Day 1 (Travel To Turkey):

Let’s travel to Turkey!

We have arrived in Istanbul! We transfer to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, to relax and explore our surroundings.

Day 2 (Experience The Highlights Of Istanbul Guided City Tour – Half Day):

Let’s start our Turkish adventure and uncover some of the highlights, diversity, and layers of Istanbul. All aboard as we set off by coach. Let’s explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat on a walking guided tour! Fall in love with the old colourful wooden houses, stroll past vibrant stairs, old antique shops, and Instagram hot spots on our walking tour. Discover more with a historical church visit before we uncover more of a bustling Istanbul. During our tour we take a moment to savour a refreshing hot cup of tea or coffee either in Balat/Fener or in Sultanahamet.

Next, we step back in time at Sultanahamet: marvel the awe inspiring Ottoman-era Blue Mosqu, Ancient Hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisks, and walk past St. Sophia. Experience more of Istanbul on this half day guided tour.

Please Note: St Sophia is no longer a museum. It has now been converted to a Mosque. During times of prayer, it may not be possible to visit the inside on your free time.

The afternoon is at leisure, to delve into what this bustling city has to offer.

For those looking to discover more of this fascinating city, perhaps take time out to explore Topkapi Palace and it’s treasures, explore the Hagia Sophia, or shop till you drop in the Grand Bazaar, gaze in awe at the Underground cistern something so unique and well worth the visit. Savour the tastes and smells of the Spice Bazaar, or relax and admire the views on a leisurely cruise down the Bosphorus. There is so much to see and do in Istanbul, it will always be calling you back to experience more.

Our local guide will be happy to recommend further places of interest to see and visit.

Day 3 (Gallipoli Tour & Transfer To Canakkale – Full Day):

This morning we leave the bustling city of Istanbul and transfer by coach to Canakkale.

We discover more with an excursion to Gallipoli en-route. This is the famous battle site during World War I where thousands of Irish, British, ANZACS, and Turkish Soldiers fought and died.

During our journey, we visit some of the places of interest, including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetry, Chunuk Bair, Sulva Bay, and Greenhill Cemetery.

Afterwards, we take a ferry and cross the Dardanelles, arriving at our hotel in Canakkale in the evening for a one-night stay.

Dinner is included tonight.

Day 4 (Transfer To Gure, Including Troy Excursion):

After breakfast we transfer to Gure.

During our transfer we experience more of Ancient Turkey with a half day excursion to the legendary city of Troy, best known for being the setting of the Trojan war, which occurred after Paris of Troy stole Helen away from her husband. Step back in time and discover the former acropolis and a replica of the Trojan wooden horse.

Later we transfer to our hotel in the evening , where we will spend the night.

We can relax for the rest of the evening and relax more in our new surroundings.

Dinner at our hotel is included tonight.

Day 5 (Discover Pergamum & Transfer To Kusadasi – Full Day):

Let’s experience more! On our way to Kusadasi, we uncover Pergamum, known as one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. Let’s see more as we take the cable car up to the ancient Acropolis of Pergamum on our guided tour.

After our day of discovery of Pergamum, we transfer to our hotel in Kusadasi, arriving in the evening. Let’s unpack, relax, and unwind after a full day of adventure.

Join us for dinner! Tonight, we have dinner in our hotel and also for the next two nights of our stay. Let’s get together and enjoy our first night in Kusadasi.

Day 6 (Guided Excursion To Ephesus & The House Of Virgin mary – Full Day):

Step back in time and enjoy a full day guided excursion to more fascinating places in ancient Turkey. We start our adventure with Ephesus, from ancient times home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the4 seven wonders of the world.

Today the ruins of Ephesus remain a sacred site for many Christians due to its association with several biblical figures including St Paul, St John, and Virgin Mary. We discover more with a visit to the Basilica of Saint John and the House of the Virgin Mary where historians believe she later lived and died before returning to our hotel.

Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 7 (At Leisure/Optional Excursions):

Today we have a well-deserved day of leisure. Take a refreshing dip in the sea, shop till you drop in one of the many shops and markets, or sit in a cafe to soak up the atmosphere and watch the world go by. Savour the moments as we enjoy out last day in Turkey.

Our expert local guide will be happy to recommend places of interest to see and visit.

If you want to see more, perhaps enjoy an optional excursion on offer locally.

Half day optional Sirince tour. It is possible to book locally an optional excursion to Sirince, a small village, with over 600 people. The little village is allegedly-founded by freed Greek slaves who named it ”ugly” in Turkish to deter others from following them after the fall of Ephesus. It is now called Sirince, which means ‘pleasant.’ This pretty little mountainous village is mainly known for its preserved whitewashed stucco homes, lush settings, as well as its fruit-based wineries and olive groves. This tour is bookable locally please ask your guide for more details.

Embark on a full-day optional excursion to Pamukkale, featuring a visit to the ancient Necropolis of Hierapolis ”Sacred city”. This site is one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, with over 1,200 ancient graves. Explore the Roman Bath, the impressive Domitian and Byzantium Gates, and stroll along the main street if this historical city.

Enjoy some free time to further delve deeper into the history of the region by visiting the museum of the ancient city or the Martyrium of St. Philip the Apostle. Alternatively, take a leisurely walk along Pamukkale’s famous shimmering white travertine terraces, a natural geological formation with its hot springs of water. Take in the beauty of this unique natural wonder.

Alternatively, during your free time, seize the opportunity to take a tip in the thermal of Cleopatra’s swimming pool. Adorned with ancient ruins, this pool is renowned for its rich minerals and warm, relaxing waters.

Please Note: The entrance to Cleopatra’s swimming pool is not included.

Please Note: This tour is not recommended for those with mobility restrictions.

Day 8 (Depart Home From Izmir):

Today we say farewell to Kusadasi, with fond memories of our journey through Ancient Turkey.

Transfer from our hotel to Izmir Airport for our flight home via Istanbul.