Journeys: Discover Turkey

Istanbul

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Arrival Transfer

Ataturk Airport - Istanbul

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Accommodations:  Grand Sirkeci Hotel Istanbul

Istanbul

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before walking to Topkapi Palace. Built between 1460 and 1478, Topkapi Palace is one of the world's largest surviving palaces and served as the home of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 4 centuries. A unique mix of Islamic, European and Ottoman architecture, the palace contains over 400 rooms, including opulent pavilions, a jewel-filled treasury and a sprawling harem. In the afternoon, opt for a visit to the Archaeological Museum or the Basilica Cistern on your own. Then, set out on a guided visit of the Old City, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome, an arena used for chariot racing throughout the Byzantine period. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Topkapi Palace Visit

Istanbul 1h - 2h 1km

Take a step back in time with a visit to the Topkapi Palace. Once home to the Ottoman sultans and their harems, it's now a museum hosting a number of collections, ranging from porcelains found in Europe, Asia and China to Ottoman-era weaponry.

Istanbul Guided Walking Tour

Istanbul 3h - 4h 5km

Begin the day in Istanbul with a walking tour in the old city, including a visit to the historic Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the magnificent Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya). When you step inside, you'll see why the Hagia Sophia is one of the great churches of the Byzantine Empire; it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest. Be awed by the Blue Mosque's symmetry and internal tile work, and take the chance to learn more about the ceremony behind Islam, as it is a working mosque.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Grand Sirkeci Hotel Istanbul

Istanbul/Canakkale

In the morning, transfer from Istanbul to Gallipoli, where you'll visit the WWI site of the Battle of Gallipoli and learn the somber story behind its war monuments. After lunch in town, travel to Anzac Cove and join your Expedition Leader at Lone Pine Memorial, which commemorates the 4,932 Australian and New Zealand servicemen who died in the Anzac area. Stop at the Dardanelles-a narrow 60-mile-long (97 km) strip of water dividing Europe from Asia-and admire a location that has been of great strategic significance for centuries. End the day in Canakkale, a busy harbor town with a thriving student population. Enjoy dinner, then perhaps take an evening stroll along the lovely waterfront.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Istanbul - Gallipoli Peninsula 4h 260km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour

Gallipoli Peninsula 2.5h - 3h

Visit this moving and beautiful site, a great complement to any trip to Turkey, even for those not familiar with the Battle of Gallipoli. Tour the grounds to see ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Learn how the Turks fought off the numerically superior, but badly commanded, Allied forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later; this battle holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as both nations lost many soldiers.

Private Vehicle

Gallipoli Peninsula - Canakkale 0.25h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Hotel Artur Canakkale

Canakkale/Selcuk

Following breakfast, head out for a visit to the city of Troy with your Expedition Leader. With its 4,000 years of history, Troy is one of the most renowned archaeological sites in the world. Upon its discovery in the mid-19th century, the site became culturally important due to its profound influence on literary works and the arts for more than 2 millennia. After the tour, attend a Trojan War and Mythology talk with the author of the book, Troja, where you'll learn about the Trojan War and how legend has been woven into history's understanding of this event. Next, travel from Troy to Bergama-a renowned town in Hellenic and Roman times, known for its great library-and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, visit the Pergamon Acropolis with your Expedition Leader for a tour of its monumental temples, theatres, porticoes, gymnasium and library. In the evening, arrive in Selcuk, where dinner will be at your leisure.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Trojan War & Mythology Talk

Troy 1h

After visiting Troy, sit down with the author of the book "Troja" and listen as details are given on the creation of this story. Learn more as the author explains the reasons for the war, what happened during the war, how it ended, and the effects of the war on past civilizations. Discuss how the Trojan War and ancient legends influenced the direction of the manuscript, and ask yourself how often history fades into story. At the end of the talk, the group will participate in a question-and-answer session with the author.

Private Vehicle

Canakkale - Troy 4.75h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle

Bergama - Selcuk 2.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Pergamon Museum

Bergama 1h - 1.25h

Visit the acropolis of Pergamon, once the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty, a major centre of learning in the ancient world. See ancient monumental temples, theatres, and a library set into the sloping terrain.

Private Vehicle

Troy - Bergama 3h 190km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Troy Visit

Troy 1h - 2h 1km

See historic Troy, made famous by Homer's "Iliad," (and more recently by Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt). Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were found in in the mid-19th century. Imagine what a great city this must have been, while taking a tour of the remains. Don't miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Kalehan Hotel

Selcuk

Begin your morning with a tour of the ruins of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia. The city was famous for its Temple of Artemis, which was completed around 550 BC and named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Temple was destroyed in AD 268 in a raid by the Goths. Within the temple's ruins, you'll visit the Terrace Houses, the museum, the Monastery of St. John and the library, which was built in AD 124 and once held nearly 12,000 scrolls. From Ephesus travel to Sirince, where you will participate in a cooking class to learn about and savor traditional Aegean cuisine, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients from a local market. After your class, dine on your delicious creations for lunch. In the afternoon, spend time exploring Sirince. Walk through the peaceful streets, enjoy the green scenery of the olive and grape farms in the distance, and have a cup of Turkish tea at a local coffee house. Travel back to Selcuk for dinner on your own and an evening to explore this historical town at your leisure.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Ephesus Site Visit

Selcuk 1h

This museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts discovered in the excavation of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus.

