Treasures of Turkiye

Discover Istanbul, the capital of three empires, on today’s privately guided tour. Start your sightseeing at the ancient Hippodrome where you will admire the exterior of the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque and visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia – one of the most important religious buildings ever built. Next, explore the atmospheric Underground Cisterns and complete the day at the wonderful Archaeological Museum.

Continue your tour of Istanbul at the Topkapi Palace – the seat of Ottoman power for four centuries. Next, discover the world’s largest covered market, the Grand Bazaar, and then see the exquisite Iznik tiles of the Rustem Pasa Mosque. A relaxing private Bosphorus cruise on Istanbul’s defining waterway will complete your sightseeing. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the palaces, parks and traditional Ottoman wooden buildings (known as yalis) that line both the Asian and European shores.

A morning’s drive will bring you to Safranbolu in Turkiye’s Black Sea region. This charming UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the rich architectural heritage of the Ottoman period and once sat astride the Silk Road. Safranbolu is noted for its cobblestone streets, timber-framed houses, red-tiled roofs, and bustling bazaar – all of which will be explored with your guide this afternoon.

Travel north through the mountains to Amasra, an eye-catching and fortified town that is picturesquely wrapped around a bay on the Black Sea coast. On arrival, explore the colourful houses within Amasra’s city walls and cross over the much-photographed Kemere Bridge to Boztepe Island to visit the Fatih Mosque and view Rabbit. If travelling in the summer, you may wish to swim in the Black Sea from one of Amasra’s beautiful beaches. After absorbing the relaxed atmosphere at Amasra’s fishing harbour return to Sanfranbolu via the picturesque Ottoman village of Yoruk Koyu.

A morning’s drive will bring you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hattusa, once the capital of the mighty Hittite Empire. After 500 years of existence, Hattusa mysteriously vanished from history around 1200 BC and was only rediscovered in the mid-19th century. The city’s vast fortifications include the celebrated ’Lion’s Gate’, while nearby at Yazilkaya, you will see the Hittites’ greatest sanctuary. On completion of your visit, continue to Corum.

An orientation tour of Corum will provide an insight into Anatolia culture and include a visit to the city’s important Archaeological Museum as well as the opportunity to sample the local delicacies of Gul Baklava and a popular roasted chickpea snack known as Leblebi. Then, drive south to the moonscape and fantastically shaped towering ‘fairy-chimneys’ of Cappadocia. On arrival view the celebrated rock formations in the Devrent Valley and at Pasabagi. After viewing ‘Love Valley’ a short drive will then bring you to Uchisar. Climb up through the tunnels of the rock ‘castle’ to enjoy the panoramic views before checking in at your atmospheric cave hotel.

This morning there will be an optional opportunity for a dawn hot-air balloon flight drifting over Cappadocia’s beguiling lunar landscape (supplement applies) – a magical experience. Your Cappadocia sightseeing continues at the extraordinary Goreme Open Air Museum, which is noted for its painted churches and troglodytic monastic dwellings. Then, set off on foot through the stunning Rose Valley (about 2 hours) to the rabbit-warren-like rock of Old Cavusin. Afterwards, you will visit the charming town of Avanos known for its traditional pottery and ceramics. You’ll have the chance to watch skilled craftsmen at work and even try your hand at pottery-making yourself. Then return to your hotel.

The cellars, stables and houses of the underground city of Kaymakli will be your first stop today before following the Silk Road south to Sultanhani, where you will visit the largest and best-preserved Seljuk caravanserai in Turkiye. Konya, an important centre of art and mystical thought and the capital of the Seljuk Turks, is the day’s final destination. This evening (Saturdays only), attend a Whirling Dervish performance (Sema).

Set off this morning on foot to discover the splendour of Konya’s Seljuk architecture on a tour that will include the Ince Minare Mosque, the Karatay Madrassa with its stunning tile museum and most imposing of all, the Mevlana Museum, where you will find the tomb of the Sufi mystic philosopher and theologian Jalaluddin Rumi (1207 – 1273). On completion of your visit, you’ll travel through the mountains to the Mediterranean coast and the balmy resort town of Antalya.

This morning, drive out onto the Pamphylian plain to Perge, with its almost complete stadium, fine Hellenistic walls, and impressive monumental street. Then, continue to Aspendos, where one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world is located. Return to Antalya to see the stunning Roman sculpture in the archaeological museum, then enjoy a walking tour through the city’s beautiful Ottoman lanes.

Follow the highly scenic road through the Taurus Mountains inland to Pamukkale where you will visit the extensive ruins of ancient Hierapolis, formerly a great cult centre and place of pagan pilgrimage. The city occupies a dramatic location atop the famous white cotton bud-like travertine terrace and opaque chalky-blue pools of one of Turkiye’s great natural wonders, Pamukkale.

The amazing ruins of ancient Ephesus will be your destination today. Ranked among the finest classical ruins in the Western World, the extensive Roman monuments include the much-vaulted Library of Celsus and cannot fail to impress. After your visit, continue your journey to Alacati – one of Turkiye’s most charming seaside towns – and your boutique hotel.

Today, you will be at leisure in Alacati. A stay in Alacati is all about lazy days, relaxed al fresco meals, and absorbing the atmosphere in this little-known and charming seaside town. It is noted for its cobblestone streets, colourful old houses, beaches with crystal-clear waters, and being one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing.

Private transfer to Izmir International Airport and check in for your onward flight.