Description

Explore a mezze of East and West in mystical Turkey, from the Byzantine and Ottoman past of its former capital, Istanbul, to Troy, Ephesus, and the limestone cotton castles of Pamukkale.

Destinations

• Istanbul
• Bursa
• Canakkale
• Izmir
• Pamukkale

Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Istanbul

Meet at the crossroads of East and West - the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph. Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later; you'll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Welcome Reception.

Day 2
Discover Colourful Istanbul

Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire; strolling through the exquisite Topkapi Palace with its spellbinding views of the Bosphorus. We explore the Basilica of Hagia Sophia; once one of the greatest churches in all of Christendom; before following in the footsteps of the faithful for a visit to the Blue Mosque - its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles are a sight to behold. Later; we visit the Byzantine Hippodrome to see where thundering chariots once raced to victory. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city. Consider an optional cruise along the Bosphorus; whose waters separate the European and Asian sides of the city.

Day 3
Journey to Gallipoli and Canakkale

We remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli. We'll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields that today still hold special significance for the Turkish; Australian and New Zealand nations. Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair; where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I. This evening we stay in Canakkale where tonight we'll dine in our hotel.

Day 4
Off to Troy; Pergamon and Izmir

Visit a land of Trojan legends; an ancient city immortalised by Homer in the stories of King Priamus; Hector; Paris and the beautiful Helen. We admire the archaeological excavations at Troy revealing nine separate periods of settlement and the symbolic replica wooden Trojan horse commemorating the epic war machine constructed by the Greeks to end a lengthy siege. We continue to the ancient kingdom of Pergamon to visit the Asclepion Medical Centre whose staff of entwined snakes remains a symbol of modern medicine today. This afternoon; we 'Connect With Locals' in the village of Demircidere over a Be My Guest lunch. We travel to the broad boulevards of seaside Izmir later; and dine in our hotel this evening.

Day 5
Admire the Ruins of Ephesus and on to Pamukkale

Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus admiring the well-preserved faחade of the Library of Celsus and its famous Temple of Artemis. We visit the House of the Virgin Mary; the Temple of Hadrian guarded by Medusa's head; and the Great Theatre; built by the Romans in the 2nd century and still in use today. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale. Later; consider joining an Optional Experience to watch the dizzying twirling of the mystical Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi sect.

Day 6
Onwards to Hierapolis and Konya

This morning we enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis; imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs. Our last stop today is in the lush silk centre of Bursa where tonight we dine in our hotel.

Day 7
Return to Istanbul

We visit the exquisite Grand Mosque in Bursa before returning to Istanbul. Haggle for the best deals at the Grand Bazaar before following in the footsteps of the faithful for a visit to the Blue Mosque. Our final evening together sees us enjoy a Farewell dinner with our fellow travellers.

Day 8
Istanbul

We say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as we prepare to depart to the airport for our flight home.

Expiry Date

• Friday, 10 October 2025