ITINERARY
18 days, 18 nights
Fri 7 - Tue 25 MAY, 2027
Istanbul — Adatepe — Çanakkale — Gallipoli — Troy — Pergamon — Ephesus — Pamukkale — Cappadocia
$8,400 NZD per person double / twin share in homely, boutique accommodation. International flights not included. Single room supplement: $1,400
Your trip over 18 days and 18 nights includes all activities on the itinerary, accommodation, domestic flights, transportation, guides, entrance fees, All breakfasts, 9 dinners, 10 lunches, wine and cheese at tasting.
Exclusions: Tips, international airport transfers, alcohol at included dinners, balloon ride. Please ask if you would like me to meet you at the airport.
As your host throughout the trip, your personal needs and energy levels are important to me. Keep me up with how you're doing, what you'd like to see more of, and if you need a break, so I can do all possible to ensure your experience is all you've dreamed. A good level of fitness is required, with many of our days on foot and some hilly streets and stairs in Istanbul. We move at a wander pace and with time to pause, sit and enjoy the surrounds where desired. And remember, you can leave me to get some of the special shots of the group exploring, the natural ones you’re not aware of, so you can take time to 'take it all in'. — Mel
ITINERARY
Fri 7th Day 1 - Istanbul
Our day begins in the early afternoon, when we enjoy traditional savoury then sweet notes of local cuisine - one on a rooftop with a view of the Bosphorus, the other at a quaintly Turkish back-street cafe. We then stroll around the cobbled back streets of Sultanahmet. visit the small Arasta Bazaar, an old schoolhouse and the Great Mosques square.
In the evening, we walk to the waterfront to see the awesome mass of ships on the busy Sea of Marmara shipping lane and pop into the small Küçük Ayasofya mosque. Then it’s time to relax for our first taste of Türkiye’s beautiful cuisine together in a peaceful garden setting.
Day 2 - Istanbul
This morning, we take on the magnificent Topkapi Palace - the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and residence of the Sultans for 400 years - and walk through Gülhane Park - once part of the palace complex.
After will be a good time to grab some street food before we take the tram to the Bosphorus for a relaxing yacht tour with fantastic live commentary of Istanbul’s breathtaking landmarks, including Topkapi Palace that we will have just visited.
We can have dinner together tonight, or independently, it’s up to you.
Day 3 - Istanbul
This morning is a late start before a big afternoon and evening of touring by foot. This is a good time before the next leg of our trip to book an optional Turkish bathhouse experience - which I very much recommend. You will feel ridiculously relaxed top to toe, believe me.
At around 11, we head to the vibrant and colourful Fener and Balat districts,, first vising the Kora church, now a mosque, with its wonderfully preserved frescoes. We then take a walking tour with a guide who just loves his history, viewing the colourful new and ruined-old Ottoman homes, vibrant street art and quirk. This is a lovely area to sample the cuisine for lunch.
Next we head to Karaköy pier and hop on a boat for a fabulous night food tour on the Asian side sampling all that is traditional and beloved in Türkiye produce in a charming small town setting.
Day 4 - Istanbul
9am - The iconic treasures of old Istanbul are ours this morning on a guided walking tour taking in the ancient Roman Hippodrome, entering the two great mosques - Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque - and the majestic and moody Cathedral-like Basilica Cistern, along with the Grand Bazaar and the famous Orient Express train station.
After, we make a lunch stop - baklava and ice-cream for the sweet tooths - and wander around the waterfront and Spice Bazaar, before a relaxed and entertaining traditional Turkish cooking lesson from professional chefs in the late afternoon.
After eating our creations, it’s just a hop and skip to the iconic Galata Bridge for sunset and some great photos of Istanbul from the top - should your energy levels remain good.
Day 5 - Istanbul
After breakfast we take the tram and historic funicular line to Istanbul’s famed modern and historic Istiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu (Pera). There, we visit the Pera Palace Hotel in all its splendour and the now museum room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey, stayed and worked.
Next we’ll wander the eclectic Istiklal Avenue, at the heart of modern Istanbul social life with its historic meyhane taverns where locals chat over platters and, traditionally, some raki (similar to Ouzo). There is an array of classic food on offer here. We will also take an elevator to one of the spectacular views the city offers.
In the afternoon, we take a short tram and metro trip to the Asian side of Istanbul and the Üsküdar seafront with its breathtaking panorama, then the leafy suburb of Kuzguncuk, where we’ll peruse boutique cafes and shops and I expect you’ll want to sample the treats.
Next we visit Istanbul’s version of the Sky Tower Çamlıca Tower. From this incredible 360 deg viewpoint, you will be able to map in your mind all the places we have been.
On our way back we will have dinner at a traditional cafe and watch a Whirling Dervish ceremony in the company of lovely character and friend Serdar in his traditional dress. Serdar is a practitioner of the Whirling Dervishes’ Mevlevi order. After, we’ll head out for tea and a chat with Serdar (who has many great stories to tell) and he’’ll answer all your questions about the traditions you’ve just seen on display and all else Turkish.
Day 6 - Istanbul / Adatepe
This morning, we drive around 6 hours to the stone village of Adatepe, beyond which lies the Greek islands. This is a wonderful small historically Greek and Turkish village on the western foothill of Mount Ida, and set amongst what feels like an ocean of olive groves stretching around 200 kilometres.
Before dinner, we will head up a hill overlooking the area and the Edremit Gulf, to the historical site known as the altar of Zeus. It is a panoramic view like no other.
In the evening, we will dine in the treed courtyard of a beautiful stone restaurant
Day 7 - Adatepe / Çanakkale
Today we will enjoy an easy early morning walk in the hills and farming areas, and spend some time in the village.
