Welcome to Istanbul Airport (IST). Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Check-in begins at 3 PM, after which we can unwind or explore the vibrant city at our leisure. Istanbul, founded in 657 BC, stands as one of history’s most significant cities. In 330 AD, it became the Roman Empire’s new capital, evolving into a major trade hub on the Silk Road. It served as a capital for over 1,600 years, spanning the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.

**For those arriving at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), a surcharge of US$ 90 per person per transfer will apply, based on a minimum of two people.

**For those arriving at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), a surcharge of CA$ 130 per person per transfer will apply, based on a minimum of two people.

Overnight: Arena (Old City) Hotel, Istanbul (2 nights)

After breakfast at our hotel, we set out on a guided tour of Istanbul’s Ottoman and Byzantine landmarks. Palaces, museums, ancient cisterns, fountains, and pillars surround us at every turn. The Historic Areas of Istanbul*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflect the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Our journey begins at Topkapı Palace, once the main residence of Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries. Next, we visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, standing majestically opposite each other. No visit to Istanbul is complete without experiencing the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets globally, featuring 60 lanes and over 5,000 shops. Here, you’ll find exquisite jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroidery, spices, and antiques. (B)

After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Kayseri. Upon our arrival, we visit a Turasan wine factory and enjoy tasting the regional wines of Cappadocia. Then, we continue with an exciting jeep safari adventure. Driving from Göreme to Ortahisar, we visit the picturesque Ortahisar Castle, a fortress carved from volcanic rock that dates back to the Byzantine era, serving as a vital stronghold for centuries. Next, we make our way to Uzengi Valley. Our drive takes us along the brook bank, where we can see the pigeon houses carved into the rocks. Later, we arrive at Şahintepesi. After some time there, we drive back to Göreme via Pancarlık Church, a remarkable 7th-century rock-cut church renowned for its well-preserved frescoes. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Overnight: MDC Cave/Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi, Cappadocia (2 nights) (B, D)

Early in the morning, we can join an optional hot-air balloon ride (additional cost). The day continues with an exploration of Cappadocia, starting with a visit to one of the many underground cities in the area. Over a hundred such settlements exist here, created during the Byzantine era when frequent invasions led locals to carve out subterranean refuges for safety and religious practices. Our next destination is the Göreme Open Air Museum, part of Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the finest collection of painted cave churches in the region. These caves were carved by medieval Orthodox Christian monks from soft volcanic rock and adorned with intricate Byzantine frescoes dating from 1000 to 1200 AD. Afterwards, we visit Uçhisar, a natural fortress where, in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Byzantine army used the elevated rock formations for defence. We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where we explore the rich traditions behind local crafts such as hand-woven carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx, and pottery. An optional evening tour featuring a Turkish folk show and dinner is available for those interested (extra charge). (B, L)

Today we explore the 13th-century Seljuk masterpiece, Sultanhan Caravanserai, a stunning example of Seljuk stone architecture and decorative art. Built to protect the trade and military route between Konya and Aksaray, it served as a safe haven for travellers. In Konya, we visit the convent of the Whirling Dervishes and the tomb of Mevlana Jalaludin Rumi, who passed away here on December 17, 1273. Born in Balkh (modern-day Afghanistan), Rumi is one of the world’s most beloved poets.

Overnight: Adem Pira Hotel, Pamukkale (1 night) (B, D)

After breakfast, we visit Hierapolis-Pamukkale*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient city believed by the Greeks to be founded by the god Apollo. Known for its sacred hot springs, whose vapours were linked to Pluto, the god of the underworld, Hierapolis is also mentioned in Paul’s Letter to the Colossians in the Bible. Where conditions and timing permit, there may be time to swim in the thermal pools, surrounded by ancient ruins and the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale. These terraces formed as the hot spring water loses carbon dioxide while flowing down the slopes, depositing layers of limestone. The white calcium carbonate steps gave rise to the name Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle.” Later, we drive to Selçuk to explore the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, before continuing to Izmir for our overnight stay.

Overnight: Kaya Prestige, Izmir (2 nights) (B, D)

This morning, we drive to Ephesus*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a key trading hub and later an important centre for early Christianity. The impressive ruins here reflect its former role as a major Mediterranean port. Standing on the amphitheatre stage where John of Ephesus once spoke is a unique experience. We then visit the ancient Library of Celsus, rebuilt from original pieces. Constructed in 125 BC by Julius Aquila, it once housed over 12,000 scrolls, making it the largest library in the Mediterranean. After exploring, we enjoy lunch in a nomadic tent in Selçuk, tasting the local specialty, Gözleme. Next, we head to Şirince, known as one of Türkiye’s most charming villages. Once home to Orthodox Christian Greeks famous for winemaking during the Ottoman era, the tradition was revived by Muslim Turks from Thessaloniki in 1924 using local fruits. There is time to shop and sample the village’s wines. (B, L, D)

We begin the day with a scenic drive to Bergama to explore the ancient Asklepion, once a renowned healing centre in the Greek world. Dedicated to Asclepius—the god of medicine—the sanctuary was established in the mid-4th century BC in a secluded valley, where natural springs were believed to have curative powers. We then continue to Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its impressive ruins and historical significance. From here, we travel onward to the Archaeological Site of Troy*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the legendary city immortalized in Homer’s Iliad. Believed to be the site of the famed Trojan War, Troy is now a major archaeological site and national park. We end the day with dinner in Çanakkale.

Overnight: Kolin Hotel, Canakkale (1 night) (B, D)

After breakfast, we set out for Gallipoli, where we visit ANZAC Cove, the Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine, and the 57th Regiment Memorial. This peninsula was the site of a pivotal World War I campaign aimed at opening a supply route to Russia by breaking the stalemate on both the Western and Eastern fronts. For Türkiye, Gallipoli became a symbol of national resilience and unity, marking a turning point that would eventually lead to the country’s independence under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who commanded forces here. The campaign also had a profound impact on Australia and New Zealand, resulting in significant casualties and giving rise to a sense of national identity. The date of the landings, 25 April, is commemorated annually as ANZAC Day. We then continue to Istanbul for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Arena (Old City) Hotel, Istanbul (2 nights) (B)

We discover Istanbul on a backstreets tour. We begin in Istanbul’s historic 17th-century Spice Market, where we learn about the spices that shaped Ottoman cuisine, and sample Turkish delight and local nuts. Crossing the Galata Bridge, we reach the Galata district—once a Genoese settlement and now a creative hub with boutique hotels, wine cellars, and designer shops—where we enjoy traditional baklava. Along the way to Beyoğlu, a lively district with Ottoman roots, we taste Turkish coffee, sesame pretzels, and roasted chestnuts, ending with local street favourites like fried mussels, mussel dolma, and pickles before returning to our hotel. (B)

After breakfast, we are transferred to Istanbul Airport (IST)**. Check-out time is 11 AM. Please note that departure transfers to Istanbul Airport (IST) are provided by the hotel shuttle and are only available at 9 AM and 1 PM.

For those departing after 1 PM, a private transfer is available at US$ 90 per person, based on a minimum of two people. Istanbul is an ideal city to extend your stay. For details, please contact us. (B)

For those departing after 1300 hours, a private transfer is available at CA$ 130 per person, based on a minimum of 2 people. Istanbul is an ideal city to extend your stay. For details, please contact us. (B)

** For those departing from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), a surcharge of US$ 90 per person per transfer will apply, based on a minimum of two people

** For those departing from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), a surcharge of CA$ 130 per person per transfer will apply, based on a minimum of two people.