Asia Minor Explorer
From the volcanic slopes of Cappadocia to the ‘frozen waterfall’ at Pamukkale, Turkey is a country of contrasting landscapes and immense cultural riches. We visit the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, explore the ancient site of Troy and white marble streets of Greco-Roman Ephesus. Our journey also takes us along the ‘Turquoise Coast’ of Lycia and to the beautiful golden sands of Iztuzu Beach.
Istanbul - Discover the magic of 'Old Stamboul' on foot, including the 'Blue Mosque' and Topkapi Palace
Cappadocia - Explore this unique landscape of enchanting valleys, 'fairy chimneys' and cave dwellings
Ephesus - Walk the marble streets where Saint Paul preached
Pamukkale and Hieropolis - Admire the white, tavertine terraced hillside and explore the remains of the Roman spa town above
Gallipoli - Visit this poignant World War I site
Turquoise Coast - Swim in the warm waters that give this stunning coastline its name
Day 1 - Join tour Istanbul
Arrive Istanbul and check into hotel. As Constantinople, Istanbul was the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, and so is steeped in history. Most of the sites of historic interest are around the area known today as Sultanahmet. Modern day Istanbul also has much to offer its visitors - not least its famous cuisine.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Day 2 - In Istanbul
This morning we make a tour of the 'Old City' taking in the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Sultanahmet Square. The afternoon is left free, you may choose to visit the famous Sunken Palace cisterns, or the great Aya Sofia – crowning glory of Byzantium. Alternatively there is the chance to take a boat trip on the Bosphorous - which offers stunning views of the Istanbul skyline. To appreciate the wonderful skyline of domes and minarets, climb up the Galata Tower.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Drive to Ankara
Today we drive by bus to the capital of Turkey, Ankara, and on arrival visit the impressive mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, greatly respected as the inspirational founder of modern Turkey.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Drive to Urgup via Hacibektas
Our first visit today is the famous Museum of Anatolian Civilisations whose exhibits demonstrate the very rich cultural history of this area. We drive to Hacibektas on our way to Cappadocia this morning. The museum here once housed the famous Bektasi desvish sect and is now set up as it might have looked during the 13th century. Later we continue east to Urgup, our base for exploring the lunar landscape of Cappadocia. This area is famous the world over for its unique geological formations and a history that stretches back to the Hittites (2000BC) and earlier. In the afternoon we have the option of taking a walk (approx 3hrs) through the Red Rose Valley to better appreciate the remarkable landscape.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - In Urgup; sightseeing in Cappadocia
We spend most of the day visiting the major points of historical and topographical interest, including Uchisar and Goreme. Goreme lies at the foot of three extinct volcanoes. Centuries ago, volcanic eruptions covered the Goreme valley with mud, ash and sometimes with blocks of hard rock. Over the ages this volcanic tufa was sculpted by erosion into strange and improbable shapes; cones, needles of stone, pyramids of soft stone – some 30m high. Into this remote spot came the Byzantine hermits, who carved churches, houses, fortresses and even complete underground cities into the cones. Entire troglodite villages and subterranean churches are hewn out of the soft volcanic rock and make the whole place a spectacular sight to behold. We shall wonder at the ‘fairy chimneys’ – tall needles of stone with rocks perched on top, caused by erosion,which fill entire valleys. Goreme contains the area’s largest concentration of rock carved churches. We will also visit the underground city at Kaymakli, built by Christians escaping Arab oppression. More of this incredible underground maze of catacombs is being discovered every year.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Drive to Egirdir via Konya
Leaving Cappadocia this morning we drive to Konya – Turkey’s holiest city and the home of the Mevlana sect, better known as the Whirling Dervishes. We continue to our night stop at the beautiful lakeside town of Egirdir. Here you may have time to take a stroll along the lake shores or purchase some of the rose perfume the region is famous for before watching the sun set over the lake.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day - 7 Drive via Olympos to Kas