For those who would like a dip in the sea, nearby Küçükkuyu is the place to cool off before we travel around 1.5 hours to Çanakkale - where the Gallipoli experience begins. We will spend the night there - wandering the area, the small mirrored bazaar and the waterfront, where I recommend dinner.
Day 8 - Gallipoli / Çanakkale
This morning, we begin our four day historical and archaeological trail of discovery, with a sobering guided tour of Anzac Cove and the Gallipoli battlefields.
In the evening, we enjoy dinner with a wide selection of traditional Turkish tastes in a charming restaurant near our hotel.
Day 9 - Troy / Pergamon / Selçuk
Today we hit the road to the legend-laden Troy - a seat of civilisation looking down to the Dardanelles Strait. We will have a guided tour there before heading to the Pergamon Greek ruins which we will experience with another local guide from that area..
Day 10 - Ephesus / Selçuk
Today is a locally guided tour of the biblically-steeped ruins of Ephesus.
Dinner is at a local Selçuk restaurant where those interested can learn how to make bread and have a try.
Day 11 - Pamukkale / Selçuk
Today we head to Pamukkale (translates to ‘cotton castle’) by road.
This area is famous for a carbonate mineral left by the flowing of thermal spring water - forming its white terraces. The ancient Greek city of Hierapolis was built at the top and is truly a wonder to stand before. If we’re lucky, we may see the archaeologists there, who have been working painstakingly in the open, piece by piece.
Day 12 - Şirince / Selçuk
Today is a very quiet day where we will spend time in the colourful nearby village of Şirince. The history of its surrounds date back to the Hellenistic period. The life of the village now comes from the likes of olive oil, peaches and wine, and tourism.
Day 13 - Cappadocia
In the morning we take an early flight to the other-worldly, fairytale volcanic moonscape of Cappadocia, with its rock-cut caves, churches, monasteries, hotels and family homes.
Here, our breakfasts will be up on the terrace, where the early risers can watch the sky fill with balloons at dawn.
After settling in, we’ll have a wander of Göreme village and its market before grabbing a smoothie and heading up to the Open Air Museum, at the heart of Cappadocia’s rich history. This is a spectacular monastery complex with rock-cut churches and beautiful ancient frescoes.
On our return, we can take a look at a local bakery wood-firing their bread.
Dinner tonight is at a local icon Fat Boys restaurant, where you will see in the kitchen how they make the clay pot kebab.
Day 14 - Cappadocia
Optional extra of a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Please enquire for an idea of price as these are changing frequently.
Today, our valleys discovery begins. Rise at your leisure this morning.
First we’ll head into the Pigeon Valley area and visit the sublime and wonderfully-preserved sixth-century Durmuş Kadir cave church with its rock pulpit and attractive carvings. After our exploring, we’ll have a bite to eat in an acclaimed borek cafe in a peaceful valley garden setting. This is a great time to chat with the owner about all things Cappadocia and its traditions.
In the early evening we explore Rose Valley, view a family garden with beehives, and finish at a magical viewpoint at sunset for champagne and snacks. This is where you can open your Heart of Turkey diaries if you haven’t already and get some great tips from Mel about travel writing that will forever take you back to the feeling of being there.
Day 15 - Cappadocia
Today we head to the bustle of a truly traditional market day in the pottery and river town of Avanos, Mel’s home. The clay from the Red River is used to make the ceramics which have been produced there for thousands of years. You can also have a go on the pottery wheel in the old-fashioned way this town is famed for. We’ll experience the local market bursting with wares and fresh produce of colour and size you likely won’t have seen anywhere before.
For the guys, an optional, traditional, all-the-works Turkish barber visit is on offer.
For lunch, we visit a home in Avanos where local lady Nuray will show us the secrets of local village cooking, with a bit of help from those keen to have a go.
On the way back towards Göreme by minibus, we visit the old Greek village of Mustafapaşa where some great traditional music and Turkish guitar (saz) lives on. We’ll stop at some of the famous local valleys for photos and views.
Next we visit a winery in a cave for a relaxed sit-down of tasting, local cheese and rich conversation about wine history,
Day 16 - Cappadocia
This morning is a time to chill.
In the afternoon, we head to the hilltop town of Uçhisar. Its huge cave castle can be seen from all around. Those with energy can walk with me through Pigeon Valley to Uchisar, those not so keen can go by road.
After wandering the town, we visit wonderful Naile at her boutique Art Gallery, to learn and try the mesmerising ancient art of Ebru painting - using water and dye. Lamp making is another option.
Tonight, we enjoy a big ole party in a huge cave - the famous Turkish night dinner with its array of traditional dancing and moments for us to get up and cut some moves too.
Day 17 - Cappadocia
Today we head to the awesome Ihlara Valley canyon, stopping on the way at the Pigeon Valley lookout, a multi-floor-deep underground city where people used to hide from invaders, the Selime Monastery and the Belisirma village. The last stop, Ihlara Valley, is where we walk along the river and see some of the ancient caves cut into the cliffs.
Day 18 - Cappadocia / Istanbul
This morning, we meet New Zealand lady Ruth, who has been in the business of local rugs in Cappadocia for 30 years. She will give a class in all the fascinating traditions of how the rugs are made and the historic stories they tell, as well as life as an ex-pat in Turkey..
In the afternoon, we will fly back to Istanbul for a well-earned rest. The day will finish after a brief early-evening experience on a rooftop that I can bet will be a first for all of you.
Tues 25th May - end of tour
After breakfast this morning, I will be completely free to book and help you with anything and everything you would like to go back to or see, from what you’ve picked up along the way, and according to your flights home.