tÜrkiye: crossroads of cultures

• Discover a Roman legacy in Istanbul’s hippodrome, Basilica Cisterns and impressive Theodosian walls, as well as the historic rise of the ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque

• Enjoy a private cruise along the Bosphorus and a wine tasting in Cappadocia

• Admire Cappadocia’s stunning fairy chimney landscapes, subterranean cave cities and beautiful frescoes in rock-cut churches

• Appreciate Roman ingenuity and engineering at Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient world

• Be moved by the spirit of the ANZACs at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Memorial on the Gallipoli Peninsula

FRIDAY 27 MARCH – ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL (D)

An arrival transfer from Istanbul Airport is included for all participants; contact us for further information. Meet tour leader Dr Helen Pope and your fellow travellers at 5.00pm in the lobby of our hotel in Istanbul for an orientation stroll before we gather for a welcome dinner. Overnight Istanbul.

SATURDAY 28 MARCH – ROMAN ISTANBUL (B, L)

This morning, we head to Sultanahmet on a walking tour exploring the city’s glorious ancient past. Commissioned in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian, the Basilica Cistern serviced the Great Palace and surrounding areas with its 80,000-ton water storage capacity. We descend under the city to examine the rows of 336 marble columns, evoking a grand cathedral as they rise ethereally from the depths. We continue to the Hippodrome, the centre of Byzantium and of Ottoman life for 1,400 years. It was used as a public arena for chariot races and political gatherings. Monuments symbolising the strength of the Empire, such as the Serpent Column from Delphi and Obelisk of Theodosius, still remain in situ today. After lunch in a nearby restaurant we visit the storied Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, an architectural jewel first constructed by Emperor Constantine. The largest Byzantine church in Istanbul, it was where Christian rulers were crowned. When the Ottomans conquered Constantinople under Sultan Mehmet, it was converted into a mosque with the addition of a minaret, a mihrab facing Mecca, Turkish calligraphy and tiles. Christian iconography remains in the gold, silver and terracotta tesserae mosaics, depicting scenes from heaven and the archangels Gabriel and Michael, Jesus and Mary portrayed alongside Emperors Constantine and Justinian. From 1934, when Kemal Atatürk secularised the monument, it served as a museum and was converted back to a functioning mosque in 2020. This evening, we survey the incredible wealth of treasures from the Assyrian, Hittite, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilisations held at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, on an exclusive visit. The extensive collection of statuary, the intricately carved Alexander and Lycian Sarcophagi, recovered from the Necropolis of Sidon in Lebanon, and the “Istanbul through the Ages” exhibition are highlights of our visit. Overnight Istanbul.

SUNDAY 29 MARCH – CRUISE ON THE BOSPHORUS (B)

Embarking on a private boat, we finally cruise the Bosphorus for a pleasant perspective from which to view the city skyline. Our cruise takes us past Rumeli Fortress strategically built on the orders of Mehmed the Conqueror at the narrowest section of the Bosphorus Strait. The fortress stands as testament to the architectural brilliance of the Ottomans and played a pivotal role in the conquest of Constantinople. Located on the European side of the Bosphorus, Dolambahçe Palace represents the glory days of the Ottoman Empire. The European style neoclassical exterior eschews the traditional Ottoman pavilions of Topkapi Palace and opulent European interiors by the designer of the Paris Opera. We wander through extravagant chandelier filled rooms with ornate gold ceilings and admire the Sultans collection of Western art decorating the halls. We then continue to Kariye Mosque, situated in the Fatih district outside of the original city walls constructed by Constantine the Great. Originally known as the Chora Church, it was constructed in the early fourth century but was substantially rebuilt in the Middle Ages. It remains one of Istanbul’s most striking examples of Byzantine architecture, renowned for its stunning and well-preserved mosaics and frescoes. Returning to the hotel the evening is at leisure. Overnight Istanbul.

MONDAY 30 MARCH – ERA OF THE OTTOMANS (B, L)

As the main residence and administrative centre of the powerful Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years, the opulent Topkapi Palace holds a significant place in Istanbul’s history. We explore the sprawling grounds and pavilions, laid out between the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Exquisitely crafted Iznik tiles decorate the Harem, the imperial family headquarters but also the place where the sultan accommodated up to 300 concubines schooled in Islam and Turkish culture and language. After lunch near the palace, we visit the Museum of Islamic Arts & Crafts. The museum brings together Turkish and Islamic art through its rich collection of carpets, glassware, calligraphy and ceramics dating back to the seventh century. Afterwards, we view a section of the fifth-century city Walls of Constantinople, which defended against invasion by land and sea until they were finally breached by Ottoman cannons in 1453. Continuing to the Sultanahmet Mosque, we survey the Sultan’s imperial display of strength, designed to surpass the Hagia Sophia in size and majesty, to placate Allah and to bring victory in warfare. After crossing the courtyard, as large as the mosque itself, we discover how over 20,000 blue and white floral Iznik tiles adorning the interior lend the Blue Mosque its common name. Overnight Istanbul.

