Türkiye In-Style

Welcome to Istanbul, a city like no other. Spanning two continents, Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus, with one shore in Europe and the other in Asia, creating a distinctive fusion of diverse cultures. From traditional tea houses to contemporary art galleries, this compelling mix of contrasts is truly captivating. With its extraordinary blend of East and West, Istanbul offers an unforgettable journey through time and culture.

We dont want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you dont, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5:00pm. Well then set off, walking to a local restaurant for a lovely drink and group welcome dinner.

Get ready to spend a full day immersing in the incredible Istanbul. We begin our day with a visit to the Underground Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving Byzantium Cistern. Built in 532 AD during the reign of Emperor Justinian, this unique spot is truly a sight to behold with its hundreds of columns brightly lit up.

Well continue on to a local caf, where youll have the chance to sample traditional Turkish sweets. Famous for its baklava and Turkish delight, this family-owned caf has been delighting customers since it first opened its doors in 1864!

Special Experience
Excite your taste buds with some of Trkiyes most famous delicacies, including baklava, Turkish coffee, and of course, Turkish delight!

Once weve satisfied our taste buds, well proceed to explore Istanbuls most famous architectural wonders. First up is the impressive domed Basilica of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which has inspired architects, scholars and historians for almost 1,500 years. The first church on this site was constructed in 326 AD by Constantine the Great; the current church dates back to 537 AD and has been a cathedral, a museum, and is now a mosque. Our next destination is the Hippodrome, once the heart of the political and sporting life of the city. It was the scene of games and riots throughout 500 years of Ottoman history.

We will then head to the one-of-a-kind Blue Mosque, constructed in 1609 AD under the patronage of Sultan Ahmet. As we step inside, we are consumed by the grandeur of its interior, adorned with over 20,000 exquisite Iznik tiles. These tiles, meticulously crafted with intricate patterns and varying shades of blue, narrate stories of craftsmanship and artistic brilliance that have withstood the test of time.

Deluxe Experience
Indulge your palate with a delightful high tea experience at the historic and iconic Pera Palace Hotel.

This afternoon, well step into the iconic Pera Palace Hotel, a beautifully preserved landmark in the heart of Istanbul. Built in 1892, it was specifically designed to host elite travellers arriving aboard the legendary Orient Express from Paris. It boasts an incredible Art-nouveau exterior, while its interior takes a more oriental approach, creating an elegant and charming atmosphere.

Over the years, it has welcomed some of the worlds most celebrated writers. Agatha Christie is said to have written parts of Murder on the Orient Express here, while Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene were also among its notable guests. Today, its recognised as a museum-hotel, with rooms dedicated to famous visitors if these walls could talk!

This morning, we say goodbye to Istanbul as we set our eyes on Gallipoli, our destination for the day. Today is an incredibly moving day. It is a tangible reminder of a not-so-distant past and a significant event in history that shaped Australia's national identity.

Special Experience
Honour the ANZACs at Gallipoli with a specialist guide, as we explore ANZAC Cove, the Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorials, and Johnston's Jolly.

We visit the World War I battlefields, most notable for being held by the ANZACs from 25 April to 20 December 1915, during what is referred to as The Gallipoli Campaign or Battle of Gallipoli. At the end of the war the bodies, still unburied, were cleared by the Allies on returning to the peninsula. Of the 22,000 graves at the 31 war cemeteries, only 9,000 are identified burials with grave markers. The remaining graves are commemorated with a special memorial.

Well continue onto anakkale, our home for the night. Situated on the southern shore of the Dardanelles, anakkale is an ancient port city that has housed several civilisations over the past 6,000 years!

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

We start our day with a short drive to the legendary ancient city of Troy. Over its 4,000-year existence, Troy has experienced the rise and fall of nine distinct settlements, spanning from the Stone Age to the Roman Empire. If that doesn't give you goosebumps, the sight of the Trojan Horse replica at the city gates certainly will. We'll continue to explore the surroundings, including the famed city central to the Iliad, the Odyssey of Homer, and Virgil's Aeneid. Once thought to be purely mythical, these sites were unveiled as real when archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann unearthed the ruins near the modern city.

Our next stop is the Adatepe Olive Oil Museum. Here, well delve into the rich history and traditional techniques of olive pressing and harvesting in Trkiye. Well also have the chance to sample some of the local produce.

Well then continue to Kuadas, our home for the next two nights. A beautiful beach resort town on the western Aegean coast, its Trkiyes busiest cruise port and boasts a lively atmosphere, a strong contrast to the nearby towns that pack quite the punch with historical sites.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Our morning begins with a visit to the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus. As the largest and most significant Roman city ever unearthed, stepping into Ephesus is like traveling back in time. Its remarkably preserved ruins span centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire, when it served as the Mediterranean's primary commercial centre.

Walking along the marble-paved streets of Ephesus offers a glimpse into daily life from those eras. We'll explore ancient gymnasiums and bathhouses, marvel at the Library of Celsus, and see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We'll also visit a local leather factory, where you'll have the opportunity to watch artisans at work and purchase exquisite, handcrafted Turkish leather products.

Next, we'll head to the charming and breathtaking village of irince. This scenic town is rich in history and culture, with its beautiful stone houses gracing the hillside, creating a truly picturesque setting.

Special Experience
Visit irince Village and learn to prepare some local culinary specialities in a hands-on cooking class.

We'll unwind with an evening at leisure upon returning to our hotel in Kuadas. This coastal paradise, blessed with around 300 days of sunshine each year, offers plenty to explore. Or you can simply choose to relax and watch the world go by at one of the town's many seafront restaurants.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After a leisurely morning in Kuadas, well make our way to the Karnas Vineyards, tucked away in the lush rolling hills of the Aegean Valley.

Deluxe Experience
Sample local wines and regional snacks at Karnas Vineyards, a family-owned boutique winery, nestled in the verdant Aegean Valley.

Renowned for their award-winning wines produced with traditional and sustainable methods, this family-owned boutique winery is set on endless stretches of sprawling vines. A visit here will make you feel as if youve stepped right into a postcard! Theyre known for growing several varieties of grapes, including Zinfandel, Syrah (Shiraz), Cabernet Franc and Vermentino.

Our next stop is Bodrum, a coastal city sitting on a rugged peninsula that offers a true Mediterranean experience. This town boasts abundant bays and pristine beaches along its stunning coastline. The sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea are beyond inviting. Beautiful scenery aside, this town is bursting with history and iconic landmarks and has a rich cultural heritage to match. Plus, the cuisine found here is otherworldly if you are a fan of seafood, prepare to find heaven in Bodrum! Arriving here, well enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

We will spend this morning exploring Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St. Peter, a medieval waterfront fortification. Situated on a small rocky peninsula, the castle was built from 1402 AD onwards by the Knights of St. John. While here, well visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed within the rooms and towers of the Bodrum Castle. This fascinating museum features artifacts from the 16th century, including remains from ancient shipwrecks.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore Bodrum at your own pace. Relax at a seaside caf or wander through the lively bazaars, where youll find everything from handmade goods to beautiful jewellery and unique souvenirs.

Today we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cappadocia. The region is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, characterised by towering rock formations and cone-shaped fairy chimneys that have been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion. Well transfer to the airport for our midday flight, via Istanbul to Cappadocia.

Special Experience
Stay in a luxurious cave hotel in the heart of Cappadocia, immersing in the towns unique and mystical atmosphere.

Complimenting Cappadocias charm is our accommodation for the next two nights. Well get the chance to stay in cave rooms, an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends together history, culture and comfort this is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the true Cappadocia!

Please note: The cave hotel is located right in the heart of Cappadocia, which dates back thousands of years. This means there are multiple flights of stairs, plenty of steps and uneven cobblestone ground to navigate. Rooms are scattered across multiple levels they are not inside a singular building. Meeting our mobility and fitness requirements are essential. No two rooms are the same with quirky layouts that can be dimly lit. While these rooms are still comfortable remember you are staying in a cave! These are incredibly unique and a once in a lifetime experience to stay in this unforgettable location.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Flight time will be approximately 2.5 hours.

For those that choose to do hot air ballooning, we have an early start this morning but its totally worth it, we promise! We will have time to rest before commencing with the rest of the days sightseeing. Today, were diving into the colourful world of Turkish carpets at the local municipality carpet cooperative. Get ready to witness the artistry and tradition behind these stunning textiles. From intricate designs to the weaving process, youll see how these timeless treasures come to life, thread by thread.

Next, were off to the magical Greme Valley, where natures artistry has carved out the famous "Fairy Chimneys"! Formed over thousands of years as wind and rain sculpted the soft volcanic rock, these towering formations create one of Trkiyes most extraordinary landscapes. Beyond their striking appearance, many of the rock formations hide a fascinating past with homes, monasteries and churches carved directly into the stone by early Christian communities.

While here, well explore several remarkable cave churches, including the beautifully painted Dark Church, and the Church of Saint Barbara, each decorated with colourful frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Well also see the historic Nunnery complex from the outside, once home to a community of nuns. Together, these sacred spaces offer a captivating glimpse into the spiritual and artistic life that once thrived here.

Later today, we will visit a local family where well get the chance to learn about their lifestyle and the local way of life in Cappadocia. This evening well enjoy dinner in a local family restaurant.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Rise and shine, art enthusiasts! Today kicks off with a colourful journey into the world of ceramics in Avanos. With its cobblestone streets and stunning views over the Red River, this quaint town offers the perfect backdrop for a pottery-making workshop. Get ready to dive into the magic of pottery with a lively lecture that'll spin tales as mesmerising as the pottery wheel itself.

Next we dive into an adventure beneath the surface as we explore one of Cappadocia's incredible underground cities, Ozkonak. Featuring a maze of tunnels, chambers and rooms carved into soft volcanic rock over ten levels, this underground city is one of the best preserved in the area. It can hold an incredible 60,000 people and is over 40 metres deep into the Earth. Imagine the hustle and bustle of thousands of people living, sleeping, and working in this underground maze. Its like stepping into a real-life cave city a fascinating peek into ancient ingenuity and survival.

Later, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Istanbul.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Flight time will be approximately 1 hour.

Get set for our final full day exploring the fascinating city of Istanbul! Our first stop is a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Constructed between 1466 and 1478 AD, the Topkapi Palace served as the residence of the esteemed Sultans and their households and functioned as the primary hub of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Today, it is filled with treasures and antiquities, including 12,000 pieces of fine Chinese porcelain.

We continue our journey to the famous Grand Bazaar. Built in 1457 AD, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It is most famous for its antique shops, jewellery, carpets, hand-painted ceramics, embroideries and spices. Well also make our way to the exotic Spice Bazaar, where youll have some time to browse through the stalls at your leisure and soak up the scents of hundreds of spices permeating the air.

Later this afternoon, we will embark on a leisurely cruise along Istanbuls most famous waterway, the Bosphorus. Our journey will take us along both European and Asian shores, as we gently cruise past marvellous monuments and districts, including the Maidens Tower (Kz Kulesi), Dolmabahe Palace, raan Palace, Ortaky, Ahmat Fethi Pasa Mansion, Ortaky Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuleli Military School, Arnavutky and Bebek.

Its almost time to bid farewell to this mesmerising country, but not before we feast on a lavish spread of Ottoman cuisine at a beautiful local restaurant.

Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our amazing new friends and to the spectacular Trkiye. We hope you leave with memories of a lifetime.