Sultans & Silk Road - 10 Days

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of Istanbul, the only city in the world that straddles two continents. We will explore the iconic Blue Mosque, the historic Hagia Sophia, and the grand Topkapi Palace, including visits to Hagia Irene and the Harem. We'll also stop by the ancient Hippodrome.

In the afternoon, you have the option to join a half day Bosphorus cruise to experience the waterway that divides Europe and Asia.

Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale. Leaving Istanbul this morning, we head first to the poignant World War I battlefields of Gallipoli. We visit the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, honouring those who fought bravely. We'll see ANZAC Cove, The Nek, and Johnston's Jolly, along with original trenches and tunnels that bear witness to the past.

From Gallipoli, we make our way to the city of Canakkale on the Dardanelle Strait, where we are spending the night.

Canakkale - Troy - Behramkale - Kusadasi. Departing Canakkale, we journey to Troy, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will explore its historical ruins and visit the award-winning Troy Museum, which showcases artefacts from this legendary city.

Our journey continues to Behramkale, a charming village known for its stone houses and winding streets that reflect traditional Turkish life. You will have time to explore at leisure, enjoy the scenic views, and perhaps enjoy a Turkish tea or coffee at a local café.

From Behramkale, we proceed south to Kusadası, where we are spending the night.

Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadasi. Today we embark on a guided tour of Ephesus, where we will visit the ancient city and its impressive theatre. We will also stop at the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Next, we will explore the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of regional artefacts. In the afternoon, we'll visit a traditional carpet village to discover the art of Turkish carpet weaving and learn what determines their value. We then head back to Kusadasi for the night.

Kusadasi - Pamukkale. This morning, we'll explore a showcase of locally handcrafted leather goods. Next, we visit Pamukkale's stunning white calcium terraces, known as travertines, and tour the historic city of Hierapolis. You can also take a dip in the hot springs, amidst ancient columns, as the Romans did for their therapeutic benefits.

Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia. Today, we journey along the historic Silk Road, stopping first at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a 13th-century roadside inn that once provided shelter for traders and travellers.

We then continue to Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, which offers insights into the life and teachings of Rumi, the revered Sufi mystic.

Our final destination is Cappadocia. This evening, you might choose to attend a traditional Turkish folklore show, offering a vibrant insight into local culture. We will spend the night in a unique boutique cave hotel.

Today, we'll explore the unique lunar landscape of Cappadocia. We begin with a visit to the Goreme Valley Open-Air Museum, renowned for its stunning rock-cut churches and frescoes. Next, we'll marvel at the area's iconic fairy chimneys, natural rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion. We'll also delve into the fascinating history of an underground city, uncovering its many levels. We spend a second night at our cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - Ankara - Istanbul. We'll set off early in the morning for Ankara, the nation's capital. There, we'll visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the revered founder of modern Turkey. The site is not only a resting place but also a monument commemorating his significant contributions to the country. After our visit, we'll return to Istanbul, where your final evening in Turkey is at leisure.

Our tour ends after breakfast and hotel check out. An included transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flight.