Spirit of Turkey - 9 Days

Once you have arrived in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and guide for a welcome briefing and orientation.

Today, we embark on a full day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. We begin at the Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece that has served as both a Byzantine church and an Ottoman Mosque, and now once again stands as a functioning mosque.

We continue to the Hippodrome, once the centre of public life in Constantinople, before visiting the Blue Mosque, admired worldwide for its striking domes, slender minarets, and beautiful blue Iznik tiles.

In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Topkapi Palace Museum with an optional entrance ticket. This opulent former residence of the Ottoman sultans showcases the grandeur of the empire, though entry to the Harem section is not included.

Our day concludes with a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets. This evening is at leisure, with the option to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner paired with a lively belly dancing performance.

Istanbul – Gallipoli – Dardanelles – Canakkale. This morning, we travel west to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where we pause at Anzac Cove, the site of the landings in 1915. We continue to Lone Pine Cemetery, the resting place of many Australian soldiers, and Chunuk Bair Memorial, dedicated to the New Zealand forces who fought here. These sites remain deeply moving places of remembrance.

Later, we cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry and continue to Canakkale, where dinner and an overnight stay await.

Canakkale – Troy – Bergama – Izmir. After breakfast, we visit Troy, the legendary city immortalised in Homer’s Iliad. Its archaeological remains reveal nine layers of settlement, and a replica of the famous wooden horse symbolises its place in myth and history.

We then continue to a local village to enjoy a traditional lunch before travelling to Pergamum, once a major centre of learning and culture. Here we explore the Asklepion, an ancient sanctuary of healing where patients once came for cures. By evening, we arrive in Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, where we share dinner and stay overnight.

After breakfast, you can opt to join a full-day tour to the ancient city of Ephesus (booked and paid locally), one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of the classical world. Walking along its marble streets, you will see the grand Theatre, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and many other remarkable remains that showcase the city’s past splendour.

The optional tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered place of pilgrimage for both Christians and Muslims. This peaceful site is believed by many to have been the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Later, you will stop at a regional carpet centre to observe the traditional craft of Turkish rug weaving, a skill passed down through generations. The day concludes in Izmir, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Izmir - Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Pamukkale. We depart Izmir, travelling to a leather fashion showroom, where we see first-hand the skill and creativity of Turkish craftsmanship. This visit offers us the chance to appreciate one of the country’s most renowned trades.

From here, we continue to Pamukkale, celebrated for its dazzling white travertine terraces formed by natural thermal springs. These striking formations have drawn visitors for centuries and remain one of Turkey's most famous natural wonders.

Our day concludes with a tour of Hierapolis, the ancient spa city that grew around the hot springs. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its ruins include temples, baths, and a well-preserved theatre that recall its status as a thriving centre of health and culture in antiquity.

Pamukkale - Fethiye. This morning, we drive to the coastal town of Fethiye, a picturesque harbour city on the Turquoise Coast. Known for its natural beauty and lively atmosphere, it serves as the gateway to some of Turkey’s most stunning coastal landscapes.

On arrival, we take a walking tour that includes the ancient Telmessos Theatre, a reminder of the region’s long and layered history. We also visit the bustling Fish Market, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the freshest catch of the day.

The evening is spent in Fethiye, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night,

Today, you have a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy Fethiye at your own pace. You may wish to explore the town, unwind by the harbour, or simply take time to rest.

Alternatively, you can join an optional boat cruise along the stunning Turquoise Coast. This excursion includes swim stops at secluded bays and islands, offering a memorable way to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean.

After your final breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!