkiye
Welcome to Istanbul! Upon your arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Once you have checked in, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to relax after your journey or begin exploring this vibrant city at your own pace. We hope your first day in Türkiye is both comfortable and enjoyable.
NOTE: The included transfer is a group transfer and will be scheduled according to the arrival times of the majority of guests. If you arrive earlier and prefer not to wait, or if your flight arrives after the scheduled group transfer, you may arrange a private transfer (additional charges apply) or make your own way to the hotel.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 40km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 45min
MEALS: Nil
OVERNIGHT: Crowne Plaza Harbiye, Istanbul
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
Enjoy an unforgettable evening cruising along the Bosphorus Strait with a delicious local dinner and live entertainment. Experience a traditional Turkish night show featuring belly dancing and other cultural performances, along with limited local alcoholic drinks and unlimited soft drinks. Includes hotel pick up and drop off.
Turkish Night Show in Istanbul
Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant with a lively Turkish night show. Experience a range of cultural performances including belly dancing, along with limited local alcoholic drinks and unlimited soft drinks. Includes hotel pick up and drop off.
Day 2: Istanbul City Tour
After breakfast, depart for a guided exploration of Istanbul’s historic Old City. Begin at the Sultan Ahmet Centre, once the heart of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its striking blue Iznik tiles and impressive six minarets. Then, continue to the Hippodrome, where ancient chariot races and public events once took place, and see monuments such as the Serpentine Column and the Obelisk of Theodosius.
Next, view the exterior of the magnificent Hagia Sophia (entrance not included), one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the world. Continue with an exterior visit of Topkapi Palace (entrance not included), the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Afterwards, enjoy time at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops offering everything from jewellery to souvenirs.
After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 30km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1hr
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Crowne Plaza Harbiye, Istanbul
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
Enjoy an unforgettable evening cruising along the Bosphorus Strait with a delicious local dinner and live entertainment. Experience a traditional Turkish night show featuring belly dancing and other cultural performances, along with limited local alcoholic drinks and unlimited soft drinks. Includes hotel pick up and drop off.
Turkish Night Show
Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant with a lively Turkish night show. Experience a range of cultural performances including belly dancing, along with limited local alcoholic drinks and unlimited soft drinks. Includes hotel pick up and drop off.
Day 3: Istanbul ~ Gallipoli ~ Canakkale
After breakfast, depart Istanbul and travel towards Canakkale, passing along the historic Dardanelles Strait. En route, visit the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of deep significance for Australians and New Zealanders as the landing site of the ANZAC forces during World War I.
Explore the moving battlefields and memorials, including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunuk Bair, and the 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery. You will also visit Ariburnu Cemetery, Beach Cemetery and the Mehmetcik Statue. Take in the breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea while reflecting on the history and sacrifice associated with this region.
Continue your journey with a ferry crossing over the Dardanelles, the natural boundary between Europe and Asia, before arriving in Canakkale for your overnight stay.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 320km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5hr (plus ferry crossing)
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Remida Hotel, Canakkale
Day 4: Canakkale ~ Pergamon ~ Troy ~ Kusadasi
After breakfast, depart Canakkale and travel towards Kusadasi. Along the way, visit the ancient city of Pergamon, once one of the most important cultural and political centres of the ancient world. Explore the Acropolis, set high on a steep hilltop with sweeping views over the surrounding plains. You will also see the remains of the Altar of Zeus and the famed Library of Pergamon, which once held thousands of scrolls and rivalled Alexandria in importance.
Continue your journey with a visit to Troy, the legendary ancient city made famous by myth and archaeology. Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where layers of history reveal a series of settlements built over thousands of years. See the replica Trojan Horse and walk alongside the ancient defensive walls that once protected the city.
Later, visit a local olive oil and natural products shop to see some of the region’s village-made specialties before continuing to Kusadasi for dinner and your overnight stay.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 400km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 6hr
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Signature Blue Hotel, Kusadasi
Day 5: Kusadasi ~ Ephesus ~ Kusadasi
After breakfast, travel to the Selcuk region to explore the remarkable ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. Walk through its impressive ruins including the Polio Fountain, the Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Library of Celsus. You will also visit the Great Theatre, once capable of holding up to 25,000 spectators.
Continue to the charming village of Sirince, located on a hillside surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with traditional houses, boutique shops and local produce stalls, while enjoying scenic views across the countryside.
Later, visit a local leather factory where you will enjoy a fashion show showcasing high quality Turkish leather goods. Relax with a tea or coffee while learning about the craftsmanship behind these products.
Return to Kusadasi for dinner and an evening at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 60km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1hr
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Signature Blue Hotel, Kusadasi
Day 6: Kusadasi ~ Pamukkale
After breakfast, depart Kusadasi and travel inland to Pamukkale, known as the “Cotton Castle” for its striking white terraces formed by mineral rich thermal waters. This natural wonder is one of Türkiye’s most unique landscapes and has been used as a thermal spa since ancient times.
Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, located above the terraces, where you will see the vast Necropolis, one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia. You will also have time to walk along the famous travertine terraces and experience the warm mineral waters that have flowed here for thousands of years.
Later, visit a local textile outlet, known for its high quality Turkish fabrics and craftsmanship. Continue to your hotel in Pamukkale for dinner and your overnight stay.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 200km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3hr
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Pam Thermal Hotel, Pamukkale
Day 7: Pamukkale ~ Antalya
After breakfast, depart Pamukkale and travel to the coastal city of Antalya. Upon arrival, begin your city tour with a visit to the beautiful Duden Waterfalls, where you can enjoy the peaceful natural setting and take photos of the cascading water.
