Day 1 – 2 – Fly to Istanbul

Fly to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Day 3 – Old Istanbul

Explore Istanbul’s landmark sites. Visit the remains of the once mighty Hippodrome and marvel at the Blue Mosque’s 2,500 stained glass windows before continuing to Hagia Sophia, the crowning achievement of the Byzantine Empire. Next visit the extraordinary Basilica Cistern, a 10,000 square meter underground water store in the heart of the ancient city, whose vaulted ceilings are supported by a forest of 9-metre high columns plundered from all over the Byzantine empire. Finally, discover the beauty of the Topkapi Palace with bankside views across the Bosphorus and beyond.

Day 4 – Bosphorus Strait

This morning, head over to the iconic Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Then stroll through the Spice Bazaar and visit Rustem Pasa Mosque, whose tiles are among the finest in Turkey. After lunch, visit the UNESCO-listed Fener and Balat districts. Walk through the colourful, labyrinth-like streets of these historical neighbourhoods. Then, enjoy a private cruise along the Bosporus Strait, the waterway that divides Europe and Asia, to witness the city’s minaret-studded skyline and its most famous sites from the water, including the dramatic Rumeli Fortress, Dolmabahce Palace and the sultan’s former summer residence – Beylerbeyi Palace.

Day 5 – Gallipoli Peninsula

Pay your respects to the fallen soldiers of the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign at the Cape Helles Memorial. A defining moment in the history of Australia and New Zealand, the tragic events that unfolded in Anzac Cove, Shrapnel Valley and Lone Pine marked the birth of the Anzac spirit of courage, loyalty and friendship that continues today. Later cross the strategic Dardanelle Straits to Canakkale, on the Asian shore.

Day 6 – Troy & Pergamon

Visit the ruins of Troy and learn about its fabled history, then continue to the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon, known for its Acropolis and its unusually steep theatre. Today’s lunch will be a home-cooked Turkish meal, to be enjoyed with a local family. This afternoon continue to your hotel in Selcuk.

Day 7 – Ephesus

Spend the morning exploring one of the ancient world’s most famous cities. Remarkably well preserved, Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its roads, pavements, facades and enormous theatre paint a vivid picture of what everyday life in the ancient city might have been like. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch in a nearby village, taste local wine, sample authentic olive oil, and relax in the tranquil Turkish countryside.

Day 8 – Ancient City of Magnesia

Today travel to the ancient city of Magnesia. On an exclusive guided tour, you’ll learn about the city’s fascinating history from experts and visit archaeological sites that are not usually open to the public. Later continue by road to Pamukkale and enjoy a dip in the thermal waters.

Day 9 – Pamukkale

Explore the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, where you can marvel at the spectacular terraces of calcium pools cascading down the hillside. Founded during the Hellenistic period, the city later became a centre of worship for the Romans. Drive to Antalya in the afternoon, on Turkey’s south coast.

Day 10 – Antalya

Drive to the ancient Greek city of Aspendos, home to the best-preserved Roman theatre in the Mediterranean. In the afternoon relax and unwind on a 2-hour private boat tour from Antalya along the attractive Mediterranean shoreline.

Day 11 – Konya

This morning you’ll drive inland onto the Anatolian Plateau to the traditional town of Konya, famous as the burial place of the Islamic mystic and poet Rumi, founder of the Order of the Whirling Dervishes. Visit the striking Mevlana Museum, home to the mausoleum of Rumi himself.

Day 12 – Sultanhani Caravanserai

Depart Konya for Sultanhani Caravanserai, a former resting point for the caravans that once travelled the famous Silk Road. This is the largest and best-preserved caravanserai in Turkey and one of the best examples of Anatolian Seljuk architecture. Continue to Cappadocia and arrive at the stunning Ihlara Valley, a spectacular gorge that reaches depths of 100 metres. Enjoy lunch and a short walk along the valley, then continue to the hotel in Urgup. Later in the evening take in a spectacular Whirling Dervish performance at the historical Saruhan Caravanserai.

Day 13 – Cappadocia

Experience Cappadocia’s fantastical topography and long history on a full day tour of the region. Admire the preserved rock-hewn churches of Goreme, then at Pasabag Valley marvel at the unusual rock formations. Take in the magnificent view from the top of the Uchisar citadel and observe potters creating masterpieces from clay sourced from the shores of the Halys River.

Day 14 – Cappadocia

This morning, visit the Greek-built village of Mustafapasa, then continue for a walk through the beautiful Soganli Valley, home to early Christian churches dating from the 9th to 13th centuries. Lunch today will be in a traditional Cappadocia village home, decorated with textiles and local flatweave carpets. Your hosts will welcome you, then prepare and serve a variety of traditional dishes – a unique experience. Then continue to Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement that provided refuge for some of the world’s earliest Christian communities.

Day 15 – Fly to Istanbul

Today we fly to Istanbul, where we stay for one more night. On arrival in Istanbul, check into your hotel then enjoy the rest of the afternoon in one of the world’s great cities. You can either explore independently, do some souvenir shopping or indulge in the refined art of the Turkish Bath. On your final evening enjoy a farewell dinner of traditional Turkish cuisine with traditional live music.

Days 16 – 17 – Departure

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the Istanbul Airport for your flight back home.