Classical Turkey

Day 1 Istanbul
Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel. This afternoon and evening are free to begin your exploration of this fascinating city.

Stay at: Titanic City Taksim Hotel (4 star) or similar

Day 2 Istanbul
A full-day, guided city tour of Istanbul’s Old Town includes visits to the former seat of Ottoman power - Topkapi Palace, 12th century Hagia Sophia, the iconic Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.

Stay at: Titanic City Taksim Hotel (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia
After breakfast, depart for Ankara to visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the first President and founder of independent Turkey, and its Museum. Continue to Cappadocia, stopping at the picturesque Salt Lake on the way.

Stay at: Dinler Urgup (5 star) or similar
Cave upgrade option - Stay at: MDC Cave Hotel (4 star) or Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 4 Cappadocia
At dawn, you have the opportunity to take an optional balloon ride over Cappadocia. Then enjoy a fascinating, full-day excursion around the volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia, including a visit to the underground city, Goreme open-air museum and the natural fortress of Uchisar. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and after, have the opportunity nearby to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and potteries. Tonight, you will be offered an optional Turkish folklore evening with dinner.

Stay at: Dinler Urgup (5 star) or similar
Cave upgrade option - Stay at: MDC Cave Hotel (4 star) or Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 5 Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale
Depart early for Pamukkale with a stop en-route to the 13th century Sultanhan Caravanserai, located along the famous Silk Road. Stop in Konya, where you will visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana (Rumi) before reaching Pamukkale.

Stay at: Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel (5 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 6 Pamukkale - Izmir
After breakfast, your day is devoted to the ancient city of Hierapolis with its magnificent Necropolis, graveyard and the stunning lime cascades of Pamukkale. This afternoon, you will travel to Izmir via Selcuk to visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Stay at: Kaya Prestige Hotel (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 7 Izmir - Ephesus - Izmir
Today, you will explore the spectacular ancient city of Ephesus, a Greco-Roman city with 2,000 years of history. Visit the city’s historic sites including its magnificent library, theatre and many temples. Later, travel to Selcuk for a special lunch of authentic Turkish gozleme in a nomadic tent. On the way back to to Izmir, stop at the picturesque village of Sirince where you will have some free time for shopping or perhaps find a cafe to sit and enjoy a glass of locally made wine.

Stay at: Kaya Prestige Hotel (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 Izmir - Pergamum - Canakkale
This morning's first stop is the ancient Greek city of Pergamum where you will see the preserved ruins of Asklepion, the healing centre in the Acropolis. Afterwards, drive to the ruins of Troy, founded 5,000 years ago and famous for the tales of the Trojan War in Homer’s Iliad. Continue to Canakkale where you will overnight.

Stay at: Hotel Kolin (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 9 Canakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul
Today, you will drive along the Dardanelles Strait to the battlefields of Gallipoli. See the sombre sites of Anzac Cove, the Nek, Lone Pine, Conk Bair and the 57th regiment, then return to Istanbul for dinner and overnight.

Stay at: Hotel Kent Old City (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10 Istanbul
Your Classical Turkey tour concludes with a departure transfer to Istanbul Airport for your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast