Grand Tour of Turkey

Fly from your chosen airport to Istanbul. Two nights at the 4-star Lamartine Hotel. Welcome dinner. (D)

A tour today takes you to visit Turkey's largest and most grandiose palace, the Dolmabahçe, dominating the waterside; and to the 15th century Yedicule Fortress, ‘The Castle of Seven Towers’, it's square twin towers forming the city's Golden Gate, it's dungeons steeped in gruesome legends. Later, cruise along the Bosphorus, passing palaces, mosques and villas. (B) 

Skirting the Sea of Marmara, travel (4½ hrs) to Gallipoli and the sites of the ANZAC landings, and sail across the Dardanelles to Çanakkale’s cobbled lanes and clocktower Overnight at the 4-star Kolin Hotel. (B, D)

Explore the ruins of ancient Troy (its legend celebrated with a huge wooden horse on the seafront of the contemporary town) and visit its museum, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts from various periods of Troy’s history. Travel to modern Bergama to view the acropolis of Pergamon, high on a hill above the town, with ancient tunnels, temples and a theatre sprinkled below. Continue to Izmir for an overnight stay at the 5-star hotel Mövenpick Izmir. (B, L, D)

Follow in the footsteps of biblical saints in the ruins of ancient Ephesus, where marble-paved streets are lined with a feast of iconic monuments. Visit the Roman Terrace houses, museum, and 6th century Basilica of St. John, built over his burial site. Later, head to a village in Selçuk for a demonstration on silk
production and hand-made carpet weaving done by passionate artisans showcasing their incredible craftmanship with colourful traditional pieces. Transfer to the 5-star Elite World Kusadasi Hotel (4-star Ilaya Avantgarde in 2026) for two nights. (B, D)

Morning visit to Degirmen Organic Farm and Olive Oil Museum. Afterwards, travel to Sirince Village, a charming former Greek village for fruit wine tasting and learn about the traditional methods of wine production unique to this region. Enjoy a free afternoon in Kusadasi. (B, D)

Teaming Greek and Roman traditions in the sculpted marble of the 2nd century BC city of Aphrodisias, the star of the archaeological site is the Temple of Aphrodite, our first visit today; before continuing to the Roman ruins and calcified waterfalls of Pamukkale. Overnight at the 5-star Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel. (B, D)

We continue eastward (6 hrs) to Konya, the Seljuk capital, to visit the Mevlana (Whirling Dervishes) Museum and to see the mosques and madrasah of Karatay. Overnight at the 5-star Novotel Konya. (B, L, D)

Visit Konya’s Alâeddin Mosque and travel (3 hrs) to Cappadocia’s high plateau region, stopping en route at the small town of Sultan Han, in an isolated spot on the old Silk Road, to see the Seljuk Caravanserai, the largest in Turkey. Later, visit a pottery workshop in Avanos, where unique local mud is transformed into beautiful ceramics by skilled artisans. Two nights at the boutique World Cave House. (B, D)

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with an optional hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia (pre-bookable). As you gently ascend into the skies at dawn, witness the breathtaking panorama of fairy chimneys, ancient rock formations, and lush valleys bathed in the golden light of the rising sun.
Experience the awe-inspiring landscape of the Göreme Valley, with unique chimneys, its rock-hewn churches, Uçhisar castle and subterranean city of Kaymakli. 
Optional Whirling Dervish ceremony at an ancient caravanserai (pre-bookable). (B, D)

Discover the UNESCO listed ruins of Hattusha, the Bronze Age capital of the Hittite empire, with its city walls, King’s, Sphinx and Lion Gates, rock temple, and mysterious glassy green stone at the Great Temple complex. Continue to Ankara (3 hrs) for overnight at the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel. (B, D) 

Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and Atatürk’s Mausoleum which crowns a hill at the heart of Ankara, approached via an avenue of stone lions; before going back in time to the 7th century BC tomb of King Midas at Gordion. Overnight in Bursa (4 hrs) at the 5-star Movenpick Bursa. (B, D) 

A morning tour takes you to the architecture and artistry of three mosques – the Great, the Green and the Muradiye, and continue to Bursa’s Ottoman tombs and the silk bazaar. Leave Bursa by road to Istanbul and stay two nights at the 4-star Lamartine Hotel. (B)

The final day is filled with visits to Istanbul’s most iconic sights, the 6th century St. Sophia church/mosque, the multi-minareted Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, the mystical subterranean structures of the Basilica Cistern, and the jewel in the crown of Sultanahmet Square, the lavishly opulent Topkapi Palace; rounding-off the day with a rooftop dinner. (B, D)

Return flight from Istanbul. (B)