Day 1 Arrive Istanbul (2 Nights)
It's the city Napoleon said should be the capital of Earth and while it may not quite have reached that stature, Istanbul's history as the capital of two great empires has left an enviable legacy of art, architecture and culture. Where better to begin your journey across Turkey than in its capital, the 'Gateway to the Orient'? On arrival, transfer to your hotel and explore the city your way before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.

Day 2 Istanbul Sightseeing and Free Time
Discover how centuries of Ottoman rule shaped the city's heritage as the meeting point between east and west when you join your Local Specialist this morning for a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum, the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque. Later, you'll have some time to explore Istanbul your way or consider an Optional Experience to Hagia Sophia, once the leading church in Christendom, and a cruise on the Bosphorus, separating Europe and Asia. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Istanbul – Ankara (1 Night)
Ramble past the colourful displays of lanterns, pottery and fabric as you wander through one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar. The scents of Turkish tea will linger long after you leave Istanbul, bound for Ankara. Arriving in the Turkish capital, you'll visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder and father of the Turkish Republic, before an evening to do as you please. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 Ankara – Cappadocia (2 Nights)
The hometown of the Hittites is under the spotlight this morning. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, then continue to the whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the underground city of Saratli. This evening you could join an Optional Experience with the Whirling Dervishes, watching them whirl around and around in remembrance of God. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 Cappadocia Sightseeing and Free Time
Cappadocia's fairy-tale chimneys take centre stage this morning as you journey to Pasabagi and the Red Valley. Visit a regional rug production centre then enjoy an afternoon on your own amidst the fantasy landscapes left by Mother Nature in the ochre rock. An Optional Experience in Göreme reveals how Christians once worshipped in the many rock churches that remain to this day. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 6 Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale (1 Night)
First up is the ancient city of Konya, the final resting place of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana, whose famous mausoleum you will visit before continuing to the cotton fortress of Pamukkale, home to mineral-rich thermal waters which cascade down snow-white travertine terraces. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 Pamukkale – Hieropolis – Ephesus – Izmir (1 Night)
See the ruins of the ancient Roman health spa of Hierapolis this morning before you come face to face with the ruins of one of the most important cities in the ancient Mediterranean world, Ephesus. You'll explore this 2,000-year-old ancient settlement, then head to the seaside port of Izmir. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Izmir – Pergamon – Troy – Çanakkale (1 Night)
Visit the ancient kingdom of Pergamon this morning, most notably its Asclepion Medical Centre, which still bears the image of the snake-entwined staff that remains a symbol of medicine in modern times. Next on today's agenda is a visit to Troy, an ancient city that inspired Homer's tales about the wrath of Achilles and the siege of the same city, which was only broken through the clever construction of a wooden Trojan horse, a replica of which can still be seen today. Continue to Çanakkale later where dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (Breakfast)

Day 9 Çanakkale – Gallipoli – Istanbul (1 Night)
A poignant start to the day sees you visit Gallipoli, where significant World War I battles were fought with heavy losses on both sides. You'll visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair paying tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in this relentless conflict. Return to Istanbul where there's always time for one last Raki! (Breakfast)

Day 10 Depart Istanbul
Your whirlwind encounter with the wonders of Turkey has come to an end. You've stood at the crossroads of east and west, trod in the footsteps of the ancients and admired ethereal landscapes that belong in a storybook. For now it's time to end this chapter with a heartfelt farewell to your newfound friends as you take your transfer to the airport and embark on your journey home. (Breakfast)

East meets west in this Turkish extravaganza which reveals the Byzantine and Ottoman past of Istanbul, the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and some of the world's most revered ancient cities. Get lost in the colourful lanes of the Grand Bazaar, watch the dizzying dance of the Whirling Dervishes and descend into an underground fortress. Mother Nature and man have crafted an extraordinary land, over which empires have fought for centuries and you'll get to see all its wonders on this 10-day journey.

Dining Highlights

• 9 Breakfasts
• 5 Three-course dinners

First class travel Highlights

• Audio Headsets Provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
• Luxury air-conditioned coach
• Ferry across the Dardanelles from Çanakkale to Eceabat
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• Variety of Optional Experiences
• City orientation tours
• An expert Travel Director and professional driver
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
• Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day.

 

Sightseeing Highlights

• Ankara Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation and Ataturk's Mausoleum
• Cappadocia Visit Pasabagi and the Red Valley and marvel at the underground city of Saratli
• Ephesus Visit the Great Theatre, Library of Celsus, Gymnasium and the Temple of Hadrian
• Gallipoli See Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries
• Istanbul Sightseeing includes the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar
• Konya Visit the Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes
• Pamukkale See the Cotton Castle springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis
• Pergamon Visit the Asclepion Medical Centre
• Troy Visit the ruins of the ancient city and see the Wooden Horse

 

Istanbul: Titanic Port Bakirköy
Ankara: Holiday Inn Kavaklidere
Cappadocia: Ramada by Wyndham
Pamukkale: Richmond Thermal
Izmir: DoubleTree by Hilton Alsancak
Çanakkale: Büyük Truva Oteli

• * Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
• * Complimentary airport transfers at any time on the first and last day of the vacation will be provided for all guests. In addition, Costsaver will provide complimentary airport transfers for guests who have booked pre or post trip accommodations directly through Costsaver. Flight details are required prior to final payment. Chargeable transfers are not available.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

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* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.