Turkey From West to East - 13 Days

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, we embark on a fully guided tour of Istanbul, the unique city that straddles both Europe and Asia. Our visit includes the magnificent Blue Mosque, the historic Hagia Sophia, and the opulent Topkapi Palace, where we explore both Hagia Irene and the Harem. We will also spend time at the ancient Hippodrome, once the sporting and social heart of the city under Byzantine rule.

In the afternoon, you have the option to cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, experiencing firsthand the waterway that separates two continents. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale. Leaving Istanbul this morning, we head first to the poignant World War I battlefields of Gallipoli. We visit the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, honouring those who fought bravely. We'll see ANZAC Cove, The Nek, and Johnston's Jolly, along with original trenches and tunnels that bear witness to the past.

From Gallipoli, we make our way to the city of Canakkale on the Dardanelle Strait, where we are spending the night.

Canakkale - Troy - Behramkale - Kusadasi. Departing Canakkale, we journey to Troy, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will explore its historical ruins and visit the award-winning Troy Museum, which showcases artefacts from this legendary city.

Our journey continues to Behramkale, a charming village known for its stone houses and winding streets that reflect traditional Turkish life. You will have time to explore at leisure, enjoy the scenic views, and perhaps enjoy a Turkish tea or coffee at a local café.

From Behramkale, we proceed south to Kusadası, where we are spending the night.

Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadasi. Today we embark on a guided tour of Ephesus, where we will visit the ancient city and its impressive theatre. We will also stop at the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Next, we will explore the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of regional artefacts. In the afternoon, we'll visit a traditional carpet village to discover the art of Turkish carpet weaving and learn what determines their value. We then head back to Kusadasi for the night.

Kusadasi - Pamukkale. This morning, we'll explore a showcase of locally handcrafted leather goods. Next, we visit Pamukkale's stunning white calcium terraces, known as travertines, and tour the historic city of Hierapolis. You can also take a dip in the hot springs, amidst ancient columns, as the Romans did for their therapeutic benefits.

Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia. Today, we journey along the historic Silk Road, stopping first at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a 13th-century roadside inn that once provided shelter for traders and travellers.

We then continue to Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, which offers insights into the life and teachings of Rumi, the revered Sufi mystic.

Our final destination is Cappadocia. This evening, you might choose to attend a traditional Turkish folklore show, offering a vibrant insight into local culture. We will spend the night in a unique boutique cave hotel.

Today, we'll explore the unique lunar landscape of Cappadocia. We begin with a visit to the Goreme Valley Open-Air Museum, renowned for its stunning rock-cut churches and frescoes. Next, we'll marvel at the area's iconic fairy chimneys, natural rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion. We'll also delve into the fascinating history of an underground city, uncovering its many levels. We spend a second night at our cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - Kahramanmaras - Adiyaman. We depart Cappadocia early and drive east towards Adiyaman, via the city of Kahramanmaras, known for its excellent ice cream.

Our afternoon leads us to the awe-inspiring Mount Nemrut, famous for the ancient Tombs of the Commagene Kingdom. Here, you'll encounter the impressive Colossal Statues of the Gods. We'll ascend to the Tumulus of Antiochos, once the capital of Kommagene, to witness a stunning sunset. This remarkable funerary monument, hidden for nearly two millennia, provides a dramatic backdrop as the sun sets, transforming the sky.

Adiyaman - Harran - Sanliurfa. After breakfast, we set off for Sanliurfa (Urfa), travelling along a picturesque route that includes a view of the impressive Ataturk Dam. En route, we stop at the historic town of Harran, famous for its distinctive mud-brick houses and ancient city walls. Upon arrival in Sanliurfa, we will explore the sacred Holy Pools of Abraham and visit the cave said to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.

Our journey begins at Gobekli Tepe, a groundbreaking archaeological site that is transforming our knowledge of early human civilization. Here, we explore the world's oldest religious structures, created 11,000 to 13,000 years ago - well before pottery, writing, Stonehenge, or the Pyramids emerged.

Afterwards, we will explore the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, renowned for its intricate mosaics depicting scenes from ancient mythology. We'll then visit the Kizilkoyun Necropolis, a fascinating insight into ancient burial practices, followed by the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts from the region's rich history.

Sanliurfa - Halfeti - Gaziantep - Istanbul. We embark on a scenic drive to Gaziantep, stopping at Halfeti along the way. Upon arrival in Halfeti, enjoy a boat trip on the peaceful Euphrates River.

After the boat journey, we continue to Gaziantep, celebrated as one of Turkey’s culinary capitals. Our first stop is the esteemed Zeugma Mosaic Museum, showcasing some of the finest Roman mosaics ever discovered, providing fascinating insights into the region's ancient history. Following our museum visit, you will have free time in Gaziantep’s city centre. Take this opportunity to wander through local bazaars, shop for traditional products, or indulge in a leisurely lunch featuring Gaziantep’s renowned cuisine, such as baklava, kebabs, or beyran soup.

In the late afternoon, we transfer to Gaziantep Airport for your included domestic flight back to Istanbul.

Our tour ends after breakfast and hotel check out. An included transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flight.