Turkey Encompassed - 15 Days

Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all called home. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. After, consider heading out with your group to seek out some tasty Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe – try a borek (flaky pastry stuffed with fillings like potato, cheese or meat). Make sure to ask your local leader for all the best recommendations on where to eat.

Start the day with a leisurely guided walk and discover some of Istanbul’s most revered sites. Visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque and learn more about its one-of-a-kind architecture, with its six minarets and 20,000 dazzling handmade Iznik tiles. Next, head to the ancient Hippodrome and marvel at the intriguing monuments, like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column and German Fountain. Later this morning, travel by private vehicle to the beautiful rural town of Beypazari. The town's historic houses and welcoming community reflect the essence of Turkish culture. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore the streets of this quaint town.

Spend your morning visiting the Living Museum of Beypazari, which offers re-enactments and interactive experiences that will give you a deeper understanding of traditional Turkish folk culture. After, drive to Cappadocia, a beautifully diverse landscape of cones, needles and columns, naturally formed from the soft volcanic tuff rock. The unique, honeycombed terrain consists of a network of caves which have been hollowed out to make churches and dwellings, known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people in this region lived on the land, but in times of war, they took to living underground. With no activities planned for the rest of the day, you’re free to explore the intriguing towns at your own pace.

This morning, you have the option to take a hot air balloon flight – a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch as the sun illuminates the distinctive Cappadocia landscape. Even if you don’t opt to take a flight, it's still worth waking up for the truly incredible sight of the sunrise over this region. Later in the morning, head out to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex and Christian sanctuary of carved houses, churches and monasteries. The museum was one of the earliest centres for religious education and there are at least ten churches and chapels in the complex, dating between AD900 and 1200. Enter the cave chapels and witness the exquisite colour of the biblical frescoes that lie within. The Dark Church has a particularly stunning interior, which you may choose to visit at an additional cost. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish – maybe go on a sunset hike (if you do, ask your leader for the best spots to do so!).

After breakfast this morning, take a walk through the surrounding valleys and discover the fascinating rock formations, fairy chimneys and human-made cave chapels from early Christian times. Be warmly welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a local woman who will prepare a special home-cooked lunch for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and top off the meal with some local Turkish delight. Continue your exploring at the red river of Cappadocia – famous for its clay which is still used to make magnificent pieces of art. Meet a local potter and learn about this ancient craft, then maybe take the opportunity to purchase a handcrafted souvenir. Continue your journey into the valleys of Cappadocia, stopping at Devrent Valley and Pasabag Valley. After a day of exploration, you’ll have free time for the rest of the evening.

Spend your last morning in Cappadocia exploring the Underground City of Ozkonak – an ancient metropolis made up of subterranean labyrinths and dwellings. This afternoon, travel to the city of Konya, where the Sufi practice of 'whirling' originates. When you arrive, you’ll go on an orientation walk of the town followed by a guided tour of the Mevlana Museum, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into the history of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes.

This morning, drive across the magnificent Taurus Mountains to reach one of Turkey's true coastal gems – Antalya. Your leader will introduce you to the delights of the Old City with an orientation walk along its cobblestone streets. Visit the clock tower, Hadrian’s Gate and the Roman Harbour before venturing into the historical zone of Kaleici – an area within Antalya’s historic centre that’s protected from modern development. This area is home to relics of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman occupations. Later, you’ll have some free time to swim, relax and enjoy stellar views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Today, you’ll go on a guided tour of the Antalya Museum – home to an excellent collection of Turkey’s archaeological treasures. The beautifully preserved statues in the Hall of Gods are must-sees. Continue to the seaside village of Kas – its whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea and its ancient Greek theatre make it a great place to explore on foot. If you feel like cooling off with a refreshing dip, why not head to one of the waterfront restaurants which often have their own private water access. When the sun goes down, there’s the chance to explore the handicraft markets, where you can find beautiful handmade wares. For dinner this evening, make sure you sample the delicious, freshly caught seafood.

Drive to Kekova, where you’ll board a local boat and take a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful and picturesque islands, each with distinctive rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for the sight of ancient houses submerged in the clear water. For lunch, tuck into a hearty homemade Turkish meal on board (seafood, when in season) while you cruise to protected inlets – perfect for a refreshing dip. Return to Kas for the evening.

Today, you'll drive to Pamukkale, best known for its mineral-rich thermal waters that flow spectacularly down a terraced hillside. Take a restorative dip in these thermal hot springs and explore the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis. The city was an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC. Your leader will bring history to life and guide you through the ancient temple, fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. Tonight, you have a free evening to keep exploring Pamukkale at your own pace.

It’s an early start this morning as you make your way to Selcuk, your base for visiting Ephesus. Selcuk itself is culturally rich and retains many Turkish traditions. On the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll see the Isa Bey Mosque, a beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk Turkish architecture, and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built over the supposed burial site of the saint. On your way to Selcuk, drive past apple and peach orchards to the quaint village of Sirince, where charming, red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local winehouse where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all of the above! Arrive in Selcuk and take an orientation walk of the town with your leader, then you’ll have a free evening.

Today, you'll visit Ephesus, one of Turkey's most important ancient sites. Explore this beautifully preserved classical city with your leader, who will bring its colourful 1500-year history to life. As you explore, the sophistication of this former metropolis will reveal itself – it had running water, public toilets, a renowned medical institute and Roman baths. The theatre is well-preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but the marvellous library might just be the highlight. Later, stop for lunch at a family-run restaurant, where you’ll feast on gozleme (the famous and very popular Turkish flatbreads filled with spinach and feta, spicy potato or meat) made fresh before your eyes. The afternoon and evening are free for you to keep exploring at your own pace.

This morning, travel to the waterside town of Canakkale. On the way, stop at the ancient city of Troy. Explore the ruins with your leader, snap a photo with a replica Trojan Horse and learn about how this place has fascinated historians and archaeologists for centuries. When you arrive in Canakkale, join your leader for an orientation walk of this university city perched on the Dardanelles. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Canakkale has a great range of dining options, so be sure to ask your leader for some recommendations. Later, why not take a stroll along the waterfront and try some dondurma (a type of Turkish ice cream with a stretchy texture).

Cross the Dardanelles and head to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of enormous significance to Australians and New Zealanders. Turkey's most westerly point may feel serene, however this coastal point was once a major backdrop of WWI. Visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove, then head up the hill to pay homage at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials. From the Ataturk Memorial, you can look down on the blue waters of the Dardanelles, and you'll find the remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers around this area. After touring the former battlefields, head back to Istanbul where your journey began, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers for one final group dinner to celebrate your journey.

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you wish to spend some more time in Istanbul, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.