Turkish Odyssey

Discover Istanbul, the capital of three empires, on today’s privately guided tour. Start your sightseeing at the ancient Hippodrome where you will admire the exterior of the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque and visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia – one of the most important religious buildings ever built. Next, explore the Topkapi Palace, the seat of Ottoman power for four centuries and the location of the Sultan’s harem and dazzling treasury, before descending into the city’s atmospheric Underground Cisterns dating from the Roman area. Complete the day with a tour of the world’s largest covered market: the Grand Bazaar.

A morning at leisure in Istanbul to relax or explore independently. You might like to take a private cruise along the Bosphorus, visit a royal hammam for a traditional Turkish Bath, or embark on a food-themed tour. Cultural enthusiasts will be falling over themselves with things to do – just ask us for recommendations! Late afternoon, you will be met and transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Malatya in eastern Anatolia.

Visit Nemrut Dagi, one of Turkiye’s most incredible cultural attractions. Located deep in the eastern Taurus Mountains with views overlooking the Euphrates River, Nemrut Dagi is a spectacular tomb-sanctuary. Created by Antiochus 1 of Commagene (69 – 34 BC) on a remote mountaintop, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is crowned by an immense tumulus, that is flanked by two terraces lined with huge statues – the heads of which – have been dislodged by time and remain where they fell on the mountainside. Before returning to Malatya, you will see a fine Roman bridge built over the Cendere River and visit the ruins of ancient Arsameia, the capital city of Commagene.

Visit Battalgazi, the original location of Malatya, to see its beautiful Seljuk-era mosque. Nearby is the late Hittite period Aslantepe Tumulus (5,000 years old) – now an open-air museum. Then, drive across the Anatolian plain to the local beauty spot of Darende where you will view the Gunpinar Falls and stretch your legs with a short walk along the narrow-sided Tohma Canyon. The moonscape and fantastically shaped towering ‘fairy-chimneys’ of Cappadocia will come into view as you near your cave hotel late this afternoon.

This morning there will be an optional opportunity for a dawn hot-air balloon flight drifting over Cappadocia’s beguiling lunar landscape (supplement applies) – a magical experience. Your privately guided Cappadocia sightseeing will begin with a scenic drive along the winding roads and through the breathtaking landscapes that make Cappadocia such a unique and special place. Explore the Devrent Valley and Pasabagi – one of the finest of Cappadocia’s valleys – before arriving at the rabbit-warren-like rock of Old Cavusin. Next, visit the extraordinary Goreme Open Air Museum, with its painted churches and troglodytic monastic dwellings. A walk (optional) through the stunning Rose Valley (about 2 hours) will enable you to experience the beauty of the Cappadocian landscape before your tour concludes at Uchisar with a climb up through the tunnels of the rock ‘castle’.

Today is dedicated to discovering a Cappadocia that lies off-the-beaten-track. Ortahisar’s ‘Hospital Monastery’ will be your first stop. Then, continue to Mustafapasa, and visit the recently renovated Monastery of St. Nicholas. Outside Urgup, you’ll see the Keslik Monastery, the most expansive cave monastery in Cappadocia. A drive will take you to the 13th-century Taskinpasa madrasa and the recently discovered 4th-century BC ancient city of Sobestos. Continue to Mazi village, where you’ll descend underground and discover eight layers of an underground city that is complete with warehouses, churches and cellars. The charming town of Avanos, known for its traditional pottery and ceramics, will be your final destination – before driving to Kayseri, where you will check in for an evening flight to Izmir on the Aegean Coast.

The amazing ruins of ancient Ephesus will be your destination today. Ranked amongst the finest classical ruins in the Western World, the extensive Roman monuments include the much-vaulted Library of Celsus and cannot fail to impress. After your visit drive up into the hills above Ephesus to see the leafy cobbled lanes and traditional houses of Sirince, then return to Izmir.

Drive to Sardis, a hidden gem that was once the capital of Croesus, King of Lydia, a monarch of proverbial wealth. Next, proceed to Aphrodisias, one of the most rewarding sites in Turkey. The city has a lovely rural location and was once adorned with some of the most beautiful carved sculptures in the classical world. After exploring the site and its stunning museum, continue to Pamukkale.

Visit the extensive ruins of ancient Hierapolis, formerly a great cult centre and place of pagan pilgrimage. The city occupies a dramatic location atop the famous white cotton bud-like travertine terrace and opaque chalky-blue pools of one of Turkiye’s great natural wonders, Pamukkale. Next, follow the highly scenic road through the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea and the sophisticated resort of Bodrum on the Aegean Sea.

Today will be at leisure to relax and explore independently in Bodrum, enjoy the restaurants, browse through the shops and gaze over the Aegean Sea. The whitewashed town is dominated by the Castle of Peter and is a mecca for yachting, while the surrounding wooded peninsula offers beautiful Mediterranean vistas, quiet bays, sleepy villages, and crystal-clear waters as well as some beautiful beaches.

Private transfer to Bodrum-Milas International Airport and check in for your onward flight.