Istanbul Gallipoli Troy Pergamon Kusadasi Exploration

Upon 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 leisure to begin exploring Istanbul at your own pace. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we begin the Istanbul City Tour with a visit to the Hippodrome, once the centre of 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, formerly the Church of Divine Wisdom, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. For a thousand years, it was the worlds largest church, famed for its magnificent 6th-century golden mosaics. After lunch, we visit Asil Efendi, a lively shopping area where you can browse for exotic spices, traditional Turkish sweets and coffee, souvenirs, and other local goods. We then return to the hotel for your overnight stay in Istanbul.

We depart early for Gallipoli, stopping briefly at a roadside restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast and relax before continuing. Upon arrival, we break for lunch at a local restaurant, giving you time to rest before exploring 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 to the Gallipoli campaign. After the visit, we drive to Canakkale for hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight is in Canakkale.

After breakfast, we check out and set off for Troy, the renowned archaeological and mythological site famed as the home of 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, we explore the impressive acropolis of Pergamon, once a significant cultural and political centre known for its temples and library. On the way, we stop at a jewellery centre, as Pergamon is celebrated for its jewellery, stones and silver. Later, we arrive in Ku?adas? to check in and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

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 whitewashed houses set on a hillside. ?irince is also famous for its fruit wines; here, we tour the vineyards and learn about the wine-making process from local producers. Later, you will have the chance to test your knowledge of fruit wine production. On the return journey, we stop at a well-known leather workshop where you can shop at factory prices. This guided tour offers a relaxed shopping experience, free from the usual market pressures, while providing insight into the skills of local artisans. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Ku?adas?.

After breakfast, we transfer to Izmir Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul (flight not included). From Istanbul, you will continue your journey home. We hope you found the tour memorable and look forward to welcoming you on another trip in the future.