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Journey into the historic heart of Turkey
This 15-day tour takes you into the ancient heart of fascinating Turkey. Historic sites and the ruins of empires are the focus of this trip, with locally guided tours of Anzac Cove in Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Antalya and more. The diverse landscapes of T
Start : Istanbul, Turkey
Finish : Istanbul, Turkey
Destination : Turkey
Group Size : Min 1 , Max 12
Description
Why you'll love this trip
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Discover the Istanbul of old on a guided walk with your leader, discovering treasures like the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Million.
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Feast your eyes on the best of Turkey's otherworldly sights, from the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale to the psychedelic rockscapes of Cappadocia.
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Explore the world’s premier Greco-Roman site – Ephesus – strolling streets of marble and marvelling at the still vibrant mosaic murals depicting ancient life.
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Enjoy a cruise around the hidden coves and islets around Kekova, guided by a local couple who have been navigating the waters for years.
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Discover one of Turkey’s best kept secrets – Sagalassos, the ruins of a city conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BC in the Taurus Mountains.
Is this trip right for you?
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This trip involves a lot of walking, sometimes on rocky or slippery terrain such as the sites in Goreme. Please bring sturdy walking shoes, but also note that you can sit out the walks if you do not feel up to them.
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Temperatures can be quite cool in the evening, particularly in April and October. Not all hotels will have heating so be sure to bring warm layers if you plan to travel in this period.
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Turkey can get hot in the summer months of July and August, but this is normally a dry heat and is easier to cope with than humidity. Where possible, you'll be taken to sites in the early morning before it gets too hot.
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You'll be covering a lot of land during the trip, which means a few long days of driving. Most of these days will be broken up with interesting stops along the way.
Itinerary
Welcome to Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home at various points throughout history. Enjoy a complimentary transfer to the accommodation from the airport. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After the meeting, head out with your Peregrine local leader to explore the Old City of Istanbul. Your leader will introduce you to some of the historical treasures of the city, including the Blue Mosque (so named for its classic tiles), the ancient Hippodrome (once the setting of chariot races) and the Million (a stone road marker in use since the fourth century). This evening choose whether to join your fellow travellers during an optional dinner.
Rise and shine for an early breakfast, then begin the drive to Çanakkale. located on the shores of the Dardanelles (the strait that connects Europe and Asia via the Gelibolu Peninsula and the Biga Peninsula). Arrive in time to buy yourself some lunch, then head to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Visit the cemeteries of Anzac Cove, then head up the hill toward the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men on both sides. Tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. After a day that will no doubt be full of sombre reflection, the evening is free for you to do as you wish in Canakkale.
After breakfast this morning, travel to Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton Castle' and a truly unique sight. This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming myriad pools and terraces. As the water overflows, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that – from afar – resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with waters that many believe have healing properties for circulation and the digestive system. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC. Explore the extensive ruins of Hierapolis, which include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis.
Meals
14 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport
Boat, Plane, Private aircon bus
Accommodation
Comfortable hotel (11 nights) Heybe Hotel Cappadocia Feature Stay (3 nights)
