Wonders of Turkey

Ankara – Cappadocia

The hometown of the Hittites is under the
spotlight this morning. Visit the Mausoleum of
Ataturk, the founder and father of the Turkish
Republic, then continue to the whimsical
landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the
underground city of Saratli. This evening you
could join an Optional Experience with the
Whirling Dervishes, watching them whirl around
and around in remembrance of God.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Ramada by Wyndham

Cappadocia sightseeing and free time

Cappadocia’s fairy-tale chimneys take centre
stage this morning as you journey to Pasabagi
and Red Valley. Visit a regional rug production
centre then enjoy an afternoon on your own
amidst the fantasy landscapes left by Mother
Nature in the ochre rock. An Optional
Experience in Göreme reveals how Christians
once worshipped in the many rock churches
that remain to this day. This evening, dinner is
served at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Ramada by Wyndham

Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale

First up is the ancient city of Konya, the final
resting place of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana
whose famous mausoleum you will visit before
continuing to the cotton fortress of Pamukkale,
home to mineral-rich thermal waters which
cascade down snow-white travertine terraces.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Richmond Thermal

Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Izmir

The ethereal white pools and terraces that
cascade down surrounding cliffs are a sight to
behold this morning as you see the ruins of the
ancient Roman health spa of Hierapolis. Head
west to the Aegean coastline, arriving in Izmir in
time to spend some time exploring this pretty
port town, with its lengthy promenade. Learn
about its multicultural past, and its history as a
Greek city. Consider joining an optional seafood
dinner at a favourite local restaurant renowned
for its stunning views.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Alsancak

Izimr – Free time

Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure or our
Optional Experience could see you visit Ephesus,
a 2,000-year-old site and home to the iconic
Library of Celsus and Hadrian’s Temple. Included
in this experience is a visit to the stone cottage,
where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her
final years before a lunch is a local restaurant.
Afterwards visit the glass makers of Nazarkoy
village discovering the regions connection with
the Evil eye beads on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
® Experience.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Alsancak

Izmir – Pergamon – Troy – Canakkale

Visit the ancient kingdom of Pergamon this
morning, most notably its Asclepion Medical
Centre, which still bears the image of the
snake-entwined staff that remains a symbol of
medicine in modern times. Next on today’s
agenda is a visit to Troy, an ancient city that
inspired Homer’s tales about the wrath of
Achilles and the siege of the same city, which
was only broken through the clever construction
of a wooden Trojan horse, a replica of which can
still be seen today. Continue to Çanakkale later
where dinner is served at your hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Büyük Truva Hotel Çanakkale

Canakkale – Gallipoli – Istanbul

A poignant start to the day sees you visit
Gallipoli, where significant World War I battles
were fought with heavy losses on both sides.
You’ll visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and
Chunuk Bair paying tribute to the brave soldiers
who lost their lives in this relentless conflict.
Later, return to Istanbul. As your journey through
Turkey draws to a close, there’s always time for
one last Raki!
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Aspen Hotel

Depart Istanbul

Your whirlwind encounter with the wonders of
Turkey has come to an end. You’ve stood at the
crossroads of East and West, trod in the
footsteps of the ancients and admired ethereal
landscapes that belong in a storybook. For now
it’s time to end this chapter with a heartfelt
farewell to your newfound friends.
Meals: Breakfast