TUESDAY 31 MARCH – TO CAPPADOCIA (B, L, D)

We check out of the hotel this morning and head to Istanbul Airport for our flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival we make our way to lunch before exploring the Göreme Open Air Museum, an amazing landscape of free-standing formations of volcanic tuff - eroded over time into the distinctive fairy chimneys unique to the region.  The UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses 4th century rock-cut monasteries that became centres for Christian pilgrimage and cave churches filled with splendid Byzantine frescoes dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries. We continue Ürgüp and check into our underground hotel. Dinner is in the hotel this evening. Overnight Ürgüp.

WEDNESDAY 01 APRIL – CAVE CITIES AND FAIRY CHIMNEYS (B, L, D)

There is the option to take an early morning balloon ride (at additional cost) to experience Cappadocia from the air. After breakfast we descend into the underground city of Kaymakli, a labyrinthine complex of caves and tunnels carved from the rock by early Christians and Byzantines escaping the persecution of the Arab invasions. Mustafapaşa is a charming Greek village formally known as Sinasos with Greek and Orthodox influences in the architecture of the houses, churches and chapels. We stop to enjoy lunch in a rustic Greek restaurant before walking through the Zelve Open Air Museum. Larger and less visited than Göreme the striking valleys with the largest concentration of fairy chimneys provide a magnificent back drop for a post prandial walk. We continue to Sobessos, a recently excavated first century Roman city with beautifully preserved mosaics before relaxing with a wine tasting overlooking the fairy chimneys. We return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight Ürgüp.

THURSDAY 02 APRIL – IHLARA VALLEY (B, L, D)

The Ihlara Valley is a deep gorge dissected by a stunning river running through its heart in stark contrast to the surrounding desert landscape of Cappadocia. A gentle 4km trail follows the Melendiz River through the leafy green valley awash with spring flowers, and a variety of birdlife. After lunch we call in at the Güray Ceramics Museum in Avanos. Situated in a vast series of underground caves the museum features ceramics and pottery from the Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Hellenistic, Byzantine and Ottoman periods through to the modern day. Later we experience the mesmerising spiritual ritual of Sufic tradition at a Whirling Dervish Ceremony before dinner in the hotel.  Overnight Ürgüp.

FRIDAY 03 APRIL – PAMUKKALE (B, L, D)

This morning, we check out and board a flight to Izmir. Upon arrival we transfer to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis stopping for lunch on the way. Revered for its hot springs, Hierapolis, meaning Holy City in ancient Greek, was an ancient healing centre before being ceded to Roman rule in the second century. Devotional items and depictions of Greek gods are displayed at the archaeological museum while the impressive Roman theatre and Temple of Apollo underpin the site’s lasting Roman legacy. We stop at “cotton castle”, Pamukkale’s instantly recognisable calcite terraces filled with mineral rich thermal waters before arriving at our hotel. After checking in, dinner is in the hotel. Overnight Pamukkale.

SATURDAY 04 APRIL – NYSA AND APHRODISIAS (B, L, D)

This morning after check out we head to the well-preserved site of Aphrodisias in ancient Caria. Named dafter the goddess of love, Aphrodisias was a thriving centre of culture, art and spirituality regarded for the skill of its marble sculptors on display at the on-site museum. At the site, we admire the craftmanship of the time at the Tetrapylon – gateway to the city’s most important monument –The Temple of Aphrodite, Hadrianic baths, Bouleuterion and the theatre. After lunch we transfer to the little visited yet well-preserved site of Nysa on the Meander beautifully situated on the border of ancient Caria and Lydia at the base of Mt Messogis. Associated with Dionysus, the city appears in Homer’s Iliad but was made famous by the Greek geographer Strabo in his work, Geographica. Reaching its zenith in the second century, Nysa’s wealth and intellectual powers is evident in the ruined library and the bouleuterion. Controlled under the Hellenistic Seleucid and Roman Empires, Nysa became a Bishopric of Asia Minor under the Ottomans until it was sacked by Tamerlane in 1402. We continue to Kuşadasi, our base for the next three days and check in before dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Kuşadasi.

SUNDAY 05 APRIL – EPHESUS (B, L, D)

Today we explore Ephesus, one of Türkiye’s most significant ancient cities. A major Mediterranean trading centre and religious centre, the city came to prominence under the Greeks who built the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city prospered as the capitol of Asia Minor in the Roman Empire and played a significant role in the spread of Christianity. The site is accessed via the main marble road leading from the Great Theatre to the instantly recognisable Library of Celcus. We explore the wealth of historical monuments that comprise the city including the splendid mosaics and frescoes at the recently excavated Roman Terrace houses. After lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the excellent displays of statuary, funerary goods and decorative pieces displayed at the Ephesus Museum and call in at Meryemana, a small chapel thought to be the house of the Virgin Mary. We return to Kuşadasi before dinner in the hotel. Overnight Kuşadasi.

