Travel along the age-old trading routes that linked East and West, where the Highlights of Turkey are revealed. Haggle in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, daydream through the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in Ephesus.
Day 1
Welcome to Istanbul
- Meet at the crossroads of East and West – the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph.
- Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Light Meal.
Day 2
Discover Colorful Istanbul
- Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire, strolling through the exquisite Topkapi Palace with its spellbinding views of the Bosphorus.
- Visit the Byzantine Hippodrome to see where thundering chariots once raced to victory before following in the footsteps of the faithful to see the Blue Mosque – its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles are a sight to behold.
- Dive Into Culture as you haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
- Later, we e explore Hagia Sophia, once one of the greatest churches in all of Christendom.
- Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the museum of Classical Turkish Music, preserving this traditional art. Come across the genius of Turkey’s greatest composer, Dede Efendi, during a private concert by students of the Music Conservancy.
- The evening is yours to further explore the city.
Day 3
Journey to Gallipoli and Çanakkale
Remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli. You’ll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields that today still hold special significance for the Turkish, Australian and New Zealand nations. Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair, where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I.
This evening stay in Çanakkale where tonight you’ll dine at the hotel.
Day 4
Off to Troy, Pergamon and Izmir
- Visit a land of Trojan legends, an ancient city immortalized by Homer in the stories of King Priamus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen.
- We admire the archaeological excavations at Troy revealing nine separate periods of settlement and the symbolic replica wooden Trojan horse commemorating the epic war machine constructed by the Greeks to end a lengthy siege.
- We continue to the ancient kingdom of Pergamon to visit the Asklepion Medical Center whose staff of entwined snakes remains a symbol of modern medicine today.
- This afternoon, we Connect with Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience, where we Bake Traditional Bread and Taste the Local Wine with the Most Liberated Women in the Village of Demircidere.
- We travel to the broad boulevards of seaside Izmir later and dine in our hotel this evening.
Day 5
Admire the Ruins of Ephesus and on to Pamukkale
- Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus admiring the well-preserved façade of the Library of Celsus and its famous Temple of Artemis.
- Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian guarded by Medusa’s head, and the Great Theatre, built by the Romans in the 2nd-century and still in use today.
- Learn about the intricate heritage and art of carpet weaving during a visit to a Turkish carpet emporium.
- Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 6
Onwards to Hierapolis and Konya
- This morning, enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs.
- Visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum in Konya, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, which reveals the origins of Sufism.
- Your last stop today is Konya where tonight you’ll dine at the hotel.
Day 7
Continue to Cappadocia
- Continue your journey to Cappadocia, you’ll see a 13th-century caravanserai and underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road.
- Then Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
- Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to watch the Whirling Dervishes then enjoy a Regional Meal at a local restaurant.
- Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories hewn out of the surrounding rock and houses.
Day 8
A Day to Explore Spectacular Göreme
The whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as you embark on a full-day excursion that will see you visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the Paşabağı and Kizil Vadi valleys. Join your fellow travelers for an included dinner this evening.
Day 9
Return to Istanbul
- Take a short flight this morning to Istanbul, where the rest of the day is yours to explore the city your way.
- Enjoy a sensory explosion at the vibrant Spice Market, take a stroll through the historic Sultanahmet or find a quiet rooftop café and admire Istanbul’s iconic skyline.
- You could choose instead to join an optional cruise and sail the waters of the Bosphorus which separate Asia and Europe.
- Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for dinner.
Day 10
Farewell Istanbul
Say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as you prepare to depart to the airport for your flight home.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
- Enjoy your stay at carefully selected premium hotels that have been thoroughly vetted by us.
- Travel comfortably in luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi.
- Our Travel Directors play a crucial role in curating unforgettable experiences for the guests. These seasoned explorers, and culture enthusiasts share local insights from the start, offering a personalized, insider’s perspective of each destination.
- While visiting iconic sites is a travel highlight, doing so independently can be challenging. Our experts provide seamless access – from exclusive visits – to expert-led tours. Combined with the intimate revelations of their local specialists, these experiences transform you into an insider, not just a tourist.
- Through our extensive global network, you gain local access to communities worldwide. Our 100+ signature Be My Guest experiences, we invite you into locals’ homes, offering cultural insights and personal stories.
Interested to plan your trip? Click on the Get Quote button and share your details for us to get in touch with you.
COST: $2,583 onwards
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