Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival in Istanbul you'll receive a warm welcome from our representative, who will greet you and transfer you to your five-star hotel to relax after your journey.

This morning your guide will meet you in the lobby for a welcome meeting, where you'll discuss the trip ahead and meet your fellow travellers. Afterwards, we start our journey by following in the footsteps of the city’s most famous ruler, Sultan Ahmed, and head to the district of Sultanahmet, within Istanbul's old city. The historic centre of Istanbul, here you'll explore the legacy of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Take in the majesty of the sixth-century Hagia Sophia, whose stunning construction is said to have changed the history of architecture. When not erecting splendid buildings, the Byzantine Emperors loved a bit of entertainment, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople was their stadium. Inspect some of the decorative statues and obelisks that remain, harking back to a time when this space would play host to thousands of chariot racing fans. Witness the majesty of the Blue Mosque, and spend time meandering through the narrow lanes that burrow through the huge Grand Bazaar, packed with more than 3000 stalls of handcrafted jewellery, textiles, books and spices. Tonight, your guide will take you to his favourite restaurant to have a real meyhane (Turkish tavern) experience at the heart of Istanbul!

This morning we will finish off our time in Istanbul with a visit to Topkapi Palace, bathing in the beauty of the 15th century, fairy tale-esque residence of Ottoman Sultans. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Ataturk Airport to fly to Cappadocia.

Tonight in Cappadocia, is where you’ll find your Inspiring Stay at a boutique cave hotel. The 21st Century will fade away as you find yourself in rooms carved right into the rock, taking you back through the ages. You may not want to leave!

Your guide will then take you on a leisurely hike of the beautiful surrounding valley. Afterwards, spend the rest of the day at your leisure or enjoy one of our bonus Inspiring Sights options to enhance your experience. You may choose to include two optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package. Both options can be chosen as they take places at different times.

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your walk to the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, Kizilcukur. You'll see fascinating rock formations such as cones, peaks and fairy chimneys made from tuff – a light, porous rock formed by consolidaed volcanic ash – as well as man-made cave chapels from early Christian times. Around noon, your guide will take you to a beautiful lodge to watch the spiritual Mevlevi, or Whirling Dervish Ceremony – an 'active meditation' that is said to show devotion to god, and a practice that been recognised by UNESCO. Soon after this you will enjoy your first Inspiring Taste with a local specialty called a Pottery Kebab – Cappadocia's traditional, must-try dish, prepared in a clay pot.

Optional Tour: Hot Air Ballooning
Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the surreal 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 one to organise this (approximate cost EUR 175pp).

Today, we visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. Prepare to be blown away by this vast subterranean site, which comprises ancient dwellings that span seven levels beneath the ground, extending to a depth of approximately 60 metres.

Next, you'll make your way to the archaeological site of Asikli Hoyuk, an ancient neolithic settlement and now a museum, which was first settled in 8000 BCE. Later in the afternoon we'll visit Kizil Irmak, or the Red River of Cappadocia, famous for its clay, which is still used to make magnificent pieces of art today. You’ll learn about this ancient craft when we visit a local potter.

We leave Cappadocia today and head towards the Mediterranean coast. The drive is long, but it's also incredibly scenic. We'll enjoy a pit stop in Konya to try the local food before continuing to the jewel in the Mediterranean crown – Antalya. The ancient city is the eastern gateway to Turkey's southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its magnificent blue waters. Remnants from Antalya's time as a major Roman port remain: from Hadrian’s Gate, built to honour the Roman emperor’s visit in 130 CE, to the 2nd-century Hidirlik Tower, which boasts stunning harbour views.

This morning you’ll enjoy a walk to see Hadrian’s Gate, the old Roman Harbours and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean before enjoying lunch. We will then be travelling on to the Greek ghost town of Kayakoy, which is said to be the setting for Louis de Bernières' novel Birds Without Wings. Stroll around and take in the eerie atmosphere. From here we continue to Fethiye, a beautiful town surrounded by pine forests and dotted with islands.

This morning will be at your leisure. After lunchtime, we will board a traditional Turkish sailboat known as a gulet – your home for the next three days. A gulet is a wooden yacht usually built in Bodrum or Marmaris in Turkey that measures 20 to 30 metres in length on average. Handcrafted from mahogany, pine and teak, the gulets follow a design developed for these waters in Byzantine times, with a sharp bow, broad beam and rounded aft. They are stylish, graceful, fitted for comfort and full of character. We cruise in style along the spectacular coastline of Turkey for the next three days on a journey that promises Kodak moments at every turn.

Please note: the traditional-style gulet boats are not meant to be luxurious, but they are very comfortable and present a unique way of spending three nights. All cabins have ensuites and most of your time will be spent on deck enjoying the view.

After breakfast onboard, we'll sail to Bedri Rahmi Bay for our very first swimming stop. In the afternoon, we'll sail to Tersane Bay where you can disembark the gulet and enjoy the serenity of a hidden, untouched beach.

After another breakfast onboard, we'll sail to Gocek – a magnet for high-end yachts and yet another beautiful town on the Aegean Coast. We will then continue along the coast where we’ll be sailing, swimming and enjoying the crystalline water of the Turkish Riviera for the rest of the day.

This morning we leave our beautiful Gulet and drive to Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton Castle' and a truly unique sight. We will visit Hierapolis and travertines. Travertines 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-colored 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 center. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well
worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. There will be a small surprise on the top of travertines, you will be enjoying your wine while watching amazing sunset.

There will be a small Inspiring Taste surprise awaiting us on top of the travertines as we enjoy wine while watching an amazing sunset.

This morning enjoy some free time at the thermal pools at your hotel before departing from Pamukkale and heading to Kusadasi, which is approximately 3-hours drive.

Before arriving at Kusadasi, we stop at a local winery for a tasting.

Our day will start with an orientation walk around the town of Selcuk, which lies at the base of the partially restored ancient Ayasuluk Fortress. Here, you'll visit the last remaining fragments of the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – as well as a Roman and Byzantine aqueduct and the exquisite 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque.

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. Marvel at the vast amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and wander through the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus. After Ephesus, we drive to Sirince village to join a very special Inspiring Taste cooking class led by an amazing cook, Mujde!

The highlight for today is a visit to the legendary city of Troy. You’ll see the remnants of the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse as you learn about the groundbreaking archaeological digs and how the site has baffled historians. We will then continue on to Canakkale.

As they say, all good things must come to an end. Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Turkey. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight home.