5 - 22 May / 8 - 25 Sept, 2025. International flights not included.
17 days / 17 nights
$7,695NZD per person double and twin share in homely, boutique accommodation. Single room supplement: $1,400
Your trip includes all activities on the itinerary, accommodation, internal flights, transportation, guides, entrance fees, 17 breakfasts, 7 dinners, 7 lunches
- Inquiries about Gallipoli as an add-on welcome.
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 reasonable 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
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive any time before early evening.
After settling in, we’ll take a stroll around the cobbled back streets of Sultanahmet and pass through the Grand Bazaar.
On the way to the waterfront to see the awesome mass of ships on the busy Sea of Marmara shipping lane, we pop into the small Kucuk Ayasofya mosque. Then time to relax for our first taste of Turkiye’s beautiful cuisine together.
Breakfast available for those arriving early.
Day 2
This morning, we’ll gather for a leisurely breakfast and chat all things Turkiye.
After breakfast we take the tram and historic funicular line to Istanbul’s famous Istiklal Avenue in Beyoglu (Pera). There, we’ll visit the Pera Palace Hotel in all its splendour and the museum room where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey, stayed.
Next we’ll wander the eclectic Istiklal Avenue, at the heart of modern Istanbul life. We’ll choose from an array of classic Turkiye food for lunch and take an elevator to one of the most spectacular views the city offers.
In the early afternoon, we’ll tram to the Bosphorus for a guided yacht tour of stunning landmarks, stopping at Kanlica on the Asian side where you can try amazing honey with yoghurt from the Georgian mountains.
Day 3
9am - The iconic treasures of old Istanbul are ours this morning on a walking tour taking in the ancient Roman Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosques, the Cathedral-like Basilica Cistern, the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and the famous Orient Express train station.
After, we’ll stop for a freshen up and snack with a view of the Bosphorus, before a relaxed and entertaining traditional Turkish cooking lesson from the experts.
After dinner, it’s just a hop and skip to the iconic Galata Bridge for sunset and some great photos of Istanbul from the top.
Day 4
9am —Taking our time, we’ll visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace and Harem and wander through Gulhane Park before enjoying a drippingly sweet stop.
For those who arrived late, the Grand Bazaar will be a stone’s throw away to explore, or you can take a wander back to the hotel for a rest.
Dinner together or independent - your choice.
Day 5
Today, we take a short tram and metro trip to the Asian side of Istanbul and the Uskudar seafront with its simply breathtaking panorama, then the leafy suburb of Kuzguncuk, where we’ll have an early lunch and peruse boutique cafes and shops that will dazzle your eyes.
Take five this afternoon because there’s a fabulous night ahead on a night tour of all that is traditional and beloved in Turkiye produce. We’ll sample what we learn about along the way in a charming small town setting.
Day 6
You might feel like some pampering this morning with an ancient Turkish bath experience in a historic hamam. If that’s not your thing, the morning is free for whatever takes your fancy, and I can help you find it.
In the afternoon, we take a guided walking tour with a guide who just loves his history in the neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat, with their colourful new and ruined-old Ottoman homes, street art and quirk. We explore the 1,000 year old Byzantine walls of Constantinople, once the protector of the city and visit the Chora church, now a mosque, with its breathtaking preserved frescoes.
We’ll stay in this area for dinner, because this is a district you must breathe in the sights and sounds of.
Day 7
This morning, we take a flight and short road trip to the Black Sea Coast - the perfect natural setting to reflect on where we’ve been, in the lovely small Black Sea fishing town of Amasra with two islands.
Day 8
After breakfast, we drive south to the historic Ottoman-era village of Safranbolu, which was a trading place and centre for growing saffron. It is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites for its well-preserved Ottoman houses and architecture.
By night, those who love the hamam won’t want to miss the surreal experience of relaxing all muscles with just the sound of water droplets under the high stone ceilings of an ancient village turkish bath.
Day 9
This morning, we get on the road 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 wander the town of Goreme and grab a smoothie before heading up to the Open Air Museum, at the heart of Cappadocia’s rich history, containing a monastery and rock-cut churches with beautiful ancient frescoes.
Day 10
Optional extra of a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Please enquire for an idea of price as these are changing frequently.
Today is for the valleys with their cave churches, taking a look in the lovely village mosque on the way. We explore Pigeon Valley, stopping at the sublime sixth-century Durmus Kadir cave church with a rock pulpit and attractive carvings. We’ll stop for Turkish tea at a valley castle and garden whose owner’s inspiration for the site will capture your imagination, and stop for lunch in an acclaimed borek cafe in another peaceful valley garden setting. This is a great time to chat with the owner about all things Cappadocia and its traditions.
After some time to rest, 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 11
Today we head to the beautiful Ihlara Valley canyon with rock hewn churches, stopping on the way at the Pigeon Valley lookout, a four-floor deep underground city where people used to hide from invaders, the Selime Monastery and the Belisirma village. The last stop, Ihlara Valley, is a great place to walk along the river and enjoy lunch by the water.
Day 12
Prepare for the bustle of the wonderfully 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. Have a go on the pottery wheel in the old-fashioned way this town is famed for. You will 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 head to 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 some of the iconic valleys for some great photos and views. Time also to have a climb for those interested in exploring.
Day 13
This morning’s a time to chill.
In the afternoon, we head to the hilltop town of Uchisar. Its huge cave castle can be seen from all around.
After wandering the town, we see Naile at her boutique Art Gallery, to learn and try the mesmerising ancient art of Ebru painting - using water and dye.
Back at Goreme, we’ll be picked up at 6 to see a performance of whirling dervishes, the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order, whose twirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity.
Day 14
Rise at your leisure this morning.
Today we head to the old Greek village of Mustafapasa, where some great traditional music and Turkish guitar (saz) lives on.
In the evening, we drive to a delightful cave winery for a relaxed, sit-down wine tasting, local cheese and rich conversation about its history, before taking in a sunset hilltop view on the way back.
Tonight, we farewell Cappadocia with a big ole party in a huge cave - the famous Turkish night dinner and array of traditional dancing.
Day 15
Today we head to Pamukkale (translates to ‘cotton castle’) by road or flight.
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 16
After our tour of Pamukkale, we hit the road towards Ephesus, steeped in biblical history, in the Izmir province.
On the way, we stop at Aphrodisias, an exceptionally well-preserved Roman-era city and archaeological site in ancient Caria.
Day 17
Today, we explore Ephesus, before flying back to Istanbul for a well-deserved sleep, before the tour ends at breakfast tomorrow morning.
Next morning
I’ll be there for anything you need or would like to see today, before your flight back.