17-Day Ideal Turkey Trip

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Today, you'll have a guided day tour of the city, including lunch. Start off with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Old Istanbul. Visit the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and the Byzantine Hippodrome, where emperors once saw chariot races. You'll then go to the Hagia Sophia museum, a place of worship for 900 years, and finish the day at the lavishly appointed Topkapi Palace.

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Enjoy a stroll around the seventh hill of Constantinople in the Chora, a medieval Byzantine church and one of the world’s most revealing religious sites. Continue to visit the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colourful attractions on our way to the cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. Finally, enjoy haggling in the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops.

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The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is one of the most important Imperial museums in the world containing breathtaking collections from the Prehistoric eras. It is awarded “Museum of The Year” by the European Council, Istanbul's Archaeological Museum was established as the first Turkish museum. Follow in the footsteps of the Ottoman sultans and experience the splendour of Dolmabahçe Palace, the last seat of power for the Ottoman Empire resting on the European coast of the Bosporus.

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Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in the city. Explore the alleys and open courtyards of the city where quaint coffee shops and curio corners present a truly unique day exploring the city. Why not do as locals do and sit for a Turkish coffee to soak up the atmosphere? Another suggestion is to experience a traditional Turkish Bath in the Old City.

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Leave Istanbul behind and head towards Gallipoli. Today we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Kabatepe War Museum with its astounding fused bullets, Brighton Beach, Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Johnston’s Jolly, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair. The tour will take you to sites that are all within a few kilometres of each other on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

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This morning we will drive to Kusadasi, before arriving in the city, we'll explore one of Turkey's most fascinating archaeological sites. Step back in time today as we visit Troy and its famed Trojan Horse, followed by a tour of the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time.

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Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, the site of Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus. With its well preserved collonaded Arcadian Way, Hadrians Temple, Celsus Library, market and theatre, this archaeological site takes you a step back in time. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the city and stadium where chariot and horse races were once held. You'll finish the day at the last home of the Virgin Mary.

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Pamukkale is the centre of a thermal spring with healing properties. Due to the chemical properties in the water, pure white coloured travertine and water terraces have been created on the mountain slope. Visit the travertine and the Ancient City of Hierapolis which has the biggest Necropolis with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. The sacred pool also is one of the highlights of the site; shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient Roman ruins which lie beneath.

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This morning, you'll drive from Kusadasi to Kas, sitting on the southern coastal shores. Kas has a charming old town that is characterised by white-washed buildings with old wooden fixings and tumbling bougainvillaea. The town is fronted by a harbour that is responsible for its delicious seafood that you can enjoy at the many restaurants across the town. Spend the remainder of your day enjoying the fresh ocean breeze and rustic beaches.

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Take the day to explore Kas at your leisure. You can explore the old town, spend the day on the beach or, if you are feeling adventurous - go diving! Kas is renowned among diving enthusiasts for its boat and plane wrecks just off its shores. There are multiple diving sites to choose from based on your ability and experience diving. In the evening, head to enjoy the fresh food of Kas!

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This morning you'll board a traditional Turkish gulet yacht and set sail for Kekova Island. Your day will be filled with mini-stops for swimming, snorkelling and enjoying the balmy Turquoise Coast as you approach the sunken city of Simena. The boat will stop for you to gaze down at the city below the surface of the water. Enjoy a tasty lunch on board before returning to Kas.

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After breakfast, you'll leave Kas behind to transfer to Antalya another town on the coast. Antalya is a charming resort town that will introduce you to the ancient regions of Pamphylia and Lycia in modern-day Turkey. Explore this afternoon, walking around this lovely old Mediterranean city where you'll find beautiful views of the coastline and beyond from the harbourfront.

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Today, you'll enter ancient Pamphylia. Perge is a grand exhibit of what an ancient Greek and Roman city looked like. Records date it back as far as 4 BC and it was one of the leading cities of Pamphylia. Side is its largest port, probably first colonised in 7th BC. Coming from Cyprus, St.Paul would have entered the ancient port en route to Perge. Manavgat Waterfall is where you will take a nice cool rest. Aspendos is famous for its ancient Roman theatre which is the best-preserved in the world.

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This morning, you'll leave Antalya early morning to arrive in Cappadocia in time for your tour. Explore the northern parts of this otherworldly land, visiting Devrent Valley, Pashabag, known for its fairy chimneys and Avanos which is famous for its red clay and ancient pottery techniques. After lunch, you'll visit Goreme Open-Air Museum with its Byzantine cave churches, Esentepe viewpoint and finish at Uchisar Castle. Tonight, you'll watch the famous whirling dervishes.

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Early this morning, you'll have the chance to jump in a hot air balloon to see Cappadocia from the sky as the sun rises. Either way, you'll start the day by hiking in the Rose Valley. You'll then continue to Cavusin one of the oldest settlements of Cappadocia, the underground city of Kaymakli and Ortahsir, with its unique castle.