Turkey Encompassed - 19 days

Your adventure begins as you touch down at either Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. After a seamless transfer to your hotel (Hilton or similar), the rest of the day is yours to discover the magic of Istanbul. Whether you choose to meander through lively bazaars, sip Turkish tea in a cozy café, or simply relax and soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere, your journey starts with the freedom to explore at your own pace.

After a delightful breakfast, embark on a guided exploration of Istanbul, the only metropolis straddling two continents. Marvel at the exquisite Blue Mosque, famed for its dazzling blue tiles, and delve into the architectural grandeur of the Hagia Sophia. Continue to the opulent Topkapi Palace, where you’ll uncover the secrets of the Hagia Irene and the lavish Harem. Stroll through the historic Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine entertainment, and conclude your day at the splendid Dolmabahce Palace. Enjoy a restful night at your Istanbul hotel (Hilton or similar).

Departing Istanbul after breakfast, you’ll travel to the storied Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of profound historical significance. Pay tribute at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, reflect at ANZAC Cove, and explore the preserved trenches at Nek and Johnston’s Jolly. After absorbing the poignant history, continue your journey to Cappadocia, where you’ll settle in for the night at a comfortable hotel (or similar), ready to explore a new region the next day.

Begin your day in Canakkale and step back in time at the legendary city of Troy, where myth and history intertwine. Explore the captivating exhibits at the Troy Museum before heading to Bergama to ascend the acropolis of Pergamon, once a center of ancient learning and culture. After a day immersed in antiquity, travel to the coastal town of Kusadasi for an overnight stay at a welcoming hotel (or similar).

After breakfast in Kusadasi, set out to explore the ancient marvels of Ephesus, including the iconic Temple of Artemis, the grand Library of Celsus, and the impressive amphitheatre. Discover treasures at the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, then gain insight into Turkish craftsmanship at a traditional carpet village. Journey to the charming village of Sirince for a delightful wine tasting, sampling local varietals. Return to Kusadasi for a restful evening at your hotel (or similar).

Depart Kusadasi for a journey through history, stopping at a local leather shop before reaching the ancient city of Aphrodisias. Explore its renowned stadium, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, the theatre, and the museum, all testaments to the city’s artistic legacy. Continue to Pamukkale, where you’ll spend the night at a comfortable hotel (or similar), ready to experience its natural wonders.

Begin your day in Pamukkale, marveling at its dazzling white terraces before exploring the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the thermal springs, then travel to the breathtaking Salda Lake, often called the Turkish Maldives for its turquoise waters. Continue south to Fethiye, where you’ll unwind at your hotel (or similar) for the night.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Fethiye, with the day free to explore at your own rhythm. Choose to relax in town or embark on optional excursions, such as a scenic 12-island boat tour or an adventurous trek through Saklikent Gorge. Spend another restful night at your Fethiye hotel (or similar).

Travel from Fethiye to the hauntingly beautiful village of Kayakoy, where abandoned stone houses tell stories of a bygone era. Continue to Antalya, a vibrant coastal city, and visit the Antalya Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient artefacts. Settle in for the night at your Antalya hotel (or similar), ready for more discoveries.

Set out early to explore the ancient city of Perge, renowned for its well-preserved theatre and colonnaded streets. Continue to Aspendos to marvel at its magnificent Roman amphitheatre, celebrated for its exceptional acoustics. Return to Antalya for a relaxing afternoon and overnight stay at your hotel (or similar).

After breakfast, journey to Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, the final resting place of the revered Sufi mystic Rumi. Explore exhibits that illuminate the spiritual heritage of the Whirling Dervishes. Continue along the historic Silk Road to the Catalhoyuk Museum, where you’ll uncover the secrets of one of the world’s oldest Neolithic settlements. Enjoy a restful night in Konya at your hotel (or similar).

Depart Konya for Cappadocia, pausing at the historic Sultanhani Caravanserai, a former haven for Silk Road traders. In the afternoon, descend into the depths of an underground city, marveling at its intricate tunnels and chambers. Settle into your Cappadocia accommodation (or similar), where you’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner and the chance to participate in a hands-on cooking class.

Set out to explore the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, beginning with the Goreme Open-Air Museum and its remarkable rock-hewn churches. Admire the region’s iconic fairy chimneys, wander through the scenic Pigeon and Red Valleys, and visit the historic village of Cavusin. Conclude your day in Avanos, where you’ll discover the art of pottery-making before returning to your Cappadocia hotel (or similar).

Depart Cappadocia in the morning and travel to Ankara for your flight to Van. Upon arrival, meet your guide and visit the ancient Van Citadel, a 3,000-year-old fortress offering panoramic sunset views. Settle into your Van hotel (or similar) for a restful evening.

After breakfast, take a ferry to Akdamar Island to admire its exquisite 10th-century Armenian church. Enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Van, with the chance for a refreshing swim if time allows. Back in the city, visit the world’s largest Urartu Museum and meet the famous Van cats at the Van Cat House. Spend another night in Van at your hotel (or similar).

Leave Van and journey through the scenic landscapes of Muradiye and the Bendimahi Falls, passing by the majestic Mount Ararat. In Dogubayazit, explore the architectural marvel of Ishak Pasha Palace, a blend of Seljuk, Ottoman, and Persian influences. Continue north to Kars, where you’ll stay overnight at a comfortable hotel (or similar).

Travel to the evocative ruins of Ani, once the capital of a medieval Armenian kingdom, and explore its churches, cathedral, and citadel. In the afternoon, return to Kars to visit the Church of the 12 Apostles and the imposing Kars Castle. Enjoy another night in Kars at your hotel (or similar).

Enjoy some free time in Kars before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel (Hilton or similar), with the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city, savor local cuisine, or simply relax.

On your final morning, enjoy breakfast and, depending on your departure schedule, take the opportunity for some last-minute exploration or relaxation in Istanbul before your transfer to the airport, concluding your unforgettable multi-day journey through Turkey.