Day 01: Arrive Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! At the Istanbul airport terminal keep your eyes peeled for the SGV sign for your transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Istanbul
After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia.

Day 03: Gallipoli
Today we depart for the shores of Gallipoli. A place of important significance for Aussies and Kiwis, we will visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove, before paying our respects at memorial sites Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.

Day 04: Troy, Kusadasi
You may of heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt movie, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse. Spend the afternoon in the the seaside town of Kusadasi.

Day 05: Ephesus, Fethiye
After breakfast, our first stop is the spectacular, well preserved ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here. Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In the afternoon we depart for Fethiye where we can explore the buzzing resort town.

Day 06: Fethiye,Saklıkent,Oludeniz
After breakfast we make our way to Saklikent, one of the deepest canyons in the world. We will then continue our journey to Oludeniz. Besides its spectacular beaches, glittering waters and breathtaking natural scenery, Oludeniz is also popular for its water sport. 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 07: Fethiye, Dalyan, Fethiye
Our next stop is Dalyan, a small town situated along the south-western coast popular for its natural and unspoiled beauty. We will 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 ride we will reach Iztuzu sandbar with fine sand and turquoise sea.

Day 08: Fethiye, Pamukkale
It’s time to get your cameras out, because today is a photographers dream! Today we will visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Spend time bathing in its pools, or explore the natural and unusual landscape.

Day 09: Pamukkale, Cappadocia
In and around CappadociaToday we sit back and relax on the coach, as we head to Cappadocia. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables which is all located 60m under the ground.

Day 10: Cappadocia
Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast. We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Göreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Göreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin. In the afternoon we will visit 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. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Depart Istanbul
Final departure transfer to airport for flight back to hotel.

Day 01: Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! Our representative will meet you at airport & to your hotel.
Overnight Istanbul.

Day 02: Ankara
After a short orientation walk of Istanbul old city, we depart for the capital city of Turkey. Here, we visit the mouselum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, The founder of new Turkish repuplic. Overnight Ankara.

Day 03: Cappadocia
Today we depart early for the fairy land, Cappadocia. Depending on arrival time, there will be a panoramic sunset tour of the area. Overnight Cappadocia.

Day 04: Cappadocia
This morning its time to explore the entire cappadocia area with a fully guided tour of Göreme Valley, open air museum, Underground city and Uçhisar Castle with a full day tour. Overnight Cappadocia.

Day 05: Cappadocia
Enjoy an early-morning trek through the beautiful red Valley of Cappadocia. Afternoon is free to explore more of cappdocia by yourself. Overnight Cappadocia.

Day 06: Konya
This morning we make our way to Konya, stopping along the way at Sultan Han (Sultanhani Caravanserai), the largest caravanserai in Anatolia. Upon arrival in the city, we will tour the mausoleum and accompanying museum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. Overnight Konya.

Day 07: Antalya
Head south to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and its flagship city, Antalya. On the way, we will stop to see the Aspendos Theatre. Upon our arrival and check-in, there will be an orientation walking tour of Antalya’s Old City. Overnight Antalya.

Day 08: Antalya
Today is your free day but you still will have several options: Spend a free day exploring Antalya’s Old City and its magnificent archeological museum. Visit the ancient site of Perge. Full day of white-water rafting (extra fee). Overnight Antalya.

Day 09: Pamukkale
This morning head to Pamukkale and its magnificent white calcium terraces known as travertines. Here we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Amongst the ancient columns, take a dip in the hot springs that were used by the Romans for their therapeutic properties. In the evening, there is the option to watch a Whirling Dervish ritual. Overnight Pamukkale.

Day 10: Selcuk
Absorb yourself in more history with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Traversing the marble streets of Ephesus, notable sites we will see include the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the 25,000-seat amphitheatre. Afterwards, we will drive to the house of the Virgin Mary. Overnight Selçuk.

Day 11: Pergamon
Step back in time again with a visit of the ancient walls of Troy. Following is a tour of the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamon, whose impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political center of its time.
Overnight Pergamon.

