Istanbul, Turkey – Old City (Sultanahmet area): Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace

Begin your day with an immersive guided tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City. Visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its exquisite blue İznik tiles and distinctive six minarets. Next, explore the Hippodrome, once a bustling arena for chariot races and political events during Byzantine times, now a peaceful park.

Continue to admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia, originally built as a Byzantine basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Then, step inside the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, to see its beautiful courtyards and artifacts.

Finish with a visit to the Underground Cistern, an ancient subterranean reservoir featuring hundreds of carved Corinthian columns and the mysterious Medusa heads. Walk along raised platforms over the shimmering waters and marvel at this engineering marvel.

Overnight: Istanbul

Depart Istanbul early and journey to the historic World War I battlefields of Gallipoli. Explore this solemn yet stunning region on a guided tour, visiting key sites including ANZAC Cove, the Lone Pine Australian War Memorial and Cemetery, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand War Memorial and Cemetery. Walk among the fortified trenches and battle sites such as The Nek and Johnston’s Jolly, which remain remarkably well-preserved amidst the natural landscape.

Cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry, enjoying panoramic views of the Gallipoli Peninsula. After your tour, relax and unwind at your hotel.

Overnight: Çanakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel south from Gallipoli to explore the legendary ancient city of Troy, famous for the epic tale of the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. Continue with a guided visit to Pergamum, once a powerful cultural and political center of the ancient world, known for its impressive acropolis and steep amphitheater.

After the day’s explorations, proceed to the charming coastal town of Kusadasi, where you can relax and enjoy your hotel’s amenities in the evening.

Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day exploring the legendary Roman city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical sites in the eastern Mediterranean. Once home to nearly 250,000 people and the Roman capital of Asia Minor, Ephesus offers a vivid glimpse into ancient Roman life.

Enjoy a guided tour through the marble streets, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Gymnasium of Vedius, the great theatre, and the ancient stadium. Discover fascinating features like public toilets, fountains, temples, and even a brothel, offering insight into everyday life thousands of years ago.

After the tour, visit a local workshop to watch a traditional Turkish carpet weaving demonstration, a craft with deep cultural roots.

Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, depart Kusadasi and travel to Pamukkale, famous for its stunning calcium-rich terraced pools known as the Cotton Castles. This natural wonder was formed over centuries as warm mineral waters cascaded down the cliffs, depositing calcium carbonate and creating the iconic white travertine terraces.

Explore the accessible areas of these terraces barefoot and experience the unique sensation of walking on this natural phenomenon. You also have the option to relax with a soothing dip in the Pamukkale Thermal Pools, surrounded by submerged marble columns within the ancient spa town of Hierapolis—a healing center founded by the Romans around 190 BC.

Enjoy some free time in the evening to unwind and take in the serene atmosphere.

Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

On Friday morning, transfer to Denizli Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, say farewell to your group and tour representative as you prepare for your onward international flight.

Important Flight Information:

• For travelers between 28 October 2024 and 1 April 2025, your internal flight arrives at the new Istanbul Airport around 12:25 PM. Please book your international departure flight from Istanbul after 5:00 PM to allow sufficient transfer time.

• If departing from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, you will need to arrange transfer between airports and should book flights departing after 6:30 PM.

• Alternatively, consider extending your stay with an additional night’s accommodation.

• For travelers after 1 April 2025, the internal flight arrives around 8:50 AM at the new Istanbul Airport. Book your international departure flight after 1:00 PM to allow for delays.

• If leaving from Sabiha Airport, plan transfers and book flights after 2:30 PM.