Journey Through Turkey's Timeless Tapestry - 10 Days

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, we will organise your transfer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. Once settled, take some time to relax or explore the vibrant atmosphere of this legendary city. In the afternoon, be sure to check the boards in the hotel reception for essential information about the commencement of your tour. This first day serves as a gentle introduction to the captivating sights and sounds of Istanbul, setting the stage for the cultural and historical discoveries ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

We will commence our exploration of Istanbul with a panoramic tour of this fascinating city that bridges Europe and Asia. Our itinerary includes a visit to the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, followed by stops at the historic city walls and a view over the picturesque Golden Horn. We will also visit the lively fishing district and have an opportunity to admire the exterior of the iconic Hagia Sophia. As the day progresses, we will head to Taksim, Istanbul's bustling commercial heart. Here, you can choose to dine in one of the many local eateries or take a ride on the charming vintage tram that trundles through the area. Alternatively, you might wish to explore the nearby Galata Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.

We begin our day with a visit to the renowned Topkapi Palace, once the heart of the Ottoman Empire's administration. Here, you'll be able to stroll through exquisite courtyards and admire the elegance of its historic pavilions. Admission is included, so you can fully appreciate the splendour of this architectural treasure. Following this, we embark on a two-hour boat trip on the Bosphorus. With tickets included, this private journey offers a unique perspective of Istanbul, as our vessel navigates the strait connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. We'll sail past the city's iconic bridges linking Europe and Asia, taking in views of the Sultan's palaces, traditional wooden houses, and striking examples of Ottoman architecture lining the shores. Our boat adventure concludes as we disembark on the Asian side in the Uskudar district. From there, we travel to the Anatolian Peninsula, reaching Ankara just in time for an included dinner – a satisfying end to a day brimming with cultural discovery and visual delights.

After breakfast, we’ll explore Ankara, Turkey's vibrant capital, home to over five million residents. Our first stop is the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, dedicated to the founder of modern Turkey. We’ll also visit the ancient Ankara Castle, dating back to the 8th century B.C., and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which offers fascinating insights into the various cultures that have shaped Turkey over millennia. We’ll then travel to Cappadocia, pausing for lunch at the tranquil Salt Lake and taking in its breathtaking scenery. Our journey includes a visit to Hacibektas, a significant pilgrimage site. As we enter this revered sanctuary, please respect the dress code and maintain silence, as it houses the mausoleum of Hacibektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic. We’ll end the day in Nevsehir, arriving in time for an included dinner.

Today we delve into the fascinating region of Cappadocia, celebrated for its surreal landscapes, historical churches, and intriguing troglodyte dwellings. Our exploration begins in the Göreme Valley, where we will visit the open-air museum, famous for its rock-cut churches – entrance is included, of course. We will then make our way to Uchisar, known for its impressive natural fortress, followed by Kaymakli, an extraordinary underground city that once sheltered up to 30,000 people.

As we head back to Avanos, we will pause at Pasabag, or the Fairy Chimneys, to appreciate the captivating scenery. You will have some free time to explore further before we conclude the day's adventure. Dinner will be provided.

On the sixth day of our journey, we venture to the far edge of Cappadocia to explore the scenic Ihlara Valley, known for its refreshing waters and ancient rock-carved churches and villages. We continue our exploration with a visit to a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, a historical roadside inn that catered to traders and travellers along ancient trade routes. Our day rounds off in Konya, where we delve into the spiritual significance of the Mevlana Mausoleum, the resting place of Rumi and a hub for learning about the Dervish order. After an included dinner, why not consider attending a mesmerising dervish dance performance at the local cultural centre? It promises a captivating insight into this unique tradition.

Today, we travel through a picturesque landscape dotted with lakes, reaching the charming lakeside town of Egridir. Known for its historic city walls and mosques, Egridir offers a delightful setting for lunch and some leisure time. Our adventure continues as we head to the unique site of Hierapolis-Pamukkale. Here, the remarkable ‘Cotton Castle’ awaits, formed by the area's mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down white terraces – entry is included. We cap off the day with a satisfying dinner to complement our experiences.

Today, we set off for the ancient city of Ephesus, a remarkably well-preserved site that was once the commercial powerhouse of Asia Minor, housing 250,000 residents at its peak. During our visit, you’ll have the chance to explore the awe-inspiring ruins of this once-thriving metropolis and discover significant sites such as the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John – all entrance fees are included. Following our exploration of Ephesus, we’ll journey towards the lively coastal town of Kusadasi. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling markets, Kusadasi offers a charming seaside experience. Alternatively, if you’re travelling between May and October, we’ll head directly to the dynamic city of Izmir after Ephesus, skipping Kusadasi. In Izmir, enjoy a brief tour of this modern, Aegean coastal city before we settle in for the evening in either location. Dinner is included, providing a perfect end to our day of ancient exploration and coastal relaxation.

We begin our day by journeying to Izmir, Turkey's third largest city, renowned for its progressive spirit and modern amenities. Our guide will offer a succinct tour, showcasing the city's vibrant character. Moving inland, we'll pause for lunch en route to Bursa, a city steeped in history and culture, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa is famed for its charming commercial districts, mosques, and educational institutions. As we explore, you'll discover the architectural beauty of the iconic Green Mosque and experience the traditional atmosphere of the public baths. We continue to Istanbul, reaching the city by the day's end, allowing you time to reflect on the rich experiences of the day.

After enjoying breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey.