Classical Turkey

Overview

Turkey has played a major role in the history of the Mediterranean world. Due to its strategic location straddling two continents, it has been a crucial crossroads and staging post on the trade routes between East and West. This tour combines the country’s many natural wonders and man-made marvels, including the striking architecture of Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the remarkable classical sites of Troy, Aphrodisias, and Ephesus, and the ancient hot springs of Pamukkale.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Istanbul
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. Transfer to the Levni Hotel for 3 nights. Meeting and welcome drink. (N)

Day 2: Istanbul
Morning tour of Istanbul, including Hagia Sofia, built as a church by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century; the Blue Mosque, with its exquisite blue tiles; and the remains of the Hippodrome, which once accommodated 100,000 spectators. In the afternoon, visit the Basilica Cistern, a marvel of Byzantine engineering located beneath the city, and end the day at the Egyptian Bazaar. (B)

Day 3: Istanbul
Morning visit to Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans. Explore the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s legendary covered market, and enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Canakkale
Morning drive to Canakkale. Tour the Gallipoli battlefield, the site of the aborted Allied invasion of 1915. Visit Cape Helles, Suvla Bay, and Anzac Cove. Stay overnight at the Kolin Hotel. (B, D)

Day 5: Troy – Pergamon – Izmir
Depart Canakkale and visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Troy. Continue to Pergamon for a tour of its ancient remains, including the Acropolis, the Asclepion, and the Red Basilica. Arrive in Izmir and stay overnight at the Key Hotel. (B)

Day 6: Hierapolis – Pamukkale – Laodicea
Morning visit to the ruins of Hierapolis, the stunning travertine terraces, and the hot springs of Pamukkale. Continue to Laodicea, home to the ruins of one of the seven biblical churches of Asia. Stay overnight at the Doga Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale. (B, D)

Day 7: Aphrodisias – Kusadasi
Visit Aphrodisias, one of Turkey’s most beautiful classical sites, featuring the Temple of Aphrodite and the most complete ancient amphitheatre in existence. Continue to Sirince, a former Greek village known for its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, and enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard. Arrive in Kusadasi and stay 2 nights at La Vista Boutique Hotel Kusadasi. (B)

Day 8: Ephesus
Morning tour of Ephesus, once the capital of Roman Asia Minor. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and visit the renowned Library of Celsus. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary. Afternoon at leisure or opt for a visit to Priene and the ancient Ionian ports of the Menderes Valley. (B)

Day 9: Fly to London
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport and fly to London via Istanbul. (B)

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