Kingdoms of Anatolia Discovery

After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents. Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem), and the historic Hippodrome. In the afternoon, unwind on a scenic Bosphorus cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia along the famous strait that divides the two continents.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Burdock Hotel

Today you’ll explore the WWI Gallipoli battlefields, visiting key ANZAC sites and memorials including Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, and Johnston’s Jolly. You’ll also see original trenches and tunnels, offering a powerful insight into the Gallipoli Campaign.
Overnight : Çanakkale Category : 5 star Hotel : Hilton Double Tree Canakkale

Step back into legend with a visit to Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the award-winning Troy Museum. Then continue to Bergama to explore the spectacular Acropolis of Pergamon, once a major cultural and political center renowned for its grand temples and ancient library. After the visit, travel south to Kuşadası, your base on Turkey’s Aegean coast.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : 5 star Hotel : Elite World Kusadasi

Step back in time on a guided tour of Ephesus, once a major trade hub and religious center of the ancient world. Explore its most famous landmarks, including the site of the Temple of Artemis, the iconic Library of Celsus, and the impressive Great Theater. Continue to the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where outstanding artifacts help bring the city’s story to life. Then visit a traditional carpet weaving village to see how Turkish rugs are handmade and learn what determines their quality and value. Later, head to charming Şirince to finish the day with a relaxed wine tasting.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : 5 star Hotel : Elite World Kusadasi

After a brief stop at a local leather workshop, continue to Aphrodisias, an ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, and famous for its renowned school of sculpture. Explore the exceptionally preserved stadium (one of the best in Anatolia), the Temple of Aphrodite, the elegant Tetrapylon, the theater, and the on-site museum. Later, travel on to Pamukkale.
Overnight : Pamukkale Category : 4 star Hotel : Adem Pira Hotel

This morning, discover Pamukkale’s dazzling white travertine terraces and tour the ancient spa city of Hierapolis. If you wish, enjoy a relaxing soak in the warm thermal waters, where you can swim among ancient columns—just as visitors did in Roman times. Then continue to beautiful Salda Lake, often called the “Turkish Maldives” for its striking white shores and turquoise waters. Set high in the mountains, it’s a refreshing natural stop before we travel south.
Overnight : Fethiye Category : 4 star Hotel : Mara Palace Hotel

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure—explore the town at your own pace or simply relax.

Optional activities: a 12 Islands boat cruise or a Saklıkent Gorge excursion.
Overnight : Fethiye Category : 4 star Hotel : Mara Palace Hotel

This morning, travel to Kayaköy, a hauntingly beautiful abandoned Greek village—an atmospheric site and a fantastic spot for photography. After time to explore, continue to the lively Mediterranean city of Antalya. On arrival, visit the Antalya Necropolis Museum, where exhibits and artifacts provide fascinating insight into ancient burial traditions and the region’s layered history.
Overnight : Antalya Category : Boutique Hotel : RuinAdalia Hotel

Start early with a visit to Perge, one of the region’s most impressive ancient sites. Then continue to Aspendos, home to Turkey’s best-preserved 2nd-century Roman theater. Return to Antalya in the afternoon, with the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your own pace.
Overnight : Antalya Category : Boutique Hotel : RuinAdalia Hotel

Visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya, home to the mausoleum of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th-century Sufi poet and mystic whose teachings still inspire people worldwide. Inside, see his beautifully decorated tomb, historic manuscripts, and exhibits exploring the spiritual traditions of the Whirling Dervishes. Continuing along the legendary Silk Road, we also stop at the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the story of Çatalhöyük—one of the world’s oldest and most remarkable Neolithic settlements.
Overnight : Konya Category : 4 star Hotel : Novotel Konya

Today we travel to Cappadocia, stopping en route at Sultanhani Caravanserai, a historic Silk Road inn that once hosted merchants and traders. Later, explore a fascinating underground city, carved deep into the rock with multiple levels of tunnels and chambers.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy dinner in a traditional Turkish home. If you’d like, you can join in with a hands-on cooking experience and help prepare the meal.
Overnight : Cappadocia Category : Boutique Cave Hotel : Gamirasu Hotel

Discover the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia today. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum and see the region’s iconic fairy chimneys, then take in the panoramic views of Pigeon Valley and Red Valley. Continue to Çavuşin Village before ending in Avanos, where you’ll learn about Cappadocia’s tradition of handmade pottery.
Overnight : Cappadocia Category : Boutique Cave Hotel : Gamirasu Hotel

Depart Cappadocia this morning and travel to Ankara for your direct flight to Van. On arrival at Van Airport, you’ll meet your guide and begin exploring right away. Before heading to the hotel, visit the Van Citadel, an impressive 3,000-year-old Urartian fortress, and enjoy a memorable sunset overlooking the region.
Overnight : Van Category : 4 star Hotel : Karaca Hotel Van

After breakfast, take a scenic ferry ride on Lake Van to Akdamar Island to visit the remarkable 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, built during the reign of an Armenian king. If time allows, you may also have the chance to enjoy a refreshing swim in Lake Van. Back in the city center, visit the Van Museum, home to one of the world’s most important Urartian collections. Exhibits span thousands of years—from the Paleolithic through Urartian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods—presented in chronological order for a fascinating journey through Anatolian history.

Finish the day at the Van Cat House, where you can see the famous Van cats, known for their white coats and striking eyes—often blue and amber, or even one of each color.
Overnight : Van Category : 4 star Hotel : Karaca Hotel Van

Today we travel to Doğubayazıt, stopping en route at Muradiye and the beautiful Bendimaahi (Bend-i Mahi) Waterfalls. In Doğubayazıt, visit the spectacular İshak Paşa Palace (built between 1685–1784), celebrated for its distinctive blend of Ottoman, Seljuk, Persian, Armenian, and Georgian architectural influences.

Later, continue north along the western slopes of Mount Ararat, one of Turkey’s most iconic natural landmarks. Rising dramatically above the landscape, Ararat is famed in tradition as the mountain associated with the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, and the name “Ararat” appears in the Bible (Jeremiah 51:27), often linked to the ancient kingdom of Urartu.
Overnight : Kars Category : Boutique Hotel : Kars Beylerbeyi Palace

This morning, travel to Ani, the dramatic ruins of the former capital of the medieval Armenian kingdom. At its height in the 10th century, Ani was famed for its size and splendor, and today its atmospheric remains include historic churches, the striking Cathedral of Ani, the citadel, and a mosque. You’ll also see remarkable surviving frescoes in the Church of St. Gregory (Tigran Honents)—still visible despite centuries of exposure.

In the afternoon, return to Kars to visit the Church of the Twelve Apostles and Kars Castle.
Overnight : Kars Category : Boutique Hotel : Kars Beylerbeyi Palace

Transfer to Kars Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Burdock Hotel

After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. Say goodbye to your fellow travelers, then enjoy a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.