Kingdoms of Anatolia Discovery

Embark on an unforgettable 19-day adventure through Turkey, covering both Western and Eastern regions. This journey combines ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences.

Itinerary Overview

• Start and end in Istanbul, spanning 19 days across Turkey.
• 18 breakfasts and 7 dinners included.
• Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and a scenic Bosphorus cruise.
• Visit the WWI Gallipoli battlefields, including ANZAC sites, memorials, trenches, and tunnels.
• Discover ancient sites such as Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis, and Pamukkale’s white terraces.
• Enjoy time along the Turquoise Coast in Fethiye and Antalya.
• Travel inland along the historic Silk Road through Konya and Cappadocia.
• Explore Eastern Turkey’s highlights, including Van (ancient Urartian heritage), Akdamar Island, Mount Ararat, and Kars.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival in Istanbul. Transfer to the Burdock Hotel (4-star). Free time to relax and explore.

Day 2 (Sunday): Guided tour of Istanbul’s Old City, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and a Bosphorus cruise. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 (Monday): Visit the Gallipoli battlefields, including Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, ANZAC Cove, and original trenches. Overnight in Çanakkale at Hilton Double Tree (5-star).

Day 4 (Tuesday): Explore Troy and the Acropolis of Pergamon. Travel to Kuşadası. Overnight at Elite World Kusadasi (5-star).

Day 5 (Wednesday): Guided tour of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, Great Theater, and Ephesus Archaeology Museum. Visit a carpet weaving village and enjoy a wine tasting in Şirince. Overnight in Kuşadası.

Day 6 (Thursday): Visit Aphrodisias (stadium, Temple of Aphrodite, Tetrapylon) and travel to Pamukkale. Overnight at Adem Pira Hotel (4-star).

Day 7 (Friday): Tour Pamukkale’s travertine terraces and Hierapolis. Optional thermal soak. Visit Salda Lake. Overnight in Fethiye at Mara Palace Hotel (4-star).

Day 8 (Saturday): Leisure day in Fethiye. Optional activities: 12 Islands boat cruise or Saklıkent Gorge excursion.

Day 9 (Sunday): Explore Kayaköy, an abandoned Greek village, then travel to Antalya. Visit the Antalya Necropolis Museum. Overnight at RuinAdalia Hotel (boutique).

Day 10 (Monday): Visit Perge and Aspendos (best-preserved Roman theater). Free time in Antalya.

Day 11 (Tuesday): Visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya and Çatalhöyük Museum. Overnight at Novotel Konya (4-star).

Day 12 (Wednesday): Travel to Cappadocia, stopping at Sultanhani Caravanserai. Explore an underground city. Dinner in a traditional Turkish home with optional cooking experience. Overnight at Gamirasu Hotel (boutique cave hotel).

Day 13 (Thursday): Discover Göreme Open-Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Red Valley, Çavuşin Village, and Avanos (pottery tradition).

Day 14 (Friday): Fly from Ankara to Van. Visit Van Citadel and enjoy sunset views. Overnight at Karaca Hotel Van (4-star).

Day 15 (Saturday): Ferry to Akdamar Island to visit the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. Visit Van Museum and Van Cat House.

Day 16 (Sunday): Travel to Doğubayazıt, stopping at Muradiye Waterfalls. Visit İshak Paşa Palace and Mount Ararat. Overnight in Kars at Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (boutique).

Day 17 (Monday): Explore Ani (medieval Armenian capital) and Kars (Church of the Twelve Apostles, Kars Castle).

Day 18 (Tuesday): Fly from Kars to Istanbul. Overnight at Burdock Hotel (4-star).

Day 19 (Wednesday): Departure transfer to Istanbul Airport.

Requirements

• Minimum age: 8 years. No official maximum age, but guests should be in good health and able to participate comfortably.
• Group size: 2–12 guests.
• Solo travelers: Single supplement applies for private hotel rooms.
• Passport copy required for domestic flight bookings.
• Activity level: Moderate—includes walking, stairs, and longer travel days.

Inclusions

• Inbound and outbound transfers at Istanbul airports (IST or SAW).
• Professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.
• Domestic flights: Ankara to Van and Kars to Istanbul, including transfers.
• Tips (except for driver and guide).
• Wine tasting and cooking course.
• Entrance fees to all sites.
• 18 nights’ accommodation (4-star, 5-star, and boutique hotels).
• 18 breakfasts and 7 dinners.

Exclusions

• Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon tour).
• Tips for driver and guide.
• Compulsory travel insurance.