Comfort Class Hotels
Amazing Turkey includes the sites of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul, Gallipoli, the Greco-Roman cities, the calcium pools of Pamukkale, the fairy castles and underground cities of Cappadocia, the coastal cities of the Mediterranean and two glorious days at leisure in Istanbul after returning from the Anatolian Plateau. Mostly 5* hotels and exceptional services.

Includes: All airport-hotel transfers,13 nights in  5* hotels,2 nights in Historic Special Category hotel, meals as indicated, all English language group, escorted by Tour Manager/guide, modern A/C coach touring, entry fees.

Not included: entry visa to Turkey, tipping, drinks with meals, optional activities.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Istanbul
You are met on arrival at Istanbul airport and transferred to a 5* deluxe city hotel for two nights. Welcome briefing before dinner.
 

Day 2: Istanbul  [B]
A full day, guided tour includes visits to Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, St Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Tonight we offer an optional dinner with traditional belly dance show.
 

Day 3: Gallipoli-Canakkale  [BD]
Morning departure for Gallipoli and a visit to ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetary and Chunuk Bair. Later we cross the Dardanelles by ferry to Canakkale and our hotel.
 

Day 4: Troy-Kusadasi  [BD]
We visit the legendary city of Troy with its wooden horse, tour the ancient Greek medical centre of Asclepion and continue to Kusadasi for two nights.
 

Day 5: Ephesus  [BD]
This morning we visit Ephesus, arguably the best preserved of all ancient cities, and St Mary’s Cottage. The afternoon is at leisure in Kusadasi, or you may join an optional tour to the village of Sirence.
 

Day 6: Pamukkale  [BD]
We pass through fertile valleys en-route to the thermal, terraced pools of Pamukkale and Hieropolis. Here you’ll have time to wade in the travertine pools, swim in the Sacred Pool or in the thermal pool at our hotel.
 

Day 7: Perge-Antalya  [BD]
En-route to the Mediterranean Sea and city of Antalya we stop at the ancient city of Perge. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
 

Day 8: Antalya  [BD]
A full day at leisure in resort-style Antalya. You may wish to walk down to the old harbour or explore the shops, or take an optional day yacht cruise along the Turquoise Coast.
 

Day 9: Konya  [BD]
Breakfast followed by departure. We visit the incredible amphitheatre at Aspendos before crossing  the Taurus Mountains to Konya. On arrival we visit the Mevlana Museum and Koranic School. Overnight.
 

Day 10: Cappadocia  [BD]
Departure after breakfast. We stop at the 13thC caravansarai of Agzikarahan as we drive to the ‘land of fairy castles’. This afternoon we visit the underground city of Sarhatli, and then check in at our hotel. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. Optional evening whirling dervish and folkloric show.  

Day 11: Cappadocia  [BD]
Optional early morning hot air balloon flight over the ‘fairy castles’.

After breakfast we explore the Goreme Valley and visit the villages of Avanos and Pasabagi.
 

Day 12: Ankara  [BD]
Morning departure and drive, along the shores of a salt lake, to Ankara. Afternoon visit to the Ataturk Mausoleum and the Anatolian Museum of Ancient Civilizations.
 

Day 13: Istanbul  [B]
We return to Istanbul during the morning and check in at our hotel. Afternoon at leisure or you may join an optional Bosphorus Cruise.
 

Day 14: Istanbul  [B]
Some guests transfer to the airport this morning but we transfer you to a Historic Special Category hotel in the old city of SultanAhmed-Old Istanbul, just metres from the Blue Mosque and a few minutes’ walk from the Grand Bazaar. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 15: Istanbul  [B]
A full day at leisure allows time to enjoy and appreciate the city. You may wish to stroll across the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn, or enjoy the ‘cafe culture’ of cosmopolitan Istanbul.
 

Day 16: Departure  [B]
We transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.