Experience the highlights of Turkey and Northern Cyprus on this unforgettable 16-day journey. Begin in Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, before cruising the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia. Continue to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, travel the historic Silk Road to Konya, and discover the white terraces of Pamukkale. Along the Aegean coast, explore the ancient wonders of Ephesus, Pergamon and Troy, and visit the moving Gallipoli battlefields. Your journey then continues to Northern Cyprus, where you will explore Nicosia, Famagusta, Varosha and the impressive Salamis ruins, while enjoying time in the charming harbour town of Kyrenia on the Mediterranean coast.
Day(s) : 16
Countries : Turkey
Start City : Istanbul
End City : Istanbul
Meals : 15 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 11 Dinners
Welcome to Istanbul. You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore Istanbul.
Overnight : Istanbul
Category : 4 star
Hotel : Burdock Hotel
Tour the exotic city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) , Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum and the Hippodrome.
Overnight : Istanbul
Category : 4 star
Hotel : Burdock Hotel
After breakfast, cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with a 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way.
This afternoon there is a flight to Cappadocia, upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free time to explore.
Overnight : Cappadocia
Category : Boutique Cave
Hotel : Gamirasu Hotel
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers. a night you won't forget!
Overnight : Cappadocia
Category : Boutique Cave
Hotel : Gamirasu Hotel
We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet, whose teachings continue to inspire people worldwide. Inside the Mevlana Museum, we will explore his beautifully adorned tomb, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits on the Whirling Dervishes and their spiritual traditions.Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road, we will visit the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.
Overnight : Konya
Category : 4 star
Hotel : Novotel Konya
Today we head for Pamukkale and it's calcium travertines. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.
Overnight : Pamukkale
Category : 4 star
Hotel : Adem Pira Hotel
Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.
Overnight : Kuşadası
Category : 5 star
Hotel : Elite World Kusadasi
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus, once a bustling trade hub and religious center. Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from the site of the Temple of Artemis to the grand facade of the Library of Celsus and the impressive amphitheater. We will also visit the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where artifacts from the ancient city bring its history to life. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we will learn how carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. Afterward, we head to Sirince for a wine tasting experience.
Overnight : Kuşadası
Category : 5 star
Hotel : Elite World Kusadasi
Step back in time today as we continue on to Bergama and up to the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. We continue on and visit Troy where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award winning, Troy Museum.
Overnight : Çanakkale
Category : 5 star
Hotel : Hilton Double Tree Canakkale
After breakfast, we visit the WW1 Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels before driving to back to Istanbul.
Overnight : Istanbul
Category : 4 star
Hotel : Burdock Hotel
We will drive to airport for your onward flight to Northern Cyprus. On arrival to Ercan Airport, you will be met and drive to your hotel and the remainder of your day is free.
Overnight : Girne
Category : 5 star
Hotel : Vuni Palace Hotel
Begin your day in Nicosia with a visit to St. John’s Cathedral, followed by a scenic walk along the Venetian Walls and a stop at the Freedom Monument. Continue to Famagusta Gate before exploring the rich collections of the Cyprus Museum. Stroll through Ledra Street and the modern Eleftheria Square, then head to Lefkara Village to wander its charming stone streets. Visit a traditional silver-smith workshop, browse the local souvenir street, and enjoy a sweet lokoumia tasting. Conclude your tour at the Main Church of the Holy Cross, soaking in its peaceful atmosphere.
Overnight : Girne
Category : 5 star
Hotel : Vuni Palace Hotel
Begin your day exploring Varosha (Ghost Town/Maraş), where abandoned hotels and silent streets offer a powerful glimpse into Cyprus’ modern history. Continue to St. Nicholas Cathedral, today known as Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, to admire its stunning Gothic façade. Walk through the atmospheric halls of Othello Castle before heading to the impressive Salamis Ruins, once a major ancient city on the island. Conclude your tour at the serene St. Barnabas Church and Monastery, where the museum and tomb of the Apostle Barnabas provide a meaningful end to the day.
Overnight : Girne
Category : 5 star
Hotel : Vuni Palace Hotel
Today, you are free to explore the town at your own pace.
Overnight : Girne
Category : 5 star
Hotel : Vuni Palace Hotel
You will drive to Ercan Airport for your onward flight to Istanbul. On arrival, you will be met and drove to your hotel in Istanbul for one last night.
Overnight : Istanbul
Category : 4 star
Hotel : Burdock Hotel
After breakfast, we will drive to the airport according to your departure flight and our tour concludes.
This is intended to give an idea of the type of accommodation that may be expected. The actual hotels used for any given tour may change due to many reasons such as group size, availability, time of year, hotel standard has dropped or simply we found a better hotel. We update the website immediately if and when any changes take place. If and when we do change hotels it will be to a hotel of equal or higher standard and will be at no extra cost.
Where more than one hotel is shown for a given an overnight stop this means that one of those hotels will be used.
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