More than a tour.
A deeper connection.
Eight days that move from Ottoman and Byzantine Istanbul to the first council at Nicaea, from Troy and the Dardanelles to the Acropolis of Pergamon, from Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary to the travertines of Pamukkale — closing with a balloon sunrise over Cappadocia.
Flexible itinerary
The programme can be customised to your interests, time and special requests. The order of visits, durations and accommodation can all be modified.
For group leaders
Complimentary services and tailor-made arrangements are available. Return from Cappadocia to Istanbul by domestic flight or luxury coach, as you prefer.
Day by day
The programme
DAY 01
İstanbul
Overnight in Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul and meet & greet at the airport. Guided city tour taking in Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 02
İznik – Çanakkale
Overnight in Çanakkale
Drive to İznik to visit the historical sites of ancient Nicaea — the setting of the First Council and the Roman city walls. Continue to Çanakkale, visit the ancient city of Troy and stop at the Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial and the Dardanelles. Check-in and dinner at the hotel.
DAY 03
Bergama – Kuşadası
Overnight in Kuşadası
Visit Bergama — the Acropolis, the Asklepion and the ancient ruins of Pergamon. Continue to Kuşadası, our home town on the Aegean, for check-in and dinner at the hotel.
DAY 04
Ephesus – Pamukkale
Overnight in Pamukkale
A full morning in the ancient city of Ephesus, then the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis. Drive to Pamukkale for check-in and dinner at a thermal hotel.
DAY 05
Pamukkale – Kapadokya
Overnight in Cappadocia
Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis — thermal pools, theatre and necropolis — with free time on the white travertines. Afternoon drive to Cappadocia, check-in and dinner at the hotel.
DAY 06
Kapadokya
Overnight in Cappadocia
Full-day Cappadocia tour: Devrent Valley, Paşabağ, the Göreme Open Air Museum and Uçhisar, with lunch at a local restaurant and time for optional experiences. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 07
Kapadokya – İstanbul
Overnight in Istanbul
Optional hot-air balloon experience at first light, then breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Istanbul — or the drive by luxury coach. Check-in, free time and an optional farewell dinner.
DAY 08
İstanbul
Until we meet again
Free time for last-minute shopping or optional activities, then transfer to Istanbul Airport. End of our services.
Included in the programme
7 nights' accommodation at selected hotels
Daily breakfast and dinners as specified
Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Professional licensed tour guide
All sightseeing and museum entrances as per programme
All taxes, parking and road charges
Not included
International and domestic flights unless specified
Lunches and drinks during meals
Optional hot-air balloon flight in Cappadocia
Optional experiences and personal expenses
Tips for guide and driver
Travel insurance
Any service not listed as included
Departures
Guaranteed departures, April to November
Private departures run on any date you choose. Below are our regular group start dates — pick one in the booking calendar and we will hold your places for 48 hours.
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