Our Journey of Discovery tour is 16 days of history, culture, coastline and landscapes all in one. The tour begins with the amazing sights of Istanbul followed by the Marmara and Aegean coastlines to see battlefields, ancient cities and ruins. We then journey along the beautiful Mediterranean where we will relax and enjoy some time in traditional Turkish sailing boats before making our way out to amazing Cappadocia.

Gallery

Feedback From Our Customers

Proud to receive great feedback from our customers!

Loved Every Moment! ❤️
I would like to thank you again Gursan, you truly made this a trip ofa lifetime and opened so many doors. Take care my friend.
Natasja B. - Holland
Loved Every Moment! 💖 ⭐ ❤️
I would like to thank you again Gursan, you truly made this a trip of a lifetime and opened so many doors. Take care my friend.
Mary D. - Germany
Loved Every Moment! 👋 🤩
I would like to thank you again Gursan, you truly made this a trip of a lifetime and opened so many doors. Take care my friend.
David T. - Italy
Loved Every Moment! 💖 ⭐ ❤️
I would like to thank you again Gursan, you truly made this a trip of a lifetime and opened so many doors. Take care my friend.
Mary D. - Germany
Loved Every Moment! 💖 ⭐ ❤️
I would like to thank you again Gursan, you truly made this a trip of a lifetime and opened so many doors. Take care my friend.
Mary D. - Germany

Tour Details

Day 1: Arrival Day Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey! Istanbul, the only city to straddle two continents, and once the capital of 4 empires, is currently a modern thriving metropolis. You will be greeted by one of our representatives at the airport, and chauffeured to your hotel. We will get an opportunity to meet our fellow travelers this evening over a welcome drink. Meals – Welcome drink Hotel Istanbul- The Vault Hotel Karakoy

Day 2: Istanbul

Today sees us visiting the Underground Cistern built during the Byzantine era, and largest of it’s kind in Istanbul. A short stroll to the Spice Bazaar is an assault on all the senses, before we venture across the Golden Horn to pay homage to the last 6 Ottoman Sultans, and where the revered Mustafa Kemal Ataturk saw his final days at Dolmabahce Palace. This evening as an option we board our private boat and take a cruise through the stretch of water separating Europe from Asia, the Bosphorus. We will see palaces, forts, beautiful Ottoman architecture and ancient ruins. Meals – Breakfast Option – Boat/ Light refreshments on boat Hotel Istanbul- The Vault Hotel Karakoy

Day 3: Istanbul

After breakfast, our guide takes us on a journey through history, as we explore the famed Old City of Istanbul. We visit the majestic Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace before get a chance to enjoy some friendly banter in the largest covered market in the world, The Grand Bazaar… You may even negotiate a great bargain! Meals – Breakfast Hotel Istanbul- The Vault Hotel Karakoy

Day 4: Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale

This morning we navigate our way out of the bustling streets of Istanbul, and head towards the ‘Gallipoli’ peninsula, where the Marmara & Aegean Seas connect. Our guide will share stories of battle woes of 1915, and explain in detail how the ANZAC legend was born. We visit Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Johnston’s Jolly, Anzac Cove, the Gallipoli Museum, the Neck, and look down at Suvla Bay. This battle-hardened peninsula has now become a tranquil place. Lest we forget. After the battlefields, we unwind at a local vineyard for some wine tasting of the regions finest grapes. Meals – Breakfast / Lunch / Wine tasting Hotel Canakkale – Limani Hotel

Day 5: Canakkale – Troy – Pergamon – Kusadasi

Our first stop sees us visiting the ancient city of Troy, dating as far back as 3000 BC. Our guide explains how the IX cities of Troy came to be, as well as the fabled Trojan War which was the battle that launched 1000 ships. Homer’s legendary Iliad & Odyssey are referenced here. We continue heading south to one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities in Pergamon. Formerly a Greek city, Pergamon played an important role in education and medicine. One of the largest libraries of its time was located here, along with the Asklepieion, Amphitheatre and Altar of Zeus. Our day ends in the port town of Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. Meals – Breakfast/lunch Hotel Kusadasi – La Vista Hotel

Day 6: Ephesus – Sirince – Kusadasi

Once an ancient Greek city, then a lively Roman city, the legendary site of Ephesus remains one of the most visited places in Turkey. We will marvel at the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, along with the complex plumbing systems, which date as far back as the 10th Century BC. We will also visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. St. John’s Basilica is next on our itinerary, and just a short drive from Ephesus. Here, it is believed to be John the Apostle’s final resting place.We drive to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its olives, wines, nuts and fresh fruit. We will be given an opportunity to sample some of the local delicacies, whilst we relax overlooking the olive groves in this quaint township. Meals – Breakfast/Lunch Hotel Kusadasi – La Vista Hotel

