Grand Türkiye Journey: 15-Day Empires, Ancient Roads & Living Traditions

Walk through the old imperial heart of Istanbul.

Today, step into Istanbul’s old imperial heart, where Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman legacies still stand side by side. Begin at the Hippodrome, once the ceremonial and sporting center of Constantinople, before visiting the Blue Mosque, admired for its cascading domes, elegant courtyards and beautiful İznik tiles. Nearby, pause outside Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s great architectural monuments and a powerful symbol of Istanbul’s layered past. Then, descend into the Basilica Cistern, an atmospheric underground reservoir filled with ancient columns, soft reflections, and a quiet sense of mystery. Later, continue to the Grand Bazaar, a historic covered market of jewelers, textiles, ceramics, workshops and inherited trading traditions. Optional: Hagia Sophia interior gallery visit can be arranged, subject to current restorations, opening/closing hours.

Discover the cosmopolitan spirit of Istanbul through elegant waterfront districts, lively avenues and timeless marketplaces.

Begin the morning aboard a private boat on the Bosphorus, where Istanbul unfolds from the water. Elegant Ottoman waterfront mansions, imperial palaces, historic fortresses and lively ferry crossings create a constantly changing panorama between Europe and Asia. Returning to shore, continue to Taksim Square, the modern heart of Istanbul, before strolling along the lively İstiklal Avenue. Lined with elegant nineteenth-century buildings, independent bookshops, historic arcades, cafés and galleries, this iconic boulevard reflects the city's cosmopolitan spirit. Your walk continues downhill through the atmospheric streets of Galata, one of Istanbul's oldest and most captivating quarters. Here, centuries-old stone buildings, boutique design stores, artisan workshops and hidden cafés sit beneath the watchful silhouette of the medieval Galata Tower. The afternoon continues at the historic Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar. Wander through colorful displays of fragrant spices, herbal teas, Turkish delights and regional delicacies while discovering the flavors that have shaped Anatolian cuisine for generations.

Walk through one of the history's most moving landscapes on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Depart Istanbul after breakfast and travel west toward the Gallipoli Peninsula, where peaceful hills overlooking the Dardanelles bear witness to one of the most significant campaigns of the First World War. During the journey, your guide shares the remarkable stories that forever linked Türkiye, Australia and New Zealand through courage, sacrifice and reconciliation. Upon arrival, explore the Gallipoli Battlefields, visiting poignant landmarks including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunuk Bair, and several important memorials scattered across the peninsula. More than a battlefield, Gallipoli has become a place of remembrance, where moving personal stories and powerful landscapes invite quiet reflection. In the afternoon, continue to Çanakkale, a lively waterfront city that has served as the gateway between Europe and Asia for centuries. After checking into your boutique hotel, enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

From the world of Homer to the splendor of Pergamon, discover two of discover two of Anatolia's greatest ancient cities.

After breakfast, depart Çanakkale and travel south towards one of the world's most legendary archaeological sites—Troy. Immortalized in Homer's Iliad, this remarkable settlement has inspired travelers, historians and archaeologists for centuries. Walk among the remains of defensive walls, temples, theatres, and ancient streets. Continue through the fertile landscapes of western Anatolia towards the ancient city of Pergamon, one of the great cultural and intellectual centers of the Hellenistic world. Explore the impressive remains of temples, palaces, and the steep hillside theatre. By the evening, arrive in the lively seaside town of Kuşadası, your home for the next two nights. After checking into your boutique hotel, the remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Walk the marble streets of one of the world's greatest ancient cities before discovering the flavors of the Aegean.

Following breakfast, explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Walk along its remarkably preserved marble streets, discover magnificent monuments including the Library of Celsus, the impressive Great Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian. Leaving Ephesus behind, continue to the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary, a place of pilgrimage surrounded by pine-covered hills. According to Christian tradition, this modest stone house was where the Virgin Mary spent her final years under the care of Saint John. The journey continues to the village of Şirince, a beautifully preserved former Greek settlement renowned for its stone houses, narrow cobbled streets and village atmosphere. As evening approaches, experience one of the region's oldest culinary traditions during a Roman-inspired cooking workshop. Drawing inspiration from recipes, ingredients and techniques that date back to antiquity, prepare a meal using fresh seasonal produce, fragrant herbs and local olive oil under the guidance of your host. Gather around the table to enjoy the meal, accompanied by warm Aegean hospitality.

Discover a landscape where mineral waters and ancient ruins have flourished side by side for thousands of years

Travel inland through the Aegean landscapes to Pamukkale, where nature and history come together in one of Türkiye’s most distinctive settings. Explore Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once known for its thermal springs and healing traditions. Walk through its monumental gates, theatre, public buildings and extensive necropolis while learning about daily life in this important Greco-Roman center. Continue to Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces, formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside. The contrast between the ancient ruins and the bright natural formations creates one of the journey’s most memorable landscapes. Later, check in to your thermal hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Journey through mountain landscapes and ancient Lycian cities before arriving in the charming town of Kaş

After breakfast, depart Pamukkale and begin one of the most scenic journeys of the tour as you travel south towards Türkiye's spectacular Mediterranean coastline. Your first stop is the remarkable archaeological site of Xanthos, the ancient capital of the Lycian civilization, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once one of the most powerful cities of Lycia, Xanthos is renowned for its remarkable history of independence and resilience. In the afternoon, arrive in the charming harbor town of Kaş, built on the site of the ancient Lycian settlement of Antiphellos. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Kaş.

