The Aegean Legacy

Depart Istanbul for a drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a significant World War I battlefield site. Experience a fully guided tour of the area, visiting the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, and Johnston Jolly. You'll also have the chance to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war. After a day of poignant exploration, spend the night in the nearby city of Canakkale.

Today, journey to the ancient city of Troy, where the legend of the Trojan horse was brought back to life. Continue to the acropolis of Pergamum, a renowned cultural and political center in its time. Tour the site, including the Temple of Trajan and the famous library. Afterward, drive south along the Mediterranean coastline to the town of Kusadasi, known for its popular beaches and marina.

After breakfast, drive to the Roman site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean region. Visit the Temple of Artemis and explore the marble streets of this ruined Roman city. In the afternoon, visit the fruit wine-growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey. End the day with a visit to a local vineyard, where you can taste wines from the region before returning to your hotel in Kusadasi.

Drive south to the port town of Fethiye, where you'll board a traditional Gulet boat at Fethiye Harbour. Set sail and enjoy swimming or snorkeling in Turunc Bay or Tarzan Bay. Cruise past several small islands towards Tersane Island, where you can explore the ruins of an old Greek town and naval shipyard. Spend the night on board the boat in one of the sheltered bays, enjoying the comfort of individual en-suite double cabins.

Start your day with an early swim before sailing to Hamam Bay, famous for the ruins of Cleopatra's Baths. Continue to Sarsala Bay, where a pleasant hike leads you to an ancient Lycian town. Finish your day's cruising at Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after the famous Turkish writer and painter, Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu. Explore several Lycian rock tombs hidden in the trees and spend the night on board in this protected bay.

Today, head inland to Pamukkale, known for its unique white calcium terraces called Travertines. Tour the ancient city of Hierapolis and enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools nestled among ancient Roman columns. Spend the night in a 4-star hotel in Pamukkale.

Follow the route of the ancient Silk Road to central Turkey and Cappadocia. Along the way, stop to visit the Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya. Spend the night in a unique boutique cave hotel in Cappadocia. In the evening, you have the option to join a traditional Turkish folklore evening.

Spend the day exploring the beautiful and surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Visit the Goreme Valley and the 'fairy chimneys' of Pasbag. Go underground to explore the subterranean churches and fortresses used by Christians to avoid persecution over a thousand years ago. In the evening, you have the option to join a Turkish folklore experience, complete with belly dancers.

Leave Cappadocia early and drive to Turkey's capital, Ankara. Visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the leader during the Turkish war of independence and the founder of the modern Turkish republic. From here, continue back to Istanbul for the final night of the tour. An optional morning flight to Istanbul is available from Kayseri in Cappadocia to avoid the long drive.