Turkey Heritage Journey - 9 Days

Once you have arrived in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some free time to start exploring, enjoy a meal, or relax after your journey.

In the evening, we will meet for a welcome briefing and orientation, where we introduce the journey ahead.

Istanbul - Ankara. Today, we explore Istanbul’s historic Old City on an orientation tour. We visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its intricate blue Iznik tiles, and Hippodrome Square, once the centre of Byzantine public life, where chariot races were held.

In the afternoon, we travel to Ankara, where we will stay overnight in Turkey’s capital and the heart of the country’s modern government.

Ankara - Cappadocia. This morning, we visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. The site is both a national monument and an important symbol of the country’s history.

We then continue our journey to Cappadocia, with scenic stops along the way.

On arrival, we take in a panoramic introduction to the region, known for its distinctive fairy chimneys and unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. We also see Pigeon Valley, where cliff-carved dovecotes reflect the area’s agricultural past, before arriving at our accommodation.

You may choose to start your day early with an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise, offering wide views over Cappadocia’s distinctive landscapes and fairy chimneys.

You have the option to join a full-day tour exploring the region in more depth. This includes visits to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut churches and frescoes, as well as Ozkonak Underground City, once used as a refuge by early communities. You can also visit Avanos, known for its long-standing pottery traditions, along with Devrent Valley and Red Valley, both recognised for their unusual rock formations. A pottery demonstration is included as part of this optional experience.

In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional Whirling Dervishes ceremony, a traditional spiritual performance rooted in Sufi practice.

Cappadocia - Pamukkale. This morning, we depart Cappadocia and continue our journey towards Pamukkale, travelling through changing landscapes along the way.

On arrival, we check in and have time to relax before dinner.

Pamukkale - Izmir. This morning, you will have the option to join a tour of Hierapolis and the Pamukkale Travertines, often referred to as the Cotton Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, alongside the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, a historic spa city dating back to Roman times.

In the afternoon, we continue to Izmir on the Aegean coast, a city with a long history as a major trading port, where we spend the night.

Today, you will have a day at leisure in Izmir, or you may choose to join an optional full-day tour to explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. You can walk along its marble streets and see key sites, including the Great Theatre, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Hadrian.

The tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, as well as the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before returning to Izmir for the night.

Izmir - Istanbul. We depart from Izmir, heading back to Istanbul, travelling across the varied landscapes of western Turkey.

On arrival, you will have the option to join a half-day tour visiting the Hagia Sophia, a landmark of Byzantine architecture, and the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, known for its wide range of goods from textiles to jewellery.

In the evening, you may also choose to attend an optional traditional Turkish dinner with a belly dancing performance. We return to our hotel in Istanbul, where we spend the night.

After our final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxing.

You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.