Riviera Travel Cappadocia, Istanbul, Ephesus and Troy

– Return flights and transfers
– 11nts in 4/5* accommodation
– Selected meals: 11 breakfasts and 8 dinners
– Programme of daily tours and visits
– Services of an expert tour manager
– Checked luggage

– Visit the underground city of Kaymakli
– See Cappadocia’s amazing rock pinnacles
– Tour Ankara and Istanbul

Day 1 – Arrive in Ankara
Fly to Ankara overnight via Istanbul. Check into the hotel where you stay overnight with dinner

Day 2 – Ankara
This morning, head to the Anatolian Civilisations Museum for a guided tour, learning about the region’s ancient history. Then, take a tour of the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. After you’ll have some free time to explore as you wish.

Later, begin the journey to Cappadocia, stopping for lunch along the way. Drive alongside Tuz Golu, one of the world’s largest salt lakes. Check into your hotel where you stay two nights with dinner

Day 3 – Cappadocia
This morning, visit the amazing underground city of Kaymakli, where you’ll have free time to wander around. Then visit nearby Pasabaglari, where the weathered rocks have formed mushroom-like pinnacles. Then, travel to Goreme, a vast monastic complex which is home to some of the finest rock cute churches and frescoes. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 4 – Caravanserai of Sultanhani
Start the day with a visit to the pottery making village of Avanos to see a demonstration before beginning the journey to Konya. After a lunch stop, head to the great Caravanserai of Sultanhani, used by travellers for centuries. The current complex is noted for being one of the best preserved along the silk road. Enjoy a guided tour followed by some free time before continuing onto Konya.

On arrival in Konya. Visit the Mevlana Musuem, the Mausoleum of Rumi. Renowned for its beautiful green dome, this site is sacred to the order of Mevlevi, sometimes known as the whirling dervishes.

Stay for one night with dinner in Konya.

Day 5 – Pamukkale
Drive to Pamukkale, passing dramatic scenery. Once here, you’ll have a guided tour of the thermal pools and have some time to explore the ancient city Heirapolis. Stay in a nearby hotel for one night with dinner

Day 6 – Aphrodisias
This morning, visit the archaeological site of Aphrodisias, exploring Greek and Roman remains, including the Temple of Aphrodite. After lunch, travel to the coastal resort of Kusadasi, where you stay for the next two nights.

Day 7 – Ephesus
Today, have a guided tour of the Ephesus. See the Temple of Artemis, one of the original ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’. Then see its famous Library of Celsius and the amphitheatre. You’ll also get the chance to see the remains of St John’s Basilica and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Return to Kusadasi and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 8 – Pergamon
Leaving Kusadasi, follow the coast to the ancient city of Pergamon where you have a guided tour. See the Temple of Trajan, the Altar of Zeus and the world’s steepest ancient amphitheatre. Continue along the coastline to Canakkale where you’ll enjoy this evening’s dinner at your hotel.

Day 9 – Troy & Gallipoli
Start the day with some free time in Troy, whose archaeological site spans nine separate cities. Then, take a short cruise over the Dardanelles to the Gallipoli peninsula. Visit the Lone Pine memorial and Anzac Cover before continuing through the picturesque landscape to Istanbul. Check in your hotel for the next three nights.

Day 10 – Istanbul
This morning, enjoy a comprehensive tour of the breath-taking Hagia Sophia, one of the city’s best landmarks. Then, take a guided tour of the city itself, seeing many landmarks including the remains of the Hippodrome and the immense Grand Bazaar.

Day 11 – Topkapi Palace
Begin the day with a guided tour of the Topkapi Palace, today a splendid museum. See a splendid display of historical weapons, and the collection of jewellery from the treasury. Next, take a short walk around the Spice Bazaar. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 12 – Return home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home

Movenpick Hotel, Ankara
This modern hotel is located within easy access to Ankara’s top attractions. The five-star Mövenpick Hotel is a superb contemporary establishment. The air-conditioned rooms are all very comfortably furnished with an en-suite bath and separate shower, hairdryer, safe, TV, minibar (local charges apply), tea and coffee-making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Utopia Cave, Cappadocia
This cave-style hotel is located in the small town of Urgup in the heart of Cappadocia. All of the air-conditioned rooms have an en-suite shower, hairdryer, safe, TV, safe, minibar (local charges apply), tea and coffee-making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Hotel Novotel, Konya
All rooms have a contemporary design with an en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, safe, TV, safe, minibar(local charges apply), tea and coffee-making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Colossae Thermal Hotel, Pamukkale
This hotel is located close to the ancient spa resort of Hierapolis. The modern, air-conditioned rooms have an en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, safe, telephone, TV, safe, minibar and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Hotel KoruMar, Kusadasi
Positioned very close to the main bay of Kusadasi, the hotel is within walking distance (about 10 minutes) of shops and restaurants. All the rooms have a private balcony and en suite bathroom plus a hairdryer, safe, TV, minibar (local charges apply), tea and coffee making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Hotel Kolin, Canakkale
The four-star Hotel Kolin is an excellent, modern hotel overlooking the Dardanelles. All of the air-conditioned rooms have an en suite bathroom, hairdryer, safe, telephone, TV, safe, minibar (local charges apply) and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Hotel Armada Old City, Istanbul
This four-star hotel is set just within the original ramparts of Istanbul’s Old City and overlooks the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara. The air-conditioned rooms are all comfortably furnished and with an en suite bathroom, hairdryer, safe, TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Fact File

• Currency: Turkish Lira (Euros are also widely used but at a poor exchange rate)
• Flight time: Approx. 4 hrs 30 mins
• Language: Turkish
• Time zone: GMT+2
• Country: Turkey

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic