Turkey & The Black Sea Odyssey - 16 Days

Once you have arrived in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure, giving you time to begin exploring Istanbul at your own pace. You may wish to take a stroll through the lively neighbourhoods near your hotel, sample some traditional Turkish cuisine, or simply relax and unwind.

This morning, we begin with a guided tour of Topkapi Palace, the former seat of the Ottoman sultans. We then see Hagia Sophia, a remarkable landmark that has stood as both church and mosque through the centuries. Our visit continues to the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its elegant domes and six minarets, before we experience the sights and scents of the Spice Market.

Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale. Today, we drive to Gallipoli to visit some of the key sites of the First World War campaign.

At Anzac Cove, we reflect on the landing place of the ANZAC troops in 1915, before continuing to the Nek and Chunuk Bair, both scenes of fierce battles. We visit Lone Pine, the site of the Australian memorial, and the 57th Regiment Memorial, dedicated to the Turkish soldiers who fought here.

Later, we cross the Dardanelles Strait and continue our journey to Canakkale, where we spend the night.

Canakkale - Troy - Bergama - Kusadasi. We depart from Canakkale and drive to the legendary city of Troy, famed in history and mythology as the site of the Trojan War. After exploring this ancient settlement, we cross the slopes of Mount Ida before arriving in Pergamum, where we visit the Acropolis, once a powerful centre of learning and culture in the ancient world. Our day concludes with an overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Kusadasi - Ephesus - Sirince - Kusadasi. After breakfast, we take a short drive to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient world. As we walk through its streets, we gain a deeper insight into its remarkable history and also see demonstrations of traditional local crafts, including hand-woven carpets and leatherwork.

Our journey then continues to the charming hillside village of Sirince, known for its characterful houses and welcoming atmosphere. Here you can browse small shops for local produce and sample the village’s well-known fruit wines. We return to Kusadasi for the night.

Kusadasi - Hierapolis - Pamukkale. This morning, we travel across the fertile Meander Plain, passing fields of cotton along the way, before reaching Pamukkale. Here, we have time to admire the striking white terraces formed by mineral-rich waters and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, once a thriving Roman spa settlement. Later, we continue to our accommodation in Pamukkale for the night.

Pamukkale - Koycegiz - Fethiye. We set out for the lakeside town of Koycegiz, where we board a boat for a relaxing cruise. Our journey takes us to Iztuzu, also known as Turtle Beach, a protected stretch of sand that is a nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. We also stop to enjoy the local mud baths, a fun experience said to have therapeutic benefits. Later, we continue on to Fethiye, where we have dinner and spend the night.

Fethiye - Kayakoy - Oludeniz - Fethiye. After breakfast, we explore the deserted Greek village of Kayakoy, a poignant site of stone houses and narrow lanes that tell the story of its former residents. In the afternoon, we drive to Oludeniz, where you will have time to swim in the famous blue lagoon or simply relax by the shore. This evening, you may choose to join an optional sunset cruise with dinner.

Fethiye - Antalya. This morning, we drive to Antalya, one of Turkey’s most beautiful coastal cities. On arrival, we take a walk through the atmospheric Old Town, with its narrow streets and Ottoman-era houses, and see the impressive Hadrian’s Gate, built in honour of the Roman emperor’s visit in 130 AD. We also visit the Düden Waterfalls in the Lara district, where cascades of water plunge into the Mediterranean.

Antalya - Aspendos - Konya - Cappadocia. We have an early start as we travel towards Konya, stopping en route to see the well-preserved Aspendos Theatre, one of the finest examples of Roman architecture in Turkey.

On arrival in Konya, we visit the Mevlana Mausoleum and the former dervish lodge, closely associated with the Whirling Dervishes and the teachings of Rumi.

Our journey then continues into the region of Cappadocia, with a stop at a historic caravanserai on the old Silk Road, once a resting place for traders and travellers. We end the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion through the fascinating landscapes of Cappadocia. We begin with a visit to Kaymakli Underground City, once a refuge for early Christians, before continuing to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where rock-hewn churches still display centuries-old frescoes. Our journey also takes us to Uchisar, where the natural rock fortress provides panoramic views across the region. This evening, you may choose to join an optional Turkish folklore show with dinner, featuring traditional music and dance.

Cappadocia - Ankara - Safranbolu. Early this morning, you may choose to take an optional hot-air balloon flight over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia. After, we depart for Safranbolu, making a stop in Ankara to visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk and its museum, the final resting place of the founder of the modern Turkish Republic.

We then continue our drive to Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town often described as an open-air museum thanks to its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Tonight, we stay in a traditional Ottoman mansion, adding to the atmosphere of this historic town.

Safranbolu - Istanbul - Trabzon. We begin the day with a visit to the old town of Safranbolu, where you can sample traditional Turkish delight and stroll among its well-preserved Ottoman streets. From here, we drive back to Istanbul and in the afternoon visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.

Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Trabzon. Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel.

Today, we travel into the Maçka Valley to visit the Sumela Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffs of the surrounding mountains. Founded in the 4th century, this remarkable site is set amid forests and waterfalls, offering both history and stunning scenery. We return to Trabzon for an overnight stay.

Trabzon - Istanbul. This morning, you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore the city independently.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport at 9 am. If your flight is later, you may take the shuttle at 1 pm.