MONDAY 06 APRIL – PERGAMON (B, L, D)

Founded in the third century BCE, Pergamon was the capital of the Attalid Dynasty and rose to prominence due to its strategic location along land and sea trading routes reaching its zenith as a centre for learning and medical advancement under the Romans. In the upper city we see the library where parchment originated and the Temple of Zeus whose great altar resides Berlin’s Pergamon Museum. Cut spectacularly into the hillside to take advantage of the view is the unusual Hellenistic theatre capable of seating 10,000 spectators. Further down the valley is the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a healing centre that attracted pilgrims seeking treatment from across the Mediterranean. After lunch we travel north to the charming seaside retreat of Assos, a hub for ancient scholars and philosophers such as Aristotle who taught here. We check into our accommodation before gathering for dinner. Overnight Assos.

TUESDAY 07 APRIL - ASSOS (B, D)

This morning we visit the site at Assos surrounded by olive groves and overlooking the Aegean Sea. Here we see to Doric Temple of Athena which stands atop the acropolis surrounded by the city walls, the agora and ancient necropolis. We continue to the village of Gülpinar and the Sanctuary of Apollo Smintheion, the unusual name means “Lord of the Mice” derived from a god in the region who protects farmers from mice. The most important structure in the sanctuary, the Temple of Apollo Smintheus is decorated with friezes depicting the Trojan war as described in Homer’s Iliad. In Assos, the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Assos.

WEDNESDAY 08 APRIL - TROY (B, L, D)

After check out we depart for Çannakale stopping at legendary Troy to visit the ruins and the Museum of Troy on the way. The many layers uncovered at the Troy archaeological site show over 3000 years of uninterrupted civilisation dating from the Bronze age with important commercial and cultural connections due to its geographical location between Anatolia, the Aegean and Balkans. Cemented in mythology, today we know Troy as the setting for the epic tale of the Trojan War, the beautiful Helen and the ingenious deception of the wooden horse. After lunch we travel to Çanakkale and check in before dinner in our hotel. Overnight Çanakkale.

THURSDAY 09 APRIL – GALLIPOLI (B, L, D)

Today we cross the Dardanelles the narrow straight connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli. Strategically significant as an international waterway separating Europe and Asia its northern shore became a battleground for Allied and Turkish forces in World War I. The battles fought here by the Australian and New Zealand forces after the landing on ANZAC beach in 1915 have gone on to form an integral part of both nations psyche commemorated annually with moving dawn ceremonies on April 25. We spend the day here with our guide, an expert on the Gallipoli campaign and hear stories of valour and bravery from both sides illuminated with visits to ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Hill 971. There is time to reflect on our experience over lunch before returning to the hotel where dinner is in the hotel. Overnight Çanakkale.

FRIDAY 10 APRIL – TO ISTANBUL (B, L, D)

We depart Çanakkale and return to Istanbul along the coast of the Sea of Marmara stopping for lunch on the way. Arriving in the afternoon we check into our hotel with time to relax before gathering for a farewell dinner. Overnight Istanbul.

SATURDAY 11 APRIL – DEPARTURE (B)

The tour ends after breakfast. A departure transfer to the airport is included for all participants.

Pera Palace Hotel 5* Istanbul, 5 nights

https://perapalace.com/en/

Alden Hotel 5* Cappadocia, 3 nights

https://alden.com.tr/

Doga Thermal Hotel 5* Pamukkale, 1 night

https://www.dogathermalhotel.com/

Korumar Hotel De Luxe 5* Kusadaşi, 2 nights

https://www.korumar.com.tr/

Assos Kervansaray Hotel 3* Assos, 2 nights

https://www.assoskervansaray.com/

DoubleTree by Hilton 5* Çanakkale, 2 nights

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ckzcddi-doubletree-canakkale/

NB: hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

• 15 nights’ accommodation at 3* and 5* hotels

• All breakfasts and 24 lunches or dinners, drinks with meals

• One-way flights in Economy class, travelling from Istanbul to Kayseri and Kayseri to Izmir

• All ground transport, guided tours and entrance fees to sites as mentioned in the itinerary, and tipping

• Commentary by an expert tour leader throughout

A $1,500pp deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your place on tour.

A second deposit of $2,500pp is due on 27 November 2025.

We will invoice you for final payment for the tour, due on 12 January 2026.

When you book on one of tours, we ask you to accept our terms and conditions. You can read our terms and conditions here.