Istanbul Gallipoli Troy Pergamon Ephesus Pamukkale Exploration

On arrival at Istanbul airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you have the rest of the day at your leisure to begin exploring the city at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we begin the Istanbul City Tour with a visit to the Hippodrome, once the centre for chariot races and home to three notable monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Next, we explore the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque for its stunning interior adorned with blue Iznik tiles. Opposite the mosque stands the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, originally the Church of Divine Wisdom and a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. For over a thousand years, it was the worlds largest church, famed for its 6th-century golden mosaics. After lunch, we visit Asil Efendi, a lively shopping area offering exotic spices, traditional Turkish sweets and coffee, as well as souvenirs. Following the tour, we transfer back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

We depart early for Gallipoli, stopping en route at a restaurant area where you can enjoy breakfast and relax before continuing. Upon arrival, we break for lunch at a local restaurant before setting off to explore the battlefields. We visit the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, starting with the Gabatepe Museum, followed by key sites including Ariburnu Cemetery and Anzac Cove, where the campaign began. The tour continues to Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair, each significant in the history of the campaign. After the visit, we drive to Canakkale for hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight in Canakkale.

After breakfast, check out and set off for Troy, the renowned archaeological and mythological site famed for the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. Following the visit, we embark on a three-hour drive to Pergamon, pausing for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, explore the impressive acropolis of Pergamon, once a major cultural and political centre known for its temples and library. On the way, we will stop at a jewellery centre, as Pergamon is celebrated for its jewellery, stones and silver. Later, arrive in Ku?adas? for hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight in Ku?adas?.

After breakfast, we set off for a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. Along the way, we visit the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the Roman baths, Celsus Library and the Grand Theatre. Following lunch, we visit a carpet weaving centre where one of Turkeys oldest crafts is still practised. Next, we continue to the village of ?irince, known for its traditional Anatolian Greek architecture with original white-painted houses on the hillside. ?irince is also famous for its fruit wines; here, you will visit local vineyards and learn about fruit wine production from Turkish winemakers. Later, you will have the chance to test your new knowledge of fruit wine making. On the return journey, we stop at a well-known leather production centre where you can shop at factory prices. This guided tour offers a relaxed shopping experience, free from the usual market pressure, while providing insight into traditional craftsmanship. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Ku?adas?.

After breakfast, we travel to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the striking calcium terraces of Pamukkaleknown as the cotton castleand explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. You will have time to stroll around this unique natural site and may choose to relax in the warm waters of the natural springs. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, we transfer to Denizli Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul (flight not included). Upon arrival, you will connect with your onward journey home. We hope you have enjoyed your tour and look forward to welcoming you on another trip in the future.