Istanbul, Ephesus & Troy

Fly to Istanbul, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay. Depending on your time of arrival, acquaint yourself with your surroundings. Enjoy your first evening in an extraordinary city that bridges the divide between Europe and Asia, marked by the narrow strait of the Bosphorus, and that brims with reminders of its illustrious past.

Introducing the city that was once Byzantium, then Constantinople. Explore the sights of the historic Sultanahmet Peninsula along a guided walking tour, starting at the Hagia Sophia, a grand Byzantine temple which was once the world’s largest enclosed space. You’ll then continue to the impressive Blue Mosque, famed for its azure-tiled domes and towering minarets. The extraordinary Topkapi Palace, with its priceless treasures, outer courtyard and gateways into its labyrinthine inner quarters, is next on the itinerary and you’ll also have the chance to wander around its renowned Harem quarter. This evening, you opt to enjoy a traditional fish dinner.

Another unforgettable day sees you return to the historic peninsula for a guided exploration of the city’s ancient Roman Hippodrome, which is now mostly buried beneath Sultanahmet Square. From here, you’ll walk to the world’s largest covered bazaar, the Grand Bazaar, before taking in Istanbul’s colourful Spice Bazaar, with its heaped displays of aromatic powders and trays of Turkish delight. The rest of the afternoon is free. Why not take an optional cruise along the Bosporus River? Later, make the most of your last evening in this fascinating, glorious city, perhaps dining al fresco.

Leaving Istanbul, this morning, you’ll travel by coach around the Sea of Marmara, then inland and south onto the stunningly beautiful, Gallipoli Peninsula. Here, in 1915, the Allied forces suffered catastrophic losses, including some 10,000 members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – the famous ANZACs – at the hands of the defenders of the Ottoman Empire led by legendary Turkish leader and founder of modern Turkey, Atatürk.

The beauty of ANZAC Cove and its surroundings is a marked contrast to the sobering memorials and cemeteries. Later this afternoon, you’ll cross the narrow strait of the Dardanelles and head to sea-front Canakkale.

Enjoy a day amid the wonders of classical Greece as you explore the nearby ruins of Troy, guarded by a replica giant wooden horse recalling the tale of the first Trojan War. You’ll then continue to Pergamon, where you'll visit the ruins of the Acropolis, which encompasses ancient temples, a two-storey library, and a spectacular, 10,000-seat theatre.

Later in the day, drive to Izmir and arrive at your hotel in the Çiğli area to relax and have dinner.

Today, take in the city of Izmir on a guided tour with visits to the ancient Agora, a former public meeting place dating back to the 4th century BC, and the Izmir Archaeological Museum, which houses an assortment of 1,500 artefacts from the Bronze Age, and Greek and Roman periods. Later, walk down to the waterfront and Konak Pier, where you can stop to browse the Kermeralti Grand Bazaar, awash with colour and stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, spices and Turkish Delight.

Make way to Kuşadasi, where you’ll then begin your stay with dinner on the shores of the Aegean Sea.

Spend today at leisure enjoying the many facilities of the resort, strolling along the harbour promenade, discovering the medieval Kale district or visiting tiny Pigeon Island.

Alternatively, join our optional excursion to Pamukkale. Here white calcium deposits, some 100 metres high, shape a slow-moving, ever-changing cascade, with hundreds of terraces and pools filled by an ancient mineral-laden spring. Ruins of a once great city surround the thermal baths, including a Temple of Apollo and restored Roman theatre.

Your final included excursion takes in ruined Ephesus, one of the most important Roman and Byzantine cities, and witness – in the 1st Century AD – to the preaching of Saint Paul. The ruins - which include churches, bath-houses, fountains and temples, gymnasia, the great Roman Amphitheatre, the facade of the fabled Library of Celsus and the colonnade of the Arcadian Way - serve to reflect this greatness in breath-taking fashion. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary. You’ll return to Kusadasi this evening to enjoy a last dinner at the hotel.

Today you’ll transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.