Ancient Turkey: Cappadocia, Istanbul, Ephesus & Troy

This morning we'll visit the Anatolian Civilisations Museum in a small group for a guided tour. With an expert guide, we'll uncover the history of fascinating Anatolia, from the African people who migrated there and the consequent civilisation that developed.

The Stone Age saw the birth of society, one of the earliest being the Hittites who made many discoveries, including ironwork, the invention of the wheel, signed the first-ever peace treaty and created laws.

In your small group, we'll then tour the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk. A commander of the Turkish forces at Gallipoli, he was regarded as a national hero and established modern-day Turkey in the 1920s. You'll then have ample free time after the tour to explore at your leisure.

We'll then travel to Cappadocia, with a spot of lunch on the way. Witness one of the world's largest salt lakes, Tuz Golu, as we head towards our destination. As well as a peculiar landscape of jagged volcanic rock that has been weathered into unique shapes.

We stay two nights with dinner in Cappadocia.

A region enriched with natural phenomena, Cappadocia, is also home to fascinating settlements that have been built over the centuries by its skilled residents. Its inhabitants are nothing short of extraordinary - the Romans, Persians, Byzantines, Lydians, Turks and Mongols - that have created lasting legacies to this day. Resourceful and advanced beyond their years, they built underground cities to protect themselves from potential pillaging invasions that would accommodate an impressive 3,000 civilians.

We'll spend the morning visiting the astonishing underground city of Kaymakli, which boasts an impressive eight levels! You'll have time at leisure to roam the passageways and rooms, including stables, wine presses and kitchens, plus a church and copper smelter.

Our next stop is the neighbouring Pasabaglari, where eroded rocks have formed mushroom-like pillars, creating an almost fairytale village. The aptly named "fairy chimneys" have been hollowed by monks who detached themselves from the rest of the world.

An absolute treasure to witness with your own eyes is the intricate rock-cut structures of churches and murals of Göreme. An immense monastic site that boasts surprisingly vibrant colours, considering they are from the 10th century - showcasing Byzantine art at its finest.

The red hues of Cappadocia dance like flames against the sunset, creating an otherworldly glow unlike any other. We'll watch this spectacular sunset with a tasty aperitif, as we find true tranquillity in this picture-perfect moment. Watch as the descending sun ignites the colours of the incredible rock formations of Cappadocia’s Red Valley.

We'll then head back to the hotel in time for dinner.

As we depart from the stunning hills of Cappadocia, the expansive views of the Anatolian Plateau unfold before us. After a refreshing lunch break, we hit the road, tracing part of the historic Silk Road, leading us to the impressive Caravanserai of Sultanhani. This ancient stopover, dating back to the Seljuk period, was a resting place for travellers and their camels, much like modern truck stops do today.

Having undergone numerous reconstructions through its eventful past, the current structure from the 13th century stands out as one of the best-preserved examples in the region, distinguished by its grand entrance and the remarkable simplicity of its sturdy walls. Wandering through the expansive courtyard and adjacent rooms, it’s easy to envision the sigh of relief from weary camel trains and their minders as they found respite here before continuing their long journeys. In our small group, we'll have the chance to experience a guided tour and some leisure time to explore before we move on.

Our day kicks off with a visit to Avanos, a village known for its pottery. Here, we witness a captivating demonstration of traditional pottery-making before we set our course southwest toward Konya. As we leave the captivating hills of Cappadocia behind, the vastness of the Anatolian Plateau comes into focus. Despite appearing unassuming now, this has always been a crucial stretch of the ancient Silk Road leading from the east.

Upon reaching Konya, our first stop is the Mevlâna Museum, housing the Mausoleum of Rumi, one of the most esteemed philosophers in Islam. Famous for its iconic green dome, this site holds great significance for the Mevlevi order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, and it continues to draw pilgrims from around the world.

We'll spend the night in Konya, enjoying a meal together to wrap up our day.

Today, we journey to Pamukkale, enjoying the stunning views of expansive lakes and the impressive mountain landscape along the way. Upon our arrival, we'll embark on a guided tour of the thermal pools and have some leisure time to wander through the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

Pamukkale, which translates to “cotton fortress” in Turkish, is home to one of nature’s most remarkable sights. The unique formation of calcium carbonate occurs as mineral-rich waters evaporate, creating a natural wonder where water gracefully flows down the mountainside. This results in shallow terraces that spill into cascading thermal pools adorned with travertine formations.

