DAY 1

Welcome to Istanbul

Friday, September 4, 2026

Istanbul - Turkey

Meet at the crossroads of East and West – the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph. Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for dinner.

Arrival Transfer: Depart Istanbul Airport (IST) at 13:30, 16:30

Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 18:30

MEAL(S):Dinner

HOTEL:Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu

DAY 2

Discover Colorful Istanbul Dive Into Culture

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Istanbul - Turkey

Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire, strolling through the exquisite Topkapi Palace with its spellbinding views of the Bosphorus. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Hippodrome, to see where thundering chariots once raced to victory before viewing the Blue Mosque – its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles are a sight to behold. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the museum of Classical Turkish Music. The evening is yours to further explore the city.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

HOTEL:Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu

DAY 3

Journey to Gallipoli and Çanakkale

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Canakkale - Turkey

Remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli. You'll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields that today still hold special significance for the Turkish, Australian and New Zealand nations. Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair, where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I. 

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL:Kolin

DAY 4

Off to Troy and Izmir Connect with Locals

Monday, September 7, 2026

Izmir - Turkey

Visit a land of Trojan legends, an ancient city immortalized by Homer in the stories of King Priamus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. Admire the archaeological excavations at Troy revealing nine separate periods of settlement and the symbolic replica wooden Trojan horse commemorating the epic war machine constructed by the Greeks to end a lengthy siege. This afternoon, Connect With Locals over lunch in the village of Demircidere at a Be My Guest experience. 

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

HOTEL:Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention

DAY 5

Admire the Ruins of Ephesus and on to Pamukkale

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Pamukkale - Denizli - Turkey

Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus admiring the well-preserved façade of the Library of Celsus and its famous Temple of Artemis. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian guarded by Medusa's head, and the Great Theater, built by the Romans in the 2nd-century and still in use today. You’ll learn about the intricate heritage and art of carpet weaving during a visit to a Turkish carpet emporium. 

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL:Colossae Thermal

DAY 6

Onwards to Hierapolis and Konya

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Pamukkale - Denizli - Turkey, Hierapolis - Denizli - Turkey, Konya - Turkey

This morning, enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs. Visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum in Konya, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, which reveals the origins of Sufism. 

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL:Dedeman

DAY 7

Continue to Cappadocia Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Cappadocia - Nevsehir - Turkey

Continue your journey to Cappadocia, you'll see a 13th-century caravanserai  and underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Then Dive into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to watch the Whirling Dervishes then enjoy a Regional Meal at a local restaurant. 

MEAL(S):Breakfast

HOTEL:Exedra

DAY 8

A Day to Explore Spectacular Göreme

Friday, September 11, 2026

Cappadocia - Nevsehir - Turkey

The whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as you embark on a full-day excursion that will see you visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the Paşabağı and Kizil Vadi valleys. 

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL:Exedra

DAY 9

Return to Istanbul

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Istanbul - Turkey, Cappadocia - Nevsehir - Turkey

Take a short flight this morning to Istanbul, Dive into Culture as you shop for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city your way. Enjoy a sensory explosion at the vibrant Spice Market.

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL:Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu

DAY 10

Farewell Istanbul

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Istanbul - Turkey

Say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as you prepare to depart to the airport for your flight home.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

Full Details:

Highlights of Turkey 2026.pdf

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