Day 12: Canakkale
Travel to one of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey—Gallipoli—where we tour the WWI battlefields. Sites include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston’s Jolly Cemetery, the original trenches and tunnels, as well as the Nek. Overnight Çanakkale

Day 13: Istanbul
In the morning, we make our way back to Istanbul. In the afternoon you will enjoy some free time. Overnight Istanbul

Day 14: Depart Istanbul
Transfer to airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Arrive Istanbul
Today you will arrive in Istanbul. We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Istanbul
Begin your explorations at Topkapı Palace, which once served as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans, now a museum housing relics from the Ottoman Empire. Next up, head to the Basilica of St Sophia to see ancient mosaics and Byzantine art. Visit the iconic Blue Mosque. Make sure to have your cameras at the ready; this mosque is one of Istanbul’s most photographed buildings. Inside is even more beautiful, the thousands of blue Iznik tiles cover the interior of the mosque, which lend to its name. The rest of the afternoon is spent in the Spice Market. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience. Tonight, perhaps join an optional Bosporus cruise.

Day 03: Istanbul / Gallipoli / ANZAC Cove / Çanakkale
Board your coach this morning on the road to Gallipoli. En route, stop at Tekirdağ, a small town that overlooks the Sea of Marmara. In Gallipoli, enjoy time for lunch at leisure. It’s then onto the sites of Gallipoli. Start at ANZAC Cove, the landing site of the ANZACs on 25th April 1915. Continue to Lone Pine Memorial and finish at Chunuk Bair Memorial, when you can pay tribute to fallen New Zealand soldiers. Afterwards, at the port of Eceabat, a ferry awaits to take you to Çanakkale where dinner will be served in your hotel.

Day 04: Troy / Izmir
Today, dive head first into history with a visit to the ancient city of Troy. See the World Heritage archaeological site and hear the legends surrounding the city’s ruins. Moving on to the village of Bergama, discover the ruins of Pergamon. Within this ancient city, you’ll encounter the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena and the Library of Pergamon. After time to wander around these historic sites, continue to Izmir, a city on the brink of the Aegean Sea. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Izmir / Pamukkale
Literally translated from Turkish to ‘cotton castle’, you’ll head to Pamukkale today. The crisp, white travertine stone terraces slope down a steep hillside, holding pools of mineral-rich water. This really is a sight to behold. Nearby, the World Heritage Roman city of Hierapolis is made up of temples, bath houses and a theatre. Return to Izmir in the late afternoon and enjoy leisure time.

Day 06: Ephesus / Cappadocia
Following breakfast, make your way to Ephesus, a World Heritage ancient Greek city. Take a wander through the crumbling marble streets before checking out the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant before you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Arrive at your unique hotel which blends into its surrounds, the Kapadokya Lodge, where you’ll enjoy a light supper.

Day 07: Cappadocia
There’s a chance to make today truly special with an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. This morning, see the formations from ground level at Pigeon Valley, and be sure to take plenty of photos while you’re here. Next up, head to Göreme Open-Air Museum. Here, see the churches and monasteries carved into rock faces. Spend time wandering Göreme town at your leisure. Back aboard your coach, it’s onwards to Avanos, a town famous for pottery. We can see examples of pottery from as early as the second millennium BC at a traditional ceramic facility. Perhaps spend the evening on an optional activity.

Day 08: Cappadocia / Istanbul
Enjoy a leisurely start to your morning before venturing to Kaymaklı Underground City. Descend below ground level and discover over one hundred tunnels leading to rooms which once were family homes, stables, cellars and churches since the 7th century BC. This afternoon, be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. On arrival at your hotel, Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Depart Istanbul
Departure transfer to airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Istanbul
Arrive Istanbul, meet-assist at airport & transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Istanbul/Bolu
Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the city of Bolu.

Day 03: Bolu/Cappadocia
Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the father of the Modern Turkish Republic, en route to Cappadocia region.

Transfer to the region of Cappadocia for 2.5 days of exploring. There will be plenty of time to tour the area by bike, visit neighbouring villages.

During one of the evenings, travel to a nearby village and enjoy dinner with a local family.

Day 04: Cappadocia
Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region.

Open Air Museum, a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by Orthodox monks. Tour the more than 10 caves on site, and enjoy the color and vibrancy of many of the churches that are up to 1,000 years old.

Day 05: Cappadocia
Free at leisure.