Over countless years, this process has sculpted a breathtaking, brilliant-white landscape that is truly mesmerising. The historical site of Hierapolis houses an ancient spa where emperors once relaxed, adding to the allure of this remarkable destination.

We'll spend the night at a hotel near Pamukkale, enjoying dinner during our stay.

Today, we'll embark on a journey to a historically significant location known as Aphrodisias, where a guided tour awaits us. Comparable in importance to Ephesus, this remarkable archaeological site holds many secrets yet to be uncovered. Archaeological findings indicate that Neolithic farmers revered the Mother Goddess of Fertility in this area around 7,000 years ago.

In our small group along with an expert local guide, we'll discover ancient Greek and Roman ruins, celebrating the rich legacies and intrigue of these cultures. Among the notable structures is the impressive Temple of Aphrodite, which was later converted into a Christian Basilica, along with one of the best-preserved stadiums from antiquity.

Following our lunch, we head towards the stunning turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to Kusadasi, where we'll spend two nights with dinner included.

We'll discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus on a guided tour with a local guide. With its impressive two-storey Library of Celsus and the grand amphitheatre, it's no surprise that the Romans were so impressed by it they named it Asia's capital city.  Marvel at one of the original ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’ - the grand Temple of Artemis. The archaic site has only partially been excavated but it uncovered a hidden world of grand houses composed of marble, mosaics and murals - these findings suggest a highly sophisticated society once lived here.

Walk in the footsteps of St Paul and St John as you meander through the centre of Ephesus, where they both called home for some time. Witness the remains of St John’s Basilica, built by Emperor Justinian over St John’s tomb. Close by is the site of the House of the Virgin Mary, who is believed to have travelled with St John to Ephesus, as she was put under his care.

Later today, our small group will head to a charming, family-owned restaurant close to Ephesus, surrounded by a lovely garden. This restaurant specialises in traditional Turkish dishes and was established in 2020 by local women as part of an initiative to provide job opportunities for women impacted by the pandemic. Managed by a dedicated mother-daughter duo, dining at this restaurant not only satisfies your hunger but also allows you to experience warm Turkish hospitality and rich culture.

We return to our hotel in Kuşadası in the late afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure to spend as you wish.  

As we bid farewell to Kuşadası, we'll drive along the coast to Pergamon for a guided tour of the ancient city, in our small group. Sitting high on solid bedrock, the city has panoramic views of the surrounding horizon. Famous for its impressive library, the Egyptians were both envious and threatened, so they chose to cut off supplies of papyrus to Pergamon, which in turn led to the creation of parchment.

The Temple of Trajan, the altar of Zeus and the world’s steepest ancient amphitheatre are among the iconic sights we'll visit around the city.

After our visit to Pergamon, we'll take a scenic drive along the stunning coastline to Canakkale and then enjoy an evening meal at the hotel.

We arrive in Troy, where the infamous ‘wooden horse’ story was born, which depicted Queen Helen of Sparta eloping with Prince Paris to Troy, sparking outrage from her husband, who then pursued them in a fight to get her back. 

In the present day, Troy is an intricate archaeological site, that is so huge it spans a further nine cities. However, it hasn't lost its charm and still holds the same romance and allure for anyone who has read about the heroic struggles recounted in Homer’s Iliad.

If you'd like some recommendations on what must-see sights to visit during your time in Troy, our expert and friendly Tour Manager is always happy to help give recommendations and advice.

We'll embark on a short ferry ride from Asia to Europe, on our way to the Gallipoli peninsula. Taking in the surrounding vistas of the fascinating steep-sided Dardanelles as we go. Renowned for being one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes - made famous during the First World War for suffering some of the most tragic consequences of the conflict.

Once we arrive, we'll visit the Lone Pine Memorial and Anzac Cove. The Australians accidentally came here and were made to climb sheer cliffs and deep ravines under incessant bombardment.

We then continue through the picturesque landscapes that unfold before us as we head towards Istanbul, where we stay for four nights.

