Istanbul & Ancient Turkey

Arrive in Istanbul

Depart for your holiday to Turkey.

On arrival in the Istanbul, you will be met our local representative who will assist you in the transfer to your hotel.

Your evening will be free to relax and get to know the area around your hotel.

Guided City Tour

Morning

Begin your Turkish adventure with a morning city tour of Istanbul, which will include visits to the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, the Egyptian Obelisks and the Roman Hippodrome.

Please note: As of July 2020, St Sophia will no longer be 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.

Free Time at Leisure

Afternoon

Istanbul is a perfect combination of modern and ancient, displaying a wide range of architecture from skyscrapers to historic mosques, churches, underground cistern and the ancient Bazaar. The afternoon will be at leisure, to relax and get to know your surroundings.

Excursion to Gallipoli

Morning - Full Day

Today we leave the bustling city of Istanbul and transfer by coach to Canakkale.

This a morning we discover more with an excursion to Gallipoli. 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.

After we take a ferry and cross the Dardanelles, where we will transfer to our hotel in Canakkale in the evening.

Lunch at a local restaurant is included today.

Half Day Excursion to Troy

Morning - Full Day

After breakfast we transfer to Güre.

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 Ayvalik or Güre (pending on your chosen date) in the evening.

Relax for the rest of the evening and become familiar with your surroundings.

Visit to Pergamum

Morning - Full Day

Lets see more! On our way to Kusadasi, we enjoy an excursion to Pergamum, it was known as one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. Included in our visit to Pergamum, is a cable car ride to the ancient Acropolis.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant today.

Transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi, in the evening.

Enjoy your evening relaxing at your hotel.

Travel to Ephesus

Full Day

This morning we enjoy a guided excursion to Ephesus, where in ancient times Ephesus was the 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. Included is a visit the Basilica of Saint John and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant today.

Free Time in Kusadasi

Full Day

You will have today free for shopping and sightseeing at your own pace in Kusadasi. Explore the local shops and markets or relax and enjoy your last day in Turkey.

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 Turkey

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

Transfer from you hotel, with guide assistance to Izmir Airport for your flight home via Istanbul.