Turkey in Depth Itinerary

Day 1 Depart Australia

Day 2 Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, a truly cosmopolitan city. On our arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel. This evening we’ll enjoy a group welcome dinner. [D]

Day 3 Istanbul
An exciting day as we tour Istanbul starting at the famous Hippodrome. From here we visit the magnificent Basilica of Saint Sophia, considered to be one of the world’s greatest buildings, before continuing on to the unique Blue Mosque, a true icon of this city. Our last stop today is the opulent Topkapi Palace. [B]

Day 4 Istanbul - Ankara
This morning we visit the Chora Church, the Rustem Pasha Mosque and exotic spice bazaar before driving to Ankara. [B]

Day 5 Ankara - Cappadocia
An interesting and educational morning as we get to explore the world-famous Museum of Anatolian Civilization. This afternoon we continue driving to Cappadocia. [B,D]

Day 6 Cappadocia
Over thousands of years nature has created an incredible lunar-like landscape of ‘fairy chimneys’ around Cappadocia. Many of the chimneys and grottoes have been converted into homes and churches, which we explore as we visit the fascinating Goreme Valley. We also visit a carpet factory to learn about Turkish carpets. [B,D]

Day 7 Cappadocia - Konya
This morning we further explore the underground cities of Cappadocia before continuing on to Konya where we visit the Mevlana Museum to learn about the famous Whirling Dervishes. [B,D]

Day 8 Konya - Kas
On our scenic journey to Kas we stop at Aspendos to explore the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world. [B,D]

Day 9 Kas
We slow the pace today with a relaxing cruise on a traditional Turkish gulet. Swim, sunbathe and enjoy the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean south coast! [B,L]

Day 10 Kas - Pamukkale
This morning we explore the incredible landscape of Hierapolis, an ancient Greek city sitting on top of the amazing site of Pamukkale. Over a period of 14,000 years, nature has created a wonderful array of hot springs that cascade over a cliff forming calcium-rich pools. [B,D]

Day 11 Pamukkale - Bodrum
Our journey to Bodrum is via the town of Aphrodisias, which is dedicated to Aphrodite and home to the famous Roman school of sculpture. [B]

Day 12 Bodrum
Enjoy a half day tour of the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, home the remains of the oldest known sunken ship in the world. The rest of the day is at leisure. [B]

Day 13 Bodrum - Kusadasi
An action-packed day as we visit the three archaeological sites of Priene, Miletus and Didyma, before driving on to Kusadasi. [B,D]

Day 14 Kusadasi
A wonderful day of antiquity as we visit Ephesus, the largest ancient city ever uncovered and a great place to get a feel for what life was like at the time of the Romans. As we walk down the marble-covered streets we’ll see gymnasiums, bathhouses and the Temple of Artemis. We continue to the House of the Virgin Mary. [B]

Day 15 Kusadasi - Canakkale
First stop this morning is the ancient city of Pergamum. Once ruled by Alexander the Great, it’s famous for the invention of parchment paper. We then continue on to Troy, where we view the symbolic wooden horse before arriving in Canakkale. [B,D]

Day 16 Canakkale - Istanbul
Today we visit Gallipoli where we pay homage to the Anzac legend. Our tour includes Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and the Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels. [B]

Day 17 Istanbul
This morning we visit the Archaeology Museum and the Basilica Cistern, once used as a location for the James Bond classic, From Russia With Love. This afternoon we tour the Grand Bazaar, the largest of its kind in the world packed with jewellery, spices, Turkish delights and much more! Enjoy a group farewell dinner. [B,D]

Day 18 Depart Istanbul
Enjoy your last morning in Turkey at leisure before we begin our journey home. [B]

Day 19 In transit

Day 20 Arrive in Australia
 

Turkey in Depth

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