Uncover the Mystery of Turkey

Start your magical journey today with a flight from the UK to Istanbul, an incredible city that combines influences from the East and the West. The city’s impressive sights, sounds, and smells will enchant you as soon as you land. But first, check in to local accommodations like the Levni Hotel, where you’ll spend three nights. Then, indulge in a welcome drink as you prepare for the excitement ahead.

(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)

Begin your day at the Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque, a former Greek Orthodox church rebuilt in 532 CE and converted into a mosque in 1453 CE. Admire the beautiful mosaics, frescoes, and the grand dome that soars above the building. Next, meander through the Blue Mosque, an impressive structure with six minarets and over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles.
Then, visit the remaining structures of the Hippodrome, once the site of chariot races and other events during the Byzantine period that could hold up to 100,000 people. Afterward, descend into the Basilica Cistern for a unique experience. This underground chamber was built in 532CE and had 336 columns. Finally, explore the bustling Egyptian Bazaar that was built in 1664. Shop for spices, nuts, souvenirs, and other goods in this vibrant market.

(B)

Start your journey by visiting the Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans that has been standing since its completion in 1478. Roam through the magnificent courtyards and marvel at the breathtaking architecture. Then, move on to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. The bazaar was built in 1455 and currently boasts 61 covered streets with more than 4,000 shops to explore. Enjoy traditional Turkish coffee as you take in the atmosphere of this vibrant marketplace.
Then, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city further. You can visit more incredible monuments, like the Süleymaniye Mosque or the Dolmabahçe Palace, explore more of the past by visiting the Istanbul Archeological Museum or the Sadberk Hanım Museum, or indulge in a bit more shopping and people-watching.

(B)

Today, head to Canakkale, where you will learn about the poignant history of the Gallipoli campaign of World War I. Visit the hauntingly beautiful Cape Helles, where British and French troops landed, and pay your respects to the memorials commemorating the fallen soldiers.
Explore the extraordinary military landscape at Suvla Bay, where the Allied forces launched a powerful but unsuccessful attack. Finally, visit Anzac Cove, the site of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’ landing on April 25, 1915. Stay in local accommodations like the Kolin Hotel for one night.

(B, D)

Start the day by exploring the legendary city of Troy, the setting for Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. Get a firsthand look at the ruins of this once-great city, including its famous city walls and defensive towers, as well as its many other houses and public buildings. Also, don’t miss seeing the renowned Temple of Athena.
Next, you’ll head to Pergamon, an ancient city that used to be the capital of the Pergamon Kingdom during the Attalid dynasty. Explore the ancient acropolis, a hilltop citadel that overlooks the city. Then, visit the Asclepion, a healing temple dedicated to the god of medicine and healing, Asclepius. After, explore the Red Basilica, a magnificent temple complex built in the 2nd century CE and dedicated to Egyptian Gods.
Spend the night in Izmir in comfortable accommodations such as the Key Hotel.

(B)

Start your day by exploring the ancient ruins of the city of Hierapolis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a significant ancient city populated by Greeks and Romans. Visit the Ancient Theater, the Necropolis, the Temple of Apollo, and the Plutonium, an underground cave filled with toxic gas believed to be a gate to the underworld.
Continue to Pamukkale, an enchanting geological site. See the white travertine terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal springs. Take a dip in the thermal pools, which are believed to have healing properties. Finally, visit Laodicea, a former port city of the Roman Empire founded in 260 BCE, and explore the fascinating ruins, including the remains of a stadium, a theatre, and some temples and other public buildings. Enjoy an overnight stay in Pamukkale, at the Doga Thermal Hotel.

(B, D)

Today, journey through the ancient ruins of the city of Aphrodisias. This city was dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and was once a thriving cultural center. Visit the Temple of Aphrodite, built in the 3rd century BCE to honor the goddess and made out of marble thanks to the nearby marble quarries that were the source of Aphrodisians’ wealth.
Continue by exploring the impressive Ancient Theater of Aphrodisias built in the 1st century BCE, the Sebasteion temple complex dedicated to Roman Emperors, and the Portico of Tiberius. Afterward, travel to the village of Sirince to taste some local wines at a nearby vineyard. You’ll spend two nights in charming Kusadasi in local accommodations, like the La Vista Boutique Hotel Kusadasi.

(B)

Today, explore the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus. Once the Roman capital of Asia Minor, Ephesus was founded in the 10th century BCE on the site of Apasa, the former capital of Arzawa.
Discover the iconic Temple of Artemis, named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World due to its colossal size. Once the largest building in the world, the temple boasted over 127 columns about 18 meters high each. Next, visit the Library of Celsus, an ancient library dedicated to Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the Roman governor of Asia. Other attractions include the Grand Theater and the Temple of Hadrian.
Afterward, visit the house of the Virgin Mary, a sacred Christian site where Mother Mary was said to have spent her last days. Finally, spend the afternoon exploring more of Ephesus or discovering the ancient Ionian ports of the Menderes Valley, such as Priene, which was founded in the 8th century BCE.

(B)

Today, this fantastic tour comes to an end. But before you leave, you’ll have time to explore the beautiful coastal city of Kusadasi. Relax on the pristine beaches, explore the vibrant bazaars, or wander the narrow streets and admire the stunning architecture. Then, after a morning of exploring, it’s time to take to the skies and fly back to the UK with memories of your incredible time in Turkey that will last a lifetime.

(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)