Free Time

Selcuk

Enjoy free time in Selcuk to walk through the quaint streets and visit some of the sites on your own.

Ephesus Visit

Selcuk 2h - 3h

Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times. Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, which dominates the view down Harbour Street. See the two-story library, whose facade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. Built in AD 125, it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.

Şirince Cooking Class

Sirince 2h

Aegean cuisine is the shared Turkish and Greek culture of the region's past. The climate is suitable for growing a wide range of vegetables and contains an abundance of olive trees for olive-oil production. During your visit to Sirince the group will join a cooking class and learn all about the traditional dishes in the region. Prepare a range of village-style vegetable dishes using seasonal fresh ingredients from the local market. Begin the class with a walking tour of the market where your guide will provide plenty of tips for picking the best, local, seasonal products. Then, return to the open garden kitchen where you will learn how to cook Aegean dishes with your fresh produce. Toast your new knowledge over lunch and try your delicious dishes.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Kalehan Hotel

Selcuk/Pamukkale

This morning after breakfast, leave Selcuk and travel to Laodikeia for an Expedition Leader-led visit of this landmark. Within the settlement lies the church of Laodicea, which is the last of the 7 churches of Asia Minor that St. John addresses in the Bible. Wander the ruins before continuing on to Pamukkale for lunch in the village. Then, set out on a guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was founded by one of Alexander the Great's generals for the purpose of using the mineral hot springs in the area. View the unreal landscape of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins known as Pamukkale (Cotton Palace). Learn about these striking natural formations and the development of a complex system of canals, which brings the thermal water to nearby villages and fields. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure and opt for a mineral bath in Pamukkale.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Hierapolis and Pamukkale Visit

Pamukkale 2h - 3h

Tour the white cliffs of Pamukkale to learn about this World Heritage-listed site and natural wonder. Made up of 17 hot water springs, the cliffs are formed when the calcium carbonate hardens with time. Explore the ancient site of Hierapolis built on top of the white "castle." See the large, ancient baths within the city (thought to be evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since second century BC).

Free Time

Pamukkale

Enjoy the remainder of your day here on your own with free time to take a mineral bath or to keep wandering around Pamukkale.

Private Vehicle

Selcuk - Pamukkale 4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Laodicea Visit

Laodikeia 2h

Visit Laodikeia with your Expedition Leader. A place that is one of the important archaeological remains for the region, possessing biblical importance as one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor that St. John addresses in the Bible.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Resort

Pamukkale/Antalya

After breakfast, leave Pamukkale and transfer to Termessos for an Expedition Leader-led visit of this ancient city that was founded by the Solims who lived in the Psidia Region. Termessos sits over 3,280 ft (1,000 m) above sea level and is known as the Eagle's Nest. Visit the amphitheater and take in the stunning panoramic views of the Pamphylia region and Taurus Mountains as you enjoy a picnic. Arrive at Antalya, a lovely seaside town, in the late afternoon and wander the charming hillside streets on a walk with your Expedition Leader.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Antalya Orientation Walk

Antalya 0h

Enjoy an orientation walk around Antalya to get your bearings and see more of the city.

Termessos Visit

Termessos 2.5h

Take in the splendour of the ancient city of Thermessos. Found by the Solims who lived in the Psidia Region and born from the legend of Bellerophon. This mountaintop city is one of the best preserved sites in Turkey. It sits over 1,000 metres above sea level and the amphitheatre has stunning panoramic views of the Pamphylia region and the Taurus Mountains.

Private Vehicle

Pamukkale - Antalya 4.5h 257km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Massimo Hotel (Ex La Boutique Hotel)

Antalya

Enjoy a full day on your own to partake in the optional activities offered in the area. Choose to visit Ancient Perge to learn more about the ancient architecture of the area or explore the Old Harbor along the marina. You may also go for a refreshing swim in the aquamarine waters at Lara Beach.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Antalya Full Day

Take advantage of a full free day to enjoy the optional activities available in Antalya.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Massimo Hotel (Ex La Boutique Hotel)
2
Optional Activities for Day 8
Show
Antalya Park Visit
Antalya
Sit back, relax, and soak up some sun and great people watching in one of Antalya's lovely parks. Bring a picnic, and make it an afternoon!
Antalya Hammam
Antalya
Visit a hammam, a great way to get squeaky clean and soothe sore muscles in a traditional Turkish bathhouse. Begin in a warm room to relax your body, then move into the hot marble steam chamber for a full-body scrub and foam massage. Rinse and relax!
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Antalya/Konya

