Essential Turkey

Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul! Upon arrival at the airport, look for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the Ottoman Legacy Hotel (or similar). Start your exploration by climbing the Galata Tower for breathtaking views or shopping at the Grand Bazaar. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow travellers at 7:00pm in the hotel lobby, followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast at the Ottoman Legacy Hotel (or similar), we'll delve into the historical heart of Istanbul. Our journey takes us to the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the majestic Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon, you have the option to join a cruise down the Bosphorus river and marvel at Istanbul's epic skyline.

Today, we journey from Istanbul to the magical region of Cappadocia, passing through the capital city of Ankara. In the afternoon, we'll explore the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City, a subterranean complex complete with a church, wells, food stores, and stables. We'll end the day at the Avrasya Hotel (or similar) in Cappadocia, where you can opt for a traditional Turkish bath.

Rise early for an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys. After breakfast at the Avrasya Hotel (or similar), we'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Göreme, visiting the Göreme Museum, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Cavusin. In the evening, you can opt to join a Turkish Night show.

We leave Cappadocia behind and head to Pamukkale. En route, we'll stop at the unique Ihlara Valley, a honeycombed canyon with rock-cut underground dwellings and churches from the Byzantine period. We'll rest for the night at the Hierapark Hotel (or similar) in Pamukkale.

Get your cameras ready for a visit to Pamukkale, also known as the 'cotton castle'. This natural site features hot springs and terraces made by carbonate minerals left by flowing water. We'll also explore the ancient city of Hierapolis built on top of the white castle. Next, we'll visit the spectacular ancient city of Ephesus, famed for the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. We'll spend the night at the Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham (or similar) in the seaside town of Kusadasi.

After breakfast, we'll depart for the ancient city of Troy. Here, you'll visit the archaeological site of the city of Troy and the famous wooden horse. We'll then continue to Canakkale, where we'll stay overnight at the Kolin Hotel (or similar). You'll have the evening to relax and explore the town.

Today, we'll depart for the shores of Gallipoli. We'll visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove and pay our respects at the memorial sites of Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, we'll drive back to Istanbul, where we'll spend the night at the Ottoman Legacy Hotel (or similar).

Our unforgettable journey through Turkey comes to an end in Istanbul. After breakfast and some last-minute souvenir shopping, we'll say goodbye to our new friends and check out of the hotel by 11:00am.