Discover the wonders of Istanbul, Gallipoli and the history of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus and then immerse yourself in the natural healing powers of Pamukkale. The tour is not complete until you have journeyed into the magical world of Cappadocia.
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
At the terminal keep your eyes open for the Travel Talk sign, as we pick you up from the airport and take you to our Istanbul hotel. Gather round in the hotel lobby at 6:00pm as we meet both the other tour members and the guide. Listen up for a fast and informal meeting with the leader including registration and a short brief about the adventures ahead and some country info.
Day 2: Istanbul
After breakfast we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We stroll through the old town visiting Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia Museum.
Day 3: Gallipoli
Today we depart Istanbul for the shores of Gallipoli. We visit all the important memorial sites in the region including the Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.
Day 4: Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi
After breakfast we head to the ancient city of Troy, the setting of Homer's epic, Iliad, involving a giant wooden horse. We then continue to Pergamum, and the remains of the Asklepion. In the evening we arrive in Kusadasi.
Day 5: Ephesus, Fethiye, Gulet,Gocek Gulf
The best preserved ancient town in Turkey, Ephesus, will be our first stop. In the afternoon we depart for Fethiye. The guests arrive to Gocek center with the Pullman and then they embark the boat. For dinner and overnight stay we will cruise and anchor in Bedri Rahmi Bay. Bedri Rahmi is a famous Turkish artist who made one of the first 'Blue Cruises' in Turkey. Following his visit, the bay was named after him.
Day 6: Gulet Cruise, Gocek Gulf(Manastir-Aga Port)
After breakfast we will cruise to Manastir (Monastery) Bay. Lunch and a swimming break will take place in here. This place is also known as Cleopatra Bay or Sunken Bath Bay due to the beautiful underwater ruins of an old bath. Afterwards we will cruise to Aga Limani for dinner and anchor here for overnight stay.
Day 7: Gulet Cruise, (Kumlubuku-Paradise Island-Marmaris)
Early in the morning, we will cruise to Kumlubuk Bay where the breakfast will be served. We will anchor at Cennet Island for our last swimming break and lunch. We will enter Marmaris Harbour by 04:00 p.m., our overnight stay will be in Marmaris. Guests wishing to see more of Marmaris are recommended to go to the city centre and experience the lively night life.
Day 8: Gulet Cruise, Marmaris, Pamukkale
After breakfast we will disembark and head to Pamukkale meaning cotton castle in Turkish. This is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertines, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white castle and people have bathed in its pools for thousands of years.
Day 9: Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Today we depart for Cappadocia where we visit the world famous Underground City. A region of exceptional natural and man-made wonders, characterized by fairy chimneys and unique historical and cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 10: Cappadocia
After breakfast we begin exploring all the important sights in Cappadocia including the Goreme Open Air Museum, Cavusin, Uchisar, Pigeon Valley. We will end the day with a visit to local handicraft manufacturers and learn about traditional art.
Day 11: Cappadocia, Ihlara, Istanbul
This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Ihlara Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.
Day 12: Istanbul
Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel (11:00am).
What is Included
- Accommodation: 5 and 4 star hotels | Gulet cruise, between Fethiye and Marmaris in ensuite cabins.
- Airport Transfer: From Istanbul Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen Airports (on day 1)
- Meals: 11 breakfasts | 2 lunches | 8 dinners
- Transportation: Air-conditioned non-smoking coach or mini-bus
- Guide: Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
Price
- £460/per person