This 13 day tour, starts and ends in Istanbul, Turkey. Discover the wonders of Turkey on this tour which starts in cosmopolitan Istanbul and visits the Gallipoli Battlefields, Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus before heading inland to see the natural wonders of Pamukkale and Cappadocia with its lunar-like landscape and then eastward to Van and see Mt Ararat.
Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore.
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 (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) and the Hippodrome.
Cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with an optional 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way.
One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.
Depart from Canakkale and head towards Troy, where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award-winning Troy Museum. We continue on to Assos, taking in the views from the Temple of Athena, overlooking the Aegean and the Greek island of Lesbos. At the ancient harbour, you will have free time to wander the charming streets, maybe grab yourself a meal at a harbourside seafood restaurant. From Assos we head south to Kusadasi.
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 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.
Leaving Cappadocia early in the morning, we drive to Adiyaman, passing through Kahramanmaras. Our day will culminate with a stunning sunset at Mt. Nemrut.
We venture towards the majestic Mount Nemrut, home to the Tombs of Commagene Kingdom and the towering Colossal Statues of Gods. Ascending to the Tumulus of Antiochos, the former capital of Kommagene, we'll await a breathtaking sunset from the summit of Nemrut. This ancient funerary monument, concealed in time for almost two millennia, will be a remarkable backdrop as the sun descends, painting the sky in hues of serenity atop Mt. Nemrut.
Following breakfast, our journey takes us to Sanliurfa (Urfa) via a scenic route, passing the impressive Ataturk Dam and the historic town of Harran, known for its unique mud-brick houses and ancient city walls. In Sanliurfa, we will explore the revered Holy Pools of Abraham and visit the cave believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.
Our first destination is Gobekli Tepe, the most significant archaeological site of our time, reshaping our understanding of early human history. This sacred site reveals the earliest-known religious structures, dating back an astonishing 11,000 to 13,000 years, predating pivotal human advancements like pottery, writing, Stonehenge, and even the Pyramids. Following this, we will visit the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, Kizilkoyun Nekropolis, and the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum.
Embark on a scenic drive towards Gaziantep, where the adventure begins. Upon arrival, enjoy a captivating boat trip at Halfeti, exploring the intriguing sunken city beneath the tranquil waters. After this unique experience, we will visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. This exceptional museum proudly showcases the magnificent mosaics retrieved from the submerged city of Zeugma, offering a glimpse into the splendid artistry and cultural heritage of a bygone era. As the day concludes, we'll catch a flight back 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.
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