Turkey cultural tour & gulet cruise holiday

Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to hotel Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul for the start of your trip. OVERNIGHT Istanbul – 4 star hotel

Old city tour Our trip begins this morning with a full day tour of Istanbul. Lying across two continents this historically important city played an integral role in the development of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum and explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace before ending at the famous Hippodrome. OVERNIGHT Istanbul – 4 star hotel MEALS Breakfast

We depart Istanbul this morning for the drive to Gallopoli where we will receive a fully guided tour of this World War I battlefield site. Although home to some of the fiercest fighting during the War today the site is full of poignant memorials set against a subdued wooded landscape. Our tour will include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston Jolly as well as The Nek and Gallipoli Museum. There will also be chance to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war before we head to our hotel in Canakkale. OVERNIGHT Canakkale – 4 star hotel MEALS Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we make the short drive to the ancient city of Troy. Lying undiscoverd until midway through the 19th Century the excavations here brought the legend of the Trojan horse and the poems of Homer back to life. We then continue our drive south to the acropolis of Pergamum. A former kingdom we enjoy a full tour of the site including the Temple of Trajan and the famous library which is believed to have rivalled the library of Alexandria and helped shape Pergamum into a renowned cultural and political centre. OVERNIGHT Kusadasi – 4 star hotel MEALS Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey. OVERNIGHT Kusadasi – 4 star hotel MEALS Breakfast, Dinner

We travel east this morning to Pamukkale, site of the well known white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Pamukkale translates as ‘cotton castles’ and the naturally occuring geology here has created cloud like formations unlike anywhere else. We then head to the ancient city of Hierapolis to enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools lodged amongst ancient columns left by the Romans who used the pools for their therapeutic powers. OVERNIGHT Pamukkale – 5 star hotel MEALS Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Fethiye and board Gulet. We leave early this morning for the short drive to Fethiye where we board our traditional Turkish gullet boat for three days of glorious cruising along the Mediterranean coast. Fully staffed and housed with individual cabins these vessels offer us the perfect chance to unwind and enjoy the sunshine. OVERNIGHT Gulet cruise MEALS Breakfast, Dinner

As we continue our Mediterranean cruise today our staff will be on hand to help arrange any water sports you may wish to try such as wakeboarding, snorkelling and water-skiing. Alternatively go for a refreshing swim or just sunbathe on deck. OVERNIGHT Gulet cruise MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue our cruise east along the Mediterranean coastline today before anchoring in an idyllic bay tonight. All water sport options available. OVERNIGHT Gulet cruise MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Olympos. The morning is free to enjoy the rest of the cruise before disembarking after lunch and transferring to the beach resort of Olympos. The beach here is one of the most picturesque in Turkey and tonight we get to sleep in the comfortable and relaxing tree houses up the hill from the beach and reserve area. OVERNIGHT Olympos – Tree houses (basic chalet/bungalows) MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Antalya Relax and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean sea once more this morning or take the opportunity to arrange a rock climbing or sea kayaking excursion. Later this afternoon we transfer to Antalya where the rest of the day and evening is free for you to relax or explore the city (you may fly home tonight if you wish – discounts are available if you do not require your hotel room). OVERNIGHT Antakya – 4 star hotel MEALS Breakfast

Free time. Transfer to airport Your last day is left free for some final sightseeing and shopping until your departure airport transfer. Several cheap airlines fly back to the UK from Antalya or you can transfer through Istanbul. OVERNIGHT N/A MEALS Breakfast