TÜRKIYE

Day 1 | Friday 18 September
Arrive Istanbul
The tour commences at the hotel in Istanbul at 5.00pm, where after meeting our tour leader we embark on an orientation walk of Sultanahmet, the historic heart, taking in the impressive landmarks including the ancient Hippodrome. We then return to the hotel for an introductory talk on Constantinople, before enjoying dinner on the rooftop terrace of a local restaurant, which offers sweeping views of the city. Overnight Istanbul (D)

Day 2 | Saturday 19 September
The Byzantine World
This city has been known by many names – Byzantium, Constantinople, and finally Istanbul – each reflecting the layers of empires that have shaped its identity. We begin our day with a talk in the hotel, followed by a visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. Housed in a 15th-century palace owned by Ibrahim Pasha, Grand Vizier during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the museum boasts one of the most important carpet collections in the world, as well as reliefs from long-lost Seljuk and Ottoman buildings. We then continue to one of its most famous Byzantine masterpieces: the Hagia Sophia. Spanning 1,500 years, the now Grand Mosque was once the world’s largest cathedral and remains one of the city’s most sacred and historic sites. After lunch and free time, we reconvene and descend beneath the city to the Basilica Cistern, dating back to the 6th century under Emperor Constantine I. Here, the perfectly symmetrical columns of this vast underground chamber, illuminated from behind and reflected in the water, create an otherworldly atmosphere. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Istanbul (B, L) 

Day 3 | Sunday 20 September
The Age of Suleiman “The Magnificent”
The 16th century was the peak of Ottoman imperial power, dominated by Suleiman the Magnificent, known as Kanuni, the Lawgiver. His reign combined territorial expansion, legal reforms, architectural patronage, and a reassessment of Ottoman-European relations. The day begins with a talk at the hotel, then a visit to the breathtaking Süleymaniye Mosque. Its grand domes, tall minarets, and spacious, refined interiors allow time to explore the complex, including the stunning tiled Mausoleum of Suleiman and his beloved queen, Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana). Next, we travel by coach to the Selim Mosque (Yavuz Selim Camii), built by Suleiman in memory of his father, Selim I, also called Selim the Grim, who is buried in the nearby tomb complex overlooking the Golden Horn. We then visit the 14th-century Chora Church, also known as the Kariye Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most important remaining Byzantine structures. Afterwards, there is free time for lunch in Balat, a historic neighbourhood offering a glimpse of daily life in Ottoman Istanbul. The day concludes with a relaxed, scenic cruise down the Golden Horn, and, if time permits, a visit to Rüstem Pasha Mosque, whose interior is almost entirely covered with blue and red Iznik tiles. Overnight Istanbul (B)

Day 4 | Monday 21 September
The Ottoman World
We dedicate our morning to the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire with an in-depth visit to Topkapi Palace, meaning “cannon gate” in Turkish, one of the largest surviving palaces in the world. Constructed by Mehmed the Conqueror in the 15th century, Topkapi is a symphony of Islamic, European, and Ottoman architectural styles, consisting of four courtyards and over 400 rooms, and we will have the opportunity to explore the stunningly ornate and beautifully tiled chambers, which provide a fascinating insight into the private lives of the Ottoman Sultans. After a free lunch break, we visit the Blue Mosque, which is a masterpiece of architecture. In contrast to the Hagia Sophia, this mosque is supported by four substantial “elephant foot” pillars. Its central dome, soaring to 43m, is accompanied by four semi-domes that create an almost square appearance, and over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles adorn its interior, all illuminated by 260 windows. There will be an optional visit to the oldest and most famous covered market in the world, the Grand Bazaar, an architectural marvel dating to the 15th century, after which the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Istanbul (B)

Day 5 | Tuesday 22 September
Istanbul-Cappadocia – The Seljuk Age
Departing Istanbul this morning, we fly to Kayseri, once a Seljuk capital, marking our exploration of this once powerful medieval Turko-Persian empire. We pay a visit to the Seljuk Civilisation Museum, housed in a double madrasa, which features exhibits on the Anatolian Middle Ages and the Seljuk Dynasty. After free time for lunch, we visit the Mahperi Hunat Hatun Mosque Complex. Built in the 13th-century by Mahperi Hatun, wife of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, the complex consists of a mosque, madrasa, tomb and bath house, and is one of the most beautiful and most important examples of Seljuk architecture in Anatolia. We continue our journey, driving to the town of Ürgüp and our gorgeous cave hotel and base for the next three nights. There will be time to freshen up before dinner in our hotel. Overnight Cappadocia (B, D)

Day 6 | Wednesday 23 September
Sacred Cappadocia
Cappadocia, meaning “land of fine horses” in ancient Persian, is where nature and history blend harmoniously. Its rugged volcanic terrain features rock formations called fairy chimneys, in which Christians escaping from the dominance of the Roman Empire carved their houses and churches. Today begins with a visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum, which showcases rock-cut churches, cave refectories, and hillside dwellings that reflect the Byzantine golden age. We then visit an authentic tile factory in the nearby town of Avanos, famed for its distinctive pottery and beautifully painted ceramics made from the red clay taken from the local riverbank and produced in the area since the time of the Hittites, around 2000 BC. In the nearby historic village of Mustafa Pasa, we pause for a relaxed lunch, before returning to our cave hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure. Overnight Cappadocia (B, L)

Day 7 | Thursday 24 September
Cappadocian Culture
This morning we visit Zelve Open Air Museum, one of Cappadocia’s earliest monastic settlements that thrived during the Byzantine era. The site features 15 cave churches from the 500s, making it one of the most historically important locations in Cappadocia. During the Ottoman period, Zelve became a remarkable example of religious harmony, as evidenced by the presence of both churches and a rare rock-cut mosque within the same community.
We then proceed to the small village of Ayvalı and the traditional stone arch house of the Cappadocia Home Cooking School, where we will enjoy not only a leisurely cooking class but also Turkish hospitality and a glimpse into traditional village life. Taking ingredients from the garden, we will prepare regional dishes before sitting down together to enjoy the fruits of our labour. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon and reconvene in the evening to attend Saruhan Kervansaray, where, in its peaceful 15th-century setting, we observe the sacred Whirling Dervishes’ ceremony, performed by members of the Sufi Islamic tradition. Our day concludes with dinner back at our hotel. Overnight Cappadocia (B, L, D)

Day 8 | Friday 25 September
Tracing the Silk Road
Stretching from the East to the West, the Silk Road was a major conduit of cultural exchange, from goods and wares, silks and spices, to religion and philosophy. Today, we trace its influence as we travel from Cappadocia to Konya. Our first stop along the route is the Sultanhani Kervansaray, the largest medieval Kervansaray in Türkiye. Built in 1229 by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, this fortress-like Kervansaray served as a place of rest and safety for merchants travelling the Silk Road. Entering through the imposing main portal, which is itself an impressive example of Seljuk architecture featuring a monumental marble entrance decorated with geometric patterns, we will explore its beautiful open courtyard, covered hall, as well as stables, kitchens, and mosque. After enjoying lunch together, we then head to Konya, a sacred city and the capital of many empires and civilisations throughout the centuries. It was also the resting place of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, or Rumi as he is known in the West, the renowned Persian Sufi mystic and poet, and the father of the Mevlevi Order, whose tomb we will visit. We continue on to our hotel, where after checking in, we will enjoy dinner together. Overnight Konya (B, L, D)

Day 9 | Saturday 26 September
The Anatolian Interior
Departing by coach for Afyonkarahisar today, we travel across the Anatolian plateau to a town distinguished by its impressive rock citadel. The citadel, which rises sharply above the plain, has influenced settlement patterns heresince ancient times and remains the most prominent feature of the landscape. Upon arrival, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Afyonkarahisar Grand Mosque, one of the most significant surviving wooden-column mosques in Anatolia. Built in the 13th century during the Seljuk era, the mosque is renowned for its forest of carved timber columns and understated interior, offering a stark contrast to the later Ottoman style. Afterwards, we check in at the hotel and later gather for a lecture on Türkiye’s early history, exploring Anatolia’s role as a crossroads of civilisations from prehistory and the Bronze Age through the Hittites, hrygians, Greeks, Romans, and early Islamic states, setting the broader context for the days ahead. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Afyonkarahisar (B, L)

Day 10 | Sunday 27 September
Coastal Türkiye
Türkiye’s coastline is steeped in ancient history, having been a cradle of civilizations for millennia. From the Bronze Age to the Romans and beyond, numerous cultures have left their mark on the region, and en route to the coastal resort town of Kuşadasi - our base for the next three nights, we stop at Aphrodisias, a Roman city named for the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. Here we will explore the ancient site, with time to marvel at the remnants of the civil architecture for which the Romans are renowned, such as baths, an agora, an odeon, and a theatre- one of the most magnificent from antiquity, with a capacity of close to 30,000 people. There is also time to visit the onsite museum, filled with statues found from all over the ancient site of Aphrodisias, before we enjoy a relaxed alfresco lunch in a nearby outdoor setting. In the afternoon, we continue to the bustling seaside town of Kuşadasi, where after checking in, dinner will be in the hotel. Overnight Kuşadasi (B, L, D)

Day 11 | Monday 28 September
Selçuk & Ephesus
This morning we make our way to Selçuk, a town whose history is shaped by the Greeks, Byzantines, and the Seljuk Turks, from whom it takes its name. We begin our visit at the Basilica of St John, a significant historical and religious site built in the 6th century over the presumed burial place of St John the Apostle. We then immerse ourselves in the ancient world with a visit to the archaeological museum, which houses, among many treasures, the famous statue of Artemis found at Ephesus. It is then a short drive to a local carpet weaving workshop, where we will enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by our hosts, after which we will watch as the skilled artisans use traditional methods and organic dyes to weave carpets, a tradition that has been passed down through generations. In the afternoon, we explore Ephesus, one of the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient Roman cities. There will be time to stroll along the marble streets and admire the Temple of Artemis, the impressive Library of Celsus, and its remarkably preserved open-air theatre. On return to our hotel, the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Kuşadasi (B, L)

