Istanbul & Ancient Turkey

Arrive in Istanbul

Let’s travel to Türkiye (Turkey)!

We have arrived in Istanbul! We transfer to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, to relax and explore our surroundings.

Discover Istanbul

Morning

Let’s start our Turkish adventure and uncover some of the highlights of Istanbul. On our half day tour, we visit the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia Mosque, the Egyptian Obelisks and the Roman Hippodrome.

We finish our tour at a Turkish art centre, where traditional arts are taught and exhibited, followed by a refreshing cup of tea or coffee at a local café (included).

Please note: St Sophia is no longer a museum. It has now been converted to a Mosque. During times of prayer, it may not be possible to visit the inside and will be viewed from the outside.

*In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the iconic Blue Mosque, restoration work is ongoing at this site. Some phases of the restoration involve scaffolding; thus a clear view of the entire Mosque may not be possible. 

At Leisure - Uncover more of Istanbul

Afternoon

The afternoon is at leisure, to relax and get to know your surroundings.

For those looking to discover more of this fascinating city, perhaps take time out to explore Topkapi Palace, shop till you drop in the Grand Bazaar, savour the tastes and smells of the Spice Bazaar, or relax and admire the views on a leisurely cruise down the Bosphorus.

Our expert local guide will be happy to recommend further places of interest to see and visit.

Discover World War 1 Gallipoli Battle Site

Morning - Full Day

This morning we leave the bustling city of Istanbul and transfer by coach to Canakkale (approximately 330km).

We discover more with an excursion to Gallipoli en-route. This is the famous battle site during World War one where thousands of Irish and British soldiers fought and died.

During our journey, we visit some of the places of interest, including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunuk Bair, Sulva Bay and Greenhill Cemetery.

Afterwards, we take a ferry and cross the Dardanelles, arriving at our hotel in Canakkale in the evening for a one-night stay.

Lunch at a local restaurant and dinner at our hotel are included today.

See More on a Guided Tour of Troy

Morning - Full Day

After breakfast we transfer to Güre (approximately 116km).

During our transfer we experience more of Ancient Turkey with a half day excursion to the legendary city of Troy, best known for being the setting of the Trojan war, which occurred after Paris of Troy stole Helen away from her husband. Step back in time and discover the former acropolis and a replica of the Trojan wooden horse.

Later we transfer to our hotel in Güre or Ayvalik (pending on the chosen date of travel) in the evening, where we will spend the night.

We can relax for the rest of the evening and become familiar with our surroundings.

Dinner at our hotel is included tonight.

Uncover Pergamum en-route to Kusadasi

Morning - Full Day

Let’s experience more! On our way to Kusadasi (approximately 296km), we uncover Pergamum, known as one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. Let’s see more as we take the cable car up to the ancient Acropolis of Pergamum on our guided tour.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant today.

After our day of discovery of Pergamum, we transfer to our hotel in Kusadasi, arriving in the evening. Let’s unpack, relax, and unwind after a full day of adventure.

Join us for dinner! Tonight, we have dinner in our hotel and also for the next two nights of our stay. Let’s get together and enjoy our first night in Kusadasi.

See More including Ephesus, Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of St John

Full Day

Step back in time and enjoy a full day guided excursion to more fascinating places in ancient Turkey. We start our adventure with Ephesus, from ancient times home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world.

Today the ruins of Ephesus remain a sacred site for many Christians due to its association with several biblical figures including St Paul, St John, and Virgin Mary. We discover more with a visit the Basilica of Saint John and the House of the Virgin Mary where historians believe she later lived and died (included) before returning to our hotel.

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant

Discover Kusadasi at Leisure

Full Day

Today we have a well-earned day of leisure. Take a refreshing dip in the sea, shop till you drop in one of the many shops and markets or sit in a nearby café to soak up the atmosphere and watch the world go by. Savour the moments as we enjoy our last day in Turkey.

Our expert local guide will be happy to recommend places of interest to see and visit.

Optional Excursion

Half Day Optional Excursion

Half day Sirince tour. It is possible to book locally an excursion to Sirince, a small village, with over 600 people. The little village is allegedly founded by freed Greek slaves who named it “ugly” in Turkish to deter others from following them after the fall of Ephesus. It is now called Sirince, which means ‘pleasant.’ This pretty little mountainous village is mainly known for its preserved whitewashed stucco homes, lush settings, as well as its fruit-based wineries and olive groves. This tour is bookable locally please ask your guide for more details.

Depart Izmir via Istanbul

Today we say farewell to Kusadasi, with fond memories of our journey through Ancient Turkey.

Transfer from our hotel to Izmir Airport for our flight home via Istanbul.