Day 7: Kusadasi – Hierapolis – Pamukkale

This morning we head to the House of the Virgin Mary, where St John escorted her until the time of her ‘Assumption.’ Continuing east, we drive to the magical site of Pamukkale (Cotton Castle.) The natural travertine’s cascading down the hill has been forming for tens of thousands of years. Once believed to possess healing qualities, numerous people from all over the world have bathed in these pools. Today we also experience the ruined city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, where Marcus Aurelius Ammianos’ sarcophagi lies and view the very impressive amphitheatre. Meals – Breakfast Hotel Pamukkale – Tripolis Hotel

Day 9: Free day / Option – Blue Cruise Along The Turquoise Coast

This morning after breakfast, we can spend the day however we please. There’s an optional daily boat cruise along the turquoise coast, which will involve swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. Or, you may wish to relax by the hotel pool, or walk down to the beach for a dip. This is your day to do as you please! Meals – Breakfast Hotel Kalkan – Likya Residence Hotel

Day 10: Kalkan -Kaputas -Antalya

Today, we’re on the road again, and continue heading east, along the stunning coastline. This is the start of the famous Lycian trail. We will be fortunate enough to stop for a swim in one of Turkey’s most naturally beautiful beaches, called Kaputas, before stopping for lunch in the stunning town of Kas. We retire for the day in the seaside city of Antalya. Meals – Breakfast / Lunch Hotel Antalya – The Marmara Hotel

Day 11: Antalya – Aspendos – Konya

After breakfast, we enjoy a walk around the grand amphitheatre of Aspendos, before our journey takes us north to the religious capital of Turkey, home of Mevlana and the Whirling Dervishes where we visit the Mevlana museum. Meals – Breakfast Hotel Konya- Hotel Ney

Day 12: Konya – Silk Road – Cappadocia

We continue heading towards central Anatolia, and enjoy the scenic drive as we witness a dramatic change in landscape. After a short visit to the largest Caravansaray in Turkey, Sultanhani, we continue on to Cappadocia. Your faces should light up as we sit in awe at how this unusual landscape was formed. We enjoy an early evening fascinated by the wonder that is Cappadocia. Meals – Breakfast Hotel Cappadocia – Kale Konak

Day 12: Konya – Silk Road – Cappadocia

Day 13: Cappadocia

Often described as a ‘moonscape’ the unique rock formations, which make up the Cappadocia region, will undoubtedly blow your mind. There is an optional hot air balloon ride to start your day, which will be followed by our guided tour of Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Cavusin and Avanos. This evening we attend the highly recommended ‘Turkish Night’ which consists traditional Turkish folklore and belly dancing. Meals – Breakfast / Dinner Hotel Cappadocia – Kale Konak

Day 14: Cappadocia

Underground cities were constructed prior to the Persian raids across the Anatolian plains. Today, we’re fortunate to be guided through one of the largest remaining underground cities, approximately 85mtrs deep. Soon after, we will visit Ihlara Valley, Pigeon Valley and Selime Monastery before putting our feet up for the day. Meals – Breakfast / Lunch Hotel Cappadocia – Kale konak

Day 15: Cappadocia – Istanbul

This morning, enjoy some free time exploring the sites of Cappadocia before boarding our afternoon flight back to Istanbul. For those who didn’t get an opportunity to experience a hot air balloon ride, this morning is your last chance. Meals – Breakfast Istanbul hotel - The Vault Hotel Karakoy

Day 16: Tour Concludes in Istanbul

After breakfast, we bid farewell to our newfound friends, and reflect on what has been a memorable experience. If you’re planning to stay in Turkey longer, we are also able to assist with accommodation bookings, or private guided tours. Meals – Breakfast

Details

Book the Tour

Price Details

Popular

€5695

Single supplement

€1395

Single supplement

€1395

Single supplement

€1395

Price Includes:

• Return private airport transfers from Istanbul Ataturk airport
• 15 nights accommodation in luxury boutique hotels
• 15 breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 1 dinner
• Fully licensed professional guide
• Entrance fees
• Wine tasting

TOUR EXCLUDES:
• Airfares to and from Turkey
• Arrival/departure taxes
• Visa fees
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses

OPTIONS:
• Daily boat cruise on turquoise coast
• Luxury boat cruise on Bosphorus
• Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
• Domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul

All hotels listed are our first preference for this tour. Should these hotels be unavailable, Authentic Turkey Tours will book hotels of the same class.

Tours

Special Interest Tours

Small Group Tours With Experts

Private & Tailormade Tours

Inspiration

About

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy