Wonders of Anatolia - 10 Days

Once you have arrived at Istanbul airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to begin exploring the city, enjoy some shopping, or relax at a traditional Turkish café.

Please note: This tour is conducted in English. However, dependent on the mix of the group, touring may also be bilingual, in one additional language as well as English.

After breakfast, we will drive to the Spice Market for some shopping, followed by free time for you to explore at your own pace.

Next, we will join a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise, where we'll explore the waterway that separates the continents of Asia and Europe. During this excursion, we will enjoy the stunning views of Istanbul, including its lush forests, palaces, and historic wooden houses on both sides. After our cruise, we will have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), explore the Hippodrome, and see the renowned Hagia Sophia. Later, you will end your day at the Grand Bazaar where you will have the rest of the day at leisure to further explore, enjoy some shopping or relax.

Istanbul - Ankara. This morning, we will be departing to visit Topkapi Palace, including the harem section, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Later, we will continue towards Ankara, the capital of Turkey, arriving in the early evening.

Ankara - Cappadocia. Today, we will visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum to explore Neolithic and Paleolithic ruins from the Urartu, Hatti, Hittite, and Phrygian civilizations. Afterwards, we will head to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

In the afternoon, we will drive to Cappadocia. Along the way, we will make a stop at one of the largest underground cities in the region, which was built by early Christians as a refuge from attacks.

Please note: that government ceremonies can occur without prior notice, and the mausoleum will be closed to visitors during these times. If this happens during your scheduled visit, the visit will be limited to a panoramic view and photo opportunity only

After breakfast, we will be embarking on a full-day tour of Cappadocia. starting with the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cave churches nestled in the valley.

We will then continue to Uchisar Village and the remarkable fairy chimneys. In Derbent Valley, we'll have the opportunity to explore unique rock formations and visit workshops where traditional carpets and onyx stones are crafted.

You can opt to join a hot air balloon tour. Departing early in the morning, this experience offers an unparalleled view of Cappadocia's stunning landscapes, including its rock formations, fairy chimneys, and lunar-like terrain.

Cappadocia - Pamukkale. This morning, we depart for Pamukkale. On the way, we will stop to visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai, constructed during the Seljuk Empire, which served as a rest stop for travelers and merchants over many years.

We will then proceed to Pamukkale and explore the Cotton Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its healing thermal waters. Once we have checked in the rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Pamukkale - Selcuk - Ephesus - Izmir. Today, we start our day by driving to Selcuk to visit the Ephesus Ruins, a city dedicated to Artemis. Here we will explore the historical sites, including the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, and the Agora. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be the final resting place of Jesus' mother. Afterward, stop at a leather production store before proceeding to Izmir.

Izmir - Canakkale. We will start our day with a drive to the Pergamon found in the Bergama region to explore the ancient ruins of Asclepion, the first hospital in Asia Minor's history, or the Acropolis, depending on time constraints. Next, we will proceed to Troy to visit the legendary city celebrated in Homer's Iliad. Later, we will continue our journey to Canakkale.

Canakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul. Today, we will take a car ferry across the Dardanelles Strait and proceed to the Gallipoli Peninsula. There, we will visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli, one of Turkey's most emotionally moving sites. We will then make stops at Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, the ANZAC Commemorative Site, the Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, as well as the Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels. Additionally, we will visit the 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, The Nek, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you might have some time of some last-minute shopping, exploring or relaxation before taking your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!