Commence your tour exploring the magnificent museums and mosques of Istanbul and then travel south along the Aegean Coast, capturing wonderful visions of ancient cities. After heading inland to experience the incredible natural marvels of fairy chimney formations in 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
The best preserved ancient town in Turkey, Ephesus, will be our first stop. In the afternoon we depart for Fethiye where we can explore the buzzing tourist and resort town.
Day 6: Fethiye,Saklikent,Oludeniz
After breakfast we make our way to huge canyon of Saklikent. We then make our way to Oludeniz. Besides its spectacular beaches, glittering waters and breathtaking natural scenery, Oludeniz is also popular for its water sport activities. Here you can relax on the exquisite beach or join one of the adventure activities including paragliding and microlighting. Late in the afternoon we depart for our overnight stay in Fethiye.
Day 7: Fethiye, Dalyan, Fethiye
After breakfast we make our way to Dalyan, a small town in the south-western coast popular for its natural and unspoiled beauty. We join a boat trip to visit the most popular mud bath in Turkey, and we then continue to Iztuzu beach, homeland of world famous Caretta Caretta turtles. After a fantastic boat travel we reach Iztuzu sandbar with fine sand and turquoise sea. Than we return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 8: Fethiye, Pamukkale
Today we 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
- Airport Transfer: From Istanbul Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen Airports (on day 1)
- Meals: 11 breakfasts | 8 dinners
- Transportation: Air-conditioned non-smoking coach or mini-bus | Dalyan boat trip
- Guide: Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
Price
- £420/per person