Continue to the historic Old Town (Kaleici), where you will explore its narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses and lively atmosphere. See some of Antalya’s most iconic landmarks including Hadrian’s Gate, Hidirlik Tower, the Clock Tower and the Fluted Minaret.
After the tour, transfer to your hotel for dinner and enjoy the evening at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 240km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3.5hr
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Ring Downtown Hotel, Antalya
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Paragliding Tour in Pamukkale
Take to the skies with an unforgettable paragliding experience over the ancient city of Hierapolis and the famous white terraces of Pamukkale. Enjoy incredible bird’s eye views with a professional tandem pilot as you glide over this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Pamukkale
Experience a magical sunrise hot air balloon flight over Pamukkale’s stunning white terraces and surrounding landscapes. The experience includes hotel pick up, a safety briefing and a scenic flight following the natural wind paths. Children under 6 years are not permitted.
Day 8: Antalya ~ Konya ~ Cappadocia
After breakfast, depart Antalya and begin your journey towards Cappadocia via Konya. Today will be a longer travel day, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes for the journey.
En route, stop at the Mausoleum of Mevlana, dedicated to the famous Sufi mystic Rumi, an important spiritual figure in Türkiye. Take time to explore this significant cultural and religious site before continuing your drive.
Continue across the scenic Anatolian landscapes as you make your way to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 540km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 8hr
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Perissia Hotel, Cappadocia
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Turkish Night Show in Cappadocia
Enjoy an evening in a traditional cave restaurant with a lively Turkish night show. Experience a range of cultural performances including belly dancing, along with unlimited local alcoholic and soft drinks. Includes hotel pick up and drop off. Minimum 2 passengers required.
Sunset Jeep Safari Tour in Cappadocia
Enjoy an off road adventure through the stunning valleys of Cappadocia at sunset. Travel by jeep to explore unique landscapes and scenic viewpoints as the light changes across the region. The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, including hotel pick up and drop off. Minimum 2 passengers required.
Sunset ATV Bike Tour in Cappadocia
Experience an exciting ATV ride through the heart of Cappadocia, exploring its valleys and dramatic landscapes from a different perspective. Ride your own ATV or share with another passenger as you discover the region off road. Children under 10 years are not permitted.
Day 9: Cappadocia
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Cappadocia with a visit to Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, famous for its unique rock formations that resemble animals and various shapes.
Continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock cut churches adorned with well preserved frescoes. Then travel to Avanos Village, known for its long tradition of pottery making dating back thousands of years. Here, you will have the opportunity to see a demonstration of traditional pottery craftsmanship.
If time permits, you may also visit a jewellery and onyx workshop or a carpet weaving factory to learn more about local artisan techniques.
Return to your hotel for dinner and enjoy the evening at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 80km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1.5hr
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Perissia Hotel, Cappadocia
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Turkish Night Show in Cappadocia
Enjoy an evening in a traditional cave restaurant with a lively Turkish night show. Experience a range of cultural performances including belly dancing, along with unlimited local alcoholic and soft drinks. Includes hotel pick up and drop off. Minimum 2 passengers required.
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Goreme Valley
Experience a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys and unique landscapes. The full experience takes approximately three hours, including hotel pick up and drop off, a safety briefing and a one hour flight. Children under 6 years are not permitted.
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Soganli Valley
Enjoy a scenic sunrise hot air balloon flight over the stunning Soganli Valley, taking in Cappadocia’s unique rock formations from above. The experience lasts approximately three hours, including hotel pick up and drop off, a safety briefing and a one hour flight. Children under 6 years are not permitted.
Sunset Jeep Safari Tour in Cappadocia
Enjoy an off road adventure through the stunning valleys of Cappadocia at sunset. Travel by jeep to explore unique landscapes and scenic viewpoints as the light changes across the region. The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, including hotel pick up and drop off. Minimum 2 passengers required.
Sunset ATV Bike Tour in Cappadocia
Experience an exciting ATV ride through the heart of Cappadocia, exploring its valleys and dramatic landscapes from a different perspective. Ride your own ATV or share with another passenger as you discover the region off road. Children under 10 years are not permitted.
Day 10: Cappadocia ~ Ankara ~ Istanbul
After breakfast, depart Cappadocia and begin your journey back to Istanbul via Ankara. Along the way, stop at the impressive Salt Lake, the second largest lake in Türkiye, known for its vast white landscape and unique natural beauty.
Continue to Ankara, the capital city, where you will visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. Learn about his legacy and the important role he played in shaping modern Türkiye.
After the visit, continue your drive to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 720km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 9hr
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Crowne Plaza Harbiye, Istanbul
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Goreme Valley
Experience a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys and unique landscapes. The full experience takes approximately three hours, including hotel pick up and drop off, a safety briefing and a one hour flight. Children under 6 years are not permitted.
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Soganli Valley
Enjoy a scenic sunrise hot air balloon flight over the stunning Soganli Valley, taking in Cappadocia’s unique rock formations from above. The experience lasts approximately three hours, including hotel pick up and drop off, a safety briefing and a one hour flight. Children under 6 years are not permitted.
Day 11: Depart Istanbul
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Istanbul before your transfer to the airport. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last minute shopping or a short walk through the city. Your transfer will then take you to back to the airport, marking the end of your Türkiye group tour.
NOTE: The included transfer is a group departure transfer and will be scheduled based on the flight times of the majority of guests. If your flight departs earlier and you prefer not to wait, or if your flight departs outside the scheduled transfer time, you may arrange a private transfer (additional charges apply) or make your own way to the airport.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 40km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 45min
MEALS: Breakfast
