Highlights of Turkey

Visit Turkey

Day 1

Welcome to Istanbul

Meet at the crossroads of East and West – the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph.

Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for dinner.

Day 2

Discover Colourful Istanbul Dive Into Culture

Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire, strolling through the exquisite Topkapi Palace with its spellbinding views of the Bosphorus.

Visit Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Hippodrome, to see where thundering chariots once raced to victory before viewing the Blue Mosque – its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles are a sight to behold. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the museum of Classical Turkish Music. The evening is yours to further explore the city.

Day 3

Journey to Gallipoli and Çanakkale

Remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli.

You'll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields, which still hold deep significance for the Turkish, Australian and New Zealand nations. Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair, where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I. This evening, stay in Çanakkale where you’ll dine at the hotel.

Day 4

Off to Troy and Izmir Connect with Locals

Visit a land of Trojan legends, where the ancient city of Troy has been immortalised by Homer in tales of King Priam, Hector, Paris and Helen.

Explore the archaeological site revealing nine layers of civilisation and see the replica wooden horse that recalls the Greek strategy used to end the legendary siege. Later, travel to the village of Demircidere for your Be My Guest experience. Meet local women, visit the village bakery and enjoy lunch made with fresh, homegrown produce. Continue to Izmir and settle into your seaside hotel before dining together this evening.

Day 5

Admire the Ruins of Ephesus and on to Pamukkale

Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, admiring the well-preserved facade of the Library of Celsus and the remains of the Temple of Artemis.

Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian, guarded by Medusa's head, and the Great Theatre, built by the Romans in the 2nd century and still in use today. You’ll learn about the intricate heritage and artistry of Turkish carpet weaving during a visit to a local carpet emporium. Then, relax and unwind in the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale.

Day 6

Onwards to Hierapolis and Konya

This morning, enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs.

Continue to Konya, where you'll visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi Order, which reveals the origins of Sufism and the spiritual legacy of Rumi. This evening, dine at your hotel.

Day 7

Continue to Cappadocia Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories

Continue your journey to Cappadocia, you'll see a 13th-century caravanserai  and underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road.

Then Dive into Culture to learn about the traditional art of pottery making in Avanos. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to witness the Whirling Dervishes ceremony, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Tonight, stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories hewn out of the surrounding rock and houses.

Day 8

A Day to Explore Spectacular Göreme

The whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia take centre stage today as you embark on a full-day excursion that will see you visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the Paşabağı and Kizil Vadi valleys.

Join your fellow travellers for an included dinner this evening.

Day 9

Return to Istanbul

Take a short flight this morning to Istanbul, Dive into Culture as you shop for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.

Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for dinner.

Day 10

Farewell Istanbul

Say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as you prepare to depart to the airport for your flight home.

Dining Summary

7 Dinner (D)

9 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Demircidere: Meet the women of Demircidere Köyü, a rural village where gender equality has deep roots. Visit the local bakery to see how bread is made, sample it with homemade wine and explore a family garden bursting with seasonal produce. Over a shared lunch in a local home, you’ll hear inspiring stories of how this Turcoman community is empowering its girls to learn, grow and lead while preserving their culture and traditional Alevi beliefs.

Dive into Culture

: Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.

Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Istanbul: Visit the house of Turkey’s greatest classical composer, Dede Efendi. Recently brought back to its former architectural glory, this unique museum holds a rare collection of traditional instruments, which we experience first hand during a private concert by Music Conservatory students. Your visit directly supports United Nations’ Global Sustainable Goals 4 &11: Quality Education & Resilient Cities and Communities. Your visit provides opportunities for the students to perform, contributes to Turkey’s cultural vibrancy in safeguarding traditional forms of music which was fast disappearing, and supports the important work of TURKEV association, who researches and safeguards Turkish traditional architecture and houses.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Istanbul

Visit the Topkapi Palace, Byzantine Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli and the Göreme Open-Air Museum

View the Wooden Horse at Troy and the Blue Mosque

See the exquisite Blue Mosque

Trafalgar Difference

Cappadocia: The Exedra Hotel's rooms, carved from rock, boast unique designs and handcrafted antiques. During construction, a chapel was uncovered, inspiring the name 'Exedra,' a gathering place in ancient Rome.

View our great airfares, hotels and travel insurance.