Wonders of Turkey
Explore Turkey’s ancient wonders and stunning landscapes, visiting historic sites like Gallipoli, Troy, and Ephesus. Marvel at the limestone terraces of Pamukkale and the unique rock formations of Cappadocia. End your journey with a visit to the underground city of Kaymaklı before returning to Istanbul.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Turkey
Day 1 Welcome to Turkey
Sunday. Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, we'll meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure—whether you want to unwind after your journey or begin exploring the captivating city of Istanbul. Later this evening, your guide will reach out with important tour details and information about tomorrow's departure.
Day 2 Gallipoli - WW1 Battlefields
Day 2 Gallipoli - WW1 Battlefields
Istanbul – Gallipoli. Today we explore ANZAC Cove and the many memorials dotted across the WW1 battlefields. Our guided tour takes in sights including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years.
Day 3 Troy & Kusadasi
Day 3 Troy & Kusadasi
Gallipoli – Kusadasi. This morning we enjoy a short guided tour of Troy. The legend of the lost city of Troy and Homer’s poetry was brought to life by it’s rediscovery in 1863. Subsequent excavations revealed nine ancient cities, one on top of the other, dating back to 3000 BC. We enjoy a tour of the ruins and admire a replica of the Trojan wooden horse that, as legend goes, was filled with Aechaean soldiers who helped to sack Troy.
Driving further south we reach the ancient ruins of Pergamum, home to one of the steepest amphitheatres in the classical world. Pergamum was also famous for its Asclepion (medical centre). We continue to Kusadasi on the Aegean Coast via a leather manufacturing house.
Day 4 Ancient Ephesus
Day 4 Ancient Ephesus
Today, we explore legendary Ephesus - perhaps the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Under Roman rule, Ephesus was a vast and prosperous city with a population nearing 250,000. It was an important centre of commerce and a popular destination for pilgrims who came to see the great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders.
We have plenty of time to tour the marble ruins of Ephesus. Discover the famous Library of Celsus, the Stadium, the gymnasium of Vedius and the Great Theatre. We’ll see ancient public toilets, a brothel, fountains and various temples. There's also a visit to a carpet manufacturing house.
Day 5 Pamukkale Thermal Pools
Day 5 Pamukkale Thermal Pools
Kusadasi – Pamukkale. Driving east, we arrive at Pamukkale - home of the famous gleaming white calcium terraced pools. Known locally as the Cotton Castles, they're a natural phenomena and gift from Mother Nature. Pamukkale was formed when warm, calcium rich mineral water cascaded over the cliff edge, cooling and depositing in the process. The calcium built natural shelves and pools on the cliffs are known as travertines. Take a barefoot walk along the travertines or opt for a dip in the warm waters of the thermal pool, with its submerged fragments of fluted marble columns.
Our last stop of the day is the ruined spa town of Hierapolis, famed for the curative powers of its mineral springs. These were dammed to create communal baths.
Day 6 Fairytale Cappadocia
Day 6 Fairytale Cappadocia
Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia. This morning, we depart from Pamukkale and journey towards Cappadocia, making a notable stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a beautifully preserved example of ancient Silk Road architecture. Continue through the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys and unique geological formations. Arrive in Cappadocia and check into your hotel, where you'll spend the two nights.
Day 7 Explore Cappadocia
Day 7 Explore Cappadocia
Today, we enjoy a guided tour of Cappadocia - perhaps the jewel in Turkey’s crown. Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most extraordinary national treasures. The utter improbability of the surreal landscape has to be seen to be believed with its ‘stuff of fables’ cave dwellings and phallic ‘fairy chimneys’ landscape. Whole troglodyte villages, subterranean churches and fortresses have been hewn from the soft, porous, eerily eroded rock of Cappadocia.
A guided tour of the region takes us to the World Heritage listed Goreme Valley. See stunning examples of rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels and temples. Marvel at Zelve, with its phallic-like eroded landscape. Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley, where centuries old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs. Our tour also takes in the incredible Uchisar castle-mountain. Enjoy marvelous views of Cappadocia from the summit and explore the underground city of Kaymakli.
You'll also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, which specializes in historic jewellery designs that are unique to Turkey and crafted using local materials. For those not interested in shopping, there's time to relax and grab a drink from the local cafe. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 8 Goodbye
Day 8 Goodbye
Sunday. Cappadocia - Istanbul. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Istanbul, arriving at IST airport by 12pm. To account for any potential delays, we recommend booking any onward flights after 3pm. Alternatively, contact us to book a night of post-tour accommodation.
The tour concludes upon arrival in Istanbul. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!
Tour Highlights
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Prices & Dates
Hotels
The charming Kent Hotel is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.
Remida Hotel serves as your gateway to the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Çanakkale, seamlessly blending modern luxury with historical charm. Enjoy panoramic views from your room, where you can watch the first ships entering the Dardanelles and gaze across the Gulf of Saros to the distant Greek islands of Samothrace and Lemnos. Designed with minimalist glam, the hotel’s lobby features artifacts from ancient Troy and showcases the exquisite handicrafts of Çanakkale. Each room is equipped with modern comforts, including air conditioning, a mini bar, television, hair dryer, and kettle.
Set in landscaped gardens, the Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel has an envious location in Pamukkale. Guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and offer a wonderful level of comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep. The on site thermal spa offers guests the chance to relax, revitalise and enjoy what this region is most famous for. Breakfast can be eaten outside on the terrace while dinner is often taken by the shimmering water of the pool.
Burcu Kaya Hotel, nestled in Cappadocia's Ortahisar District, offers an enchanting stay with its outdoor pool overlooking fairy chimneys, charming stone rooms, and a peaceful garden. The air-conditioned rooms combine authentic decor with modern comforts like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Guests can enjoy meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients at the on-site restaurant or relax with a drink by the lobby bar's fireplace. The hotel also offers activities such as table tennis, darts, and billiards, along with 24-hour assistance. Conveniently located, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Ortahisar town center.
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