Day 12 | Tuesday 29 September
Miletus and Didyma
Today we venture to Miletus, one of the most important cities of the ancient Greek world. Founded on the Aegean coast, Miletus became a centre of trade, colonisation, and intellectual life, closely associated with early Greek philosophy and science. On arrival, we tour the extensive archaeological site, where broad streets, public buildings, and the monumental theatre convey the scale and ambition of the city in its Hellenistic and Roman periods. Following lunch overlooking the marina, we then visit Didyma, home to the Sanctuary of Apollo and one of the most influential oracle centres of the ancient world, second only to Delphi. Unlike most Greek temples, the sanctuary was designed to house an inner sacred space open to the sky, where priests delivered Apollo’s responses rather than the god’s statue itself. The vast, unfinished temple, with its towering columns and exposed stonework, was to bring glory to Miletus, the most significant of the Ionian cities at that time. Later in the afternoon, we return by coach to the hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Kuşadasi (B, L)

Day 13 | Wednesday 30 September
İzmir
İzmir, once known as Smyrna, has a rich history under the Ottoman Empire, transitioning from a Byzantine city to a major Ottoman port and significant commercial hub, connecting the empire with Western Europe. We continue our journey up the coastline, first stopping to visit the Arkas Carpet Collection, bringing together rare examples of Anatolian Carpets of the Classical Period, Anatolian Tribal Carpets, Ottoman Palace Carpets and Northern European tapestries. We then head to Izmir itself, where we will have free time for lunch before continuing to the Agora of ancient Smyrna. Rebuilt at the end of the 4th century BC after the period of Alexander the Great, the Agora functioned as the city’s administrative, political and commercial centre. Framed by porticoes, it once contained civic monuments, altars, statues honouring local figures, and spaces for public assembly, reflecting the organised civic life of the Hellenistic and Roman city. A short stroll takes us to our hotel via the magnificent 16th-century Hisar Mosque, where, after checking in to our hotel, the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight İzmir (B)

Day 14 | Thursday 1 October
Pergamon
Our coastal journey continues as we depart İzmir today for Bergama and the ancient city of Pergamon. Once a powerful and prosperous city during the Hellenistic period, Pergamon was a major centre of art, culture, and learning, rivalling Alexandria and Antioch in its cultural achievements, and it was the capital of the Attalid kingdom. Here we will traverse the spectacular Acropolis, home to the famed Altar of Zeus, before its controversial removal to Museum Island in Berlin, but it still boasts the remains of temples, palaces, a library second only to the Library of Alexandria in its historic significance, a theatre, and the Asclepion, a famous medical centre. After enjoying lunch together in Bergama, we then travel north to Çanakkale where, after checking in to our hotel, the evening is free to enjoy the boulevard by our hotel, overlooking the famous Dardanelles Strait. Overnight Çanakkale (B, L)

Day 15 | Friday 2 October
Troy
Spanning 4,000 years of history and immortalised by Homer in the Iliad, who wove a story of ancient love, betrayal, and a 10-year-long war, Troy is not just a famous legend; it is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The site was first excavated by Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century, and its extensive remains are the most significant demonstration of the first contact between the civilisations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world. After a talk on Troy in our hotel, we dedicate the morning to touring the fascinating site and its nine distinct archaeological layers, which represent periods of settlement and destruction, including the setting for the legendary Trojan War. After a break for lunch, we will also visit the impressive Troy Museum, designed in a modern, industrial style, with a height equal to the depth of the Troy excavation site and clad in rust-coloured weathering steel, creating the impression that the museum was excavated from the site. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel for an afternoon leisure, before reconvening for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Çanakkale (B, D)

Day 16 | Saturday 3 October
Gallipoli
This morning we embark on a special pilgrimage, driving up along the Dardanelles, the strategically important strait connecting the Mediterranean with the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. The day is devoted to exploring the Gallipoli Peninsula in the company of an expert on the Gallipoli Campaign and World War I. Our itinerary today includes the moving sites of Anzac Cove, where Australian soldiers landed on April 25 1915. We will also have time to explore the remnants of trenches, the Lone Pine Memorial and Cemetery, which commemorates more than 4,900 Australian and New Zealand servicemen who died. After a moving morning, we pause for a picnic lunch on the shore of the Dardanelles. In the late afternoon we return to our hotel in Çanakkale, where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Çanakkale (B, Picnic Lunch)

Day 17 | Sunday 4 October
Istanbul
We depart for Çanakkale this morning, journeying back to Istanbul, checking into our hotel on arrival. There will be time to stroll through the majestic Sultanahmet district and the Arasta Bazaar, before we reconvene for our farewell dinner. Overnight Istanbul (B, D)

Day 18 | Monday 5 October
Depart Istanbul
The tour concludes after breakfast. Airport transfers will be arranged to Istanbul (IST) airport. (B)