Treasures of Turkey: Istanbul, Pamukkale, Antalya & More

Welcome to Istanbul; the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home.

Your welcome meeting will be at 1 pm today.

If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early, so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you are going to be late, please inform your booking agent. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.

Included Activities
Istanbul - Blue Mosque

Optional Activities
Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat)
Galata Tower
Istanbul - Archaeology Museum
Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (incl. massage)
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Istanbul - Hagia Sophia
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace

Special Information:

An airport arrival transfer is included. This complimentary transfer is valid from Ataturk International Airport (IST) only and is only offered if arriving on day 1 of your trip or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Transfers from Sabiha Gocken Airport can be pre-booked but will be at an additional cost. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days before travel (Note: We may not be able to confirm request made within 15 days of travel). Once you have provided your details, a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Early this morning after breakfast, we begin the drive to Canakkale, located on the shores of the Dardanelles, which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and touches both Europe (with the Gelibolu Peninsula) and Asia (with the Biga Peninsula).

After lunch, we will visit Gallipoli, visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove. Then, head up the hill toward the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. You will tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers.

Return to Canakkale for the night.

Included Activities
Gallipoli - guided visit.

En route to Selcuk today, you'll stop at the site of Troy. As well as seeing the remnants of the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse, you will learn more about the groundbreaking archaeological digs here and how the site has baffled historians. Arrive at Selcuk later in the day and visit Sirince to enjoy a tasting of local fruit wine.

This morning, enjoy an orientation walk around the village of Selcuk, a sprawling town lying at the base of the ancient Aysoluk Hill fortress. You'll visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, the ancient aqueducts and the 14th-century Isabey Mosque.

Later this afternoon. visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. Tour around the amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus.

Included Activities:

Ephesus - guided archaeological site visit.

After breakfast this morning, we drive to Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton Castle' and a truly unique sight. This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a myriad of pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties for a person's circulation and digestive systems. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC and by the 2nd Century AD it had become an important Roman bath centre. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis.

Included Activities:
Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park.

Make the journey to the coast, with a stop en-route at the ghost village of Kayakoy. Abandoned after WWI and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, this once-thriving village now lies as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and politics. Spend some time on the eerie streets, then continue to Kas (which means eyebrow in Turkish) and begin exploring on a walking tour. Now primarily a holiday town, Kas is strewn with the remains of Lycian tombs, iconic white-washed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea and an ancient theatre where you can watch a spectacular sunset.

Embark on a boat cruise around the local islands with two local guides, Mehmet and Sebahat. Hailing from the small village of Ucagiz, bought a boat and went fishing after they married and never stopped. While the fishing industry has shifted due to modern catchment methods, Mehmet and Sebahat decided to use their knowledge and love of the local waters to share a distinctly traditional way of cruising and eating with travellers. Cruise to their home village of Ucagiz and also to the village of Simena, sailing from large bays to protected inlets where you can cool off with a swim in turquoise waters. Enjoy lunch cooked on board in Tersane Bay, where the water is so clear you can see the bottom and the shore is lined with the ruins of an ancient city. Look out for ruins submerged under the clear water. After a day on the water, return to Kas for an evening at your leisure.

Take a scenic drive to the jewel in the Mediterranean crown -- Antalya. Your accommodation is located in the Kaleici (Old City), so settle in on arrival and then head out on an afternoon walk to see Hadrians Gate, the Old Roman Harbour and more stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Spend the night in the ancient Kaleci.

This morning take a guided visit though the Antalya Museum. The province of Antalya includes dozens of important ancient Hellenistic and Roman cities, and some of the best artefacts are on display in the museum's 13 exhibition halls and open-air gallery. Your afternoon is free to spend as you wish. Maybe relax in the Kaleici, beat the heat with a swim or take an optional visit to the ancient cities of Side, Perge or Apsendos.

Continue to Konya, an ancient city important in Roman times, and where the mystic Sufi practice of 'whirling' originates. You'll visit the mausoleum of the famous mystic Mevlana, the museum housing manuscripts of his works, as well as various artefacts relating to the mystic sect.

The history of feeling is more ancient than weaving. Felt making was widespread amongst the Seljuk and Ottoman Turks and very much a part of daily life from blankets, mats, bedcovers; shoes including the infamous fes the red conical hat; an Ottoman cultural identity. Machines have taken over felt making except for the last remaining usta's ( master ) felt makers found in Turkish provinces such as Afyon, Sanliurfa, Konya, Balikesir, Izmir, Kars and Erzurum.

We visit Ikonium Studio one of the two working galleries of UNESCO honoured Turkish felt master Mehmet Girgiç. Here we meet Sylvia who studied this ancient craft under the guidance of Mehmet. Learn about the process of this craft and see a display of signature pieces. The story of Sylvia is as interesting and colourful as the amazing pieces she creates.

Included Activities:
Konya - Mevlana Museum

Today's itinerary includes a visit to the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. See dwellings that span seven levels beneath the ground. From here you'll make your way to the archaeological site of Asikli Hoyuk, which was first settled in 8,000 BC. Then settle into your feature stay hotel in Goreme; one of the first boutique hotels in the region.

Included Activities:
Goreme - Derinkuyu Underground City tour

Start the day with a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the many incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face. The Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art, cave chapels and colourful biblical frescoes from the 10th-12th centuries. Later in the afternoon, you'll go on a short walk through 'Love Valley' which is famous for its phallic rock formations. Then head back to your hotel in Goreme. Perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day.

Included Activities:
Goreme - Valley Walk in Capadoccia
Goreme - Carpet shop visit and demonstration
Goreme - Open Air Museum

Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the otherworldly Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away.

Please note this activity can only be booked locally. Please speak to your trip leader on Day 1 to organise this.

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and then go for a walk to the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, Kizilcukur. You'll see fascinating rock formations such as cones, peaks and fairy chimneys, as well as manmade cave chapels from early Christian times.

Optional Activities:
Goreme - Whirling Dervishes - Sema Performance
Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight

This morning says goodbye to Cappadocia and fly to Istanbul; the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home.

On arrival into Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The afternoon is yours to explore some of the hidden charms of Istanbul.

Tonight, consider joining your group leader in a farewell dinner (optional)

Note: You will transfer by private minivan to either Nevsehir or Kayseria airports in Cappadocia (Transfer time 1 to 1.5 hours) (Flight time 1.5 hours).

Our journey ends after breakfast, in Istanbul.