Crossroads of Turkey

Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of Istanbul for the start of your trip. The rest of your day is free to explore this vibrant city.

Our trip begins this morning with a full day tour of Istanbul. Lying across two continents this historically important city played an integral role in the development of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum and explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace before ending at the famous Hippodrome.

We depart Istanbul this morning for the drive to Gallopoli where we will receive a fully guided tour of this World War I battlefield site. Although home to some of the fiercest fighting during the War today the site is full of poignant memorials set against a subdued wooded landscape. Our tour will include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston Jolly as well as The Nek and Gallipoli Museum. There will also be chance to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war before we head to our hotel in Canakkale.

This morning we make the short drive to the ancient city of Troy. Lying undiscoverd until midway through the 19th Century the excavations here brought the legend of the Trojan horse and the poems of Homer back to life Whilst here we'll also visit the new award winning Museum of Troy. We continue on to Assos, taking in the views from the Temple of Athena, overlooking the Aegean and the Greek island of Lesbos. At the ancient harbour, you will have free time to wander the charming streets, maybe grab yourself a meal at a harbourside seafood restaurant. From Assos we head south to Kusadasi.

After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey.

We travel east this morning to Pamukkale, site of the well known white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Pamukkale translates as 'cotton castles' and the naturally occuring geology here has created cloud like formations unlike anywhere else. We then head to the ancient city of Hierapolis to enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools lodged amongst ancient columns left by the Romans who used the pools for their therapeutic powers.

Travel back in time today as we follow the ancient Silk Road towards Konya. We learn more about the history of this important trade route with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai before arrivingin Konya where we include a visit to the Mevlana museum - the former home of the original Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes.

Today we set out to explore the beautiful and surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Unlike nowhere else on earth, this bizarre setting creates a fairytale view full of improbable rock formations and underground villages. Often described as the jewel of Turkey we have a full tour here to explore the subterrenean churches and fortresses used by Christians to avoid persecution over a thousand years ago.

Departing Cappadocia early, our journey takes us through Kahramanmaras towards Adiyaman, culminating in an awe-inspiring sunset at the renowned Mount Nemrut.

We'll make our way to the historic Mount Nemrut, site of the ancient Commagene Kingdom's royal tombs and imposing statues of Greek and Persian gods. As we climb to the Tumulus of Antiochos, once the capital of this Hellenistic kingdom, we'll anticipate the dramatic sunset that awaits us. This ancient burial mound, hidden for nearly two thousand years, will provide a majestic setting as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with a tranquil palette atop Mount Nemrut.

After breakfast, we embark on a journey to Sanliurfa (Urfa), taking a scenic route that winds past the awe-inspiring Ataturk Dam, a marvel of modern engineering. Our path will then lead us to the ancient town of Harran, a fascinating relic of the past renowned for its distinctive beehive-shaped mud-brick houses and well-preserved city walls.

Upon reaching Sanliurfa, we'll delve into its rich religious history, beginning with a visit to the revered Holy Pools of Abraham, a site of immense spiritual significance. Legend has it that these pools were created when the Prophet Abraham was thrown into a fire but was miraculously saved by God, transforming the flames into water. We'll also explore the cave believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, a place of deep reverence for believers.

Our journey begins at the awe-inspiring Gobekli Tepe, a groundbreaking archaeological discovery that has revolutionized our understanding of early human civilization. This sacred site showcases the oldest known temples, built an astounding 11,000 to 13,000 years ago—long before the invention of pottery, writing, the construction of Stonehenge, or even the Pyramids.

Our exploration of ancient wonders continues with visits to the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, home to exquisite Roman-era mosaics, the Kizilkoyun Necropolis, an ancient burial ground with fascinating rock-cut tombs, and the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts from the region's rich history.

Our journey continues with a scenic drive towards Gaziantep, where a new chapter of our adventure unfolds. Upon reaching Gaziantep, we'll embark on a mesmerizing boat trip to Halfeti, a partially submerged village where you'll witness the haunting beauty of a sunken city beneath the placid waters. This unique experience will be followed by a visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, a world-renowned institution that houses an extraordinary collection of mosaics recovered from the depths of the ancient city of Zeugma. These mosaics, renowned for their intricate artistry and vibrant colors, offer a window into the rich cultural heritage of a lost civilization. As the day draws to a close, we'll catch a flight back to Istanbul, where we spend our final night.

Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Optional tours are available locally to see more of Istanbul, and we can also add extra nights in the Istanbul hotel if you'd like to spend more time exploring the city.