Turkey Discovery

Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel for the next 4 nights | Settle in and meet up with your group in the evening.

Avicenna Hotel (or similar)  – This 4-star hotel, just a stone’s throw from the major sites, features modern rooms with a garden terrace.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before a full-day guided tour of Istanbul | Major sites include: the Hagia Sofia- one of the grandest buildings of the ancient world. The Blue Mosque – symbol of the city, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome | Meander around the Grand Bazaar – where everything’s for sale at a haggler’s price.  (B)

Avicenna Hotel (or similar)

Assail your senses at the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar | Visit the intimate Mosque of Rusterm Pasa | Wander the European Quarter | Stop by the Galata Tower and the Pera Art Museum.  (B)

Avicenna Hotel (or similar)

Be guided through the Ottoman era Topaki Palace | Discover the world’s richest Islamic Art collection in the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum | Take free time to further explore and enjoy the rhythm of this vibrant city.  (B)

Avicenna Hotel (or similar)

Take an early flight to Izmir, then drive on to ancient Ephesus | Witness the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World | Marvel at the iconic Library of Celsus | Stroll through marble-paved streets, revealing a city frozen in time | Tonight, rest in the village of Sirince.

Nisanyan Hotel (or similar) – This hotel offers stunning views of the historical village of Sirince and the surrounding hills. It features a marble swimming pool filled from the Nisanyan Spring and offers a large garden for guests to enjoy.

Heading eastward, stop to explore the springs and geological phenomenon that is Pamukkale | Wander through the remarkable Greco-Roman World Heritage site of Hierapolis.  (B, D)

Casa Bianca Hotel (or similar) – Charming boutique hotel, set in Denizli centre with views of the mountains. Relax on the balcony or terrace with views to the garden, or even enjoy a ride on one of the hotel’s free bicycles.

Drive to Ankara, the nation’s capital | Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic and revered independence hero | Later, visit the excellent Museum of Anatolian Civilizations  (B)

Eyuboglu Hotel (or similar)

Drive north to Safranbolu, one of the best-preserved Ottoman towns in Turkey | Check in to the warm and welcoming hotel set in the old part of town, for the next two nights | Enjoy a relaxed afternoon to wander and soak up the local’s warm hospitality and traditional cuisine.  (B)

Gunes Konak Hotel (or similar)

Be guided around the old centre of the World Heritage town of Safranbolu | Drive to the traditional village of Yoruk Koyu to see its charmingly unrestored cream-plastered classical Ottoman houses | Return to Safranbolu and your hotel for the night. (B)

Gunes Konak Hotel – (or similar)

Enjoy morning tea in Kastamonu, backdropped by a splendid 12th century castle | Drive over mountains to Samsun, located on the Black Sea | Climb aboard for a boat ride through the spectacular Sahinkaya Canyon.  (BL)

Venn Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Time to enjoy more of Samsun before the scenic drive through the Yesilirmak River Valley | Arrive in the stunning little town of Amasya with its dramatic location and settle in for two nights | Make a late afternoon visit to the Pontic Tombs that tower above the town.  (B)

Sari Konak Boutique & Spa Hotel (or similar)

Stroll through the town’s old centre | Visit the local sites including a small museum, the Mosque of Beyazit ll, an ancient madrassa and a fine old bedestan (a covered market) | Spend the afternoon exploring further or return to the hotel and enjoy a swim or hammam.  (B)

Sari Konak Boutique & Spa Hotel (or similar)

Driving south, pass through a variety of scenery to arrive at the heart of Cappadocia | Stop to investigate Hattusa, the Heritage Listed ruins of the capital of the Hittite Empire | Arrive at Goreme by late afternoon and settle in for 3 nights at our hotel in the nearby village of  Urgup.  (B)

Urgup Konak Hotel (or similar) – Centrally located, charming accommodation in a renovated traditional house. Rooms combine a rural setting with classic décor and wood furnishings. Features a restaurant and roof top terrace with great views.

This morning be captivated at the UNESCO listed Goreme Open Air Museum with its incredible rock-cut churches and chapels adorned with vibrant frescoes | After lunch visit the Zelve Valley, a highlight of the region with is rock-cut cave houses | Enjoy dinner tonight with a local family in their family home. (BD)

Urgup Konak Hotel (or similar)

Sleep in – or consider an optional balloon ride this morning | Go below and explore the incredible underground city of Kaymakli | Make a stop at Avanos where the pottery is famous -and can be purchased! (B)

Urgup Konak Hotel (or similar)

An early breakfast before driving to Kayseri for the flight to Istanbul | Time at leisure then enjoy a late afternoon boat cruise exploring the waterways of the mighty Bosphorus.  (B)

Avicenna Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast concludes your tour | Taxis to the airport are available, or Byroads can organise a transfer on request. Byroads can also arrange a full-day excursion to the battlefields of Gallipoli.  (B)