Grand 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 (4.5 hours) 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. Note: Enough time is spent in Gallipoli to visit all the sites mentioned above.

• Destination: Gallipoli
• Legend: B, L

Pick up from your hotel & morning drive (1 hour) to the ruins of the ancient cities of Troy and visit. Lunch break. In the afternoon, drive to Kusadasi, stopping at the beautiful ruins of Pergamon (2 hours drive) 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. Final drive to Kusadasi will be 2.5 hours. 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, 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 & private car transfer for 3 hours to join your Blue Voyage mini cruise on a wooden gulet. Traditionally used for trawling and sponge fishing, the cruise boat has been refurbished for cruising. It has simple plumbing and small cabins, but ample deck space for sunbathing. Food is freshly prepared on board, and all you need to do is marvel at the blue of the Mediterranean, swim, snooze and snorkel. This is the BEST way to experience the Mediterranean. The boarding starts at 16:00 from Marmaris Harbour. Departure time is 18:30 (Late arrivals will be directed to the nearest accessible point which could be outside of Marmaris Harbour and transferred to the yacht by dinghy.) Dinner will be served on board. But for arrivals after 21:30 there will be no dinner served.

• Destination: Marmaris
• Legend: B, D

After breakfast, we set sail for Ekincik Bay, a favourite spot for snorkelling enthusiasts. Keep your gear ready to dive into these crystal waters. From here, you may join an optional Dalyan excursion: a riverboat trip through the lush delta, where you’ll see ancient Lycian rock tombs, the famous Caunos Ancient City, and the Iztuzu (Turtle) Beach – a protected nesting ground for Caretta Caretta turtles. Guests not joining the excursion can enjoy the gulet and the sea. Dinner and overnight in Ekincik Bay.

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

Today we sail into the Gulf of Gocek. Our first stop is the Sunken Bath (Cleopatra’s Bath), said to have been built for Cleopatra herself. The remains of a Byzantine monastery lie just beneath the water’s surface, adding a mystical charm to this bay. After lunch here, we head to Tersane Island, once home to Greek settlers and an old shipyard. Explore the ruins of houses, towers, and the historic dock. Dinner and overnight stay in Tersane Island.

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

After breakfast, we will cruise to Kizil Island for lunch and a swimming break. Disembark from your cruise late afternoon and take a private car transfer for 2 hours to the gorgeous little harbour town of Kas. Overnight in Kas.

• Destination: Fethiye
• Legend: B, L

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

Free morning in Kas. Explore the local Roman amphitheatre and Lycian tombs. Perhaps even hike another short section of the Lycian Way. Pick up from your hotel & afternoon 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 & transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia (according to your travel date, this maybe via Istanbul as there are direct flights only 5 times a week) and onward transfer to your cave hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

• Destination: Cappadocia
• Legend: B

05:00 Hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia Hotel pickup, then a quick snack and safety briefing. 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: Cappadocia
• Legend: B, L

Free day for wandering the streets of the Old City, getting lost in the Grand Bazaar or taking a leisurely Turkish bath in an historic hamam. Play backgammon and drink tea, or travel into the New City around Istiklal Street to experience Istanbul the way the locals do. Overnight in Istanbul.

• Destination: Istanbul
• Legend: B

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

• Destination: Istanbul
• Legend: B