Ultimate Turkey

Combining the best of western and eastern Turkey, this comprehensive adventure offers a sweeping view of this fascinating country. From the architectural highlights of Istanbul's long history, make your way east for a glimpse of Turkey’s less travelled and more traditional side. Explore exotic covered bazaars and mud brick cities, and experience life in a place where time seems to stand still. From its incredible Mediterranean beaches to the unreal fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and giant stone heads of Nemrut Dagi—uncover all that Turkey has to offer.

Day 1 Istanbul
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Istanbul/Ankara
Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the capital city of Ankara.

Day 3 Bolu/Cappadocia
Drive to the Cappadocia region. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.

Day 4 Cappadocia
Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region. Opt to see it from above on a hot air balloon ride.

Day 5 Cappadocia
Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region. Opt to see it from above on a hot air balloon ride.

Day 6 Cappadocia/Konya
Explore one of the many underground cities in the region. Visit Konya before spending the night in a local Turkish village. Experience a homestay as the guest of a local family.

Day 7 Konya/Antalya
Wander the lovely seaside town of Antalya.

Day 8 Antalya/Kekova
Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before sleeping aboard a boat under the stars on the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 9 Kekova/Kaş
Opt for a morning swim and some relaxation before travelling on to Kaş.

Day 10 Kaş/Selçuk
Guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis en route to Selçuk.

Day 11 Selçuk
Visit ancient Ephesus. Optional visits to St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey as well as the nearby picturesque village of Şirince.

Day 12 Selçuk/Ayvalık
Spend the night in a converted Ottoman mansion. Visit the G-supported çöp(m)adam handicraft workshop during an orientation walk of Ayvalik, before enjoying free time in the surrounding area or opting for a boat trip or visit to the beach.

Day 13 Ayvalık/Çanakkale
Visit the ancient city of Troy en route to Çanakkale.

Day 14 Çanakkale/Istanbul
Guided visit of the Gallipoli battlefields. Continue on to Istanbul for more sightseeing.

Day 15 Istanbul/Kars
Fly to Kars and visit the pinkish stone ruins of Armenian cathedrals, homes, fortresses, and palaces at nearby Ani, the former capital of the Armenian Empire. Opt to visit the Kars Castle for panoramic views of the city.

Day 16 Kars/Van
See Ishak Pasha Palace and Mount Ararat en route to Van, the cultural centre of the area's Kurdish majority. Opt to visit the ruins of the Fortress of Van.

Day 17 Van/Mardin
Travel to Mardin early in the morning. En route, enjoy an Akdamar Island boat trip and church visit before exploring Hasankeyf.

Day 18 Mardin
Take an orientation walk in old Mardin. Visit Deyrulzafaran Monastery before spending some time getting to know the city.

Day 19 Mardin/Kâhta
Travel to Kahta and explore the area around Mt Nemrut. Visit the Karakus Tumulus (Women's Monument), Severan Roman bridge, and the site of ancient Arsameia at the giant burial monuments.

Day 20 Kâhta/Sanliurfa
Visit beehive houses at Harran. Enjoy a guided walk to Golbasi Park and the covered bazaar of Urfa, the supposed birthplace of Abraham and an important Islamic place of pilgrimage.

Day 21 Sanliurfa/Istanbul
Fly back to Istanbul where the tour ends on arrival at the airport. Onward travel can be booked for 5pm or later.