Unison Travel & Events
Tour Description
Discover the best of Turkey’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes on this 11-day adventure. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the battlefields of Gallipoli, the Aegean coast’s ancient ruins, and the otherworldly beauty of Cappadocia, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Tour Highlights
Days 1-4: Istanbul - The City of Empires
• Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
• Experience the vibrant Grand Bazaar and enjoy panoramic views on a Bosphorus cruise.
Day 5: Gallipoli - A Journey of Remembrance
• Visit the historic Gallipoli battlefields and memorial sites, paying tribute to the ANZAC soldiers and learning about the profound history of this significant location.
Days 6-8: Ancient Cities Along the Aegean Coast
• Troy: Discover the legendary city of the Trojan Horse.
• Ephesus: Wander through the ancient Roman city and see remarkable sites like the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.
• Visit charming coastal towns and immerse yourself in local culture.
Days 9-11: Cappadocia - A Land of Enchantment
• Marvel at Cappadocia’s surreal fairy chimneys and explore the fascinating underground cities.
• Take an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise for a magical view of this extraordinary landscape.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Day Istanbul
Welcome to Türkiye! Istanbul, the only city to straddle two continents, and once the capital of 4 empires, is currently a modern thriving metropolis. You will be greeted by one of our representatives at the airport, and chauffeured to your hotel. We will get an opportunity to meet our fellow travelers this evening over a welcome drink.
Meals – welcome drink
Hotel Istanbul- The Vault Hotel Karakoy
Day 2
Istanbul
After breakfast, our guide gives us a walking tour around the major historical sites of the Old City of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern and Grand Bazaar (the largest covered market in the world.) This evening as an option, we board our private luxury boat and take a cruise through the stretch of water separating Europe from Asia, the Bosphorus. We will see palaces, forts, ancient ruins and beautiful Ottoman housing.
Meals – Breakfast.
Option – Boat -Light refreshments on board.
Hotel Istanbul – The Vault Hotel Karakoy
Day 3
Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale
This morning we navigate our way out of the bustling streets of Istanbul, and head towards the ‘Gallipoli’ peninsula, where the Marmara & Aegean Seas connect. Our guide will share stories of battle woes of 1915, and explain in detail how the ANZAC legend was born. We visit Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Johnston’s Jolly, Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Museum, the Neck, and look down at Suvla Bay. This battle-hardened peninsula has now become a tranquil place. Lest we forget.
After the battlefields, we relax over a wine tasting where we can taste the regions best grapes.
Meals- Breakfast / lunch / wine tasting
Hotel Canakkale – Limani Hotel
Day 4
Canakkale – Troy – Pergamon – Kusadasi
Our first stop sees us visiting the ancient city of Troy, dating as far back as 3000 BC. Our guide explains how the IX cities of Troy came to be, as well as the fabled Trojan War, which was the battle that launched 1000 ships. Homer’s legendary Iliad & Odyssey are referenced here.
We continue heading south to one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities in Pergamon. Formerly a Greek city, Pergamon played an important role in education and medicine. One of the largest libraries of its time was located here, along with the Asklepieion, Amphitheatre and Altar of Zeus. Our day ends in the port town of Kusadasi on the Aegean coast.
Meals – Breakfast / lunch
Hotel Kusadasi – La Vista Hotel
Day 5
Kusadasi – Ephesus – Sirince – Kusadasi
Once an ancient Greek city, then a lively Roman city, the legendary site of Ephesus remains one of the most visited places in Türkiye. We will marvel at the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, along with the complex plumbing systems, which date as far back as the 10th Century BC. We will also visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. St. John’s Basilica is next on our itinerary, and just a short drive from Ephesus. Here, it is believed to be John the Apostle’s final resting place.
After lunch, we learn about Turkish hand-woven carpets, and this afternoon, we drive to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its olives, wines, nuts and fresh fruit. We will be given an opportunity to sample some of the local delicacies, whilst we relax overlooking the olive groves in this quaint township.
Meals – Breakfast / lunch
Hotel Kusadasi – La Vista Hotel
Day 6
Kusadasi – Hierapolis – Pamukkale
This morning we head to the House of the Virgin Mary, where St John escorted her until the time of her ‘Assumption.’ Continuing east, we drive to the magical site of Pamukkale (Cotton Castle.) The natural travertine’s cascading down the hill has been forming for tens of thousands of years which are believed to possess healing qualities.
Today we also experience the ruined city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, where Marcus Aurelius Ammianos’ sarcophagi lies. The amphitheatre is also very impressive.
Meals – Breakfast
Hotel Pamukkale – Tripolis Hotel
Day 7
Pamukkale – Konya
This morning we continue our journey east to the home of Mevlana and the Whirling Dervishes, Konya. This afternoon we are guided around the Mevlana museum and enjoy a night to relax.
Meals – Breakfast
Hotel Konya – Hotel Ney
Day 8
Konya – Cappadocia
As we continue heading towards central Anatolia along the ancient Silk Trade route, we can enjoy the scenic drive as we witness a dramatic change in landscape. After a visit to the largest Caravansaray in Türkiye, Sultanhani, we continue onto Cappadocia.
Meals – Breakfast / lunch
Hotel Cappadocia – Yunak Houses Hotel
Day 9
Cappadocia
Often described as a ‘moonscape’ the unique rock formations, which make up the Cappadocia region, will undoubtedly blow your mind. There is an optional hot air balloon ride to start your day, which will be followed by our guided tour of Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Cavusin and Avanos. This evening, we attend the highly recommended ‘Turkish Night’ which consists traditional Turkish folklore and belly dancing.
Meals – Breakfast / dinner
Hotel Cappadocia – Yunak Houses Hotel
Day 10
Cappadocia – Istanbul
This morning, enjoy some free time exploring the sites of Cappadocia before boarding our afternoon flight back to Istanbul. For those who didn’t get an opportunity to experience a hot air balloon ride, this morning is your last chance.
Meals – Breakfast
Istanbul hotel - The Vault Hotel Karakoy
Day 11
Istanbul
After breakfast, we bid farewell to our newfound friends, and reflect on what has been a memorable experience. If you’re planning to stay in Türkiye longer, we are also able to assist with accommodation bookings, or private guided tours.
Meals – Breakfast
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