Cox and Kings Classical Turkey

• See the fantastical landscape and ancient cave dwellings in Cappadocia
• Discover the centuries-old ritual of Turkish coffee in a historic coffeehouse
• Enjoy exclusive access to the archaeological excavations at Magnesia with a private lecture from the archaeologists working to uncover the ancient city’s secrets
• Take a private visit to an Istanbul mosque with a local imam

Day 1 | Fly to Istanbul

Fly from London (regional connections available) with Turkish Airlines. Check into your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 | Istanbul

Explore Istanbul on a walking tour, visiting the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 | Istanbul

Discover the Egyptian Bazaar and Grand Bazaar, enjoy Turkish coffee in a traditional coffeehouse, then join a local imam for a private mosque visit.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 | Canakkale

Drive to Canakkale and tour the Gallipoli battlefields, including Cape Helles, Suvla Bay and Anzac Cove.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 | Troy, Pergamon & Izmir

Visit ancient Troy and its replica Trojan Horse, then explore Pergamon before enjoying a home-cooked lunch with local families.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 | Ephesus & Kusadasi

Tour Ephesus, visiting the Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian and Great Theatre.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 | Magnesia

Explore ancient Magnesia, with a private lecture from the archaeologists leading its excavations and exclusive access to normally restricted areas.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 | Hierapolis & Konya

Visit Hierapolis, including its necropolis, Gate of Domitianus and Byzantine Baths. Continue to Konya to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlâna.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 | Cappadocia

Travel to Cappadocia via the Sultanhani Caravanserai on the ancient Silk Road. Explore Özkonak Underground City before visiting a local family in their traditional stone home.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 | Cappadocia

Optionally take a dawn hot-air balloon ride (£365pp). Explore Göreme, Pasabag Valley and Uchisar, then visit Avanos to see traditional pottery being made.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 | Fly home

Transfer to the airport and fly home.

Meals: Breakfast

Royan Hotel Hagia Sophia
Set in the heart of Sultanahmet, just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia, Royan Hotel is a comfortable, 4-star property of 48 rooms and suites. A bar, lounge and restaurant are available on-site with numerous other choices within easy walking distance. All rooms are air conditioned and feature a television and safe.

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel
Adempira Hotel is a 5-star property situated a short distance from Pamukkale. The property features a number of amenities, including a bar, lounge and restaurant as well as multiple swimming pools and spa facilities. All rooms include a television as well as a minibar.

Ilayda Avantgarde
Situated in the heart of Kusadasi, with views across the town’s harbour, Ilayda Avantgarde is a superior property of 85 rooms and suites. A bar/lounge is located on site, with numerous dining choices within easy walking distance. A rooftop pool and terrace also provide the ideal location to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. All rooms are air conditioned and feature a television and safe.

• Small group size – average 12 people (max 18)
• 4- & 5-star accommodation
• Flexible – extension, room & flight upgrades available
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Experienced local tour manager
• 8 breakfasts & 3 dinners
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
• Welcome dinner and farewell drink with your group & tour manager
• Hotel porterage
• International flights

What’s included in the Cox & Kings Classical Turkey tour?
The tour includes international and domestic flights where applicable, accommodation, transfers, selected meals, guided sightseeing and entrance fees, as well as the services of experienced local guides. The itinerary also includes travel between Turkey’s key historical destinations, with a focus on its remarkable classical heritage.

How active is this tour?
This is a moderately active touring holiday, with guided sightseeing, walks and visits to ancient cities, archaeological sites and historic monuments. You should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, climbing steps and spending time outdoors, often in warm conditions.

Will I have any free time?
Yes, the itinerary includes periods at leisure, giving you time to relax, explore independently or enjoy the atmosphere of Turkey’s historic towns and coastal destinations at your own pace.

Who is this tour suitable for?
This tour is ideal for travellers interested in ancient history, archaeology and Mediterranean culture. Highlights include exploring the classical ruins of Ephesus and other ancient sites, discovering historic cities and monuments, and experiencing Turkey’s rich heritage spanning Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilisations.

Private & tailor-made travel
This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. So, should you want to spend longer in a particular location, or add another experience or destination, we can make all the arrangements for you.

Guaranteed departures
Where a tour date shows ‘Guaranteed departure’, this tour is guaranteed to run. For all other departure dates, once the minimum number of people booked has been reached, this tour is also guaranteed to run.

Superior Tour
Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere.

Moderate activity level
Medium pace, some longer travel days, with uneven terrain and longer walks requiring good fitness and mobility.

Exclusive prices available on request. Our Pricing Policy.