Istanbul & Ancient Turkey

Let’s travel to Türkiye (Turkey)!

We have arrived in Istanbul! We transfer to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, to relax and explore our surroundings.

Let’s start our Turkish adventure and uncover some of the highlights, diversity, and layers of Istanbul.  All aboard as we set off by coach. Let's explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat on a walking guided tour! Fall in love with the old colourful wooden houses,  stroll past vibrant stairs, old antique shops, and Instagram hot spots on our walking tour. Discover more with a historical church visit (included) before we uncover more of bustling Istanbul. During our tour we take a moment to savour a refreshing hot cup of tea or coffee either in Balat/Fener or in Sultanahamet.

Next, we step back in time at Sultanahamet; marvel the awe-inspiring Ottoman-era Blue Mosque (included),  Ancient Hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisks and walk past St. Sophia. Experience more of Istanbul on this half day guided tour.

Please note: St Sophia is no longer a museum. It has now been converted to a Mosque. During times of prayer, it may not be possible to visit the inside on your free time.

*In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the iconic Blue Mosque, restoration work is ongoing at this site. Some phases of the restoration involve scaffolding; thus a clear view of the entire Mosque may not be possible. 

The afternoon is at leisure, to delve into what this bustling city has to offer.

For those looking to discover more of this fascinating city, perhaps take time out to explore Topkapi Palace and it's treasures, explore the Hagia Sophia, or shop till you drop in the Grand Bazaar, gaze in awe at the Underground cistern something so unique and well worth the visit. Savour the tastes and smells of the Spice Bazaar, or relax and admire the views on a leisurely cruise down the Bosphorus. There is so much to see and do in Istanbul, it will always be calling you back to experience more.

Our local guide will be happy to recommend further places of interest to see and visit.

This morning we leave the bustling city of Istanbul and transfer by coach to Canakkale (approximately 330km).

We discover more with an excursion to Gallipoli en-route. This is the famous battle site during World War one where thousands of Irish, British, ANZACS, and Turkish Soldiers fought and died.

During our journey, we visit some of the places of interest, including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunuk Bair, Sulva Bay and Greenhill Cemetery.

Afterwards, we take a ferry and cross the Dardanelles, arriving at our hotel in Canakkale in the evening for a one-night stay.

Dinner is included tonight.

After breakfast we transfer to Güre (approximately 116km)

During our transfer we experience more of Ancient Turkey with a half day excursion to the legendary city of Troy, best known for being the setting of the Trojan war, which occurred after Paris of Troy stole Helen away from her husband. Step back in time and discover the former acropolis and a replica of the Trojan wooden horse.

Later we transfer to our hotel in Güre 116km or Ayvalik 180km (pending on the chosen date of travel) in the evening, where we will spend the night.

We can relax for the rest of the evening and relax more in our new surroundings.

Dinner at our hotel is included tonight.

Let’s experience more! On our way to Kusadasi (approximately 296km), we uncover Pergamum, known as one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. Let’s see more as we take the cable car up to the ancient Acropolis of Pergamum on our guided tour.

After our day of discovery of Pergamum, we transfer to our hotel in Kusadasi, arriving in the evening. Let’s unpack, relax, and unwind after a full day of adventure.

Join us for dinner! Tonight, we have dinner in our hotel and also for the next two nights of our stay. Let’s get together and enjoy our first night in Kusadasi.

Step back in time and enjoy a full day guided excursion to more fascinating places in ancient Turkey. We start our adventure with Ephesus, from ancient times home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world.

Today the ruins of Ephesus remain a sacred site for many Christians due to its association with several biblical figures including St Paul, St John, and Virgin Mary. We discover more with a visit the Basilica of Saint John and the House of the Virgin Mary where historians believe she later lived and died (included) before returning to our hotel.

Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Today we have a well-earned day of leisure. Take a refreshing dip in the sea, shop till you drop in one of the many shops and markets or sit in a café to soak up the atmosphere and watch the world go by. Savour the moments as we enjoy our last day in Turkey.

Our expert local guide will be happy to recommend places of interest to see and visit.

If you want to see more, perhaps enjoy an optional excursion on offer locally.

Optional Excursion Sirince

Half day optional Sirince tour. It is possible to book locally an optional excursion to Sirince, a small village, with over 600 people. The little village is allegedly founded by freed Greek slaves who named it “ugly” in Turkish to deter others from following them after the fall of Ephesus. It is now called Sirince, which means ‘pleasant.’ This pretty little mountainous village is mainly known for its preserved whitewashed stucco homes, lush settings, as well as its fruit-based wineries and olive groves. This tour is bookable locally please ask your guide for more details, minimum numbers apply.

Embark on a full-day optional excursion to  Pamukkale, featuring a visit to the ancient Necropolis of Hierapolis “Sacred city”. This site is one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, with over 1,200 ancient graves. Explore the Roman Bath, the impressive Domitian and Byzantium Gates, and stroll along the main street of this historic city.

Enjoy some free time to further delve deeper into the history of the region by visiting the museum of the ancient city or the Martyrium of St. Philip the Apostle. Alternatively, take a leisurely walk along Pamukkale's famous shimmering white travertine terraces, a natural geological formation with its hot springs of water. Take in the beauty of this unique natural wonder.

Alternatively, during your free time, seize the opportunity to take a dip in the thermal waters of Cleopatra’s swimming pool. Adorned with ancient ruins, this pool is renowned for its rich minerals and warm, relaxing waters. (Please note that the entrance fee for Cleopatra’s swimming pool is not included.)

Please note: This tour is not recommended for those with mobility restrictions. 

Minimum numbers apply.

Today we say farewell to Kusadasi, with fond memories of our journey through Ancient Turkey.

Transfer from our hotel to Izmir Airport for our flight home via Istanbul.