Pearls of Turkey

Embark on an unforgettable tour of Turkey that takes you through its most iconic destinations. Begin in Istanbul, where you can explore magnificent landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Next, visit the historic Gallipoli Peninsula, paying tribute to the WWI battlefields, before heading to the ancient city of Pergamum with its impressive Acropolis. Continue to Ephesus, home to well-preserved ruins like the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis. Marvel at the natural beauty of Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces and thermal springs, then conclude your journey in Antalya, a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning beaches and rich archaeological sites. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Gallipoli: a historic peninsula, is renowned for its significant World War I battlefields and memorials, offering visitors a poignant glimpse into the past.

Troy Archaeological Site: explore the remnants of the city immortalized in Homer's Iliad. Wander through the ancient ruins, including city walls, temples, and houses, and immerse yourself in the captivating history and mythology of the Trojan War.

Pergamum: an ancient city, offers a glimpse into its rich Hellenistic history with impressive ruins like the Acropolis and the Asklepion healing center.

Ephesus: an ancient city in Turkey, is renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, including the grand Library of Celsus and the impressive Great Theatre.

Pamukkale: famous for its stunning white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you can relax in the thermal waters that have drawn visitors for millennia.

Antalya: wander around the beautiful Mediterranean city of Antalya, admiring its imposing mountains, relaxing on the sunny beaches and exploring its many shopping malls.

Day 1: ARRIVAL ISTANBUL

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: ISTANBUL

After breakfast meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Explore Hagia Sophia; the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Wall of China. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. Next, Topkapi Palace. As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Continue to Hippodrome; built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD. During the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Next, Blue Mosque; built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Next, Grand Bazaar; with 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops, it is one of the greatest bazaars in the World. At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3: ISTANBUL – GALLIPOLI – CANAKKALE (360km – 5hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out, meet your guide and drive to Canakkale. Today you visit ANZAC Battlefields visiting Brighton Beach, ANZAC Cove, Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Turkish and allied tunnels and trenches at Johnston’s Jolly, 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Next visit the Troya Archeological Site with the UNESCO-recognized ruins of the Ancient Kingdom of Troy. Wander among ancient ruins, including walls, temples, and theaters, and experience the rich history and mythology of the Trojan War firsthand. After the tour drive to Canakkale and check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Canakkale.

Day 4: CANAKKALE – PERGAMUM – KUSADASI (400km – 6hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel check out and drive to Pergamum. Pergamum had been a capital city for almost four hundred years. After the mythical times, Pergamum had been the scene of several cultures, ranging from those of the Stone and Bronze Ages until the Archaic and Classical Periods. Among the temples, palaces and agoras, the Asclepion, which was constructed in the course of one century, belonged to the big Zeus Altar and the Parchment Library. After lunch visit the ruins of Asklepion; which was known under the name of "The Pergamum God of Health". Asklepius the dietary health and medicine served the people for several hundred years; thus making Pergamum a medical centre of very great importance. Famous medical Scholars, like Hippocrates and Galenus, were born in Pergamum and worked there. Along the way, feast your eyes on the beautiful Agean sea view with lush olive trees and some Greek and Turkish Islands before arriving in Kusadasi for check-in.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5: KUSADASI – EPHESUS – KUSADASI (40 km – 1hr)

After breakfast meet with your guide, and start your full-day tour of Ancient Ephesus. Visit The House of the Virgin Mary; where a church was built. Your tour continues with the Ancient Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the 1C AD, Ephesus was the second-largest city on the planet after Rome with more than 250,000 citizens. Ephesus is so well preserved that, walking on the ancient streets among the beautiful monuments such as the third-largest library of the ancient world or the largest Roman theatre on the Asia continent, gives you the feeling of a time traveller. Next, the Temple of Artemis or Artemision, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ancient cult dedicated to Artemis was very famous in antiquity and made Ephesus a much visited pilgrimage place. After the tour drive you back to your hotel.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 6: KUSADASI – PAMUKKALE – ANTALYA (450km – 6hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Visit Pamukkale, Pools of Heaven on Earth. Pamukkale has always been a very popular settlement where hot springs were believed to have healing powers. So it is considered to be the earliest spa on earth where in history people travelled long distances in order to find a cure. The unique terraces were formed by running warm spring water containing calcium bicarbonate at a temperature of 35 C. Today Pamukkale is declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis which has the biggest Necropolis with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. The Sacred Pool is one of the highlights of the site. The shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient Roman ruins which lie beneath. At the end of the tour drive to Antalya.

Overnight in Antalya. 

Day 7: ANTALYA

Today you will enjoy the cable car ride from sea to sky. Enjoy amazing views from the top of Tunektepe which stands 1365 m above sea level. You will see the beautiful coastline of the Antalya region, gorgeous mountains, pine forests, and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Next, Duden waterfalls, the most beautiful and the most visited in the Antalya region. Walk through the beautiful park and listen to the sound of falling water. After lunch at a local restaurant with beautiful panoramic views you will have free time to explore the old town (Kaleici). You can see top attractions of the city: Hadrianus Gate, Clock Tower, Kesik Minare (Truncated Minaret) and city walls dating back to the 2nd century. Old Town with its narrow stone streets is also a great place to explore numerous boutiques, art galleries, and interesting museums. Do not forget to buy some memorable souvenirs from the authentic shops before leaving Kaleici.

Overnight in Antalya.

Day 8: ANTALYA – ISTANBUL DEPARTURE (90 min by flight, included)

Enjoy the last breakfast a the hotel before checking out. Flight from Antalya to Istanbul will be arranged according to your request.

Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings in Turkey. Shoes should be removed before entering a mosque or private house. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.