Itinerary

Tour commences and concludes Istanbul (IST)

Day 1 – Welcome to Istanbul

Step into the crossroads of East and West as you arrive in Istanbul, a city that has enchanted travellers for centuries. After your transfer to the hotel, the afternoon is yours to gently settle in. Perhaps wander the leafy streets nearby, soak in your first glimpse of domes and minarets on the skyline, or simply relax after your flight with a cup of Turkish tea. Meet our other group members tonight for our included Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 – Palaces, Mosques & Bazaars

Today you discover the treasures of Old Istanbul. At the lavish Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans, wander gilded chambers and gaze out across the shimmering Bosphorus. Step into the magnificent Blue Mosque, its soaring domes lined with over 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles in shades of sapphire. In the bustling Hippodrome, picture ancient chariots thundering past cheering crowds. Later, surrender to your senses in the Spice Bazaar, where pyramids of saffron, rose petals, and cinnamon fill the air with fragrance. Grand Hyatt Istanbul Hotel or similar

Day 3 – Gallipoli & Canakkale

A poignant day as we travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Walk quietly among the headstones at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery, reflecting on the courage and sacrifice of those who served so far from home. For many New Zealanders and Australians, this is an especially moving experience. Continue across the Dardanelles to Canakkale, where the waters glisten with history and myth. Kolin Hotel or similar, Canakkale

Day 4 – Troy & Pergamon → Kusadasi

Step into legend at the ruins of Troy, where echoes of Homer’s tales linger among the ancient walls. Later, wander the grand acropolis of Pergamon, once a centre of learning, with sweeping views across fertile valleys. By evening, you arrive at the Aegean seaside town of Kusadasi, where warm breezes and a coastal dinner await. Charisma Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Day 5 – Ancient Ephesus & Sirince Village

Walk the marble streets of Ephesus, one of the most extraordinary Roman cities in the world. Marvel at the Library of Celsus, stand in the vast Grand Theatre, and imagine life here two millennia ago. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle change of pace in Sirince Village, with its cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, and charming stalls offering fruit wines and handmade crafts. Charisma Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Day 6 – Pamukkale: The Cotton Castle

Few sights are as dazzling as the terraces of Pamukkale – gleaming white travertine pools cascading down the hillside like frozen waterfalls. Stroll among the ruins of ancient Hierapolis, with its amphitheatre and Roman baths. For those who wish, you may slip into the warm thermal waters said to have soothed travellers for thousands of years. Pam Thermal Hotel or similar, Pamukkale

Day 7 – To Antalya

Journey south through rolling countryside to the glittering coast of Antalya, often called the Turkish Riviera. Arrive to golden beaches and clear turquoise waters. The afternoon is yours to relax – perhaps a refreshing swim, a quiet rest, or a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined promenade. Spice Hotel or similar, Antalya

Day 8 – Antalya’s Old Town & Düden Falls

Discover the timeless beauty of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s Old Town, where cobbled lanes wind past Ottoman houses, lively bazaars, and Hadrian’s Gate. Down by the Roman harbour, imagine the galleons that once sailed these seas. After lunch, admire dramatic Düden Waterfalls, where torrents of water plunge into the Mediterranean below – a breathtaking spectacle. Spice Hotel or similar, Antalya

Day 9 – Ancient Theatres & Waterfalls

A morning visit to Perge, with its colonnaded streets and Roman baths, reveals one of the region’s great archaeological sites. Continue to Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world – a stage that once echoed with music and drama. Later, pause at the tranquil Kursunlu Falls, where pine forests shade crystal waters. Spice Hotel or similar, Antalya

Day 10 – A Leisurely Day in Antalya

Today is yours to do as you please. Enjoy the comfort of your seaside hotel, browse colourful local markets, or perhaps share a coffee with friendly locals. It’s a chance to pause, relax, and simply soak up the Turkish sunshine. Spice Hotel or similar, Antalya

Day 11 – Konya & Arrival in Cappadocia

Travel inland through changing landscapes to Konya, home of the mystical Whirling Dervishes. Visit the beautiful Mausoleum of Mevlana, a place of peace and devotion. By late afternoon, arrive in the enchanting valleys of Cappadocia, where fairy chimneys and cave dwellings create a dreamlike landscape. Spend two nights in a unique cave hotel, a highlight in itself. Gamirasu Cave Hotel or similar, Cappadocia

Day 12 – The Wonders of Cappadocia

Awake in a landscape unlike any other. Explore the underground city of Ozkonak, once a refuge for thousands, and the painted rock chapels of the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Wander through the whimsical valleys of Pasabagi and Devrent, where surreal stone pinnacles rise like sculptures. Optional: A sunrise hot-air balloon flight – float over this magical landscape as dawn paints the rocks in shades of rose and gold (weather permitting). Gamirasu Cave Hotel or similar, Cappadocia

Day 13 – Return to Istanbul

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Cappadocia before flying back to Istanbul. Your evening is free – perhaps share a farewell dinner overlooking the Bosphorus or take a twilight stroll through this luminous city. Grand Hyatt Istanbul Hotel or similar

Day 14 – Farewell Türkiye

This morning, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your onward journey. As you depart, carry with you the warmth of Turkish hospitality, the beauty of ancient wonders, and unforgettable memories of your time in this remarkable land.