Day 06: Cappadocia/Konya
Explore one of the many underground cities in the region. Visit Konya before spending the night in a local Turkish village. Visit a community park and cooperative, a project supported by G Adventures. Experience a homestay as the guest of a local family.
Depart Cappadocia and head to an underground city to explore. Have a quick lunch before journeying to the region of Konya.
Travel about 1 hour to a local village for a cozy homestay. On the way, visit Catalhoyuk, a uniquely well-preserved Neolithic site.

Upon arrival in the village, learn about local life and visit a community park and cooperative supported and developed by G Adventures before enjoying a home-cooked dinner tonight.

Day 07: Konya/Antalya
Wander the lovely seaside town of Antalya.
Arrive at Antalya around lunchtime.
With a free afternoon, wander the charming cobbled hillside streets of the district of Kaleici, a great place to stop and have a drink with amazing views of the marina below. For a break from the hustle and bustle, head for the greenery and teashops at one of Antalya’s beautiful parks or catch some sun at a nearby beach.

Day 08: Antalya/Kekova
Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before sleeping aboard a boat under the stars on the Mediterranean Sea.
Drive to the beautiful coastal village of Demre for lunch. After, board our boat for an unforgettable night on the Mediterranean Sea.
The boat trip includes sailing around Kekova Island, with plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and scenery.
Later, walk to Simena Castle to enjoy the views and archaeological ruins. Then opt to go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or just relax on deck.

Day 09: Kekova/Kaş
Wake up on board and enjoy breakfast in the fresh morning air. Opt for a swim before returning to Demre, and continuing on to the coastal town of Kaş.

Day 10: Kaş/Selçuk
Leave the beautiful sea behind and head to Pamukkale, passing through fruit orchards on the way.

Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis before continuing on to Selçuk.

Day 11: Selçuk
Visit the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.

After, head to town and enjoy some free time to explore. Opt to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John’s Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Or catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8 km) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.

Day 12: Selçuk/Ayvalık
Ayvalik’s blend of Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned streets, and attractive harbour make this stop a highlight. The beach of Sarimsakli is a quick bus ride away and the harbour in town offers short cruises.

After exploring, head down to one of the waterside restaurants for a sunset drink or meal. Then enjoy the hospitality and beautiful views from the family-run pension in a restored Ottoman mansion.

Day 13: Ayvalık/Çanakkale
Enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. After exploring the site, continue to the harbour town of Çanakkale, a busy port with a thriving student population.

Day 14: Çanakkale/Istanbul
Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.

Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.

Day 15: Depart Istanbul
Final departure transfer to airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Arrive Istanbul
Welcome on arrival!!. Our representative meet-assist at airport & transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Canakkale
Today you’ll take a bus to the shores of Gallipoli (approximately 5.5 hours) – a significant peninsula for Australians and New Zealanders. It is a spot of pilgrimage for many to see the now calm waters and peaceful landscape that reside where such brutal battle took place during the First World War. Take in the reverence and serenity of the region, and hear stories of heroism and mateship that shone through the tragedies of war. Continue onwards to Canakkale where you’ll spend the night. This city has young local vibe due to it being a popular university town, so chill on the edge of the Dardanelles with a drink or check out a local band with some of your travel pals.

Day 03: Ayvalik
Today, there’s the option this morning to take an excursion out to the ruins of Troy, where you can explore the ancient walls, climb around the 4500-year-old ruins, check out the Trojan horse statue and gaze across the Troad (the Plains of Troy) towards the Dardanelles and the hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Later on, drive down the coast to Ayvalik (approximately 3.5 hours). Head on a leader-led orientation tour to discover a town that’s a fascinating mix of Greek and Turkish cultures. Check out the cobblestone backstreets, beautiful houses and lively cafes. You could also hop on a boat from Ayvalik to Cunda Island, which is filled with Greek Orthodox churches and known for its dairy farming. The town is set around a harbour and looks out to the Aegean Islands, so what better way to kick of the evening then with a drink at a harbour-side bar, eating a local Ayvalik tost – think a Turkish-style toasted sandwich with all the trimmings.

