Treasures of Turkey

Welcome to  Istanbul; the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home. Your welcome meeting will be at 1pm today  If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you are going to be late, please inform your booking agent. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.

Early this morning, after breakfast we begin the drive to Çanakkale, located on the shores of the Dardanelles, which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and touches both Europe (with the Gelibolu Peninsula) and Asia (with the Biga Peninsula). After lunch we will visit Gallipoli, visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove. Then head up the hill toward the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. You will tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Return to Canakkale for the night.

En route to Selcuk today you'll stop at the site of Troy. As well as seeing the remnants of the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse, you will learn more about the groundbreaking archaeological digs here and how the site has baffled historians. Arrive at Selcuk later in the day and visit Sirince to enjoy a tasting of local fruit wine.

This morning enjoy an orientation walk around the village of Selcuk, a sprawling town lying at the base of the ancient Aysoluk Hill fortress. You'll visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, the ancient aqueducts and the 14th-century Isabey Mosque. Later this afternoon visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. Tour around the amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus.

After breakfast this morning we drive to Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton Castle' and a truly unique sight. This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a myriad of pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties for a person's circulation and digestive systems. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC and by the 2nd Century AD it had become an important Roman bath centre. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. 

This morning we pay a visit to a weavers' association and see first-hand how Turkish carpets are made. After lunch, travel to the Greek ghost-town of Kayakoy. Stroll around and take in the eerie atmosphere, due in no small part to population repatriation and earthquake damage. Continue on to Fethiye, a culturally fertile town located on a bay, surrounded by pine forests and islands. 

Continue on to the seaside village of Kas. Here you'll see charming whitewashed houses covered in bougainvilleas as well as an ancient Greek theatre. Sample the local cuisine and enjoy the night in the town's quaint centre.

Drive to Kekova and embark on a boat cruise around the local islands. Your hosts; Mehmet and Sebahat are definitely people of the Mediterranean. Hailing from the small village of Ucagiz on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast they married young, bought a boat and went fishing. Like a lot of our oceans their home became a victim to over fishing to new and modern methods of reaping the perfect catch. They had a boat, and they had one of the best cooks in the district so they set out to share their love of the sea and their love of food. The cruise takes you to the settlement of Ucagiz and also to the village of Simena. You'll also sail from large bays to beautiful protected inlets where you can go for a swim. Onboard the boat you'll enjoy lunch in Tersane bay. The water here is deep but you can still see the bottom; the shore is lined with the ruins of an ancient city long ago sunken into the clear waters. Look out for rock formations and houses that have been submerged under the clear water. Return to Kas in the evening.

Head to the coast this morning, and eventually to Antalya, the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean (a 5-hour drive in total). Glimpse beautiful views of the Taurus Mountains en route, stopping at BeyÅŸehir to see the EÅŸrefoÄŸlu Mosque, a fine example of Seljuk Turkish architecture. Arrive in Antalya in the late afternoon. Your hotel is located in the Kaleiçi (old city) and you'll go on an afternoon walk to see Hadrians Gate, the old Roman Harbour and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and take a guided tour of the Antalya Museum this afternoon

Continue on to Konya, an ancient city important in Roman times, and where the mystic Sufi practice of 'whirling' originates. You'll visit the mausoleum of the famous mystic Mevlana, the museum housing manuscripts of his works, as well as various artefacts relating to the mystic sect. The history of felt is more ancient than weaving. Felt making was widespread amongst the Seljuk and Ottoman Turks and very much a part of daily life from blankets, mats, bedcovers; shoes including the infamous fes the red conical hat; an Ottoman cultural identity. Machines have taken over felt making except for the last remaining usta's ( master ) felt makers found in Turkish provinces such as Afyon, Sanliurfa, Konya, Balikesir, Izmir, Kars and Erzurum. We visit Ikonium Studio one of the two working galleries of UNESCO honored Turkish felt master Mehmet Girgiç. Here we meet Sylvia who studied this ancient craft under the guidance of Mehmet. Learn about the process of this craft and see a display of signature pieces. The story of Sylvia is as intresting and colourful as the amazing pieces she creates.

Today's itinerary includes a visit to the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. See dwellings that span seven levels beneath the ground. From here you'll make your way to the archaeological site of Asikli Höyük, which was first settled in 8,000 BC. Then settle into your feature stay hotel in Goreme; one of the first boutique hotels in the region

Start the day with a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the many incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face. The Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art, cave chapels and colourful biblical frescoes from the 10th–12th centuries. Later in the afternoon, you'll go on a short walk through 'Love Valley' which is famous for its phallic rock formations. Then head back to your hotel in Goreme. Perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day.

Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the otherworldly Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. Please note this activity can only be booked locally. Please speak to your trip leader on Day 1 to organise this. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and then go for a walk to the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, Kizilcukur. You'll see fascinating rock formations such as cones, peaks and fairy chimneys, as well as manmade cave chapels from early Christian times

This morning say goodbye to Cappadocia and fly to Istanbul; the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home. On arrival into Istanbul you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore some of the hidden charms of Istanbul. Tonight consider joining your group in leader in a farewell dinner (optional) Note: You will travel by Plane to Nevsehir or Kayseria airport before being transferred to the village of Goreme. The transfer time is approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast in Istanbul.