Highlights of Turkey

On arrival, you will be transferred to the central start hotel. There is no
formal sightseeing planned today (an orientation walk is included on your
return to Istanbul on Day 14). Istanbul is one of the great cities of the
world with a history spanning thousands of years. It has been through several
incarnations, firstly as Byzantium, then Constantinople and finally Istanbul.
If there is time, you can wander through the bustling streets and absorb the
vibrancy of this exciting city that links Europe and Asia.
*Accommodation: The Haze Hotel or similar*

Day 2

This morning the welcome meeting will be at 9am. Then, we will depart for the
Gallipoli Peninsula, the site of many significant battles during the First
World War. We will visit the battlefields, learn about the events that took
place here, and their particular importance to the ANZAC (Australia and New
Zealand Army Corps). We will then cross the famous Dardanelles Strait,
arriving in the city of Canakkale in the late afternoon.

Approx. driving time from Istanbul to Canakkale is 5.5 hours (not including
stop in Gallipoli).
*Accommodation: Anzac Hotel or similar
*

Day 3

This morning after breakfast we visit the city of Troy, immortalised in
Homer’s Iliad. Once thought to be a place of legend, we will see the
remnants of the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse, while learning
more about the ground-breaking archaeological digs that have taken place
here.
We continue this afternoon to the seaside town of Ayvalik on Turkey's
north-western Aegean coast. Surrounded by an archipelago of picturesque
islands, the town is full of historic stone houses, narrow cobblestoned
streets and small shops/cafés selling local produce. We will have free time
to explore the town, perhaps sampling some of the renowned local olive oil or
Ayvalik /tost/ (similar to a club sandwich).
Approx. driving time from Canakkale to Ayvalik is 3.5 hours.
*Accommodation: Elisa Hotel or similar**
*

Day 4

After breakfast, we depart for the ancient Greek city and UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Pergamon, the capital of the Attalid dynasty during the
Hellenistic period (approx. 323-31 BC). We will take a scenic cable car up to
the Acropolis, which contains the most important remains of Pergamon. See the
temples, palaces, library, and theatre and learn about the significance of
this special archaeological site.

We will continue on to the coastal town of Kusadasi, where the evening will
be free for you to rest or explore at leisure.

Approx. driving time from Ayvalik to Kusadasi is 3.5 hours.

*Accommodation: Demir Suites or similar
*

Day 5

This morning we will visit the ancient site of Ephesus, one of the
best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and a great
example of Greco-Roman architecture. Always an important religious centre,
Ephesus was founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th century BC and flourished
under Roman rule. The Greeks replaced the cult of the Anatolian fertility
goddess Cybele with Artemis and built a fabulous temple in her honour. With
the arrival of the Romans, it became the Temple of Diana and was one of the
original seven wonders of the ancient world. We visit the vast amphitheatre,
stroll the marble streets once graced by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and
marvel at the gymnasium, baths and wonderfully restored Library of Celsus.

After the visit to Ephesus, we will head to Selcuk and visit Isa Bey Mosque
- a fine example of early Seljukian architecture - and St John's Basilica.
There will also be some free time, during which we recommend a visit to the
fascinating Ephesus Archaeological Museum. We return to Kusadasi for the
evening.

Approx. driving times between Kusadasi and Ephesus/Selcuk is 30 minutes.

*Accommodation: Demir Suites or similar
*

Day 6

Today, we will drive to the unique site of Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton
Castle'. This spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from
thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years,
forming myriad pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools,
dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble
cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly
have healing properties. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis,
which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC and by the 2nd century AD
had become an important Roman bath centre. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis
are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental
fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. We will spend the afternoon
discovering the travertines and ancient city. 

Approx. driving time from Kusadasi to Pamukkale is 3 hours. 

*Accommodation: Uyum Hotel or similar*

Day 7

This morning we depart Pamukkale and travel to the seaside town of Kas. On
the way, we will stop to visit Xanthos, the capital city of the Lycian
Federation and arguably its most important city throughout Lycian history.
After a guided visit, we will continue on the road to Kas.

Situated on the Teke Peninsula, the small port town of Kas was known as
Habesos or Habesa in ancient Lycia, and as Antiphellos to the ancient Greeks.
Today, there are still several Lycian rock-cut sarcophagi in the town, as
well as a well-preserved Hellenistic theatre on the outskirts of town. The
afternoon is free to explore Kas' cobbled streets, handicraft shops and
lively cafés. 

Approx. driving time from Pamukkale to Kas is 4 hours. 

*Accommodation: Linda Hotel or similar*

Day 8

Today is a free day to relax or take advantage of the many activities
available on the Turquoise Coast in and around Kas. Options include a boat
trip to the sunken city of Kekova, relaxing at Kaputas Beach or a visit to
the ancient theatre in Kas.