This morning we continue our journey and head first towards the ancient town of Olympos - The early history of Olympos is shrouded in mystery. but we do know it was an important Lycian city by the 2nd century B.C and that the Olympians worshipped Hephaestus (Vulcan), the god of fire. Today only fragmentary ruins are left but the site, scattered amidst the thick greenery of wild grape vines, flowering oleander and wild figs is fascinating. From here we will take a walk to the ‘Chimaera’ (eternal flame) of Olympos and drive to Kas.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day - 8 Full day in Kas
With its old Greek houses and their picturesque balconies, the tiny seaport of Kas is one of the most beautiful on the Turkish Riviera. The day has been left free for you to relax and soak up the atmosphere or alternatively take part in an optional activity. You could take a boat trip over the sunken ruins at Kekova or try your hand at sea kayaking. Kas is also a great place to pick up souvenirs but don’t forget to haggle! For something a little more historic it is possible to arrange a trip to the ancient Lycian city of Xanthos.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - In Dalyan; boat excursion to Caunos
An early morning drive to Dalyan allows us a riverboat trip through the reeds to the ancient site of Caunos. Here we can explore the ruins, which date back to 400 B.C and clamber up to the citadel. Bring along your swimming gear as we continue to Iztuzu beach and have a dip in the inviting turquoise sea before heading to our hotel.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Drive to Pamukkale
Today we drive to Pamukkale and, after spending the early afternoon (and main heat of the day) relaxing by the hotel pool, we head to Pamukkale site, situated on a high escarpment and home to one of Turkey’s most amazing natural wonders, the ‘frozen waterfall’, which has been an attraction since Roman times (as Hierapolis – the Sacred City, a health spa).
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Visit Aphrodisias; drive to Selcuk
Today we visit the Greco-Roman site of Aphrodisias, one of the most interesting and earliest sites in the region. The cult of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, had its most important temple here and the city also established itself as an artistic centre inspiring some of the finest Carian sculptures. Many of these can be seen in the small but very impressive museum on the site. The athletics stadium is one of the largest and best preserved from the classical world. Later we cross to Selcuk and check into our hotel.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 12 - In Selcuk; visit Ephesus
Today we visit Selcuk’s historic neighbour, the great Greco-Roman city of Ephesus (Efes). Once visited by Mark Anthony and Cleopatra, and also by the evangelist St. Paul (which inspired the Epistle to the Ephesians), this famous old Asia Minor seaport reached its zenith in the 2nd century AD. Efes became one of the main cultural and economic centres of the ancient world until it went into decline after the 7th century.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13 - Drive to Canakkale via Pergamum & Troy
Continuing our journey north past endless olive groves we come to the Greco-Roman remains of Pergamum (now the typical Turkish town of Bergama). This is the place that gave its name to the word ‘parchment’, for which it was famous throughout the Middle East. We will visit the ancient Acropolis and later continue to the ancient site of Troy where, according to legend, the artful Ulysses devised the Wooden Horse strategy and thereby ended the 10 year Trojan War. Nine ruined cities, one on top of the other, have been uncovered, going back some 5000 years. Troy VI is the assumed walled city of King Priam (1800-1275 BC), celebrated by the blind Greek poet Homer in the Iliad and all but lost in legend until unearthed by amateur archaeologist Schliemann in 1871.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14 - Drive via Gallipoli to Istanbul
We board a ferryboat to cross the Dardanelles Straits to the Gallipoli (Gelibolu) Peninsula. It was here that the ill-fated Allied campaign, after much bloody hand-to-hand fighting and loss of life, was forced to concede victory to the Turks and withdraw (1916). Involved in the fighting on the Turkish side was Mustafa Kemal – later known as Ataturk, the ‘Father of the Turks’. Following the shoreline of the Sea of Marmara to Tekirdag, we arrive back to cosmopolitan Istanbul.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 15 - Tour ends Istanbul
Our tour ends this morning in Istanbul.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation Breakdown
14 nights Standard Hotel
Transport
Bus/Riverboat/Ferry
Group Size
Approx 14 - 18
Tour Staff
Explore Tour Leader, drivers, boatmen and some local guides