Journey through cities and centuries, via coasts, peaks and plateaus, a comprehensive tour from Istanbul, at ‘the bridge of continents’, to ancient sites, intriguing culture and ethereal landscapes
4 November 2023
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
Time-travelling across more than two millennia, this tour visits every era of Turkey’s cultural heritage, from Trojan and Hittite to Greek and Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. It circles from Istanbul’s mosques and palaces, along the Sea of Marmara’s shore to Gallipoli, and crosses the Dardanelles (Hellespont) to the Aegean coast at Çanakkale, the launch pad for visiting ancient Troy. At Kusadasi we turn east to the Temple of Aphrodisias and to Pamukkale (‘cotton castle’), where hot springs feed pale blue pools and limestone cliffs appear as frozen waterfalls. Konya’s 12th-century Persian culture is seen in ceremonies of the Whirling Dervishes; while Cappadocia’s Göreme Valley is a fairy-tale scene of eroded rock spires, carved into castles and cave-houses.
Culture & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
9 UNESCO Heritage Sites
No Single Supplement
Solo Group Departures
On Day 2 in Istanbul enjoy a welcome drink at the famous ‘Orient-Express’ bar of the historic Pera Palas Hotel built in 1892. To round off the tour, enjoy a farewell rooftop dinner in the popular Sultanahmet area of Istanbul, with spectacular panoramic views.
Day 1 Fly from your chosen airport to Istanbul. Two nights at the 4-star Nippon Hotel Istanbul. (D)
Day 2 Visit Dolmabahçe Palace, and Yedicule Fortress, ‘The Castle of Seven Towers’, Later, cruise along the Bosphorus, passing palaces, mosques and villas. Drink at the Pera Palas. (B)
Day 3 Travel (4 hrs) to Gallipoli and the sites of the ANZAC landings, and sail across the Dardanelles to Çanakkale’s cobbled lanes and clocktower. Overnight at the 4-star Kolin Hotel. (B, D)
Day 4 Visit the ruins of ancient Troy and travel to modern Bergama to view the acropolis of Pergamon. Continue to Izmir for an overnight stay at the 5-star hotel Mövenpick Izmir. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Visit Ephesus, the Roman Terrace houses, museum and 6th-century Basilica of St. John, built over his burial site. Two nights at the 5-star Korumar Hotel De Luxe, Kusadasi. (B, D)
Day 6 Morning visit to Degirmen Organic Farm and Olive Oil Museum. Enjoy a free afternoon in Kusadasi. (B, D)
Day 7 Visit Aphrodisias temple. Continue to the Roman ruins and calcified waterfalls of Pamukkale. Overnight at the 4-star Colossae Thermal Hotel. (B, D)
Day 8 Continue eastward (6 hrs) to Konya, the Seljuk capital, to visit the Mevlana (Whirling Dervishes) Museum and to see the mosques and madrasah of Karatay. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Bera. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Visit Konya’s Alâeddin Mosque. Travel (3 hrs) to Cappadocia, stopping at the Seljuk Caravanserai in Sultan Han. Two nights at the ‘special category’ Hotel Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi. (B, D)
Day 10 Visit Göreme Valley, with unique chimneys, rock-hewn churches, Uçhisar castle and subterranean city of Kaymakli. Optional Whirling Dervish ceremony at an ancient caravanserai (£40). (B, D)
Day 11 Visit Hattusha, capital of the Hittite empire, with its city walls, King’s, Sphinx and Lion Gates, and rock temple. Continue to Ankara for overnight at the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel. (B, D)
Day 12 Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and Atatürk’s Mausoleum. Continue to visit the tomb of King Midas at Gordion. Overnight in Bursa at the 4-star Gonluferah City Hotel. (B, D)
Day 13 Enjoy three mosques – the Great, the Green and the Muradiye, continue to Bursa’s Ottoman tombs and the silk bazaar. Leave Bursa, cross the Sea of Marmara by ferry, returning to Istanbul. Two nights at the 5-star Eresin Topkapi. (B)
Day 14 Istanbul tour of the St. Sophia church/mosque, Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Square and Topkapi Palace. Rooftop dinner. (B, D)
Day 15 Return flight from Istanbul. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot, with some uneven surfaces and inclines and not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
The Blue Mosque is currently undergoing renovation works, some areas of the Mosque will be unavailable to visit.
A 4-star hotel a short walk from Taxim Square and Istiklal Avenue. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 165 air-conditioned rooms with 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 hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
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 hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 5-star hotel located by the Aegean Sea with two private beaches. Restaurants, bars, pools, sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, spa and WiFi (free). 272 air-conditioned rooms with 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 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 safe, mini-bar and TV.
A special category hotel, built into the rock in Cappadocia. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free/limited) and 25 rooms with 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 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 hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 5-star hotel close to Topkapi Park. Restaurant, bar, café, spa, garden, indoor pool and WiFi (free). 251 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
2023
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
Turkish Airlines from Heathrow
| April 1 | £2545 |
| June 3 | £2495 |
| September 16 | £2395 |
| September 23 | £2495 |
| September 30 | £2395 |
| October 7 | £2395 |
| October 14 | £2325 |
| October 21 | £2345 |
| October 28 | £2295 |
| November 4 | £2295 |
2024
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
Turkish Airlines from Heathrow
4 November 2023
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Solo Group Departure
(No Single Supplement)
Nov 4
Single supplement £475
Flight Options
Turkish Airlines from Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh - On request
Turkish Airlines Business Class - On request
Optional Excursions
Whirling Dervish ceremony £40
Extension Options
Extra nights – Istanbul
Nippon Hotel
(per night) £65
Single supplement £52
Eresin Topkapi
(per night) £62
Single supplement £40
Privately Guided
Add £1795 per person
Tour Only
Save £300
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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