Turkey Encompassed - 19 Days

Upon arrival in Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, you will then be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Whether you choose to wander through the bustling markets or enjoy a traditional Turkish tea, the choice is yours.

After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of Istanbul, the world’s only city to set between two continents—Europe and Asia. We visit the stunning Blue Mosque, renowned for its striking blue tiles, and explore the majestic St Sophia Museum, a testament to Byzantine architecture.

Our tour continues with Topkapi Palace, where we will have the chance to see the Hagia Irene and the opulent Harem. We also visit the historic Hippodrome, once the site of chariot races during the Byzantine Empire, and we will conclude our tour with the elegant Dolmabahce Palace, famous for its lavish design.

Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale. Today, we depart from Istanbul and travel to the historic Gallipoli Peninsula, to the site of the World War I campaign that left a profound legacy for Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand. While here, we visit key locations including the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, honouring the fallen soldiers of both sides. At ANZAC Cove, where the troops first landed, we reflect on the harsh realities faced during the campaign. We also explore Nek and Johnston’s Jolly, where original trenches and tunnels remain, offering a powerful insight into the brutal conditions of trench warfare. After, we will head to Cappadocia, where we will spend the night.

Canakkale - Troy - Bergama - Kusadasi. This morning, our journey takes us back through history as we explore the ancient city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its legendary role in the Trojan War. We'll also visit the award-winning Troy Museum, home to fascinating artefacts that bring the city's past to life.

Our next stop is Bergama, where we'll ascend to the acropolis of Pergamon. Once a significant cultural and political hub, it boasts awe-inspiring temples and an ancient library that once rivalled Alexandria's. From Pergamon, we'll travel onwards to Kusadasi, where we'll spend the night.

Kusadasi - Ephesus - Sirince - Kusadasi. After breakfast, we delve into the rich history of Ephesus, once a thriving centre of trade and religion. During our guided tour, we’ll explore key landmarks including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, we will see the striking exterior of the Library of Celsus, and the remarkable amphitheatre. Following this, we visit the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where artefacts tell the story of this ancient city.

Our journey continues with a visit to a traditional carpet village, offering insights into the art of hand-weaving and the elements that contribute to a carpet’s value.

We then proceed to Sirince for a wine tasting experience, sampling local varieties in a region known for its viticulture. After, we will make our way back to Kusadasi, where we will spend the night. .

Kusadasi - Karacasu - Pamukkale. This morning, we will depart from Kusadasi, heading to Aphrodisias, with a brief stop at a local leather shop before arriving at the ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, goddess of beauty, love, and fertility. Renowned for its exceptional school of sculpture, Aphrodisias offers a wealth of history to uncover. We will explore the well-preserved stadium, one of the finest in Anatolia, along with the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, the theatre, and the museum. From here, we continue to Pamukkale, where we will spend the night.

Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Fethiye. Today, we’ll visit Pamukkale to marvel at its stunning white travertine terraces. We’ll also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, offering a glimpse into its rich Roman past. You can enjoy a soak in the hot springs, once prized by the Romans for their healing properties, amidst remnants of ancient columns.

Afterwards, we’ll journey to Salda Lake, often referred to as the Turkish Maldives. Nestled in the mountains, this picturesque lake is known for its striking blue waters. We then continue our travel south to our accommodation in Fethiye.

After breakfast, you have the freedom to explore the town as you wish. Additionally, you may choose to join optional excursions, including a scenic 12-island boat trip or an adventurous tour of Saklikent Gorge.

Fethiye - Kayakoy - Antalya. Today, we travel to Kayakoy, a once-thriving Greek village now abandoned, where stone houses line the hillside in silent testimony to its past. The soft morning light makes it an ideal spot for atmospheric photography.

From here, we continue to the vibrant resort town of Antalya. We’ll visit the Antalya Museum, one of Turkey’s most significant archaeological museums, home to an impressive collection of artefacts from ancient cities across the province. After our visit, we will make our way to our accommodation in Antalya.

