Explore Turkey’s Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Hittite, Trojan and Seljuk heritage from Ottoman capitals to the natural wonders of Pamukkale and Cappadocia
For all 2021 bookings made by 15 December 2020, deduct £100 per person
13 March & 30 October 2021
Istanbul - 2 nights
Canakkale - 1 night
Izmir - 1 night
Kusadasi - 2 nights
Pamukkale - 1 night
Konya - 1 night
Cappadocia - 2 nights
Ankara - 1 night
Bursa - 1 night
Istanbul - 2 nights
The land that bridges Europe and Asia has seen travellers in many forms over the millennia. From early prehistoric cultures in Anatolia, it has absorbed the imprint of many (often in search of conquest and plunder) including the Trojans, Hittites, Greeks and Persians - later followed by Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans and more recently French and British. Anatolia reveals the capital of the Hittites who famously clashed with Ramses II of Egypt at Kadesh.
The nomadic origins of the Turkic peoples lie in Central Asia, from where the Seljuk tribe moved westward, establishing capitals at Iznik (Nicaea) and Konya until disturbed by Crusader and Mongol invasions. Osman established the Ottoman dynasty whose territories reached at its zenith from Egypt and Persia to the Balkans and the gates of Vienna. At Bursa, the first capital of empire (1326) its great architectural style developed under Suleyman. Mehmet II swept away the Byzantine Empire in 1453, capturing Constantinople, renamed as Istanbul where surviving Byzantine monuments include St. Sophia, founded by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the city walls and Basilica Cistern. Foreign ambassadors were accredited to the ‘Sublime Porte’, a gateway of the Topkapi Palace, residence of the Sultans and harem. The years of Mehmet II, Selim I and Suleyman the Magnificent were a period of grandeur with exceptional art and architecture reflecting the traditions of the countries they ruled.
This comprehensive arrangement travels from the Black, Aegean and Mediterranean seas through pine-forested mountains to the Anatolian plateau. It encompasses the ruins of Troy, classical cities of Ephesus, Pergamon and Aphrodisias, the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the chimneys of Cappadocia.
Culture & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
9 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Group Size: 6 – 25
A drink at the famous ‘Orient-Express’ bar of the historic Pera Palas Hotel and a rooftop dinner with panoramic views.
Day 1 Fly from your chosen airport to Istanbul for two nights at 4-star The Peak Hotel in the Pera district. (D)
Day 2 Visit St. Saviour in Chora and the Dolmabahçe Palace. Cruise along the Bosphorus, passing palaces, mosques and waterside villas. Drink at the Pera Palas. (B)
Day 3 Travel to Gallipoli (4 hrs) and sites of the ANZAC landings. By boat across the Dardanelles. Overnight at the 4-star Kolin Hotel, Ḉanakkale. (B, D)
Day 4 Visit the ruins of legendary Troy and the Pergamon acropolis. Continue to Izmir for overnight at the 5-star Mövenpick Izmir. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Visit Ephesus, its ‘Terrace Houses’ and museum and Basilica of St. John. Two nights at the 4-star Charisma Hotel in Kusadasi. (B, D)
Day 6 Visit Degirmen Organic Farm and Olive Oil Museum. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)
Day 7 Visit the temple of Aphrodisias and continue to Pamukkale to visit the ancient Roman city of Laodicea, Roman Hierapolis and calcified waterfalls. Overnight at the 4-star Colossae Thermal Hotel. (B, D)
Day 8 Travel to the Seljuk capital of Konya (6 hrs). Visit the museums of Mevlana, (‘Whirling Dervish’ sect) and Karatay. Overnight at 4-star Hotel Bera. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Visit Alâeddin Mosque in Konya, then travel to Cappadocia (3 hrs), visiting the Seljuk Caravanserai in Sultan Han. Stay two nights at the ‘special-category’ Hotel Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi, built into the rock. (B, D)
Day 10 Visit the Valley of Göreme with its early Christian church paintings, underground city of Kaymakh and castle of Uçhisar. Optional Whirling Dervish ceremony at an ancient caravanserai (£27). (B, D)
Day 11 Travel to the Hittite capital Hattusha to view the rock temple, citadel and city walls. Continue to Ankara for overnight at the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel. (B, D)
Day 12 Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and Mausoleum and Museum of Atatürk. Continue to Gordion to view the tomb of King Midas. Overnight in Bursa at the 4-star Gonluferah City Hotel . (B, D)
Day 13 At Bursa visit the Green Mosque, Tomb of Sultan Murat II, the Great Mosque, Muradiye Mosque, Ottoman tombs and silk bazaar. By road and ferry across the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul for two nights at the 5-star Hotel Crowne Plaza Old City. (B)
Day 14 Visit the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace including the Harem and the Grand Bazaar. Rooftop dinner. (B, D)
Day 15 Return flight. (B)
Notes
Some visits are on foot with some uneven surfaces and inclines.
A 4-star hotel located in the heart of the Pera District. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 90 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel located opposite the Dardanelles Strait. Restaurants, bar, pools, Turkish bath, sauna and WiFi (free). 274 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel located by the Aegean Sea with its own private beach. Restaurants, bars, infinity pool, Turkish bath, sauna and WiFi (free). 133 air-conditioned sea view rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
This 4-star hotel is located near to Pamukkale and heritages of the ancient city of Hierapolis. Restaurants, bars, thermal and outdoor pool, hot spring, spa, fitness centre, Turkish bath and WiFi (chargeable). 327 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
The 4-star Bera Hotel offers a restaurant, bar, gym, sauna, Turkish hammam and WiFi (free). 137 rooms with private facilities, safe, mini-bar and TV.
A special category hotel, built into the rock in Cappadocia. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free/limited) and 25 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
This 4-star hotel is located on the Old City's main throughfare. Restaurants, bar, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 202 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel overlooking the city of Bursa. Restaurant, bar, access to the thermal baths at the sister hotel adjacent and WiFi (free). 92 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This 5-star hotel in a historic building is close to Grand Bazaar. Restaurant, bar, café, shops, indoor pool, Turkish bath and WiFi (chargeable). 265 rooms with tea/coffee making facilities.
Guests will stay at Hotel Movenpick Izmir on 2021 dates only.
A 5-star hotel in the centre of Izmir city, within walking distance of Bet Israel Synagogue. Restaurant, bar, spa, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 185 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
Turkish Airlines from Heathrow
For all 2021 bookings made by 15 December 2020, deduct £100 per person
13 March & 30 October 2021
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Solo Group Departure
(No Single Supplement)
2021: Mar 13 & Oct 30
Single supplement £395
Flight Options
Turkish Airlines Business Class from £325
Turkish Airlines from Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh £75
Extension Options
Extra nights – Istanbul
The Peak Hotel (per night) £50
Single supplement £42
Hotel Crowne Plaza Old City (per night) £65
Single supplement £50
Arrival or departure transfer £25
Optional Excursions
Whirling Dervish ceremony £27
Privately Guided
Add £1795 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £200
Arrival or departure transfer add £35
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 14 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 12 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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VAT No. 805146159
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