Travel from the coast of Antalya inland to Konya, stopping along the way to visit the ancient city of Aspendos in Southern Turkey. Ruled by Greeks, Persians and Romans, Aspendos was once an important trade center. Today, a number of ancient structures survive, including the basilica and the Aspendos Theatre, considered to be the best preserved ancient theatre in the world. From here, travel onwards to the town of Beysehir for lunch and a visit to the 13th-century Esrefoglu Mosque. Arrive in Konya in the late afternoon and go to the Mevlana Museum and Garden. Once a lodge, the museum now houses a mausoleum known as "Mevlana Tomb," the resting place of 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic theologian and Sufi mystic Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi (or Mevlana). The remainder of the evening is yours to explore the area.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Eşrefoğlu Mosque Visit

Beysehir

Esrefoglu Mosque was built in the 13th century and named after the rulers of the area called Eshrefids. It includes all the main elements of early Anatolian Turkish architecture and is the biggest, most well-preserved, wooden-columned mosque in the Islamic World.

Private Vehicle

Antalya - Konya 4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Mevlana Museum and Garden Visit

Konya 1h

Mevlana Museum and Garden has been operating since 1926 in Konya. Enjoy a visit here with your group and learn about the complex's history in this area of the world.

Aspendos Visit

1.5h

Your Expedition Leader will lead the group on a visit to Aspendo Theater, a monument among the biggest of its kind. The theater's capacity was between 7,300 and 7,600 people. Both the archaeological remains and historical sources confirm that Aspendos was standing by the 5th century BC with the arrival of the Persians to Pamphylia. The site continued to retain importance until Alexander's control of Asia Minor.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Spark Hotel Residence Konya

Konya/Cappadocia

In the morning, visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai. Built in 1229, it was once an important stopover along the Silk Road. From there, you'll travel to Derinkuyu where you'll have lunch on your own, then explore the Underground City of Derinkuyu-famously used as hiding places for Christians escaping the persecution of the Roman Empire between the 5th and 10th centuries. As you walk around, see the new life people created in this underground world, including cellars, rooms for food storage, kitchens, churches, stables, wine presses and shafts for ventilation. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you'll see a Whirling Dervish performance. Originally practiced as a weekly remembrance of God by the Mevlevi tekke community, this outstanding example of pure dance has been practiced since the 13th century and is part of a Muslim ceremony to glorify God and seek spiritual perfection. It is also believed that while revolving from right to left, the dervish embraces all humanity with love. After the performance, dinner will be at your leisure.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Konya - Cappadocia 3h 233km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Sultanhan Caravanserai

0.75h

Visit the largest and best preserved Seljuk caravanserai in Turkey. It was built in 1229 and became a very important stopover along the Silk Road crossing through Anatolia. The caravanserai lost its importance during the Ottoman era, but its more recent restorations have opened it to visitors and created a resurgence of interest in the structure.

Underground City Visit

Derinkuyu 1h - 2h 1km

Visit one of the underground cities (there are approximately 30 in the region) that were famously used as hiding places for Christians escaping the persecution of the Roman Empire between the fifth and tenth centuries. See how people transferred their surface lives to this underground world - there are cellars, rooms for food storage, kitchens, churches, stables, wine and oil presses, and shafts for ventilation.

Whirling Dervishes Performance

Cappadocia 0h

Witness this spellbinding dance-like worship, practiced by followers of the Mevlevilik Sufi order and clap along to the beat of dance, steps, and merriment.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Karlik Evi Boutique Hotel Uchisar

Cappadocia

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before visiting the Goreme Open-Air Museum on an Expedition Leader-led tour of these vibrant painted cave churches, which were carved out by Orthodox monks nearly 1,000 years ago. From here set out on a hike through the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed "fairy chimneys"-a surreal moonscape created by a series of volcanic eruptions. Over the years, wind and rain sculpted the area into thin valleys, curvy cliff faces and pointy rock formations. The Cappadocians chiseled homes into the soft rock. In the afternoon, enjoy time on your own to visit the Turkish Baths, to see Uchisar Castle or to further explore the main streets of town. Dinner this evening will be enjoyed with a local family around their table in Zelve Village. Try dishes made with local ingredients like eggplant and minced meat as you share stories with the host family.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Göreme Open Air Museum Guided Tour

Goreme 1h - 2h

Be inspired by the natural beauty of the historic Goreme Open Air Museum, a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by Orthodox monks. Tour the more than 10 caves on site, and enjoy the color and vibrancy of many of the churches that are up to 1,000 years old.

Free Time

Cappadocia

Free time to settle in and enjoy the optional activities available in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia Hiking

Cappadocia 1h 4km

Lace up those hiking boots and wander through the fairy chimneys with your Expedition Leader as you begin the walk down to Goreme Valley. This surreal moonscape was created by a series of volcanic eruptions and over the years, wind and rain have sculpted the area into thin valleys with curvy cliff faces and pointy rock formations.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Karlik Evi Boutique Hotel Uchisar

Cappadocia/Istanbul

Start the day by flying to Istanbul, where you'll spend time on your own getting to know this amazing city. You may opt to visit Dolamabahce Palace, Galata Tower, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts or the Basilica Cistern. In the evening, set out on a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the Ottoman palaces and the city skyline.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Cappadocia - Istanbul 1.25h - 1.5h 675km

Leave the wind-sculpted landscapes of Cappadocia behind and fly back to Istanbul.

Free Time

Istanbul

Set off for free time in Istanbul. You may opt to visit Dolamabahce Palace, Galata Tower, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts or the Basilica Cistern.

Private Evening Bosphorus Strait Cruise

Istanbul 2h

Set out on a private evening cruise on the Bosphorus Straight. Enjoy stunning views of Ottoman palaces and the city's skyline while on board.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Grand Sirkeci Hotel Istanbul
4
Optional Activities for Day 12
Show
Basilica Cistern
900TRY Per Person
Istanbul
Built in 532 AD, the Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern (underground water storage) of Istanbul. Spot the pillar bases carved in the likeness of Medusa.
Archaeological Museum
15EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Opened in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Home to a classical statuary, artifacts, and sarcophagi - including the stunning sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon - this museum presents one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse into the life of ancient Turks.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
10EUR Per Person
Istanbul
This museum is home to treasures from the Ottoman and Seljuk periods, and boasts one of the world's largest collection of Turkish carpets.
Galata Tower
30EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Climb up the Galata Tower - one of Istanbul's oldest architectural landmarks - for an amazing panoramic view of the city. To get the full experience, time your visit with the call to prayer that happens at sunset.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Istanbul

In the morning, explore the iconic Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Along with a specialist guide, you'll listen to a lecture about the Ottoman Empire's ties to the bazaar and learn about its modern secular Turkish founder, Kemal Ataturk. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and is comprised of 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops. The tour will finish at an old Ottoman inn for coffee, tea and a chat with your guide. In the afternoon, take advantage of time on your own with a visit to the atmospheric Spice Bazaar. Stroll down one of the most popular streets in Istanbul on the Istiklal Walk-exploring shops, cafes and historic sites along the way. Or visit Galata Tower, which was built as a watchtower over the walls of Galata, and is now an exhibition space and museum. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Please note, the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. If this day falls on a Sunday, the visit will be replaced with a tour through the Spice Bazaar.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Grand Bazaar Walk & Lecture

Istanbul 2h

Walk to and explore the iconic Grand Bazaar in Istanbul with a specialist guide. Enjoy a lecture on the historical, cultural, and modern importance of the Grand Bazaar as you wander through one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Stop by some of the 4,000 shops along the 61 covered streets and marvel at the first shopping mall of the world. Finish the walk at an old Ottoman Inn where coffee and tea will be served. Enjoy the refreshments and have a conversation with your expert guide about the Grand Bazaar.

Free Time

Istanbul

Opt to visit the Spice Bazaar, or stroll down one of the most popular streets in Istanbul and visit shops, cafes, and historic sites as you go. You can also opt to see Galata Tower or other museums, the choice is all yours. Ask your Expedition Leader for recommendations.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Grand Sirkeci Hotel Istanbul
5
Optional Activities for Day 13
Show
Spice Bazaar Visit
Istanbul
Visit the atmospheric Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Built in 1660, this is where many of the spices were originally imported. This market was, and still is, the centre of Istanbul's spice trade.
Archaeological Museum
15EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Opened in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Home to a classical statuary, artifacts, and sarcophagi - including the stunning sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon - this museum presents one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse into the life of ancient Turks.
Dolamabahce Palace
1200TRY Per Person
Istanbul
Built in the early 1800s, the Dolamabahce Palace is the largest and the most important palace of the Ottoman Empire, after the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its grandeur.
Blue Mosque Visit
Istanbul
Explore the fabulous Blue Mosque, admiring the beautiful symmetry and internal tile work of the building. As it is a working mosque, take the chance to learn more about the ceremony behind Islam, the religion of about 98 per cent of today's Turks. Head to the front of the Blue Mosque, to see the ancient Hippodrome. It was once the scene of chariot races, and now houses monuments from various moments in Istanbul's history.
Galata Tower
30EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Climb up the Galata Tower - one of Istanbul's oldest architectural landmarks - for an amazing panoramic view of the city. To get the full experience, time your visit with the call to prayer that happens at sunset.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Istanbul

Depart at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast