Highlights
- Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
- Tour of Ankara and Ataturk’s mausoleum
- Explore the Anatolian Civilisations Museum
- See Cappadocia’s amazing rock pinnacles
- Walk through the Goreme Open-air museum
- Visit Kaymakli, the extraordinary underground city
- Tour one of the best-preserved Seljuk caravanserais
- Visit Mevlana Rumi’s Mausoleum in Konya
- Discover the natural phenomena at Pamukkale
- Guided tour of Aphrodisias, the city dedicated to the goddess of love
- Visit Ephesus for a walking tour
- Guided tour of the Acropolis of Pergamon
- See the remains of Homer’s Troy
- Cross the Straits of the Dardanelles
- Visit Gallipoli, Anzac Cove and the Commonwealth cemeteries
- Walking tour of Istanbul and visit Hagia Sophia
- Tour the extraordinary Topkapi Palace
- Explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
- The Signature Tour option includes all of the above as well as:*
- Relax and unwind with an early evening aperitif and watch the remarkable sunset over the Red Valley of Cappadocia
- Soak up the atmosphere as we visit a traditional farmhouse near Kusadasi to enjoy a delicious lunch showcasing the region’s typical dishes
- Enjoy a vibrant and colourful live performance of Turkish music and dancing, and dine on sumptuous traditional dishes at an evening in Istanbul
- Step aboard your private boat and see another side of Istanbul as we glide gracefully along the waters of the Bosphorus
- *Please note: Signature tour options are available for 2023 departures only.
Inclusions
- The price of this Turkish tour is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The price includes:
- 11 nights' accomodation in four-star hotels
- Daily breakfast and eight dinners
- All tours as mentioned
- Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person
- Scheduled return flights
- All local taxes
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
1
Fly to Ankara via Istanbul staying overnight at the five-star Mövenpick Ankara Hotel with dinner.
2
Morning Today we head straight to the Anatolian Civilisations Museum for a guided tour. We will learn about the ancient history of Anatolia, the migration of humans from Africa and the subsequent societies that evolved. From the Stone Age came some of the first actual societies, like the remarkable Hittites who discovered iron making, invented the wheel, signed the world’s first written peace treaty and had laws and social systems we could recognise. We then enjoy a guided tour of the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk. He was commander of the Turkish forces at Gallipoli. Known to be a national hero, he “founded” modern day Turkey in the 1920s. After the guided tour, you have some free time to explore as you wish. Afternoon We begin our journey to Cappadocia, stopping for lunch along the way. We drive alongside Tuz Golu, one of the world’s largest salt lakes, entering our destination and one of the planet’s most unique landscapes, a remarkably fertile volcanic plateau eroded into bizarrely contorted shapes. We stay two nights with dinner at the four-star Best Western Premier Hotel.
3
The Cappadocia region is incredibly rich in amazing natural phenomena and extraordinary settlements built by its resourceful peoples throughout the ages. Its history is unparalleled; it was once the land of the Hittites, then the Lydians, the Persians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Turks and then the Mongols. Their remarkable legacies are astonishing. To survive periodic marauding invasions, entire cities were built underground here, some boasted a staggering 3,000 inhabitants. This morning we visit the underground city of Kaymakli, which had eight levels. We have free time to wander around and you’ll be amazed by the rooms, passages and recesses; ranging from stables, wine presses and kitchens even a church and a copper smelter. Then we visit nearby Pasabaglari where over the millennia, weathered rocks have formed almost unbelievable shapes capped with mushroom-like pinnacles. Some of these resulting “Fairy Chimney” rock pillars have been hollowed out by monks who distanced themselves from the outside world. Perhaps the highlight of the day is our visit to Goreme. This vast monastic complex boasts some of the finest rock cut churches and exquisite frescoes and is particularly noted for the surprising freshness of their original 10th-century colours. This is Byzantine art at its most astonishing, cleverly utilising the rock’s rugged surface to highlight shadow. We return to the hotel in time for dinner. Signature Experience (2023 departures only): Early this evening we make our way to the Red Valley to experience the magnificent sunset. As you relax with an aperitif and watch the sun dip below the horizon, the sandstone rocks and fairy chimneys are bathed in the pinks, oranges, and crimson light of the ever-changing sky.
4
Morning We start the day with a visit to the pottery making village of Avanos and see a demonstration of the potter’s art before beginning our journey south-west to Konya. Leaving Cappadocia’s hills you can really appreciate the wide-open vistas of the Anatolian Plateau. Seemingly unremarkable today, this is the ancient Silk Road from the east. Afternoon After our lunch stop, we continue the journey and soon reach the great Caravanserai of Sultanhani, one of the Seljuk caravanserais – essentially camel “truck stops” – used by travellers since earliest times. Rebuilt many times during its turbulent history, the current 13th-century complex is probably the finest and best preserved, noted for its magnificent portal and the elegant simplicity of its massive walls. Exploring the great courtyard and surrounding rooms, it’s not hard to imagine the relief with which weary camel trains and their minders would rest here before continuing their epic journeys. We have a guided tour here and enjoy some free time to explore before continuing our journey. On arrival in Konya we visit the Mevlâna Museum, the Mausoleum of Rumi, one of Islam’s greatest philosophers. Renowned for its green dome, it is sacred to the Muslim order of Mevlevi, sometimes called the Whirling Dervishes, and remains a site of pilgrimage today. We stay for one night with dinner at the four-star Hotel Novotel.
5
Today we drive to Pamukkale, passing great lakes and dramatic mountain scenery along the way. On arrival we take a guided tour of the thermal pools and enjoy some free time to explore the ancient city of Heirapolis. Pamukkale – Turkish for “cotton castle” – holds one of the world’s most extraordinary phenomena. By a freak of nature, calcium carbonate has been deposited by the evaporation of mineral-rich springs, causing water to slowly drip down the mountainside, collecting in shallow terraces and spilling over cascades of travertine stalactites into thermal pools. Over the millennia, it has created a shimmering, brilliant-white scene that really is something special to behold. There’s also the ruined city-spa of Hierapolis, where emperors bathed two millennia ago. We stay at the four-star Colossae Thermal Hotel, near Pamukkale, for one night with dinner.
6
Morning This morning we visit another momentous site in civilisation’s history, the enticingly named Aphrodisias, for a guided tour. As significant as Ephesus, this is one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites, yet much remains undiscovered. Evidence suggests Neolithic farmers worshipped the Mother Goddess of Fertility here 7,000 years ago. Our tour explores Greek and Roman remains and their legends, immersing us in those societies’ passion for passion. Pre-eminent amongst the ruins is of course the great Temple of Aphrodite, subsequently transformed into a Christian basilica, and one of the most intact stadiums in the ancient world. Afternoon After lunch, we travel towards the azure-blue Mediterranean and Kusadasi. We stay at the four-star Hotel Korumar for two nights with dinner.
7
Morning Today we have a guided tour of Ephesus, an ancient city with breathtaking buildings. So great was Ephesus, with its amazing two-storey Library of Celsus and the enormous amphitheatre, that the Romans made it their capital of Asia. We’ll see the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the original ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’. Intriguingly, only a fraction of the city has been excavated to date, but the discoveries indicate a highly sophisticated society living in luxurious houses with marble-lined halls, mosaics and beautiful frescoes. Strolling through the centre of Ephesus, you’ll be walking the same streets as St Paul and St John, who both lived here for several years. We also discover the remains of St John’s Basilica, built by the Emperor Justinian over St John’s tomb. Afternoon In complete contrast, we visit the hillside site of the House of the Virgin Mary. St John was entrusted to care for her, and it’s believed she travelled with him to Ephesus. We return to our hotel in Kusadasi in the late afternoon, and the rest of the day at leisure. Signature Experience (2023 departures only): After the trip to Ephesus we visit a traditional farmhouse where your welcoming hosts will serve a selection of enticing local dishes prepared with ingredients from the farm. In these most ambient surroundings of olive groves and citrus trees, sit back and savour the fresh flavours of Aegean at this unforgettable lunch.
8
Morning Departing Kusadasi, we follow the coast towards the ancient Hellenistic city of Pergamon, where we have a guided tour. Perched on a high rocky outcrop, with stunning views for miles around, the city was famed for its library, so concerned were the Egyptians about this competition that they cut off supplies of papyrus to Pergamon, thus prompting the invention of parchment. We’ll see the remains of the Temple of Trajan, the altar of Zeus and the world’s steepest ancient amphitheatre. Afternoon We continue our journey along the scenic coastline to Canakkale. We stay for one night at the four-star Kolin Hotel, overlooking the Dardanelles, with dinner.
9
Morning A fascinating day of contrasts awaits today. Firstly, there’s free time in Troy, famous for the ‘wooden horse’ story, when Queen Helen of Sparta eloped with Prince Paris to Troy and her enraged husband followed seeking her return. Today, Troy is a complex archaeological site that spans nine separate cities. It nevertheless remains a romantic and alluring place to anyone who has read about the heroic struggles recounted in Homer’s Iliad. We then take a short ferry cruise from Asia to Europe over the extremely scenic, steep-sided Dardanelles, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, to the Gallipoli peninsula. This was made famous during the First World War as the scene of one of the greatest and most tragic campaigns of the conflict. Afternoon We visit the Lone Pine memorial and Anzac Cove, where the Australians mistakenly landed and were forced to scale steep cliffs and ravines under constant bombardment. After some free time here, we continue our journey through this refreshingly picturesque landscape to Istanbul. We stay at the superbly located four-star Armada Old City Hotel for three nights, with breakfast.
10
Morning This morning, we enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, one of the city’s best landmarks and quite simply one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. Built in the 6th century, it was the largest enclosed space in the world for 1,400 years. The artistic highlights are the amazing Byzantine mosaics that seem to cover every wall with their vibrant golds, reds and yellows, plus the stunning blue ceramics so typical of the East after it was converted to a mosque some thousand years later. The marble that lines the walls has to be seen to be believed, with each piece specially quarried so the grain blends in a most harmonious manner. Afternoon We have a guided walk of Istanbul and experience the sights and sounds of this magnificent city. There are few places where you’ll find such a diverse array of monuments and fascinating places to visit. We’ll see the immense and beautifully preserved city walls, still dominant after a thousand years, and the remains of the Hippodrome, where the emperors entertained a staggering 50,000 people. For thousands of years, Istanbul sat at the centre of the overland trade routes, and its Grand Bazaar became home to merchants from all over the known world. Today, more than 4,000 shops sell all types of goods, mainly gold, silver, leatherwear, ceramics and carpets, including fine collectors’ items. Signature Experience (2023 departures only): End the day in style with an evening at one of Istanbul’s atmospheric live performance venues. You’ll be transported back to the days of the Ottoman Empire as you witness a dazzling performance of traditional Turkish dance. In these lavish surroundings, lose yourself in the mesmerising music and then dine on sumptuous dishes, many of which date back to the days of the Sultans.
11
Morning We start the day with a guided tour of the Topkapi Palace, the glittering and labyrinthine imperial residence of the sultans for over 400 years. Today, it is a spectacular museum, but in its heyday, it functioned as a city within a city, a home to over 4,000 guards, eunuchs, courtiers and the ladies of the harem. There is a superb display of weapons from throughout history: crossbows, firearms inlaid with ivory and beautifully crafted armour from as far afield as Japan. The treasury is breathtaking too, with an amazing display of jewellery including the world’s fifth-largest diamond, emeralds, jewel-encrusted thrones and the famous Topkapi. Afternoon Next, we have a short walk around the Spice Bazaar, where your senses are bombarded by the vibrant colours and fragrant smells of herbs and spices from around the world: high-quality saffron from Iran; vanilla from Madagascar; turmeric from India; fresh peppercorns from Indonesia and much more. This entire area encapsulates the spirit of old Istanbul: a maze of tiny busy streets, where the locals chat over apple tea from numerous street vendors, as the commanding horns of the passenger ferries resound under the famous Galata Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Signature Experience (2023 departures only): See Istanbul from a different perspective and step aboard your private boat for a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus. As we drift along this most iconic of waterways enjoy the cool breeze and soak up the glorious views - the magnificent Dolmabahce Place and the elegant Ortakoy Mosque are two of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks.
12
Today at the appropriate time, the coach will transfer you to the airport to take your return flight, after a most fascinating tour.
4* Colossae Thermal Hotel – Near Pamukkale
Located close to the ancient spa resort of Hierapolis, this eco-friendly hotel features indoor thermal pools and an outdoor swimming pool. The spa also offers a selection of beauty and wellness treatments. The buffet restaurant offers a choice of dishes and there is a selection of bars to choose from. The modern, air-conditioned rooms have an en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, safe, telephone, TV, safe, minibar and complimentary Wi-Fi.
4* Hotel Novotel – Konya
The modern Hotel Novotel in Konya has a bright contemporary design. There is a bar where you can enjoy views of Konya and a buffet restaurant offering a choice of traditional Turkish dishes and international cuisine. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and spa. All rooms have a contemporary design with an en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, safe, TV, safe, minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.
4* Utopia Cave Cappadocia – Cappadocia
This Cave-style hotel is located in the small town of Urgup in the heart of Cappadocia and provides the perfect spot to enjoy views of the famous Cappadocia rock formations. Throughout the hotel there are terraces and individual seating areas where you can relax and unwind and enjoy a drink from the hotel bar. The buffet restaurant offers a full breakfast and buffet dinner, and there is also a spa & Turkish bath. All of the air-conditioned rooms have an en-suite shower, hairdryer, safe, TV, safe, minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.
5* Mövenpick Hotel – Ankara
This modern hotel is located within easy access to Ankara’s top attractions. The contemporary Plus restaurant serves breakfast and dinner and the lobby lounge and bar is well-known for Mövenpick ice cream and coffee. The air-conditioned rooms are all very comfortably furnished with an en-suite bath and separate shower, hairdryer, safe, TV, minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.
4* Hotel Armada Old City - Istanbul
About the hotel This four-star hotel is set just within the original ramparts of Istanbul’s Old City and overlooks the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara. The hotel’s roof terrace, where breakfast is taken, offers wonderful views of the old city skyline and, at night, views across to the floodlit Blue Mosque and Aghia Sophia... the location is simply unbeatable. The air-conditioned rooms are all comfortably furnished and with an en suite bathroom, hairdryer, safe, TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi. Location The hotel is surrounded with the small houses and picturesque winding lanes of the Old City and just a 10-minute walk to the centre.
4* Hotel Kolin - Canakkale
About the hotel The four-star Hotel Kolin is an excellent, modern hotel overlooking the Dardanelles – a narrow, naturally straight waterway that separates Asian and European Turkey. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with shaded sun-loungers as well as an indoor pool, Boreas Spa where you can book a traditional Turkish hammam scrub or massage, and a gym. There are a selection of restaurants and bars at this hotel. The main restaurant, where we enjoy our included evening meal, serves local and international dishes in an open buffet style. There’s a lobby bar with panoramic views of the Strait, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a morning coffee or watch the sunset with a delicious drink in the evening. There’s also a rooftop bar and a snack bar for a cocktail by the pool. All of the air-conditioned rooms have an en suite bathroom, hairdryer, safe, telephone, TV, safe, minibar and complimentary Wi-Fi. Location You can reach the centre of Canakkale in just 5 minutes via taxi.
4* Hotel Korumar - Kusadasi
About the hotel This resort-style hotel is fully air-conditioned with four restaurants, several bars, a luxurious spa and hammam to enjoy a relaxing treatment, a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and gym. The hotel also has an excellent sun terrace overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, and a private beach with a small cove for swimming. The beach is accessed from a lift inside the hotel. Please note the swimming pool is open during the summer months, depending on weather conditions. There are four restaurants at this hotel, two of which have outdoor seating and splendid sea views. You’ll also have choice of lounges and bars to relax with a drink in the evening – choose from the chic Mare Bar with live music, Beach Bar serving snack and drinks by the beach, Sedir Bar which boasts open fireplaces, wooden beams and fantastic views, Snack Bar by the outdoor pool and Lobby Bar and Terrace where you can watch the beautiful sunset over the Aegean Sea. All the rooms have a private balcony and en suite bathroom plus a hairdryer, safe, TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Location Positioned very close to the main bay of Kusadasi, the hotel is within walking distance (about 10 minutes) of shops and restaurants.