In our small group, we'll roam the ancient streets of Istanbul on a guided walking tour, accompanied by a local guide, to uncover the hidden secrets that lie within its impressively preserved city walls. We'll also visit the remains of the Hippodrome, built for a staggering 50,000 spectators where the emperor himself entertained.  

Istanbul was once the base of the overland trade routes for centuries, and merchants from all over the world travelled to its Grand Bazaar to call it home.  

Now, more than 4,000 shops sell various goods, from silver and gold to ceramics and carpets, plus fine collector's items. There are few cities where every corner unveils such a diverse array of monuments and fascinating places than Istanbul.

We spend our morning visiting the grand Hagia Sophia, arguably the city's most iconic landmark. Advanced beyond its years, it was built in the 6th century and was the largest enclosed space in the world for 1,400 years. It's no surprise that this is hailed as one of the world’s most astounding architectural achievements.

On our visit, we'll explore the second floor and its impressive galleries. It boasts fascinating views of where the empress's throne once sat, as well as the nave below and the dome above, wrapping you up in its impressive architecture everywhere you look.

The South Gallery is home to lavish Byzantine mosaics that adorn the walls with a shimmer of gold, mixed with hues of red and yellow - a fascinating sight of this thought-provoking relic of the past.

Istanbul is home to approximately 500 subterranean cisterns, many of which originate from ancient times. Today, we’ll explore one of the most renowned of these underground structures.

Lost to history until its rediscovery in the 16th century, this remarkable cistern has been open to tourists since 1837. Often referred to as an underground cathedral, it showcases extraordinary engineering from the era of Emperor Justinian, dating back to 532 AD. This vast reservoir has the capacity to hold around 80,000 cubic meters of water, and once you step inside, it’s hard not to feel its immense scale.

Inside, you'll find more than 300 impressive marble columns, crafted from stone believed to be reclaimed from ancient temples. Don’t miss the intricate decorations, including the iconic Medusa heads, which add an eerie touch to the atmosphere!

As we emerge from the underground world, we'll continue our exploration of Istanbul to the infamous Sultanahmet Mosque, more widely known as "the Blue Mosque". Aptly named after the interior's striking blue tiles, the exterior is just as beautiful with its 6 turrets that - according to legend - were built in competition with Hagia Sophia. But, we'll let you decide for yourself which is the grandest.

Later this afternoon, we’ll witness Istanbul from a whole different angle as we sail along the majestic Bosphorus on a privately chartered boat. The legendary river separates Europe from Asia, and boasts beautiful vistas of palaces, mosques and grand facades that make up the shoreline. Plus, drinks and snacks will be available on board, allowing you to sip and indulge while we glide along for ultimate relaxation. 

We'll spend our morning roaming the shimmering and labyrinthine, Topkapi Palace, on a guided tour.  In our small group with a local guide, we'll get to know the fascinating history that surrounds this storybook palace, with its grand turrets that frame the entrance. Once the royal residence of the Sultans for over 400 years, in its past life it was home to guards, courtiers and ladies of the harem, but is now a captivating museum.

If you’re captivated by all things shiny, you'll be enthralled by the palace's beautiful treasury - with a breathtaking display of exquisite jewellery, from emeralds to the world's fifth-largest diamond, and a bejewelled throne. Or, if historic weaponry piques your interest, they have a fine display of firearms adorned with ivory inlays and intricately crafted armour from as far as Japan.

Prepare for your senses to be bombarded with a fusion of smells and vibrant colours, as we take a short stroll around the Spice Bazaar. The aroma of herbs and spices from around the world fills the air, with high-quality saffron from Iran; vanilla from Madagascar; turmeric from India; fresh peppercorns from Indonesia and much more.

This vibrant district captures the essence of historic Istanbul, featuring a labyrinth of bustling alleyways where locals enjoy apple tea from a variety of street vendors, while the echoing horns of passenger ferries fill the air beneath the iconic Galata Bridge.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, before our evening meal.  

We'll enjoy our final night in Istanbul with a meal at a rooftop restaurant, boasting stunning views of the city as it sparkles under the stars. Gather with your fellow travellers for an unforgettable dinner that highlights traditional Turkish cuisine—an evening to cherish!