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- Day 1 Welcome to Istanbul Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable dinner to kick off your epic adventure. Locations Visited: Istanbul TR.
- Day 2 Discover Colorful Istanbul Begin your day at the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine life, where you’ll see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. View the Blue Mosque, with its striking minarets, and the architectural masterpiece of Hagia Sophia. With your Travel Director, explore Topkapi Palace and learn how Ottoman sultans once ruled an empire. Later, Dive into Culture with a visit to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Step into a maze of lantern-lit lanes where traders call out, artisans craft their wares and every turn tempts you to haggle for spices, ceramics and textiles. In the evening, another Optional Experience offers a taste of local culture, enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with drinks as dancers and musicians take the stage in a lively performance. Locations Visited: Istanbul TR.
- Day 3 Journey to Gallipoli and Çanakkale Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives at Gallipoli, where the national pride of both Turkey and Australia was awakened amidst the bloody battlefields of World War I, a legacy still commemorated today. See Anzac Cove and the Dardanelles, and visit the cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, the final resting places of many Allied soldiers. Continue to Çanakkale, where you dine at your hotel tonight. Locations Visited: Istanbul TR, Gallipoli TR, Eceabat TR, Çanakkale TR.
- Day 4 Off to Troy and Izmir Visit a land of Trojan legends, where the ancient city of Troy has been immortalized by Homer in tales of King Priam, Hector, Paris and Helen. Explore the archaeological site revealing nine layers of civilization and see the replica wooden horse that recalls the Greek strategy used to end the legendary siege. Later, travel to the village of Demircidere for your Be My Guest experience. Meet local women, visit the village bakery and enjoy lunch made with fresh, homegrown produce. Continue to Izmir and settle into your seaside hotel before dining together this evening. Locations Visited: Çanakkale TR, Troy TR, Izmir TR.
- Day 5 Explore the Ruins of Ephesus Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, past the amazingly intact facade of the Library of Celcus and down to what was once its thriving port. During your visit to a Turkish carpet emporium, learn about the rich heritage and intricate artistry of carpet weaving. Then, visit the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, you may consider joining an optional dinner at a local restaurant in Izmir and indulge in some of the local raki. Locations Visited: Izmir TR, Ephesus TR, Izmir TR.
- Day 6 Onwards to Pamukkale Leave the coastal city of Izmir behind as you journey inland to Pamukkale. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel before dinner. Locations Visited: Izmir TR, Pamukkale TR.
- Day 7 Venture to Hierapolis and Antalya Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum, then enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for dinner at a local restaurant. Locations Visited: Pamukkale TR, Hierapolis TR, Antalya TR.
- Day 8 Antalya Free Time Enjoy a day at your own pace, taking in the captivating seaside ambiance of the Turkish Riviera. Stroll through the charming, winding streets of the old city, where you can admire the well-preserved Ottoman architecture. For an Optional Experience, you may choose a yacht cruise and guided tour of Antalya's historic old town. Locations Visited: Antalya TR.
- Day 9 On the Road to Aspendos and Konya Witness the world's best-preserved theater of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where you'll gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. Then, visit the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome. Return to your hotel, where you'll dine tonight. Locations Visited: Antalya TR, Aspendos TR, Konya TR.
- Day 10 Continue to Cappadocia See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travelers used to rest. Journey to Cappadocia with its honey-colored rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located with views of the valley and ancient Ortahisar rock castle. Locations Visited: Konya TR, Cappadocia TR.
- Day 11 A Day to Explore Spectacular Göreme The otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as you explore volcanic valleys dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. In the morning, you can rise early for an Optional Experience hot air balloon flight at sunrise for a bird’s-eye view of Cappadocia’s dreamlike terrain. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire rock-hewn churches then stop by the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Dive into Culture and see how Avanos potters shape local clay into everyday works of art. Later, choose an Optional Experience performance of the Whirling Dervishes for a moving insight into a centuries-old spiritual tradition. This evening, tuck into the flavors of traditional pottery kebabs at dinner in a local restaurant. Locations Visited: Cappadocia TR, Göreme TR, Avanos TR, Cappadocia TR.
- Day 12 Onwards to Ankara Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening, dine at your hotel in Ankara. Locations Visited: Cappadocia TR, Ankara TR.
- Day 13 Return to Istanbul Returning to Istanbul, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace or you can choose to cruise the Bosphorus on an Optional Experience, taking in the sights from the water as Europe and Asia slide past on either shore. End the day with your Travel Director and fellow companions over a memorable dinner. Locations Visited: Ankara TR, Istanbul TR.
- Day 14 Farewell Istanbul Your epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as you bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell. Locations Visited: Istanbul TR.
Name: Best of Turkey
Brand: Trafalgar
Quality: First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Istanbul
End City: Istanbul
Location Summary: Istanbul, TR
Gallipoli, TR
Eceabat, TR
Çanakkale, TR
Troy, TR
Izmir, TR
Ephesus, TR
Pamukkale, TR
Hierapolis, TR
Antalya, TR
Aspendos, TR
Konya, TR
Cappadocia, TR
Göreme, TR
Avanos, TR
Ankara, TR
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Highlights
- Dining Summary - 10 Dinner (D). 13 Breakfast (B). 1 Lunch (L).
- Must-see Highlights - Explore Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya and Cappadocia. Visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, ancient ruins of Troy, ancient city at Ephesus, Cotton Castle Springs in Pamukkale, Archaeological Museum in Antalya, home of the Whirling Dervishes at Konya, underground city of Saratli and Göreme Open-Air Museum. View the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® - Istanbul: Visit the house of Turkey’s greatest classical composer, Dede Efendi. Recently brought back to its former architectural glory, this unique museum holds a rare collection of traditional instruments, which we experience first hand during a private concert by Music Conservatory students. Your visit directly supports United Nations’ Global Sustainable Goals 4 & 11: Quality Education & Resilient Cities and Communities. Your visit provides opportunities for the students to perform, contributes to Turkey’s cultural vibrancy in safeguarding traditional forms of music which was fast disappearing, and supports the important work of TURKEV association, who researches and safeguards Turkish traditional architecture and houses.. Nevsehir: Meet Ali, our local host and Cappadocian local, for a tour of his family-run farm. See the sport where his grandfather’s garden once stood, taste freshly baked bread and fresh and dried fruits grown on pigeon natural fertilizer, the traditional farming method for producing a rich and nutritious harvest. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities. Thanks to Ali’s work to revive the traditional farming practices unique to this region of Cappadocia, the region has regained pride in their local traditions. It also advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal SDG 12: Sustainable Production and Consumption. Using exclusively traditional farming practices, the farm is one of the few to be producing traditional and rare fruits, herbs and old grains, typical of the region. .
- Iconic Experience - Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.. Avanos: Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos..
- Be My Guest - Demircidere: Meet the women of Demircidere Köyü, a rural village where gender equality has deep roots. Visit the local bakery to see how bread is made, sample it with homemade wine and explore a family garden bursting with seasonal produce. Over a shared lunch in a local home, you’ll hear inspiring stories of how this Turcoman community is empowering its girls to learn, grow and lead while preserving their culture and traditional Alevi beliefs..
- Trafalgar Difference - Cappadocia: The Exedra Hotel's rooms, carved from rock, boast unique designs and handcrafted antiques. During construction, a chapel was uncovered, inspiring the name 'Exedra,' a gathering place in ancient Rome..