Cruise across the turquoise waters of Kekova, discover hidden coves and ancient ruins, then return to Kaş for a relaxed evening by the sea.

After breakfast, board a comfortable boat for a cruise along one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular stretches of coastline. Cruise towards Kekova, discover a landscape where history and nature exist side by side. One of the highlights of the day is the ancient Sunken City of Kekova, where the remains of Lycian and Roman buildings can still be seen beneath the remarkably clear sea. A freshly prepared lunch is served on board as you continue exploring the tranquil waters and hidden inlets of Kekova, with additional opportunities for swimming before returning to Kaş during the afternoon. Back in Kaş, the remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Discover Antalya's timeless old town, where Roman history, Ottoman architecture, and Mediterranean life come together.

After breakfast, drive along the spectacular Mediterranean coastline towards Antalya. Upon arrival in Antalya, begin exploring the city's beautifully preserved Kaleiçi (Old Town), where centuries of history unfold within narrow cobbled streets lined with restored Ottoman houses, boutique shops and inviting cafés. Walk beneath the elegant Hadrian's Gate, constructed in honor of the Roman emperor's visit in AD 130, before continuing through winding streets towards the historic harbor. Once an important trading port linking Anatolia with the Mediterranean, the harbor today provides a picturesque setting where traditional wooden boats rest beside lively cafés and waterfront terraces. Enjoy the evening at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Journey through the Taurus Mountains to the splendor of Sagalassos and the timeless traditions of Konya.

Begin your journey north into the Taurus Mountains, towards the magnificent archaeological site of Sagalassos, one of Türkiye's most impressive yet least visited ancient cities. Explore its remarkably preserved remains, including the monumental fountain that still flows with fresh mountain water, the grand theatre overlooking the surrounding valleys, and the impressive remains of the public buildings. Following time to explore, continue across the plains of Central Anatolia towards Konya, a city that has long been regarded as the spiritual heart of Türkiye. Visit the Mevlana Museum, the final resting place of the great philosopher, poet and mystic Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, whose teachings of love, tolerance and humanity continue to inspire people around the world. Continue through the historic center, where elegant Seljuk architecture, lively squares and traditional bazaars of Konya.

A landscape unlike anywhere else, where nature and history have shaped Türkiye's most remarkable region.

After breakfast, depart Konya and continue across the wide plains of Central Anatolia towards Cappadocia. Upon arrival, stop at the Göreme Panorama, where you'll enjoy your first sweeping views across the valleys and learn about the geological history that shaped Cappadocia over millions of years. Continue to Uçhisar, the highest village in the region, dominated by its impressive natural rock fortress. Wander through its charming streets, admire the traditional stone houses and enjoy panoramic views stretching across the surrounding valleys. Later, check into your boutique cave hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Look beyond the famous landscapes to discover the history, craftsmanship and local traditions of Cappadocia.

This morning, early risers may join an optional hot air balloon flight. After breakfast, visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable collection of rock-cut churches, monasteries and beautifully preserved Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 10th century. Continue to Paşabağı (Monks Valley), where some of the region's most distinctive multi-capped fairy chimneys rise from the valley floor. These extraordinary rock formations were once used as hermit dwellings by monks seeking solitude, creating one of Cappadocia's most iconic landscapes. The journey continues through Devrent Valley, often known as Imagination Valley, where centuries of natural erosion have sculpted the soft volcanic rock into unusual formations resembling animals, people and other familiar shapes. Later, visit the charming riverside town of Avanos, famous for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Watch a traditional kick-wheel pottery demonstration before enjoying time to browse the workshops and local artisan stores. The day concludes at the wine tasting at a boutique winery overlooking the Kızılırmak River. Enjoy carefully selected wines while taking in the peaceful riverside setting, before heading to the hotel.

Discover the quieter side of Cappadocia through hidden valleys, underground cities and rural atmosphere.

Begin the day at Göreme Panorama, and enjoy the sweeping views across Cappadocia's valleys, fairy chimneys and volcanic rock formations. Continue to Kaymaklı Underground City, one of Cappadocia's largest and best-preserved subterranean settlements. Descend through its remarkable network of tunnels, living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms and stables while discovering how entire communities once lived beneath the ground. The journey then leads to the beautiful Ihlara Valley, a lush volcanic canyon carved by the Melendiz River. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the valley floor, passing towering cliffs, peaceful riverside scenery and centuries-old Byzantine churches carved into the rock. At the end of the walk, arrive in the charming village of Belisırma, where you'll enjoy a relaxing lunch at a traditional riverside restaurant. On the return journey, stop at Pigeon Valley, where panoramic views stretch across one of Cappadocia's most scenic landscapes. Spend the evening in Cappadocia at leisure.

Fifteen days, countless stories and one unforgettable journey.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and your morning in Cappadocia. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for one last stroll through the village or simply to relax before your transfer to the airport.