Early in the morning, we explore the ancient city of Perge, once an important centre of Hellenistic and Roman culture. Its ruins include a well-preserved theatre, colonnaded streets and city gates. We then continue to Aspendos to visit Turkey's best-preserved 2nd-century amphitheatre, renowned for its impressive acoustics. In the afternoon, we return to Antalya, where the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Antalya - Konya. After breakfast, we begin our day with a visit to the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the influential 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet whose teachings still resonate globally. At the Mevlana Museum, we will see his ornately decorated tomb and delve into exhibits featuring ancient manuscripts and the spiritual practices of the Whirling Dervishes. Our journey then takes us along the historic Silk Road to the Catalhöyük Museum. Here, we will discover the intriguing history of one of the world's oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.

Konya - Cappadocia. Today, we journey to Cappadocia, beginning with a visit to the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a historic rest stop along the Silk Road once frequented by merchants and traders. In the afternoon, we delve into the fascinating depths of an underground city, exploring its many levels.

After settling into our accommodation, we will enjoy dinner at a traditional Turkish home. You have the opportunity to participate in a cooking course and lend a hand with the preparations if you prefer.

Today, we explore Cappadocia's stunning lunar landscape, beginning with the Göreme Valley Open-Air Museum, known for its remarkable rock-cut churches and frescoes. Next, we'll admire the fascinating fairy chimneys, then head to Pigeon and Red Valleys. Our journey continues to Çavuşin village, a site steeped in history with its rock dwellings, before concluding in the charming town of Avanos. Here, we will discover the art of hand-made pottery, a local tradition. We will then return to our accommodation in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - Ankara - Van. In the morning, we depart from Cappadocia and journey to Ankara for our flight to Van. Arriving at Van Airport at approximately 17:15, you will be greeted by your tour guide. Before checking into our hotel, we will explore the Van Citadel, home to a 3,000-year-old Urartian fortress, and we will enjoy a breathtaking sunset before returning to our accommodation.

Van - Akdamar Island - Van. After breakfast, we'll take a ferry to Akdamar Island to explore a stunning 10th-century church, built by an Armenian king. If time permits, you can enjoy a swim in Lake Van. We will then drive to the city centre to visit the world's largest Urartu Museum. Here, we will see artefacts from various periods, including the Paleolithic to Ottoman eras, beautifully displayed in chronological order, offering a fascinating historical journey.

Afterwards, we visit the Van Cat House. You'll meet the unique Van cats, which are noted for their sizeable, chalk-white coats, sometimes with russet markings, and striking eyes—each possibly a different colour. Known as "the swimming cat," they have been spotted taking a dip in Lake Van.

Van - Dogubayazit - Kars. Today, we leave Van heading to the town of Dogubayazit, travelling through Muradiye and the Bendimahi Falls. In Dogubayazit, we visit the remarkable Ishak Pasha Palace, built between 1685 and 1784, showcasing an eclectic mix of Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Armenian, and Persian architectural influences.

We then continue north, following the western edge of Mount Ararat. This towering peak is one of the region’s most striking natural landmarks. The name 'Ararat' is taken from the Bible (Jeremiah 51:27) and is a transliteration of 'Urartu', the term once used by outsiders to describe this ancient land and its people. We will then continue to our accommodation in Kars.

Kars - Ani - Kars. This morning, we travel to Ani, the former capital of the Armenian kingdom, renowned in the mid-10th century for its grandeur, unmatched in Europe at the time. Here, we explore the intriguing ruins of this once-great city, which include several churches, the imposing shell of the Cathedral of Ani, the citadel, and a mosque. Remarkably, some frescoes in the Church of St Gregory, known as Tigran Honentz have survived the centuries, offering a glimpse into the city's historical artistry.

In the afternoon, we visit the Church of the 12 Apostles and Kars Castle, each with its own unique story to tell. We will then make our way back to our accommodation.

Today, you will have some free time to explore Kars at your own pace before we transfer to Kars Airport for our flight back to Istanbul. You will arrive in Istanbul Airport at approximately 13:45, and a transfer will take you to your hotel. You will then have the rest of at leisure to explore Istanbul, grab a lunch or relax.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time to further explore Istanbul, grab a coffee, or relax before your transfer to the airport.