Highlights of Turkey

Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Head out for an optional group dinner and take a walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments lit up at night. Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking the following activity to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour, or arriving at the Istanbul Airport or bus station by 6:00 am on Day 1. And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, while any of the optional activities listed can be booked independently upon arrival in Istanbul.

Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale. Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story. It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.

Set off from Çanakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy. Continue travelling south to the town of Selçuk for the night.

Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Back in Selçuk, take part in a demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the city of Izmir for an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia. Tour the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus for a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years before in this part of what is now Turkey. After driving back to Selçuk, learn all about how to make "Turkish pizza," called pide before transferring north to the city of Izmir for some exploration before hopping on the overnight train.

Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening. Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area.

Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city before some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family. Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group. Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.

Depart at any time.

Hotels (6 nts), Overnight Train (1 nt).

Private vehicle, ferry, train, plane, walking.