Sitting at the bridge between Asia and Europe, Turkey's rich culture and history draws influence from ancient kingdoms and sprawling landscapes. You'll start by taking in the sights, sounds and flavours of Istanbul before heading inland to the underground cities and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Next, you'll bask in the natural beauty of the area on hikes and bike rides, before visiting the ancient city and temples of Ephesus. A mix of highlights and active exploration, discover Turkey how it was meant to be seen.
Day 1 Istanbul: Where Asia and Europe Meet
Visions of ancient kingdoms, whirling dirvishes and exotic food float through your head as you touch down in Istanbul. Take in the hustle and bustle of the city and catch glimpses of the spires of some of the city's many mosques en route to the hotel. Welcome to Istanbul, and to Turkey, and we invite you to let the sights, sounds, flavours and history ignite your imagination as you embark on this thrilling adventure.
Day 2 Istanbul: Iconic Landmarks and Ancient Traditions
Often the best way to discover a city is on foot, and this certainly rings true in Istanbul. Visit some of the iconic highlights of the old city to fully appreciate the rich history and complex mingling of cultures that have shaped the city over the millennia. Feast on delectable local street food and try cookies from one of the city's oldest bakeries before taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the Grand Bazaar.
Day 3 Cappadocia: Fairy Chimneys and Kaymakli Underground City
Leaving Istanbul behind, you'll head firmly onto the Asian continent to the surreal, wind-sculpted landscapes of the Cappadocia region. Step into ancient history with a visit to the tunnels and storerooms of the vast Kaymakli underground city complex. Settle into your cave hotel, carved right out of the rocky landscape.
Day 4 Cappadocia: Your OMG Day
Immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia by exploring either on foot or by e-bike. See the fairy chimneys up close and imagine how the wind and elements have shaped the earth and impacted human settlements throughout the ages until modern times. Observe churches cut out of the rocks and hilltop structures with commanding views of the surroundings. You'll learn of the human experience in this region by having dinner and tea in a local family home for a one-of-a-kind cultural exchange.
Day 5 Şirince: Flavours of Turkey
Discover more of Turkish cuisine today as you visit a local food and vegetable market then take part in a cooking class to learn how to make gözleme, a delicious savoury stuffed turnover, cooked on an iron griddle over the fire. You'll see the landscapes change again as you fly towards Turkey's Aegean coastline and discover the ancient village of Şirince, an agricultural settlement that dates back to ancient and medieval times.
Day 6 Şirince: Ancient Ephesus
Be transported back in time as you explore the vast ancient city of Ephesus, walking through the site to its northern gate. You'll see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, where expert excavation makes it easy to imagine it in all its glory. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary and explore the area around the Greek Orthodox Church, stopping for a drink from the refreshing natural spring water.
Day 7 Şirince
Today your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time.
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Street Food Experience, Istanbul Your OMG Day: Meskender Valley Hike or E-Bike Tour, Cappadocia Your Local Living Moment: Zelve Village Dinner, Zelve Your Foodie Moment: Gozleme Cooking Class, Zelve
- Complimentary arrival and departure transfer
- Evening orientation walk of Istanbul to the Old Square to see the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque lit up at night
- Welcome dinner
- Walking tour of Istanbul's old city with visits to the Hipodrome, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern
- Visit the Kaymakli underground city
- See the rock-carved churches at the Goreme Open Air Museum
- Climb the stairs to the Uchisar Castle
- Orientation walk of Sirince
- Explore the ancient city of Ephesus including St John's Basilica and the House of the Virgin Mary
- Farewell dinner
- All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 6 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners
Reference : GAH