Magic of Turkey with Istanbul Extension

Make your own way to Istanbul Airport for an afternoon flight from Istanbul to Kayseri (airfare included). Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia in a wonderfully designed cave style hotel, Yusuf Yigitoglu or similar. (D)

Early in the morning an optional Balloon tour is available. After breakfast start fascinating tour of Cappadocia and its amazing rock formations. Walk through several levels of the underground city - hiding places of early Christians and admire Open Air Museum in Goreme with its eleven refectories, rock-cut churches, tables and benches dated from the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries. Lunch in a cave restaurant to taste famous pottery Kebap. Afternoon view the natural fortress in Uchisar - the highest peak in the region and the most prominent land formation of the region. The Uchisar Castle is a larger-than-life sculpture. Opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and potteries. In the evening optional Turkish show including dinner. (B, L)

Early departure for Pamukkale. On the way visit the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai, before arrival in Konya town known mostly as a home of Whirling Dervishes. After visiting the Mausoleum of Mevlana continue to Pamukkale for an overnight stay. Overnight at Adem Pira Hotel and opportunity to sample the effects of outdoor and indoor thermal pools of the hotel. (B, D)

Today visit Pamukkale - white terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water as well as ancient Hierapolis with the magnificent Necropolis. After lunch break drive to Selcuk to visit remains of the Temple of Artemis ‘one of the seven wonders of the ancient world’ then overnight at Kaya Prestige. (B, D)

Morning drive to ancient city of Ephesus city founded by the female warriors known as the Amazons. Walk the 2000 year old marble streets while listening to the fascinating history of this ancient Greco-Roman city told by our guide. Visit the magnificent theatre, temples and library, one of the most beautiful structures in Ephesus. It was built in 117 A.D. as a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of the province of Asia. The grave of Celsus was beneath the ground floor, across the entrance and there was a statue of Athena over it because Athena was the goddess of the wisdom. Lunch in nomadic tent in Selcuk to taste Turkish Gozleme. Then, continue to traditional village of Sirince. Dinner and overnight at Kaya Prestige. (B, L, D)

Early departure for Pergamum. Visit the Asklepion the ancient medical center where ancient treatments included psychotherapy, massage, herbal remedies and the interpretation of dreams. The Asklepion was more like a modern spa than a hospital: therapy included mud and bathing treatments, music concerts, and doses of water from the sacred fountain. Continue to Troy the site where the legendary Trojan War took place. Dinner and overnight in Canakkale. Kolin Hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast cross the Dardanelles and continue to Gallipoli, the famous site where so many Australians lost their lives during the battles in 1915. Stop at Anzac Cove, the Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine, and see the 57th Regiment Memorial. Continue to Istanbul for overnight at Kent Hotel in old town. (B)

Full day guided tour of Istanbul. Visit Topkapi Palace - home for the Ottoman Sultans, currently a Museum reflecting the glory of Ottoman Empire, Sultans and their way of living. Tour Blue Mosque - impressive structure with its beautiful domes and semi domes, nice courtyards and six slender minarets. Admire Hagia Sophia from outside, one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture and the fourth biggest Cathedral in the world. Continue on to the Spice markets to take in the amazing atmosphere and smells. Overnight at Kent Hotel. (B) 

After breakfast transfer to the Istanbul Airport at 09am or 13:00. (B)