Premium Turkey in Depth - 15 Days

Hoş geldin! Welcome to Turkey! Your adventure begins in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all once called home. If you’re arriving today, you’ll have a complimentary transfer to your hotel from the airport. If you arrive early, maybe grab lunch at one of the city’s many eateries. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After, you’ll head out with your local leader and small group to explore the Old City of Istanbul. Your leader will introduce you to some of the city’s historic treasures, including the dazzling Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and the Million – a stone road marker in use since the 4th century. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a stylish restaurant.

Rise and shine for an early breakfast, then begin the drive to Canakkale – a port city on the shores of the Dardanelles. Arrive in time to buy yourself some lunch, then head to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Thousands from across the world journey here each year to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the battles of 1915. Tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Head up to the memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair while your leader explains the significance of the events across the landscape. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for thousands of young men on both sides. After a day that will no doubt be full of sombre reflection, the evening is free for you to do as you wish in Canakkale.

Drive to Selcuk and stop along the way in Troy, where history and mythology sit side by side. Your leader will take you around the ancient city walls – there’ll be time for a photo op with a replica Trojan horse, too. Learn how the site has confounded historians and archaeologists, then continue to Selcuk. When you’ve checked into your accommodation, join your leader for an orientation walk around this sprawling town at the base of the ancient Ayasoluk Hill fortress, then visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient aqueducts.

Today, visit one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world – Ephesus. Learn what life here was like as you tour the ancient theatre, gymnasium, baths and restored Library of Celsus, and stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Later, drive past apple and peach orchards to the village of Sirince, where red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll taste locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all the above. Next, you’ll meet a local chef for a Turkish cooking class, using olive oil grown and made on-site and herbs and vegetables picked fresh from the garden. Learn how to make a range of small Turkish meze dishes using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labour with an evening dinner of the mouth-watering meze plates you’ve made together.

After breakfast, travel to the town of Pamukkale. Named after its incredible travertine terraces, Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle.’ This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a collection of pools and terraces. As the water overflows, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with water that many believe has healing properties for circulation and the digestive system. Head up to the ruins of Hierapolis – an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC, where your leader will bring history to life and guide you through an ancient temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. You then have the evening free to spend how you wish.

Make the journey to the coastal town of Kas (meaning ‘eyebrow’) and begin exploring on a walking tour. Now primarily a holiday town, Kas is strewn with the remains of Lycian tombs, iconic, whitewashed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea and an ancient theatre where you can watch a spectacular sunset. The walk is sure to inspire your appetite, and your leader will be on hand to show you where to grab a great gozleme (stuffed Turkish flatbread). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this easygoing town – maybe sit back with a pomegranate cocktail or check out the local markets.

Set off for a boat cruise around the islands today, with a local family who use their unique knowledge and love of the local waters to share a distinctly traditional way of cruising and eating with travellers. On board, you’ll enjoy a range of freshly prepared local greens, zucchini fritters and maybe even some Turkish raki (an anise-flavoured alcoholic spirit). Sail from large bays to protected inlets where you can cool off with a swim. Kick back with a cold beer or learn how to play backgammon – Turkey’s most beloved game – and look out for the ruins of an ancient city submerged under the water. Return to Kas for an evening at your leisure.

Travel from Kas along a scenic route, stopping at the ancient city of Phaselis. Here you’ll have time to stretch your legs among Roman ruins or cool off with a swim in the sea. Then, continue to Antalya, where your accommodation is tucked away near the beach. Once you’ve settled in, join your leader for an early evening walk around Kaleici (the Old City). See Hadrian’s Gate, the Old Roman Harbour and photo-worthy views of the Mediterranean. Tonight, you’ll experience Turkish family-style dining at a traditional meyhane (tavern) with plenty of shared plates, local drinks and live music.

Today, you’ll travel to the Manavgat region for an Exclusive Experience with DEKAFOK. This important conservation initiative focuses on protecting marine life while creating a balance between tourism and the natural environment. Meet the local DEKAFOOK conservationists, who will walk along the coastline with you and share more about their work, ongoing research and education efforts. Then, take a boat trip along the Manavgat River with the conservationists, where you’ll take in the region’s lush landscapes from a different perspective and hear more insights about the region’s marine environments and the impacts of the growing tourism industry. Enjoy lunch onboard as you drift through this scenic setting. Later, return to your hotel in Antalya, where you can unwind after a day of discovery.

Set out this morning on your journey from Antalya to Cappadocia, with a great stop along the way – the peaceful lakeside town of Beyşehir. It’s home to the expansive Lake Beyşehir – the largest freshwater lake in Turkey – surrounded by unspoilt nature and mountain views. Here, visit the remarkable Esrefoglu Mosque, a rare example of Seljuk wooden architecture, known for its intricately carved pillars and unique flat wooden ceiling that has stood for over 700 years. Take some time to relax by the lake and enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish. Soak up the tranquil atmosphere before continuing your journey inland. Arrive in Cappadocia later in the day and head out on a short orientation walk to get your bearings, then settle in and enjoy a well-earned rest ahead of tomorrow’s adventures.

Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast overlooking the valley, then step back in time at the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face as your leader shares stories of the civilisations who lived here. Next, you’ll visit a carpet-weaving cooperative that empowers women by giving them the tools to produce one-of-a-kind traditional rugs. Hear local insight into the history of carpet weaving and see how the intricate pieces are made. Later in the afternoon, go on a short walk through the cheekily named Love Valley, famous for its phallic rock formations. Then, head back to your hotel and perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day.

Take a morning walk to see the fascinating rock formations of the Kizilcukur Valley. After lunch, head toward the red river of Avanos and descend to Ozkonak to explore an underground city hollowed out of tufa rock that dates to 400 BC. Return to the surface and visit the studio of a local ceramic master. Speak with a local artist who’ll explain the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics. Discover the rich clay from the red river and watch how it’s moulded into exquisite pieces. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into the home of a local family who’ll prepare a special homecooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your hosts and top off the night with some Turkish delight.

Say goodbye to Cappadocia this morning and return to where it all began – Istanbul. When you arrive, settle into your hotel, then head out to continue exploring the city. Wander through the historic neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat, known for their colourful houses, cobbled streets and rich cultural heritage. Along the way, you’ll come across centuries-old churches, including the striking Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and other hidden gems that reflect the area’s deep-rooted Greek Orthodox history. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere, discover local cafes and perhaps capture a few photos of the vibrant facades before returning for the evening.

After a relaxed morning, continue your day uncovering treasures of a different kind in Grand Bazaar, where over 3000 shops line 61 bustling streets. Meet a few local characters, practise your haggling skills, sip a traditional Turkish coffee and take your time browsing everything from handwoven textiles to intricate ceramics. Then, visit the elegant Rustem Pasha Mosque, famed for its vibrant Iznik tiles, before heading up to the grand Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece offering sweeping views over the city. Later, step aboard a private cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where you can unwind with a drink in hand as the city slowly shifts from day to night. Drift between two continents as you take in some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights from the water – from leafy shores and elegant Ottoman mansions to landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace. Stretching between Europe and Asia, the Bosphorus is the heart of the city and the vital link connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara – and there’s no better way to experience its beauty than from the deck as the sun sets. This evening, join your group for a farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s excellent restaurants to celebrate a well-travelled trip.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you want to spend some more time in Istanbul, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.