Captivating Turkey Tour

Pick up from the airport (or port) and transfer to your hotel by private car. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

• Destination: Istanbul
• Legend:

Pick up from your hotel & visit Hagia Sophia*, Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. We will provide you with tickets to the Whirling Dervish ceremony tonight (the art centre is 5 minutes walking distance to your hotel). Overnight stay in Istanbul. * Hagia Sophia was reconverted to a mosque in 2020 and remains a functioning house of worship. Our commentary will be provided from outside in order to respect its religious status and daily practices.

• Destination: Istanbul
• Legend: B, L

The day begins with hotel pick-up and transfer to Ortakoy, where guests visit the iconic Ortakoy Mosque along the Bosphorus. The tour continues to Ayios Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church, one of the oldest active Greek churches in Istanbul. Guests then enjoy a scenic drive along the Bosphorus before visiting Rumeli Fortress and crossing the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side. A stop at Otagtepe Hill offers panoramic views, followed by lunch at a restaurant serving traditional Turkish cuisine. After lunch, the tour visits Camlica Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey, known for its impressive architecture and views over the city. Guests may optionally visit Camlica Tower with its 360 degree observation deck (entrance fee not included). The tour then continues to the Maiden’s Tower via Salacak, where it is viewed from land only, along with its history and legends. The experience concludes with a 1 hour Bosphorus cruise. Overnight in Istanbul.

• Destination: Istanbul
• Legend: B, L

Pick up from your hotel & drive south to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Hear expert information from a local guide. Visit the Kabatepe War Museum, the intended landing place at Brighton Beach and Anzac Cove where the Dawn Service is held each year. Also visit the NZ Memorial at Chunuk Bair, the Australian Memorial at Lone Pine, and the Turkish Memorial as well. Overnight in Canakkale.

• Destination: Gallipoli
• Legend: B, L

Pick up from your hotel & morning tour of the ruins of the ancient cities of Troy. Lunch break. In the afternoon, drive to Kusadasi, stopping at the beautiful ruins of Pergamon on the way. These stunning ruins, beautifully located on a hill top, demonstrate that the architects and sculptors of Pergamon were among the most talented in the Hellenistic world. Overnight in Kusadasi.

• Destination: Pergamon & Troy
• Legend: B, L

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and begin with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, located on a peaceful mountainside near Ephesus, believed to be where she spent her final years, while Saint John lived and later passed away in Ephesus. Continue to Temple of Artemis & onto the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Entering through the Magnesia Gate, you will explore its remarkable monuments including the Commercial Agora, Roman Baths, Basilica, Odeon (Bouleuterion), Domitian Square, Nike Relief, Gate of Heracles, the colonnaded streets including Marble Street, Trajan Fountain, Temple of Hadrian, Latrines, Terrace Houses (from outside), the iconic Library of Celsus, and the impressive Grand Theatre, along with other significant ruins that illustrate the city’s long and layered history. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.

• Destination: Ephesus
• Legend: B, L

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel to Pamukkale (2.5 hours drive), often referred to as Turkey’s “Cotton Castle,” famous for its striking white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Here you will have time to walk along the terraces and enjoy the natural pools, so comfortable footwear and swimwear are recommended. You will also visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, located above the terraces, where you will explore its well-preserved ruins, including streets, ancient baths, and other significant remains from its Roman past. After the tour, you will return to your hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.

• Destination: Pamukkale
• Legend: B, L, D

Pick up from your hotel & take a private car transfer for 3.5 hours to the gorgeous little harbour town of Kas. Overnight in Kas.

• Destination: Kas
• Legend: B

Explore the local Roman amphitheatre and Lycian tombs. Perhaps even hike a short section of the Lycian Way? Overnight in Kas.

• Destination: Kas
• Legend: B

Pick up from your hotel & transfer to Antalya by private car. Overnight in Antalya.

• Destination: Antalya
• Legend: B

After morning pick-up, begin the day exploring the ancient city of Perge, one of the most important Roman cities of the region. Walk along its colonnaded streets and discover the agora, baths, fountains, theatre, and other well-preserved remains that offer insight into daily life in Roman Anatolia. Continue to Aspendos Ancient Theatre, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and impressive preservation. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, this magnificent structure remains one of the finest examples of Roman engineering. In the afternoon, visit Side Ancient City, where ancient ruins blend seamlessly with a modern seaside town. Explore the remains within the Roman city walls, including the Temple of Apollo, and enjoy views of Side’s beautiful coastline. The day concludes with a visit to Manavgat Waterfall, a relaxing natural setting ideal for cooling off and enjoying the scenery, before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.

• Destination: Antalya
• Legend: B, L

Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia, which may operate via Istanbul depending on the flight schedule. On arrival, transfer to your cave hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

• Destination: Cappadocia
• Legend: B

05:00 Hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia. Hotel pick-up and safety briefing are included before take-off. Watching the balloon inflate, then you're off! Soaring over fairy chimneys, and dipping low to skim cave dwellings. This may be your favourite part of your Turkey trip - it will certainly be unforgettable. Celebrate a soft landing with a quick drink, and return to your hotel for breakfast around 8.30am. Full Day Cappadocia Tour - (North) You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning to begin a full-day exploration of Cappadocia. The tour starts at Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), known for its surreal and uniquely shaped rock formations. Continue to Pashabagi (Monks Valley), where Christian hermits once lived among the three-headed fairy chimneys, and where you can observe all stages of fairy chimney formation. Next, visit Avanos, the pottery centre of Cappadocia, set along the banks of the Kizilirmak (Red River), where traditional pottery techniques using kick wheels have been passed down through generations. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, explore the Goreme Open Air Museum, home to some of the world’s most important Byzantine cave churches, featuring remarkably preserved frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Conclude the day at Esentepe Panorama, offering a breathtaking view over Goreme Valley, fairy chimneys, rock formations, and cave houses, before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

• Destination: Cappadocia
• Legend: B, L

Full Day Cappadocia Tour - (South) You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and begin the day with a scenic walk through Red Valley, known for its colourful rock formations, local village life, and historic landscapes. Depending on the season, you may encounter locals tending gardens or harvesting crops. The walk takes approximately 2 hours and finishes at Cavusin Village, where you will explore the impressive rock castle that once housed the entire village, along with the ruins of Saint John the Baptist Church, one of the largest Byzantine churches in the region. Lunch follows. In the afternoon, continue to Kaymakli Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s best-preserved underground settlements, descending through its tunnels, chambers, and communal spaces carved deep into the earth. The day concludes with a visit to Pigeon Valley, offering panoramic views of abandoned cave homes and historic Greek houses around Uchisar. After the tour, transfer to airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

• Destination: Istanbul
• Legend: B, L

Pick up from the hotel according to your flight schedule and transfer to the airport.

• Destination: Istanbul
• Legend: B