The Grand Heritage of Turkey
A journey through the
cradle of civilisations.
From the minaret-pierced skyline of Istanbul to the surreal volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia, this journey invites you to walk through the very heart of human history. Following the echoes of Byzantine Emperors and Ottoman Sultans, you will traverse a landscape where East meets West in a vibrant explosion of colour, scent and story.
This adventure takes you from the glittering Bosphorus Strait to the sun-drenched Aegean coast and the "Cotton Castles" of Pamukkale — through ancient marble cities that once housed philosophers and underground cities carved by early Christians.
Trip Highlights
Private guided tours of Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace & Basilica Cistern
Private motor yacht cruise on the Bosphorus
Kariye Mosque — world-renowned Byzantine mosaics & frescoes
Turkish marbling (Ebru) hands-on art workshop in Istanbul
Terrace Houses at Ephesus — rare glimpse into Roman aristocracy
Sultanhani Caravanserai & Mevlana Museum, Konya
Walk the snow-white travertines of Pamukkale & 5★ thermal spa
Hot Air Balloon flight at sunrise over Cappadocia fairy chimneys
Whirling Dervish Sema Ceremony in Konya
Ottoman mosaic lamp crafting workshop in Cappadocia
Derinkuyu Underground City exploration
Wine tasting led by a sommelier in a 250-year-old Greek mansion
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Meet & greet by your English-speaking guide at Istanbul Airport. Private transfer to hotel. Check-in and rest.
Guided tour of Istanbul's Old City: Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), Grand Bazaar, Chora Church / Kariye Mosque, and Süleymaniye Mosque.
Private boat cruise on the Bosphorus. City tour: Dolmabahçe Palace, Karaköy, Galataport, Galata Tower. Hands-on Turkish marbling (Ebru) art workshop.
Guided tour of Sultanahmet: Hippodrome, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia Digital Experience Museum, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Underground Basilica Cistern.
Flight to İzmir. Guided tour of Selçuk: Ephesus Digital Experience Museum, Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey Mosque, St John's Basilica. Transfer to Kusadasi.
Transfer to Pamukkale. Explore the Travertines (Cotton Castles), Cleopatra's Antique Pool, and the Hierapolis World Heritage Site. Dinner at hotel. Enjoy the thermal hot springs.
Transfer to Konya. Visit Mevlana Museum, Ince Minare Medressa. Evening: hypnotic Whirling Dervish Sema Ceremony (approx. 1 hour).
En route visit the Sultanhani Caravansarai. Arrive in Cappadocia: Derinkuyu Underground City, Pigeons Valley, Uchisar Castle, and Göreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO).
Dawn Hot Air Balloon flight over the fairy chimneys (weather permitting). Explore Pasabag Valley, Zelve Open Air Museum, Rose Valley and Red Valley. Mosaic lamp crafting workshop.
Free morning. Wine tasting with a sommelier in a 250-year-old Greek mansion. Afternoon flight to Istanbul. Check-in at Bosphorus hotel.
Explore Istanbul at your own pace. No guide or driver service today.
Free time until departure transfer to Istanbul Airport for your homebound flight.
Where You'll Stay
Hagia Sophia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton ★★★★ or similar
Located between Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, on a historic tree-lined street famous for its flower-adorned houses.
Charisma Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★ or similar
Seafront location, walking distance to city centre. Largest SPA facility, health club and à la carte fish restaurant.
Colossae Thermal & Spa Hotel ★★★★★ or similar
Eco-friendly hotel with thermal pools, Turkish bath, jacuzzi, sauna & spa. 4km from Hierapolis. Free WIFI, balconied rooms.
Novotel Konya ★★★★★ or similar
Elegant contemporary hotel near the Mevlana Museum. Sauna, outdoor pool, international dining at Elements.
Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel & Spa ★★★ or similar
In the historic Göreme district. Cave-carved rooms, breakfast buffet, Anatolian SPA, horseback riding. Hot air balloon views from the terrace.
Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel ★★★★★ or similar
On the banks of the Bosphorus in buzzing Ortaköy. Et Cetera grill, Cruise Lounge Bar, and glittering bridge views.