ITINERARY
18 days, 18 nights
Wed 6 - Sun 24 MAY, 2026
Sun 6 - Thurs 24 SEPT, 2026
Istanbul — Adatepe — Çanakkale — Gallipoli — Troy — Pergamon — Ephesus — Pamukkale — Cappadocia
$7,900NZD per person double / twin share in homely, boutique accommodation. International flights not included. Single room supplement: $1,700
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 activities on foot but at a wander pace and with time to pause, sit and enjoy fabulous food stops where desired. And remember, you can leave me to get some of the special shots for you, the natural ones you’re not aware of, so you can take time to 'take it all in'. — Mel
Your trip includes all activities on the itinerary, accommodation, internal flights, transportation, guides, entrance fees, All breakfasts, 8 dinners, 9 lunches.
- Tips and Istanbul Airport transfers not included. Please ask if you would like me to meet you at the airport.
MAY ITINERARY:
DAY 1 - Istanbul
Our day begins late afternoon, when we take a stroll around the cobbled back streets of Sultanahmet, the small Arasta Bazaar, through the great mosques square and up to the Grand Bazaar.
In the evening, we wander 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 visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace - the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and residence of the Sultans for 400 years.
After lunch, we take the tram to the Bosphorus for a relaxing yacht tour with fantastic live commentary of Istanbul’s breathtaking landmarks, stopping at Kanlica on the Asian side for the local specialty, honey with yoghurt.
Day 3 - Istanbul
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 - Ayasofya and Blue Mosque - and the majestic and moody Cathedral-like Basilica Cistern, along with the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and the famous Orient Express train station.
After, we make a drippingly sweet stop for the likes of baklava and ice-cream for the sweet tooths, before enjoying lunch / drinks with a view of the Bosphorus. Then we have a date with some very cool professional chefs, for a relaxed and entertaining traditional Turkish cooking lesson in the early evening.
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. On the way home, we walk through the lovely Gülhane Park which was part of the Topkapi palace complex, surrounded by families who enjoy park life in the milder evenings.
Day 4 - Istanbul
After breakfast we take the tram and historic funicular line to Istanbul’s famed modern and historic Istiklal Avenue in Beyoglu (Pera). There, we visit the Pera Palace Hotel in all its splendour and the now museum room where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, 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). We’ll choose from an array of classic food for lunch and 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 simply breathtaking panorama, then the leafy suburb of Kuzguncuk, where we’ll peruse boutique cafes and shops that will dazzle your eyes - and I expect you’ll want to sample the treats.
Next we wander the waterfront and back streets of Uskudar, before visiting Istanbul’s version of the Sky Tower - Camlica Tower - and optional dinner there in the evening.
Day 5 - Istanbul
This morning is free time, before a big afternoon and evening of touring by foot.
At around 11.30, we head to the vibrant and colourful Fener and Balat districts, first vising the Chora 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 old Ottoman homes, vibrant street art and quirk.
Next we head to Karaköy pier and hop on a boat for a fabulous night food tour of all that is traditional and beloved in local produce. We’ll sample what we learn about along the way in a charming small-town setting.
Day 6 - Istanbul
This morning, you might want to hang out at the hectic but must-see Grand Bazaar for a true taste of Istanbul bargaining and sales theatre. Or you might like some pampering - 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 so ridiculously relaxed top to toe, believe me.
After dinner, we watch a traditional Whirling Dervish performance in the company of a lovely friend of Heart of Turkey, in his traditional mevlevi dress, who will paint a picture of what we've just seen over a Turkish tea after.
Day 7 - Adatepe
This morning, we drive around 6 hours to the village of Adatepe, beyond which lies Greek islands. This is a wonderful small historic Greek village set amongst what feels like an ocean of olive groves stretching around 200 kilometres.
In the afternoon / evening, we will do some leisurely hikes and take in the mountains, coast and history.
Day 8 - Adatepe / Çanakkale
This morning, we enjoy Adatepe village, and subject to the owner’s availability, we will visit a small farm with Kangals - Turkiye’s iconic and huge-sized traditional shepherding dogs.
For those who would like a dip in the sea, nearby Kucukuyu is the place to cool off before we travel around 1.5 hours to Canakkale - where the Gallipoli experience begins. We will spend the night there - wandering the area, dining on the waterfront and visiting the small Mirrored Bazaar.
Day 9 - 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.
Day 10 - 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 a local guide from that area..
Day 11 - Ephesus
Today is another locally guided tour of the biblically-steeped ruins of Ephesus.
Day 12 - 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 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.
After settling in, we’ll have a wander of the town, Göreme, before grabbing a smoothie and heading up to the Open Air Museum, at the heart of Cappadocia’s rich history. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is a monastery complex with rock-cut churches and beautiful ancient frescoes.
Dinner tonight is at a local icon - Fat Boys restaurant.
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.
We’ll have brunch in 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, including a local honey producer’s hives, we’ll stop for Turkish tea at a valley castle and garden whose owner’s inspiration for the site will capture your imagination, and have an optional bite to eat in an acclaimed Börek cafe (filled, flaky pastry-like Turkish pies) in another peaceful valley garden setting. This is a great time to chat with the owner about all things Cappadocia and its traditions.
Early evening, we head into Rose Valley, finishing 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 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 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.
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.
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 bustle of a truly traditional market day in the pottery and river town of Avanos. 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 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 to Goreme by minibus, we visit the old Greek village of Mustafapaşa, where some great traditional music and Turkish guitar (saz) lives on. On the way back, we’ll see some of the famous local valleys for photos and views.
Next is a delightful cave winery for a relaxed sit-down of tasting, local cheese and rich conversation about wine history, then a sunset view on the way home.
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 Türkiye.
In the afternoon, we will fly back to Istanbul for a well-earned rest.
Day 19 - end of tour - Sun 24
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.