Complete Turkey

Visiting: Turkey

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Arrive to Istanbul

Arrive at your Hotel. Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures, with a history that dates back through countless civilizations. After your arrival at the hotel, there is a welcome meeting with your leader and then the rest of the evening is free for you to explore the city, or enjoy some of the delicious food on offer.

Metropol Hotel 1nt, B

Istanbul City Tour

Today take to the streets of this unique city and visit some of its most famous sights. Situated on the Bospherous at the point where Asia meets Europe, Istanbul is a city with a real mix of cultures, from the modern to the ancient, and with a unique style that transcends this diversity. The Blue Mosque, with its minarets that dominate the Istanbul skyline is a must see. The Aya Sofia, now a museum, is a symbol of the multicultural past having once been both a church and a mosque.

After visiting the sights of this great city, there may be time to visit the Grand Bazaar, and spend some time wandering among the market stalls absorbing the sights and smells of this bustling area. You will then be transfered to the airport and fly for 1.30hours to Goreme. (Hotel 3 nts, B)

Into Cappadocia

This morning you transfer to a bus that will take you up into the rugged mountain scenery of Cappadocia. The scenery of peaks and valleys along the way will make this feel much less. Back in Goreme you will visit the open air museum here, where rock cut churches and brightly coloured frescoes are a great introduction to the region.

Walking in Cappadocia

This morning there is time for an optional hot air balloon ride over the rocky peaks of Cappadocia (additional charge). There are few better ways to see the landscape, and as the shadow shorten and the colours change, it is truly a great way to start the day. For the rest of the day, you head out for some walking in the valleys around Goreme. The limestone peaks that shoot out of the ground are an impressive sight, and the walking here is captivating.

You also visit the underground city of Derinkuyu, with its Swiss cheese holes. The city has up to eight different layers, and is still inhabited in parts to this day.

Ankara

Onwards from Cappadocia today, as you transfer to Ankara, the capital of Turkey and its second largest city. You'll spend the afternoon visiting the Ankara luna Park, a landmark in the city and a great afternoon discovering where the locals go for family fun.

( Anit Hotel 1nt, B)

Selcuk and Ephesus

Onwards from Ankara today, as you transfer to Ankara airport and take a flight across Turkey to Izmir. From here its a short drive to Selcuk, where you stay for the next couple of days. The main attraction here is the ruins of Ephesus. Once renowned as one of the seven wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis has been renowned through history. This great Temple no longer exists, but the ruins of this Roman city are impressive enough. You have time here for a guided tour and the chance to visit the museum (additional charge) where you can learn the history of this amazing site.

Amazon Boutique Hotel 2nts, Bx2

Free day in Selcuk

Today has been left free for you to take some time to relax and catch your breath after a few days travelling. Selcuk is a great location, where there are a variety of activities you can enjoy. Head down to the great beaches along the coast, visit the market at Tire and take in the atmosphere, or head up into the hills and visit the former Greek village of Sirince, where you can get a glimpse of how rural life would once have been. See the optional activities list for full details.

Afrodisia and Pamukkale

Your journey continues as you take in more of Turkey's incredible sights. Firstly, you drive to Afrodisias, where the Roman ruins include the huge Temple of Aphrodite. The ruins here are dotted around the town, and you can see statues and a huge auditorium that suggests the powers of this city at the height of the Roman Empire. Named after the goddess of love, there was a cult image of Aphrodite in the city when it was in its glory, built in a similar style to the Lady of Ephesus.

From here you continue inland to the travetine terraces of Pamukkale. The name translates as 'cotton castle', and it is easy to see where this name comes from as the white water filled springs are unlike anything you will have seen so far.

Pamuksu Hotel - 1 nt - B

Fethiye

You head down to the coast today for a change of scenery. The drive from Pamukkale to Fethiye takes between three and four hours as you head for the sea. When you arrrive here the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy this delightful coastal town. Located on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, and close to the lagoon of Olu Deniz, this is a coastal haven for you to relax.

Villa Daffodil - 2 nts - Bx2

Salikent Gorge or Butterfly Valley

Today there are a couple of options available to you, depending on the weather conditions. Saklikent Gorge is the second largest Gorge in Europe, at 20 kilometres long. Walls of rock tower above you as you walk through the gorge, and the walking here is great, as you can cross the river or even take a paddle in the cool water below you. From here you head over to the ruins of Tlos, one of the principal cities of Lycia. This fortress and acropolis are from another time, and the views from here across the coast are spectacular.

Depending on the weather, you may instead take a boat trip out to Butterfly Valley. This beach is unspoilt and has a relaxed atmosphere which is a great place for you to relax and end your trip.

Tour Ends

This morning your tour ends after breakfast (B)

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner