Highlights of Turkey & Cappadocia with Sahily

Welcome to Istanbul, the city where East meets West and where centuries of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history come alive. Your journey begins with a 1 pm welcome meeting, followed by a guided exploration of the Old City led by your expert leader. Discover the ancient Hippodrome, once the stage for thrilling chariot races, admire the intricate beauty of the Blue Mosque, stroll past the bustling stalls of the Grand Bazaar, and stand in awe of the stunning architecture of Suleymaniye Mosque.

After a day of discovery, unwind with your group over dinner and savor an authentic Turkish kebab. Forget the late-night takeout version you may know—this is the real deal, crafted with bold flavors and wrapped to perfection, making for a delicious end to your first day in this captivating city.

Accommodation:

• 4* Yaşmak Sulta Hotel in Old City or similar

Meals:

• There are no meals included on this day.

Included activities:

• Istanbul – Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)

Special information:

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at our hotel at 1pm. Given the early start to this trip, we highly recommend arriving in Istanbul a day early. Additional nights can be booked at checkout.

After breakfast, set out on a journey to Canakkale, a charming port city on the southern shore of the Dardanelles. Along the way, delve into the history of Gallipoli on a guided tour, where you’ll learn about the pivotal events that shaped this region. Visit ANZAC Cove and key memorial sites such as Brighton Beach and the ANZAC Commemorative Site, while soaking in the sweeping views of the Dardanelles Strait and Gallipoli Peninsula.

This evening, arrive in Canakkale and settle in for the night. Enjoy some free time to explore the city’s vibrant dining scene and prepare for the adventures that await tomorrow.

Accommodation:

• 3* Anzac Hotel or similar

Meals:

• Breakfast

Included activities:

• Gallipoli – Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards

Special information:

Today’s total travel time is approximately 6 hours.

Accommodation:

• Efe Boutique Hotel with sea view rooms or similar

Meals:

• Breakfast

Included activities:

• Sirince – Village visit and fruit wine tasting
• Troy – Archaeological site visit
• Selcuk – Leader-led orientation walk

Special information:

Today’s total driving time will be approximately 7 hours. Please note that Isa Bey Mosque is under renovation.

Accommodation:

• Overnight train

Meals:

• Breakfast, Lunch

Included activities:

• Ephesus – Archaeological site visit
• Selcuk – Artemis Temple Visit
• Selcuk – Gozleme making demonstration and lunch

Special information:

Tonight, travel aboard the Mavi Konya overnight train in comfortable two-berth couchettes equipped with a washbasin, small fridge, and ample luggage storage. Fresh bedding is provided, though you’ll need to make your own bed. Western-style toilets are available in each carriage, and a snack car offers simple options like sandwiches, toast, and coffee, though you may want to bring extra food.

Wake up in Konya, a city steeped in tradition and known for its connection to the whirling dervishes, a spiritual practice founded in the 13th century by Sufi mystic Celaleddin Rumi. Begin the day with a visit to the Mevlana Museum, then take some time to explore the town before heading toward Cappadocia. As you journey across the Anatolian plains, watch for the iconic fairy chimneys that define this surreal landscape. Along the way, stop at an ancient underground city, once a refuge during times of conflict or persecution.

Arrive in the Cappadocian town of Ugrup by late afternoon and enjoy a peaceful sunset walk through one of the area’s stunning valleys. For the evening, settle into a unique cave hotel, an iconic feature of the region, for an unforgettable stay.

Accommodation:

• 4* MDC Cave Hotel (Cave Rooms) or similar

Meals:

• There are no meals included on this day

Included activities:

• Cappadocia – Kaymakli Underground City
• Konya – Mevlana Museum

Special information:

Today’s driving time is about 3 hours

Start your day with an optional hot air balloon flight, a magical experience as the sunrise casts a golden glow over Cappadocia’s unique landscape, dotted with floating balloons. Later, join a guided walk through one of the scenic valleys, such as the enchanting Valley of Love, known for its fairy chimneys, abandoned rock-cut homes, and ancient churches. Your leader will select a fantastic route, offering the perfect way to immerse yourself in this extraordinary environment.

In your free time, consider visiting the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, a fascinating complex of rock-carved churches, rectories, and dwellings, or explore the intricate frescoes of the Dark Church. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome at a local cave home, where a family will prepare a delicious home-cooked dinner. Share stories, savor the flavors of Turkish cuisine, and perhaps end the evening with a taste of traditional Turkish delight.

Accommodation:

• 4* MDC Cave Hotel (Cave Rooms) or similar

Meals:

• Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:

• Cappadocia – Valley walk
• Cappadocia – Dinner at Local Family Home

Optional activities:

• Sunrise hot air balloon flight

Special information:

Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia must be booked directly with your trip leader early in the tour to secure a spot for this popular activity. Start times may vary due to local regulations, with some flights beginning just after sunrise. Prices are seasonal and subject to change; your leader will provide the current rate at the time of booking.

Bid farewell to Cappadocia as you transfer to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul, arriving between 1 pm and 4 pm. After settling into your hotel, reunite with your travel companions for an evening stroll through one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, where traditional tool shops coexist with stylish cafes and galleries. For dinner, savor a local favorite, balik ekmek (fish sandwich), followed by a sweet treat of baklava. Wrap up the night with a farewell çay (Turkish tea) overlooking the Bosphorus, or explore a few lively bars to celebrate your final evening.

Accommodation:

• 4* Yaşmak Sulta Hotel in Old City or similar

Meals:

• Breakfast

Included activities:

• Airport transfer
• Flight to Istanbul