Highlights of Turkey

After a welcome meeting, we set off for the Gallipoli Peninsula, a significant World War I battlefield. Learn about the ANZAC's (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) history here before crossing the Dardanelles Strait to reach the city of Çanakkale. Check into your hotel (Cura Hotel or similar) and rest for the night.

Start the day with a visit to the legendary city of Troy, immortalised in Homer's Iliad. Explore the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse. Later, continue to the picturesque seaside town of Ayvalik, known for its historic stone houses and cobblestoned streets. Spend the night at the Bacacan Hotel (or similar).

Depart for the ancient Greek city of Pergamon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a scenic cable car ride to the Acropolis to see the temples, palaces, library, and theatre. Continue to the charming town of Selcuk for an evening of leisure. Overnight at the Hitit Hotel (or similar).

Visit the ancient site of Ephesus, a well-preserved classical city. Walk the marble streets once graced by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths, and the Library of Celsus. Later, visit the Isa Bey Mosque and St John's Basilica in Selçuk. Spend the night at the Hitit Hotel (or similar).

Travel to Pamukkale, also known as Cotton Castle, a spectacular natural phenomenon created by thermal waters. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, an important Roman bath centre. Spend the afternoon exploring the travertines and the ancient city. Overnight at the Melrose House Hotel (or similar).

Depart Pamukkale and travel to the seaside town of Kaş. On the way, stop at Xanthos, the capital city of the Lycian Federation. After a guided visit, continue to Kaş. Spend the afternoon exploring the cobbled streets, handicraft shops, and lively cafes. Overnight at the Kayahan Hotel (or similar).

Depart for Antalya, one of Turkey's most popular beach resorts. Visit the historic city centre, Kaleiçi, with its narrow, cobbled streets and Ottoman-era houses. See Hadrian's Gate and the old Roman harbour. Overnight at the Argos Hotel (or similar).

Visit the ancient city of Perge, then travel to Aspendos, home to the best-preserved theatre of the ancient world. After exploring the ancient site, continue to Konya, an important city of the Seljuk empire and the birthplace of the Whirling Dervishes. Overnight at the Bera Hotel (or similar).

Visit the Mevlana Museum, the former home of the Whirling Dervishes, then continue to the fascinating Cappadocia region. Visit the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai and the breath-taking Ihlara Valley. End the day at your accommodation in Göreme, at the Akuzun Hotel (or similar).

Optionally start the day with a hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum and one of the fascinating underground cities in Cappadocia. Overnight at the Akuzun Hotel (or similar).