Overview
Another travel package ideal for the first time visitor to Turkey this time including the battlefields of Gallipoli and the mythological site of Troy. Tour the highlights of Istanbul, natural wonders of Cappadocia & Pamukkale, ruins of Ephesus & Troy along with the memorials of Gallipoli. Available on a daily basis and fully flexible. Optional adventure activities like hot air balloon rides or horse rides etc can also be added.
Tour itinerary
DAY 01 - Arrival to Istanbul:
Meet on arrival to Istanbul Airport and transfer on to the hotel. Remainder of the day/evening is then free for you to relax or begin to explore your surroundings. Overnight in Istanbul
meals: none
DAY 02 - Sultanahmet Sightseeing Tour:
After breakfast meet in hotel lobby to begin exploring some of the most amazing sights that the historical area has to offer. Guided tour includes the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome and Obelisk, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (excluding optional extra entrance to Harem room). Evening free at leisure to stroll around and enjoy dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul.
meals: breakfast & lunch included.
DAY 03 - Bosphorous Cruise:
This morning enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorous during which you have views from the vessel of various historical sights that line its shores. The guided tour also includes a visit to the famous Spice Bazaar & Rustempasha Mosque. Remainder of the day and evening then free at leisure to explore around on your own, there is so much to do & see in Istanbul! Overnight in Istanbul
meals: breakfast included
*Tour can be extended to full day option which then includes visit to Dolmabahce Palace and lunch at local restaurant
DAY 04 - Gallipoli Tour:
Breakfast, check out and meet for transfer to Eceabat. On arrival break for lunch before starting the Gallipoli Battlefields and Memorials Tour. The guide will take you to see the Kabatepe Museum, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly (Turkish& Allied trenches and tunnels), The Nek and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Then cross by car ferry and arrive to Canakkale for overnight stay. The evening is at leisure or for those that wish there are screenings of 4 Corners Documentary "Fatal Shore" and the "Gallipoli" movie starring Mel Gibson.
meals: breakfast & lunch included (dinner optional)
DAY 05 - Troy Tour & travel to Kusadasi:
A morning excursion to visit the famous archaeological and mythological city of Troy, home of the "Trojan Horse" & "Helen of Troy". Return to Canakkale by noon and then either some free time at leisure until departure on the drive to Kusadasi with mid evening arrival or depart earlier in the day by intercity bus. Overnight in Kusadasi
meals: breakfast & dinner included
DAY 06 - Ephesus Sightseeing Tour:
Today emmerse yourself in Greek & Roman history during a visit of Ancient Ephesus. Here you have the chance to walk down marble streets, view the magnificent Celsius Library and the Grand Theatre, just a few of the many buildings and fountains that can be found in this open air museum. Also visit the House of Virgin Mary & remains of Artemis Temple. Overnight in Kusadasi.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 07 - Hierapolis ruins & Pamukkale:
Breakfast, check out and depart on tour visiting the natural formation of travertens in Pamukkale (cotton castle) along with the ruins if Hierapolis. End of tour with transfer to bus station for travel by overnight intercity bus to Cappadocia.
meals: breakfast & lunch included
***If you do not wish to travel by overnight bus we can instead arrange by flight, please advise preference
DAY 08 - Cappadocia Tour with Goreme:
Arrive early morning (if by overnight bus) and meet for transfer to hotel. Then join on full day guided tour taking you to visit Devrent Valley and Monk's Valley (Pasabagi) where you find the world famous fairy chimneys; break for lunch in Avanos, a village famous for its pottery; then visit Goreme Open-Air Museum and explore the numerous churches and monasteries with their frescoes. These churches and monasteries where carved from the soft volcanic stone and decorated by Medieval Orthodox Christian Monks around 1000-1200AD. Also view Uchisar Natural rock castle. Overnight in Cappadocia.
meals: lunch included
DAY 09 - Cappadocia Valleys & Underground City:
*Optional: very early morning 1 hour hot air balloon ride, amazing views over the valleys
After breakfast join on another full day tour this time starting with a 4km (medium grade) hike in Red Valley exploring rock-cut churches and colorful fairy chimneys along the way. Visit Cavusin (old Greek village) then time for lunch before heading on to delve down into Kaymakli Underground City. The day also includes panoramic views at Pigeon Valley with its famous dove cotes & Ortahisar. Then transfer to airport for departure on domestic flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
meals: breakfast & lunch included
*If you would prefer to visit Derinkuyu Underground City & hike in Ihlara Valley please advise preference
DAY 10 - Departure:
Breakfast, check out and per your international flight depature time transfer to Istanbul Ataturk (or SAW) Airport.