Day 04: Selcuk
This morning, take a 4-hour journey by car to the traditional farming village of Selcuk. Once arrived, take an orientation walk to get your bearings – a town full of history and packed with artefacts and relics that reflect its past as an ancient fortress on. Later you can head out to the nearby ruins of Ephesus and explore the streets once walked by Marc Anthony and Cleopatra. This is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. You’ll be amazed by the sophistication of this ancient city, which had running water, public toilets, in-house heating, a medical institute, a brothel and Roman baths. The theatre is also well preserved, but it’s the magnificent library that’s perhaps the coolest structure. Nearby are the remains of the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Chill out tonight in Selcuk, where you could try some Turkish meze and raki for dinner with some of your travel crew.

Day 05: Pamukkale
Travel east inland to Pamukkale (approximately 4 hours), which literally translates to ‘cotton castle’. Here, spectacular natural hot springs with a high calcium content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, leaving bright white terraces, or ‘cotton’. It’s been used as a spa since the second century BC, and its waters are said to have heaps of healing properties. If you’ve got Cleopatra on the mind after yesterday’s stories, then maybe choose to head out to the ancient city of Hierapolis and take a dip in what used to be her old pool – the transparent water-filled springs sculpted as a gift from Marc to Cleo. You can also check out the other ruins of the city – Hierapolis is known for its abundance of temples and religious structures, and the amphitheatre shouldn’t be missed.

Day 06: Fethiye
Drive to Fethiye (approximately 3.5 hours). Arrive in time to check out this seriously vibrant harbourside city, and if there’s time, catch a dolmus to Saklikent Gorge or explore the back streets of the Old Town of Fethiye and hunt for a bargain. The best thing is – you’ve got the power to decide. Tonight, enjoy a walk by the harbour with your group, try some local seafood and check out the thriving nightlife scene.

Day 07: Faralya
This morning, travel to the eerie ghost town of Kayakoy. Wander through deserted stone houses and through the overgrown countryside, and be sure to watch out for the goats. You’ll be setting off on a hike today, so make sure you’re wearing some good shoes. From Kayakoy, continue by foot over the hills to catch a glimpse of the amazing Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz. Once arrived in town, hang out for a bit, quench your thirst and take a swim in the sparkling Mediterranean before jumping back on a local bus and heading to your place to stay tonight. Cast your eye out to some pretty scenic surroundings tonight, out over Butterfly Valley and a perfect place to watch the sun set over the ocean. Chill out and enjoy an included dinner in Faralya.

Day 08: Southern Coast Sailing
This morning drive to Kas (approximately 3 hours), which is right near the southernmost point of Turkey. With its whitewashed buildings covered in bougainvillea and cobbled streets, Kas is one of the most attractive towns on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. Spend an hour or two lunching and wandering the streets, before you transfer an hour down the road to Kekova. At about 6 pm, you’ll board your ship and make waves on a memorable voyage along the coast. The next couple of days will be spent swimming, exploring sunken cities, sunbaking and eating fresh seafood. This evening, cruise to Tersane Bay for a swim and then enjoy a home-cooked dinner on board, before docking for the night and sleeping under a blanket of Mediterranean stars.

Day 09: Southern Coast Sailing
Wake up to a spectacular Mediterranean sunrise this morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast on board. Cruise onwards to the sunken Lycian city of Simena, from where remains of a mysterious civilisation can be viewed, as earthquakes sunk this land almost 2500 years ago. Here you can walk up to nearby Simena Castle, swim in crystal-clear waters, or explore Lycian rock-tombs. More swimming, sunbaking, eating and repeating – cruising the Turkish coast is a dream. Spend another memorable evening on the boat, sleeping under the stars if you’d like.

Day 10: Antalya
Soak up the last of life as a glamorous boat-dweller with breakfast on board. Then transfer by public bus approximately 3.5 hours to Antalya – the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean. It’s hard to get a bad photo of Antalya due to it charming cobblestone streets, historic Old City, vibrant marina and the Taurus Mountains framing the city. Head around town with your group leader, jump on the old Nostalgic Tram or go to Konyaalti Beach for some more time chilling out beachside. If you are in the mood for some last-minute history, check out some of the best museums in the country, or get theatrical at Aspendos ancient city with a beautiful, intact theatre from Roman times. Tonight, why stake out some food and shisha with your travel crew – Antalya has a thriving nightlife scene, so use it to your advantage.

Day 11: Antalya
Departure transfer to airport for flight back to home.