*Accommodation: Linda Hotel or similar
*

Day 9

This morning we depart for Antalya, one of Turkey's most popular beach
resorts. Arriving in the early afternoon, we will visit the ancient Kaleici
(old city). With its narrow, cobbled streets and historic Ottoman-era houses,
the Kaleici has retained much of its historical character while hosting a
plethora of bars, restaurants and shops. During our walk, you will see
Hadrian's Gate (also known as the Triple Gate due to its three archways), the
old Roman harbour and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You may also
want to visit the Antalya Museum this afternoon, with its wonderful
collection of sculptures from the Roman period, or Phaselis Ancient City.

Approx. driving time from Kas to Antalya is 3.5 hours.

*Accommodation: Dogan Hotel or similar
*

Day 10

This morning we will visit Aspendos, considered to be the best-preserved
theatre of the ancient world. Once named Belkis, the city of Aspendos was
founded by the Hittites, but it was Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180
AD) who ordered the 15,000-seater theatre to be built. After exploring the
ancient site, which is still used for performances today, we continue on to
Konya, known as Iconium in Roman times. Konya was an important city of the
Seljuk Empire and is the birthplace of the mystic Sufi order popularly known
as the 'Whirling Dervishes'.

Approx. driving time from Antalya to Konya is 4.5 hours.

*Accommodation: Selcuk Mevlana Hotel or similar*

Day 11

This morning we visit the Mevlana Museum, the former home of the Whirling
Dervishes and the location of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi's tomb. Mevlana, also
known simply as Rumi, was a 13th century Anatolian mystic and Muslim saint
whose poetry is known across the world. The museum is now a pilgrimage site
and the building's fluted dome of turquoise tiles is one of Turkey's most
recognisable sights.

We continue to the fascinating Cappadocia region. Shaped by wind and water,
the rock formations, rock-hewn churches, cave dwellings and underground
cities must be seen to be believed! This afternoon we will visit the
Sultanhani caravanserai, one of the largest in the world. Constructed in the
13th century, this Seljuk caravanserai was used as a rest stop for merchants
and other travellers on the Silk Road.

Our last stop of the day is the breath-taking Ihlara Valley on the slopes of
Mount Hasan (one of the volcanoes responsible for the formation of
Cappadocia). We will embark on a walk beside the Melendiz River, seeing
beautiful natural scenery and dozens of rock-hewn churches and monasteries,
many of which are decorated with exquisite biblical frescoes. We end the day
at our accommodation in Goreme.

Approx. driving time from Konya to Cappadocia is 4 hours. 

*Accommodation: Heybe Hotel or similar
*

Day 12

Early in the morning, you have the option to experience a memorable hot air
balloon ride over Cappadocia's otherworldly fairy chimneys.

After breakfast, we will visit Cappadocia’s main attraction: the UNESCO
World Heritage-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, a vast monastic complex
comprising churches, monasteries and dwellings, as well as its underground
city. Thought to have started life as a Byzantine monastic settlement,
Goreme Open Air Museum became a pilgrimage site during the 17th century and
is a must-see location for all visitors to Cappadocia. The rock-hewn
churches contain wonderful frescoes, whose colours are still vivid after
hundreds of years.

We will also visit one of Cappadocia's fascinating underground cities
(Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, depending on availability and other local
considerations). It is believed that these cities were formed as early as the
8th century BC by the Phrygian people to protect their inhabitants
from wars and conflicts taking place above ground. The dwellings continued
to be used until the early 20th century, when they were abandoned.

*Accommodation: Heybe Hotel or similar*

Day 13

This morning we have an early departure for the charming UNESCO-listed town
of Safranbolu. Arriving late in the afternoon, we will take an orientation
walk around this quaint and picturesque town. Wander the cobblestone streets
and take in the beautifully preserved timber houses with their distinctive
red-tiled roofs. Safranbolu has a strong Ottoman heritage and is a great
place to experience the Turkey of yesteryear.

Approx. driving time from Cappadocia to Safranbolu is 6.5 hours.

*Accommodation: Akce Konaklari or similar*

Day 14

This morning we will depart Safranbolu for Istanbul. In the afternoon, you
may have free time or you can take an orientation walk around this culture-
and history-rich city. We will head to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly
Constantinople), where ancient empires were found and historical sites
intertwine with the living, breathing Istanbul of today. We will visit sites
including the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Byzantine Emperors
observed chariot races along with thousands of baying fans. We will also
meander through the Grand Bazaar, packed with over 3,000 stalls of
handcrafted jewellery, textiles and books, along with the renowned Spice
Market.

Approx. driving time from Safranbolu to Istanbul is 5 hours. 

*Accommodation: The Haze Hotel or similar*

Day 15

Our adventure ends after breakfast in Istanbul. Those on the group flights
will be transferred to the airport for their flight back to London.