Board your flights in Australia and get set for your adventure in Turkey.

Upon disembarkation in Istanbul, make your own way to the hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore this great city that’s at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Today is free to see more of Istanbul. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manger at approximately 7:30 PM.

Embark this morning on a tour* of Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents. Your tour includes the Rustem Pasha Mosque, a 16th century Ottoman Mosque famous for its large quantities of Iznik tiles, which are set in a very wide variety of floral and geometric designs. Proceed to the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. Continue to the Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans housing the richness of 700 years. In the afternoon, visit the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, which houses a collection of Islamic writings, tiles, and carpets as well as various cultural displays that provide insight into Turkish life throughout history. Afterward head to Hippodrome, the place where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Conclude with a visit to St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, which was later converted to a mosque. This evening, savour dinner together
*Due to traffic congestion the order of sightseeing may change
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, drive to the town of Gallipoli, site of the famous Ottoman victory against the Allies during World War I. Visit the Anzac Cemetery, a memorial to the casualties of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose fame grew back home as word of their heroic efforts spread. Afterwards, cross the Dardanelles by ferry and continue to the Canakkale province, located in northwest Turkey, where you will arrive in the early evening.
Overnight: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, proceed to the classical city of Troy. Tour this 4000-year-old city and legendary centre of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer's epic poem The Iliad. Then, drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period, and visit the Asclepion, the ancient Roman spa centre. Continue to Kusadasi, a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer, where you will arrive in the early evening.
Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kusadasi. Or, join the optional tour to Ancient Ephesus where the Temple of Artemis, one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World," once stood. Walk along the 2000-year-old marble streets; see the Great Theatre, the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus. Visit the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last residence and the Basilica of St. John. Following the tour, participate in a leather factory visit to shop or return to the hotel.
Optional: Full Day Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary with Lunch
Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale, famous for its mineral-rich hot springs and white terraces. Visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hierapolis "Holy City," a UNESCO a World Heritage Site situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs. The Pamukkale hot springs have served as a therapeutic thermal spa since the 2nd century B.C. Tonight, gather together for dinner.
Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, travel from Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle," to Konya, a city renowned for its Seljuk architecture and also as the home of the "Whirling Dervishes." Arrive in the afternoon and visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana with its distinctive fluted dome of turquoise tiles. View works of the 13th century leader Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. After exploring the museum, join your fellow travellers for dinner together.
Overnight: Konya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart for Cappadocia, visiting the magnificent Caravanserai of Sultanhan en-route. Afterward, visit Guzelyurt, a fine example of cave dwellings and Greek influences in the Cappadocia region. Following a special home hosted lunch, continue to Nevsehir in Cappadocia. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, visit a carpet atelier and watch a demonstration of carpet weaving. After, check into your hotel with free time before dinner. Tonight, attend the optional Whirling Dervish performance; their captivating mystical ritual connects one in infinite spinning to perfect harmony.
Optional: Whirling Dervishes Performance (PM)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awake very early to participate in the optional hot air Balloon Ride that takes you soaring over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations -- the feeling is both serene and sublime. Then, explore Cappadocia with your group to see Guvercinlik, Uchisar, Pasabag, and the Devrent Valley. Famed for temples and houses cut directly into the region's spectacular rock formations, Cappadocia has captivated travellers for centuries. Perhaps, opt to join the optional half day tour of Cappadocia that includes the Open-Air Museum in Goreme Valley; see early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes. Explore the village of Avanos, famous for its beautiful old houses and onyx, and visit a local pottery shop. The tour ends at the fascinating Ozkonak Underground City, built on the northern slopes of Mt. Idis. Return to the hotel with free time before dinner tonight.
Optional: Cappadocia Balloon Ride (AM)
Optional: Half Day Cappadocia (PM)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, depart for Ankara, the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, also known as the Anitkabir, lies a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with Neo-Hittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The most noted cenotaphs within the complex are those of General Ismet Inonu, a close comrade of Ataturk's and his successor, and that of Ataturk himself, a large and highly decorative marble cenotaph, beneath which lies his tomb. Continue to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum built in two Ottoman buildings located near Ankara Castle. The museum features exhibits of Anatolian archaeological artifacts, as well as artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the present.
Overnight: Ankara
Meals: Breakfast

Depart for Istanbul, arriving in the early afternoon. Leisure time to explore on your own on this last day in Turkey. Perhaps, embark on the optional cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. View humble fishing villages and suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager.
Optional: Half Day Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Grand Bazaar (PM)
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The tour ends after breakfast, then it’s time to check out of the hotel and if you're flying out today, make your way to the airport
Meals: Breakfast