Wonders of Turkey

11 Days trip from Istanbul to Istanbul visiting 1 Country and 10 Cities

1 | Arrive Istanbul
It’s the city Napoleon said should be the capital of Earth
and while it may not have reached that stature, Istanbul’s
history as the capital of two great empires has left an
enviable legacy of art, architecture and culture. Where
better to begin your journey across Turkey than in its
cultural capital, the gateway to the Orient? Arrive at your
hotel and explore the city your way before meeting your
Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse into what
lies ahead.
Hotel: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Day 2 | Istanbul sightseeing and free time
Discover how centuries of Ottoman rule shaped the city's
heritage as the meeting point between East and West when
you join your Travel Director this morning for a guided
sightseeing tour. See Hagia Sophia, once the leading
church in Christendom, the Hippodrome and the Blue
Mosque. Later, you’ll have time to explore Istanbul your
way or consider a Choice Experience to the Topkapi Palace
Museum and a cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait that
separates Europe and Asia.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Topkapi Palace and Bosphorus Cruise - Today, you'll be stepping into the world of Ottoman luxury at the Topkapi Palace
Museum, where sultans once ruled and reveled. But that's just the start. Next, you'll hit the waters for a cruise along the
Bosphorus, the mighty river that splits Istanbul between two continents. This 90-minute journey is your front-row seat to
history, unfolding the river's crucial roles, the charm of old Istanbul, and the buzz of the city today.
Adult: 110.00 EUR
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Day 3 | Istanbul – Ankara
Ramble past the colourful displays of lanterns, pottery and
fabric as you wander through one of the world’s oldest and
largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar. The scents of
Turkish tea will linger long after you leave Istanbul, bound
for Ankara. On arriving in the Turkish capital, you’ll visit the
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: New Park
Day 4 | Ankara – Cappadocia
The hometown of the Hittites is under the spotlight this
morning. Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder and
father of the Turkish Republic, then continue to the
whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the
underground city of Saratli.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Ramada by Wyndham
Day 5 | Cappadocia sightseeing and free time
Admire Cappadocia's fairy-tale chimneys this morning as
you journey to Paþabaði and Red Valley. Visit a regional rug
production centre, then enjoy an afternoon on your own
amidst the fantasy landscapes left by Mother Nature in the
ochre rock. A Choice Experience in Göreme reveals how
Christians once worshipped in the many rock churches that
remain to this day. This evening, you could join a Choice
Experience with the Whirling Dervishes, watching them
whirl round and round in remembrance of God.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Ramada by Wyndham
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Göreme and Avanos Sightseeing - Dive into the heart of Göreme, where history and stunning landscapes collide. This gem
in Cappadocia is not just about its breathtaking rock formations; it's a journey back to Roman times. Imagine wandering
through ancient rock-hewn churches, a testament to the area's deep-rooted Christian heritage. Next up, continue to
Avanos, where the earth itself crafts beauty. This town's famed for its top-notch pottery, a tradition that turns clay into
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art.
Adult: 55.00 EUR
Whirling Dervishes and Cappadocian Dinner - Get ready for an entrancing experience with the Sema ceremony of the
Whirling Dervishes, a profound display of Turkey's deep-rooted traditions and history. Witness this spiritual dance and feel
the essence of Turkish heritage come alive right before your eyes. Once the ceremony is over, you'll head to a nearby local
restaurant where you'll savour varieties of authentic Turkish dishes, special to the Cappadocia region.
Adult: 71.00 EUR
Day 6 | Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale
First up is the ancient city of Konya, the final resting place
of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana, whose famous
mausoleum you will visit before continuing to the cotton
fortress of Pamukkale, home to mineral-rich thermal
waters that cascade down snow-white travertine terraces.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Richmond Thermal
Day 7 | Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Izmir
The ethereal white pools and terraces that cascade down
the surrounding cliffs are a sight to behold this morning as
you see the ruins of the ancient Roman health spa of
Hierapolis. Head west to the Aegean coastline, arriving in
Izmir in time to spend some time exploring this pretty port
town, with its lengthy promenade. Learn about its
multicultural past, and its history as a Greek city. Consider
joining an optional seafood dinner at a favourite local
restaurant renowned for its stunning views.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Ontur Otel Izmir
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Izmir Seafood Dinner - Set your sights on the Kordon for an unforgettable seafood feast at one of Izmir's top restaurants.
With breathtaking views and the title for the tastiest fish dishes along the Turkish coast, you're in for a treat with an array of
seafood and meze wonders. And if seafood's not your thing, no sweat—they've got you covered with plenty of delicious
alternatives. (Drinks not included).
Adult: 72.00 EUR
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Day 8 | Izmir Free Time
Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure or our Choice
Experience could see you visit Ephesus, a 2,000-year-old
site and home to the iconic Library of Celsus and Hadrian’s
Temple. Included in this experience is a visit to the stone
cottage, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her
final years, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
Afterwards visit the glassmakers of Nazarköy village and
discover the region's connection with the Evil eye beads on
a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Ontur Otel Izmir
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Tour of the Virgin Mary’s House at Ephesus with lunch - Wander back in time as you explore Ephesus, a gem of ancient
Mediterranean history. This 2000-year-old settlement opens its past to you like the Arcadian Way, an epic Amphitheatre,
and the stunningly preserved Library of Celsus. Head up to Mount Koressos to visit the serene House of the Virgin Mary,
perched high above the Ephesus ruins. After soaking in some of Turkey's most awe-inspiring historical sites, you'll head to
the vibrant town of Selçuk for lunch before heading to Nazarköy for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience contributing to
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Adult: 115.00 EUR
Day 9 | Izmir - Troy - Çanakkale
On today’s agenda is a visit to Troy, the ancient city that
inspired Homer’s tales of Achilles' wrath and the legendary
siege, only broken by the clever construction of a wooden
Trojan horse, a replica of which can still be seen today.
Continue to Çanakkale, where dinner is served at your hotel
this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Büyük Truva
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Day 10 | Çanakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul
A poignant start to the day takes you to Gallipoli, where
fierce World War I battles left a lasting legacy. Visit Anzac
Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair to honour the
soldiers who gave their lives on both sides of the conflict.
Then it’s back to Istanbul for your final night. Fancy one last
hurrah? Join a Choice Experience with dinner, drinks and a
belly dancing show that brings the buzz of Istanbul to life.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Dinner, Drums and Belly Dancing - This is Istanbul turned all the way up. Tuck into a tasty dinner with unlimited drinks while
belly dancers, darbuka drummers and folk acts light up the stage. Big beats, bold moves and non-stop energy: this night’s
got flavour, rhythm and more than a little sparkle.
Adult: 145.00 EUR
Day 11 | Depart Istanbul
Your whirlwind encounter with the wonders of Turkey has
come to an end. You’ve stood at the crossroads of East
and West, trod in the footsteps of the ancients and
admired ethereal landscapes that belong in a storybook.
For now it’s time to end this chapter with a heartfelt
farewell to your newfound friends.

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