Highlights of Turkey

On arrival, you will be transferred to the central start hotel. There is no formal sightseeing planned today (an orientation walk is included on your return to Istanbul on Day 14). Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world with a history spanning thousands of years. It has been through several incarnations, firstly as Byzantium, then Constantinople and finally Istanbul. If there is time, you can wander through the bustling streets and absorb the vibrancy of this exciting city that links Europe and Asia. Accommodation: Samir Hotel (or similar)

Make your own way to the start hotel and check in. There is no sightseeing planned today (an orientation walk is included on your return to Istanbul on Day 14). Istanbul is one of the great cities with a history spanning thousands of years. It has been through several incarnations, firstly as Byzantium, then Constantinople and finally Istanbul. If there is time, you can wander through the busy streets and absorb the vibrancy of this exciting city linking Europe and Asia. Accommodation: Beethoven Premium Hotel (or similar)

There’s a welcome meeting at 9am. Then we depart for the Gallipoli peninsula, the site of many significant battles during the First World War. We visit the battlefields, learn about the events that took place here, and their particular importance to the ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps). We then cross the Dardanelles Strait, arriving in the city of Çanakkale in the late afternoon. Approximate driving time from Istanbul to Çanakkale is 5hr 30min (not including stop in Gallipoli). Accommodation: Cura Hotel (or similar)

This morning after breakfast we visit the city of Troy, immortalised in Homer’s Iliad and once thought to be a place of legend. We see the remnants of the ancient city walls and a reconstruction of the famed wooden horse, while learning more about the ground-breaking archaeological digs that took place here. We continue this afternoon to the seaside town of Ayvalik on the Aegean coast in the northwest. Surrounded by an archipelago of picturesque islands, the town is full of historic stone houses, narrow cobblestoned streets and small shops/cafes selling local produce. We have free time to explore the town, perhaps sampling some of the renowned local olive oil or Ayvalik tost (similar to a club sandwich). Approximate driving time from Çanakkale to Ayvalik is 3hr 30min. Accommodation: Musho Otel (or similar)

After breakfast, we depart for the ancient Greek city and Unesco World Heritage site of Pergamon, the capital of the Attalid dynasty during the Hellenistic period (approximately 323 BCE to 31 BCE). We take a scenic cable car ride up to the Acropolis, which contains the most important remains of Pergamon. See the temples, palaces, library and theatre and learn about the significance of this special archaeological site. We continue to the charming town of Selcuk, where the evening will be free for you to rest or explore at leisure. Approximate driving time from Ayvalik to Selcuk is 2hr 30min. Accommodation: Hitit Hotel (or similar)

This morning, we visit the ancient site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and a great example of Greco-Roman architecture. Always an important religious centre, Ephesus was founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th century BCE and flourished under Roman rule. The Greeks replaced the cult of the Anatolian fertility goddess Cybele with Artemis and built a fabulous temple in her honour. With the arrival of the Romans, it became the Temple of Diana and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We visit the vast amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once graced by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and wonderfully restored Library of Celsus. After the Ephesus visit, we head to Selçuk and visit Isa Bey Mosque (a fine example of early Seljukian architecture) and St John's Basilica. There will also be free time, during which we recommend a visit to the fascinating Ephesus Archaeological Museum. We return to Selçuk for the evening. Accommodation: Hitit Hotel (or similar)

We drive to Pamukkale today, also known as Cotton Castle. This spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming myriad pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties and are great place for a relaxing dip. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BCE and by the second century CE had become an important Roman bath centre. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. We spend the afternoon discovering the travertines and ancient city. Approximate driving time from Selcuk to Pamukkale is 3hr-3hr 30min. Accommodation: Melrose Viewpoint Hotel (or similar)