Day 1 : Welcome to Istanbul
Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a memorable dinner to kick off your epic adventure.
Accommodation : Arts Hotel Taksim
Day 2 : Discover Colourful Istanbul Dive Into Culture
Spend your day delving into a city where modern and ancient coexist effortlessly. Gain insights into the Ottoman Empire's power during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. View the exquisite Blue Mosque, said to rival even the Great Mosque in Mecca. Consider an optional cruise navigating the waters of the Bosphorus.
Accommodation : Arts Hotel Taksim
Day 3 : Journey to Troy and Çanakkale
Leaving Istanbul behind, you'll cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to Çanakkale. Visit the Archaeological Site of Troy and the replica wooden horse which famously ended a 10-year siege. Then, return to Çanakkale and Check in to your hotel, leaving later this evening to attend the Dawn Service.
Accommodation : Iris
Day 4 : Experience the Poignant Anzac Cove Dawn Service
Witness the stirring dawn tribute at Anzac Cove and pay your respects to the brave soldiers who lost their lives during poignant ceremonies held at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Return to your hotel in Çanakkale later this afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation : Iris
Day 5 : Onwards to Gallipoli and Izmir
Cross the Dardanelle Strait again and visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. You'll be reminded of the sacrifices made by both sides during World War I before returning to Çanakkale and then on to Izmir where you'll spend the night.
Accommodation : Mövenpick
Day 6 : Explore the Ruins of Ephesus and on to Pamukkale
Stroll through the ruins of Ephesus and see the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos before continuing to Pamukkale.
Accommodation : Colossae Thermal
Day 7 : Venture to Hierapolis and Antalya Connect with Locals
Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Later, we travel through scenic countryside and join the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains, where we’ll Connect With Locals and gain insights into their traditions at our Be My Guest lunch. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation : Marmara Antalya
Day 8 : Antalya Free Time
Enjoy a day at your own pace, taking in the captivating seaside ambiance of the Turkish Riviera. Stroll through the charming, winding streets of the old city, where you can admire the well-preserved Ottoman architecture. For an Optional Experience, you may choose a yacht cruise and guided tour of Antalya's historic old town.
Accommodation : Marmara Antalya
Day 9 : On the Road to Aspendos and Konya
Witness the world's best-preserved theatre of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where we will gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. We continue to the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome, before returning to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.
Accommodation : Dedeman
Day 10 : Continue to Cappadocia Stays With Stories
See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travellers used to rest. We journey to Cappadocia with its honey-coloured rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at King’s Valley eco farm. Local host Ali shares how he created an eco farm on the very spot where his grandfather’s garden once stood, in an effort to preserve traditional farming and revive the local economy. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located with views of the valley and ancient Ortahisar rock castle.
Accommodation : Exedra Hotel
Day 11 : A Day to Explore Spectacular Göreme Dive Into Culture
The other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia take centre stage today as we explore its volcanic landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. We visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the fairy chimneys of Pasabag. Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. This evening, indulge in the flavours of traditional pottery kebabs during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation : Exedra Hotel
Day 12 : Onwards to Ankara
Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening we dine at our hotel in Ankara.
Accommodation : Grand Mercure Ankara
Day 13 : Return to Istanbul
Returning to Istanbul, Dive Into Culture with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Discover the hidden lanes and watch artisans at work while you wander the main thoroughfares. Spend some time haggling with passionate market vendors lining its labyrinthine lanes. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own. Delve into the depths of the Basilica Cistern, savour the intoxicating smells of the Spice Market or ascend Galata Tower for exquisite views of east and west. Finish the day with your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable dinner.
Accommodation : Arts Hotel Taksim
Day 14 : Farewell Istanbul
Our epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as we bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell.