An Epic 8-Day Turkey Tour and Adventure

Discover a city spanning two continents – Europe and Asia – as you land in Istanbul, Turkey’s most populous city and cultural hub for various religious communities. Admire the city’s famous architecture and domes, showcasing the legends of ancient rulers. After arrival, you’ll be transferred to the hotel for a relaxed stay before the next adventure.

Start the day with a delicious Turkish breakfast before exploring the Old City’s tourist sites such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia. Enjoy a city tour and lunch with locals while listening to the country’s historical stories. The Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets, is a shopping destination for all types of goods. End the day with a spice tour in the Spice Bazaar, where you can experience the sights and smells of Turkish tea, spices, and other goodies. Overnight bus to Eceabat in Gallipoli.

Rise early to visit the sites of the Gallipoli Peninsula, a national park with battlefields from World War I where Australia, New Zealand, and Ottoman forces fought and died. See memorials in their honor and visit the Kabatepe War Museum, showcasing the Gallipoli Campaign with military uniforms, weapons, and private possessions. This heart-wrenching region is a unique experience for history enthusiasts. Overnight bus to Izmir and then to the Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).

Ephesus, a well-preserved ancient port city in modern-day Turkey, was once a key Greek city and trading center in the Mediterranean with 200,000 residents. Known for its advanced technology, including public street lamps and bathhouses, it was controlled by several civilizations including the Persians, Romans, and Byzantines. Start at the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where Christianity first spread. Have lunch with locals in the area. Spend the rest of the day leisurely exploring Ephesus before overnight stay at hotel.

Enjoy breakfast before a transfer to Pamukkale, a natural wonder with 200-meter high calcite deposits creating a white “cotton castle”. Visit the Hierapolis ruins and for an extra fee, soak in the Cleopatra Antique Pool. Return to hotel in Ephesus (Selcuk or Kusadasi) in the evening.

Have breakfast and immediately travel to Cappadocia and check-in. Explore the region’s unique rock formations, churches, and stunning landscapes, including the Rose Valley. End the day with a sunset ATV tour and dinner at the hotel.

Spend the day exploring old villages and settlements, including Monks Valley, Devrent Valley, Avanos, Uchisar Castle, and the Goreme Open Air Museum. Finish the day with a hot air balloon ride over the moon-like landscape of Cappadocia. Overnight stay at hotel.

Have breakfast and depart for home, flying to agreed drop-off point