Treasures of Turkey

You will stay in hotels such as the Sapphire Hotel in Istanbul, the Tusan Hotel in Canakkale, the Tusan Hotel in Kusadasi, the Richmond Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale, the Bera Hotel in Konya, the Perissia Hotel in Cappadocia and the Ickale Hotel in Ankara. All bedrooms have private facilities. All hotels are of a 4-star standard. Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

Day 1: UK/Istanbul

Depart on your scheduled flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for a three night stay. The European Capital of Culture in 2010, Istanbul boasts a melting pot of influences and cultures that’s only enhanced by its position on the Bosphorus Strait. The city is a superb example of east meets west as it straddles both Europe and Asia – the only city in the world to do so. A former capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul’s an enticing, thriving city of modern life and traditional values.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Istanbul

Today we include a full day city tour of Istanbul. You will visit the heart of the old city, Sultanahmet Square, the Hippodrome where emperors celebrated their victories, the Blue Mosque, famous for its 21,000 blue ceramic tiles, and the ancient St. Sophia Church. An included lunch will be taken at a typical Turkish restaurant. This afternoon you will discover half-hidden gardens and courtyards in the Topkapi Palace. It was here where rulers kept overflowing treasure chests and overcrowded harems! This will be followed by a visit to the famous covered Grand Bazaar where you can bargain for gold, gem stones and carpets, or take a refreshing glass of Turkish tea. Evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 3: Istanbul

You are free in Istanbul today, or why not join one of our optional excursions? During the morning we offer a half day cruise along the Bosphorus Straits and in the afternoon you can visit the Golden Horn.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Gallipoli/Canakkale

Leave Istanbul and drive along the delightful coastline of the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli. This was the scene of a dramatic Allied campaign during the First World War, where thousands of British, Australian and New Zealand troops lost their lives in fierce battles. You will see the moving memorials to this military disaster looking out to sea. You will then take a ferry across the famous Dardanelles to set foot in Asia. An overnight stop will be made in nearby Canakkale.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Pergamon/Troy

We begin today with a visit to the ancient city of Troy, where excavations have revealed nine different settlements dating, one on top of the other, back to 3,000BC. Then visit the ancient city of Pergamon, the ancient residence and capital of the Pergamon kings, where we will see the Acropolis, built atop a rock bluff, the setting for a spectacular theatre, the famous library and huge Altar of Zeus. A stop will be made at the Aesclepion, an ancient healing centre. Continue to Kusadasi, via Izmir, for a two night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 6: Ephesus

Included visit to Ephesus, the most famous of all ancient sites in Turkey. Founded by the Greeks before the 10th century BC and colonised by the Romans, the remains are astonishingly well preserved. You will explore the Basilica of St. John, the house of the Virgin Mary, the Museum of Ephesus plus much more.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 7: Aphrodisias

Drive to Aphrodisias, one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey. Named after the goddess Aphrodite, Aphrodisias was once famous as a centre for medicine, philosophy, sculpture and the arts. We include a picnic lunch where you select the food with your Tour Guide. Continue to Pamukkale for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 8: Hierapolis

This morning you will visit the Greco- Roman city of Hierapolis. Here you will see spectacular ruins and more than a thousand tombs. There will also be the opportunity to swim in a hot spring. Continue with a scenic drive to Konya for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 9: Konya

This morning there will be a short tour to see the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the Ince Minare and Karatay Medresesi, before the drive to Cappadocia. En route visit the 13th century Caravanserai Sultanhan, once used for the camel caravans. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 10: Cappadocia

Included full day tour of Cappadocia. You will see the breathtaking rock valleys of Goreme, which has more than 360 churches, the natural citadel of Uchisar, Cavusin church and the underground city of Kaymaki, where the first Christians buried their houses up to a depth of 250ft, plus other sites.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 11: Ankara

Depart Cappadocia for the drive to Ankara, Turkey’s capital city. Today you will be taken to see the Museum of Old Anatolian Civilisations, which houses finds from many of the pre-classical civilisations of Anatolia, and the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 12: Ankara/UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK via Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast