10 days / 9 nights

• Culture and civilisation
• Archaeological sites
• Gallipoli war cemeteries
• Ephesus
• Fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
• Choice of accommodation

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Istanbul

Arrive into cosmopolitan Istanbul, the city straddling two continents. Settle into your hotel perfectly located in Sultanahmet.
Four Seasons (Choice of category)

Day 02 Design Your Day Istanbul

The day is yours to unfold Istanbul. Choose from the following: eee its major monuments, markets and mosques; go on a private tour visiting Aya Sofia, the Topkapi, home of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries, the Basilica cistern and the neo-Baroque Dolmabahce Palace; spend a leisurely afternoon on the mighty Bosphorus, a 30km stretch of water flowing through the city that joins the Black Sea; or from your private vessel see the passing woodland areas, fishing villages and dilapidated summer palaces (B,L).
Four Seasons (Choice of category)

Day 03 Istanbul-Canakkale

Drive south along the Sea of Marmara to the Gallipoli Peninsula where you visit Anzac Cove and some of the Commonwealth military cemeteries including Lone Pine. Visit the military museum before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry to Canakkale on the Asian side (B).
Akol Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 04 Canakkale-Kusadasi

Be dazzled by the archaeological delights on offer today. Start by visiting Troy where excavations first began in the late 1800’s. The scenic road takes you on through olive groves, flat plains, past pebbly Aegean beaches and fertile agricultural land to Pergamum (B).
Charisma Hotel (Choice of category)

Day 05 Kusadasi

The morning to explore the important site of Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. Walk in the footsteps of the ancients along the Roman Way and Marble Street. A&K also arranges access to the recently excavated Terrace Houses to see the beautiful mosaic floors and frescoed walls. A short drive to Sirince to meet a local cook in her restaurant. This is a hands-on experience as you help prepare lunch from home-grown produce. Afterwards see Turkish rugs being delicately woven (B,L).
Charisma Hotel (Choice of category)

Day 06 Kusadasi-Cappadocia

A flight to Kayseri in central Turkey to access Goreme, a picturesque town where your lodgings are traditional Cappadocian cave dwellings. This afternoon see the extraordinary rock-carved Byzantine churches, now an open-air museum, famous for their painted frescoes (B).
Anatolian Houses (Choice of category)

Day 07 Design Your Day Cappadocia

Choose from the following: explore the underground city of Kaymakli with its network of rock-carved tunnels and hallways used as subterranean hideouts; lunch in the house of a local family in Ulasli to enjoy some traditional Cappadocian hospitality; or spend the afternoon hiking along the Red River to visit a pottery workshop (B,L).
Anatolian Houses (Choice of category)

Day 08 Cappadocia-Istanbul

Fly back to Istanbul and to your hotel located just steps away from modern Istanbul’s heart, Taksim Square (B).
Ritz Carlton Istanbul (Choice of category)

Day 09 Istanbul

This morning’s focus is shopping. Savour the sights and smells of the Spice market and try your hand at bargaining in one of the 3000 shops in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar. Relax this afternoon or take an optional tour to the Chora Church within the old city walls and Suleymaniye Mosque (B).
Ritz Carlton Istanbul (Choice of category)

Day 10 Depart Istanbul

Your Turkish sojourn comes to an end as you arrive at the airport for your onward flight (B).

Bodrum Extension

Take time out in the charming Aegean coastal city of Bodrum with its whitewashed buildings and palm-lined streets. Stay in sophisticated surrounds at The Marmara with its heart-stopping views.

Insider Pass

Wander the cobblestone laneways of this hillside village where women sell their colourful handiwork whitewashed houses where time has stood still. We introduce you to a mother-daughter team who teach you the secrets of Turkish country cuisine in their own kitchen.

Departure Dates & Prices

Tour Departs: Daily

Tour Departs: Daily on Monday