Grand Tour of Turkey - 16 Days

Welcome to Istanbul. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, we explore the historic heart of Istanbul, the only city spanning two continents. Highlights include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace with the Harem and Hagia Irene, and the Hippodrome.

In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional Bosphorus cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia.

Today we visit the moving WWI battlefields of Gallipoli. We see ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, The Nek and Johnston’s Jolly, along with original trenches and tunnels.

We begin with a visit to ancient Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including its acclaimed museum.

We continue to Behramkale, a traditional village of stone houses and narrow streets, offering insight into rural life. There is time to explore and relax before travelling south to Kusadasi.

Today we explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis and the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, which houses artefacts from the region.

We also visit a carpet village to learn about traditional Turkish weaving techniques.

We travel to Pamukkale, known for its white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich waters. We also explore the ancient city of Hierapolis.

There is an opportunity to bathe in the thermal pools once used in Roman times.

We head towards Antalya, stopping en route at Laodicea, an important ancient city of the Lycus Valley.

On arrival in Antalya, we visit the Necropolis Museum, which offers insight into ancient burial traditions.

Today we explore the ancient sites of Perge and Aspendos. The Roman theatre at Aspendos, dating from the 2nd century, is one of the best preserved in the world.

We also visit Side, known for its Temple of Apollo and coastal ruins.

We travel through central Turkey to Cappadocia. Along the way, we visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya and the Seljuk-era Sultanhani Caravansary.

We spend the day exploring Cappadocia’s remarkable landscape. Highlights include Pigeon Valley, Red Valley and Cavusin Village.

In Avanos, we see traditional pottery-making before visiting the Goreme Open-Air Museum. We also explore one of the region’s underground cities and admire the famous fairy chimneys.

We depart Cappadocia and travel to Hattusas, the former capital of the Hittite Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We then continue to Amasya, a picturesque town set along the Yesilirmak River, known for its Ottoman houses and cliffside tombs.

This morning we explore Amasya, including the riverside and the elegant Hazeranlar Mansion.

We then travel to Kastamonu, a historic town with traditional wooden architecture. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

We begin with visits to Kastamonu Castle, Nasrullah Mosque and the Liva Pasha Mansion.

En route to Safranbolu, we stop at a glass viewing platform overlooking the canyon and visit Yoruk Village, a well-preserved Ottoman settlement.

Safranbolu is a UNESCO-listed town renowned for its traditional architecture.

We explore Safranbolu’s historic centre, including Cinci Han and Hammam, Kaymakamlar Museum House, Izzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque and the Clock Tower.

In the afternoon, we visit Amasra on the Black Sea coast for a short walking tour and scenic views before returning.

We travel back to Istanbul, stopping at Abant Lake, surrounded by forested hills. There is time for a short walk or a drink by the lakeside before continuing the journey.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport, marking the end of an incredible Turkish journey.