The history and landscapes of Turkey, from the cave cities of Cappadocia to the great sites of the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts

A trip intended for the traveller interested in seeing beneath the surface of Turkey's incredibly varied past. We travel from Istanbul through Cappadocia, visiting temples, amphitheatres, castles and ruined cities, ranging in period from the ancient Anatolian Kingdoms to the lavish Ottoman Empire. We visit the memorials of Gallipoli and the harsh mountains of the Anatolian plateau, with plenty of highlights to satisfy those wanting to immerse themselves in the diverse culture and history of the Turkish people.

Itinerary:
Day 1 Start Istanbul.
Day 2 Tour of Istanbul, including Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
Day 3 To Ankara, stopping en route at Abant Lake. Overnight at hotel in the Kizilcahamam Forest valley.
Day 4 Visit Ankara and Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, continue to memorial at Anitkabr and then to Cappadocia.
Day 5 Exploration of Cappadocia by foot and road, including castle at Uchisar and pottery at Avanos.
Day 6 Optional morning balloon ride. Visit underground cities of Derinkuyu and Sultanhani Caravanserai; to Konya, home of the 'Whirling Dervishes' and old capital of the Seljuk Turks.
Day 7 Visit Mevlana Museum; explore stunning Graeco - Roman sites of Aspendos; overnight Antalya.
Day 8 Free day in Antalya - optional activities include the Antalya Museum, daily boat excursions or diving.
Day 9 Visit the site of Termessos, limestone cascades and thermal springs at Pamukkale and scattered ruins of ancient Roman city of Hierapolis.
Day 10 Visit ruins of Aphrodisias, including examples of famous school of sculpture. Continue to Selcuk, our base for two nights.
Day 11 A day at Roman city of Ephesus. Evening wine tasting and dinner at village of Sirince.
Day 12 To acropolis of Pergamum, continue to Behramkale with an optional visit to castle.
Day 13 Full day travelling back to Istanbul; stop en route at Troy, Anzac Cove and Lone Pine.
Day 14 Free day in Istanbul for sightseeing and shopping.
Day 15 End Istanbul.