Turkey, Rhodes and Athens Odyssey - 14 Days

Welcome to your tour in Istanbul – we transfer you to the hotel and leave time free for you to settle in. You will receive information in the afternoon, either directly or via the information board at hotel reception.

This morning we begin with a panoramic tour of the city that bridges two continents. We visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, pause by the ancient walls, the Golden Horn and the lively fishing quarter, and admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia. Towards late afternoon we provide a transfer to Taksim – you can dine in its many restaurants, ride the nostalgic tram or visit nearby Galata Tower.

We start with Topkapı Palace – admission included – exploring its elegant courtyards and pavilions. We then embark on a Bosphorus cruise of around two hours – tickets included – on a private boat for our group, gliding beneath the bridges that link Europe and Asia and past sultans’ palaces and traditional wooden mansions. We disembark on the Asian side at Üsküdar before continuing across Anatolia to Ankara, arriving in time for an included dinner.

After breakfast we tour Ankara, the cosmopolitan capital, visiting Atatürk’s Mausoleum, the ancient citadel and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations – admission included – to trace the cultures that shaped the country. We continue towards Cappadocia, pausing at Salt Lake for lunch and its breathtaking scenery, and visit Hacıbektaş, a revered pilgrimage site – please dress modestly and keep silence as we pay respects at the mausoleum of Hacı Bektaş, a Sufi mystic from the 13th century. We reach Nevşehir for an included dinner.

We dedicate the day to extraordinary Cappadocia. We visit the Göreme open air museum to see its rock cut churches – tickets included – continue to Uçhisar with its natural fortress, and descend into Kaymaklı, an underground city that once sheltered thousands. On the return towards Avanos we stop at Paşabağ – the famed Fairy Chimneys – for a walk amid surreal formations. You have free time before we conclude the day, and dinner is included.

At Cappadocia’s edge we explore the Ihlara Valley, famed for cool waters and rock cut chapels and villages. We also visit a caravanserai from the 13th century and the Mevlana Mausoleum in Konya to learn about the Dervish order. Dinner is included. In the evening you may wish to attend a whirling dervish performance at the cultural centre.

We travel a scenic route through the lake district to Eğirdir, a charming town by a vast lake with historic walls and mosques – you have time for lunch. We then continue to Hierapolis–Pamukkale to see the dazzling Cotton Castle terraces – tickets included. Dinner is included.

We continue to Ephesus, the best preserved ancient city in Asia Minor, once home to a quarter of a million inhabitants. We visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St John and the impressive archaeological site – admission included. We then head to Kuşadası, a lively coastal town of shops and a small castle, where dinner is included. Note: from May to October accommodation is in Aydın instead of Kuşadası – in this case, after visiting Ephesus we stop in Kuşadası from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm for a panoramic tour before continuing to Aydın.

We set off early to admire the natural beauty of Lake Bafa, then continue to Bodrum, a beautiful fortified city of Greek origin – you can visit its castle, wander lively streets or explore the marina. After lunch we proceed to Marmaris, another picturesque coastal resort known for its castle, pier and fountains. Dinner is included. Please note that on some dates, particularly in summer, accommodation may be in nearby Muğla instead of Marmaris.

Early this morning we travel to Greece and board the express ferry to Rhodes – the crossing takes about an hour and standard border formalities apply. On arrival we tour the remarkable walled city and historic quarter, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Knights of St John, Ottoman and Italian legacies meet. The afternoon is free for you to explore. Please note that ferry schedules between Marmaris and Rhodes can change and do not operate daily outside summer, so this section may be adjusted.

Today we leave Rhodes town for an included island excursion. We first visit Filerimos on its hilltop, where you can see the monastery amid superb views, then continue to Lindos to explore its fortress and Acropolis above the sea. You can stroll the whitewashed lanes, relax on the beach or opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis. Later we regroup at the port of Rhodes and board the ferry to Athens.

We arrive in Athens by ferry – you have free time to get acquainted with the city at your own pace.

This morning we include a panoramic tour of Athens, cradle of Western civilisation, taking in the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the Royal Palace, grand avenues and the neoclassical buildings that define the city’s character. The remainder of the day is free for you. In the evening we provide a transfer to the Plaka neighbourhood, where you can wander its lively streets, browse traditional shops and dine in welcoming Greek tavernas.

After breakfast our journey concludes, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.