For two weeks, explore Turkey’s cultural and historic wonders. From well-preserved palaces, legendary ancient ruins to stunning coastlines, you’ll see how East meets West in many of the country’s alluring cities. Begin in Istanbul for its iconic architectural gems, then traverse to Safranbolu, a UNESCO-listed town steeped in medieval trade history. When you journey south, you’ll find Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, while Antalya offers the sun-soaked Mediterranean shores.

Day 1 Arrive Istanbul | Meet your travel director and fellow travellers
Day 2 Istanbul | Sightseeing and free time of this sprawling metropolis with its dramatic history and well-preserved Byzantine structures; optional experience to visit Topkapi Palace, the lavish former home of the Ottoman sultans, and the Grand Bazaar
Day 3 Istanbul – Safranbolu | Sightseeing tour of this UNESCO listed town, which was an important caravan station during medieval times
Day 4 Safranbolu – Ankara – Cappadocia | Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder and father of the Turkish Republic; the cave dwellings of Cappadocia; optional experience of seeing a performance of the Whirling Dervishes
Day 5 Cappadocia | Sightseeing and free time; optional experience to visit Göreme, a town known for its cave churches and frescoes
Day 6 Cappadocia – Konya | see how master craftsmen create beautiful terracotta pottery; visit Saratli Underground City; Konya’s caravanserai and the village of Sille
Day 7 Konya – Antalya | See remnants of the Sufi religion’s heritage in Konya’s landmarks; head to the resort town of Antalya; optional dining experience of an Antalya Turkish Kebab Dinner
Day 8 Antalya | Free time to soak up some sun in the Mediterranean shores of Antalya; optional experience of going on a cruise or an afternoon excursion to visit to the Roman Aqueduct, the Kursunlu Waterfall and the Aspendos Bridge, spanning the Eurymedon River.
Day 9 Antalya – Pamukkale | photo stop at Lake Salda, continue to Kaklik Cave
Day 10 Pamukkale – Izmir | see the ruins of an ancient Roman health spa; head west to the Aegean coastline; explore the port town of Izmir; optional seafood dinner at a favourite local restaurant
Day 11 Izmir | the day is free to enjoy at your leisure in one of the oldest cities of the Mediterranean; take the optional tour to Ephesus, a 2,000-year-old site and home to the iconic Library of Celsus and Hadrian’s Temple and s a visit to the stone cottage, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her final years
Day 12 Izmir – Çanakkale | Stops include Pergamon and Troy before heading to Çanakkale
Day 13 Çanakkale – Istanbul | visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, before returning to Istanbul; optional cruise along the Bosphorus Strait.
Day 14 Depart Istanbul

• Istanbul: See Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
• Safranbolu: Visit Eski Carsi and Arasta Bazaars
• Ankara: Visit Ataturk’s Mausoleum
• Cappadocia: Visit Pasabagi and the Red Valley and marvel at the underground city of Saratli
• Konya: Visit the Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes
• Antalya: See the Roman harbour
• Pamukkale: See the Cotton Castle springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis
• Izmir: View a blend of modern and traditional in the many markets, mosques and churches
• Pergamon: Visit the Asclepion Medical Centre
• Troy: Visit the ruins of the ancient city
• Gallipoli: See Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries

13 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
13-night accommodations at cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted (On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised)
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
City orientation tours
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences

Departure dates start on May 19, 2024
June 2, 16, and 30, 2024
July 14 and 28, 2024
August 11 and 25, 2024
September 8 and 22, 2024
October 6 and 20, 2024
On 2025, departures start on April until October

Payment and cancellation terms vary by tour so please contact your Starflights travel consultant