Begin your trip roaming the palaces, bazaars and mosques of Istanbul before journeying into the bizzare as you explore otherwordly Cappadocia, impressive ancient wonders of Pergamum & Ephesus and the natural treasures of Pamukkale.
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 City Tour
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, Pamukkale
The best preserved ancient town in Turkey, Ephesus, will be our first stop. In the afternoon we depart for Pamukkale and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was the cure centre founded in around 160 BC by the king of Pergamum. Our day continues as we take in the unusual and beautiful landscape of the “Cotton Castle”.
Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: Cappadocia, Ihlara, Istanbul
This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Ihlara Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.
Day 9: 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: 8 breakfasts | 5 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
- £295/per person