13 DAYS HISTORICAL HERITAGES OF TURKEY

Arrive in Istanbul

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you would be met and transferred to your hotel.

Private Bosphorus Cruise & Basilica Cistern

Embark on a ~2 hour private yacht cruise on the Bosphorus River, the stunning natural continental divide of Europe and Asia. Marvel at gorgeous palaces such as the grand Dolmabahçe Palace and the Beylerbeyi Palace, as well as restored Ottoman mansions (yali) and the historic Rumeli Fortress.

Thereafter, visit the Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving Byzantine cistern beneath the city. Built in the 6th century, it could store up to 80,000 cubic metres of water.

Istanbul Old Town City Tour (Full Day)

Dive into the history of Istanbul by exploring its Old Town (the Sultanahmet). First, visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, followed by the Blue Mosque, known for its iconic Iznik tiles and combination of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture.

Then, visit the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, which was built as a Christian church during the Byzantine period before becoming a mosque during the Ottoman empire. We end with a visit to the Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesday), once the centre of power of the Ottomans and now a fantastic historical museum. Explore the King’s & Queen’s Chambers as well as the Harem.

Visit the Ruins of Ancient Troy (Full Day)

This morning, drive ~4 hours to Troy, with 4,000 years of history. Troy is one of the most renowned ancient cities in the world, and is famously known for being home to the iconic “Trojan Horse” and “Helen of Troy” in Homer’s legendary poems about the Trojan war.

Visit the wooden replica of the Trojan Horse and the Museum of Troy, as we learn about the historical city as a former major centre of trade and power. Continue to Canakkale where we rest for the night.

Explore Pergamon Ancient City (Full Day)

Drive ~3½ hours to Bergama, home to the ancient Greek city of Pergamon, and one of the country’s most celebrated archaeological sites (UNESCO).

Once the capital of the East Roman Empire, the Acropolis of Pergamon boasts the ancient world’s second largest library, the steepest Theatre of Anatolia, the epic Altar of Zeus, and the famous healing centre of the ancient world – Asclepion. Enjoy spectacular views of modern Bergama and the surrounding countryside before continuing ~3 hours to Kusadasi to rest for the night.

Discover Ephesus Ancient City (Full Day)

Continue to Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, Ephesus offers a glimpse of both Greek and Roman architecture, and remains one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. The UNESCO site’s impressive ruins include the grand Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre of Ephesus, a marvel of Roman engineering.

We also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where the virgin was said to have lived the last years of her life. Thereafter, go on a guided tour of the Ephesus Archaeological Museum (closes at 6:30pm).

Flight: Izmir to Gaziantep

You will be transferred ~1 hour to Izmir Airport, after which you will fly ~1 hour 40 minutes from Izmir to Gaziantep Airport.

Zeugma Mosaics Museum in Gaziantep

Upon arrival at Gaziantep, we explore the Zeugma Mosaics Museum, the largest mosaic museum in the world with a staggering collection of exquisite mosaic masterpieces.

Gobekli Tepe & Abraham’s Cave in Sanliurfa

Drive ~2 hours to Sanliurfa, known as the “City of Prophets” and believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, a prophet venerated in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

There, we visit the Gobekli Tepe – the world’s first and oldest known temple complex pre-dating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, by several thousand years. Listen to fascinating tales of one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever made by an archaeologist, who will show you around the UNESCO site. We also visit Abraham’s Pool and Cave, believed to be where Abraham was born.

Journey to Mount Nemrut

After breakfast, drive ~3½ hours to Mount Nemrut, also known as the Mountain of the Gods (Elevation: ~2,150m). Built by King Antiochus I of the Ancient Commagene Kingdom as a tomb sanctuary for himself, the site is famous for its fascinating array of massive stone statues showcasing the heads of gods, Persian deities, and Antiochus I.

Enjoy a 2 hour tour of both the Eastern Terrace and Western Terraces (involving ~300-600m of uphill walking) as you explore the Tumulus of Antiochus in detail (UNESCO).

Yenikale Ruins & Ancient City of Perre

As we head down Mount Nemrut, visit Yeni Kale, the ancient ruins of a 13th- century Mamluk Castle. Thereafter, travel ~1 hour to the Ancient City of Perre, located near modern day Adiyaman. Perre was once the thriving centre for trade and culture during Roman and Byzantine rule and features an extensive necropolis with over 200 rock cut tombs, cisterns, and natural springs.

Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia (Full Day)

In the early morning, depart Adiyaman and drive ~6-7 hours to Cappadocia, stopping for sightseeing along the way.

Upon arrival at Cappadocia, we explore the renowned Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest excavated underground city in the world. Channel your inner adventurer as you discover its vast multi-level tunnels, that served as a refuge during times of religious persecution. Burrowing more than 85m beneath Earth, explore living quarters, kitchens, churches and chapels, and even wineries.

Optional Activity: Hot Air Ballooning at Sunrise

Rise early and embark on a bucket list adventure by flying in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys (at additional cost). Watch as the sky comes alive with a vibrant display of colourful balloons, bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun.

Goreme Open Air Museum & Cappadocia Valleys

Continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum with its unique rock cut churches and frescoes. Thereafter, discover the surreal pinnacles and bizarre formations of Cappadocia by traversing through its expansive valleys – Monk’s Valley (Pasabag Valley), Zelve Valley, Imagination Valley (Devrent Valley), Uchisar Castle, and Pigeon Valley.

Ancient Ruins of Hattusha (Half Day)

Traverse ~3 hours to arrive at the ancient ruins of the city of Hattusha, once the capital of the Hittite empire. In the Bronze Age, the Hittite kingdom was one of the most powerful in the region, encompassing an area that stretched west to the Aegean Sea and south into Syria. Marvel at its ceremonial gateways and impressive concealed postern tunnels (UNESCO site).

Museum of Anatolian Civilisations in Ankara

Drive to Ankara, where we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Immerse yourself in a captivating journey through Turkey’s long and diverse history, exploring the museum’s vast collection of artefacts from the Paleolithic Age to the Classical Period.

Mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara

Further explore Ankara, the capital of Turkey, by visiting the Mausoleum of Ataturk, who is also known as the “founding father of modern Turkey”.

Safranbolu City Tour (Half Day)

We then travel ~3 hours to Safranbolu (UNESCO), a charming Ottoman city which played a key role in the caravan trade over many centuries. Visit Kaymakamlar Gezi Evi, a government official’s house-turned-museum, followed by Hirlik Hill, where you may enjoy scenic panoramas over Safranbolu. Continue to Cinci Han, a caravansary with stunning rooftop views over town, followed by Arasta Bazaar, a vibrant traditional market selling handicrafts and souvenirs.

Chora Church & Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (Full Day)

In the morning, drive ~5 hours back to Istanbul.

Upon returning to Istanbul, we visit the quiet Edirnekapı neighbourhood to explore Chora Church, one of the finest remaining examples of Byzantine art and architecture in Istanbul. Thereafter, shop at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets. Explore thousands of shops selling a dizzying array of handicrafts and souvenirs, from traditional Turkish carpets to handcrafted textiles, antique treasures, and Ottoman-style lamps.

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

You would be met and transferred to the airport for your onward journey or flight home.