Intriguing Turkey adventure with city tours & historic visits

About this City Break

Discover the wonders of Turkey’s Anatolia region with a tour of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ankara and more – includes breakfast, excursions and all travel

Days 1-3: Istanbul

Having arrived in Turkey you’ll immediately be swept up by the cultural phenomenon that is Istanbul. A city that spans two continents, the country’s former capital is perhaps best known as being the point where Europe ends and Asia begins, split down the middle by the mighty Bosphorus River. You’ll transfer to your hotel from the airport and have the rest of the day at your leisure, so either get acquainted with your new digs, or head straight out and start exploring.

Don’t miss out on an optional full-day tour of Istanbul on day 2, where you’ll be able to take in the city’s most emblematic sights, such as the Hagia Sophia Basilica, Topkapi Palace and the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Day 3 brings with it an unforgettable boat trip on the Bosphorus Channel that will reward you with views of the Sultans’ old palaces and traditional riverside houses. After the boat trip you’ll go to the famous Spice Bazaar before an optional excursion to the Anatolian (or Asian) side of the city, which holds the ornate Beylerbeyi Palace and the historic Eyüp neighbourhood. Afterwards it’s back to the hotel for your final night in Istanbul.

Day 4: Ankara

After breakfast at the hotel you’ll transfer to Ankara, crossing the amazing mountains of Bolu on the way. When you arrive at Turkey’s cosmopolitan capital you’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, including a visit to Anitkabir and the Mausoleum of Ataturk, which is dedicated to the founder of Modern Turkey. Spend the night in Ankara.

Days 5 & 6: Cappadocia

Continue on to Cappadocia, but not before you pass the stunning Salt Lake and 13th century Caravanserai. Cappadocia is undoubtedly famed for its unique geological formations that were created some three million years ago when Mount Erciyes and Hasan erupted and spewed soft layers of lava and ash over the landscape. Supper is served at your hotel after you arrive.

The next day, discover this fascinating region with an excursion of all the best bits, including the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, a Byzantine monastic complex featuring the finest rock-cut churches, not the mention the Valleys of Avcilar, Pasabagi and Güvercinlik, where the so-called ‘Fairy Chimneys’ are located – an underground city built by ancient communities to defend themselves from attacks. Before returning to the hotel there’s just enough time to visit a local carpet, onyx and turquoise stone workshop, where you’ll learn about the production, as well as being able to pick up some authentic souvenirs.

Day 7: Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale

After and early start today you’ll make your way to Konya, a city that used to be the capital of the Seleucid Sultans, before continuing on Pamukkale, where the white landscapes and lagoon like pools are reminiscent of something you’d find in Iceland, without the cold climate! You’ll get to go on a tour of the ancient Hellenistic city of Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, where waterfalls and natural mineral-rich pools are prevalent. Later in the day you’ll transfer to your hotel for supper.

Day 8: Pamukkale – Ephesus – Kusadasi – Izmir

Today’s all about the ancient world and the rich history behind it. You’ll start with a trip to Ephesus, a Greco-Roman city that used to be the capital of Asia Minor where you’ll be able to visit the Temple of Hadrian and Trajan, as well as the Library of Celsus. Afterward, take a poignant moment and pay homage at the House of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be the place where Mary spent the final years of her life. In the afternoon you’ll be able to soak up the sun with a panoramic tour of the pretty beach resort town Kusadasi, before transferring to your hotel in Izmir and having the evening to yourself.

Day 9: Izmir – Pergamon – Troy – Canakkale

Take an even deeper dive into the ancient world today with a stop in Pergamon, an ancient city and former epicentre of culture, commerce, and medicine. Visit the Asclepion, one of the oldest hospitals in the ancient world and philosopher Galen’s former home, before heading to the legendary city of Troy, immortalised in Homer’s Iliad. Discover the ruins of this incredible place and relive the famous saga of the siege of Troy. Your last destination today is Canakkale, a historic city home to myriad museums and sights.

Day 10: Canakkale – Bursa – Istanbul

Set off for Bursa after breakfast, the first capital of the Ottoman empire. Pay a visit to the spectacular Ulu Camii Mosque, Kozahan Silk Bazaar, and the Green Tomb of the fifth Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed I. En route back to Istanbul, you’ll briefly visit Topçular to cross the Gulf of Izmit by ferry or over the Osmangazi Bridge (the route might change for operational reasons). After you cross the gulf, you’ll head back into Istanbul for your final night.

Day 11: Istanbul

Sadly, it’s time to bring your Turkish adventure to an end and board your flight home.

Please note that the order of the itinerary will vary according to the departure date:

• Monday and Friday arrivals: 3 nights in Istanbul at the beginning, 1N Ankara, 2N Cappadocia, 1N Pamukkale, 1N Izmir, 1N Canakkale, 1N at the end in Istanbul.
• Tuesday and Saturday arrivals: 2 nights in Istanbul at the beginning, 1N Ankara, 2N Cappadocia, 1N Pamukkale, 1N Izmir, 1N Canakkale, 2N at the end in Istanbul.

This is a fast-paced itinerary that includes a comprehensive number of sights and activities in order to give you the most complete experience of Turkey. You can expect several early morning departures and a full daily schedule of activities. The total distance travelled by bus is around 2400 km.

The following optional excursions can be arranged directly with the supplier after booking:

– Full-day Istanbul city tour on Day 2: See the most emblematic sights in Istanbul, beginning with the incredible Hagia Sophia Basilica and the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans (£67 per person)
– Half-day Anatolian Istanbul excursion on Day 3: Explore the Anatolian side of Istanbul including the ornate Beyerbeyi Palace, the Eyüp neighbourhood, and more (£54 per person)
– Hot-air balloon flight in Cappadocia on Day 6: Float over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique viewpoint on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight (£294 per person)