Turkish Crescent & Star Journey

As soon as you touch down at Istanbul Airport, your tour director will be there to greet you and escort you to your hotel in the city centre. After you settle into your room, you can take a short walk to get a first impression of this lively metropolis. The evening is yours to enjoy a relaxing dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling some classic Turkish dishes. Get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow brings a full day of discovery.

Your day begins with breakfast, followed by a guided tour of Istanbul’s historic heart. You will admire the Blue Mosque with its six striking minarets and beautiful tile work, then step into the ancient Hippodrome where chariots once raced. A photo stop at the magnificent Hagia Sophia gives you a glimpse of its unique Christian and Islamic heritage. Afterward, you will lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar, a maze of thousands of shops selling everything from spices to jewellery. The rest of the afternoon is free before you return to your hotel for another overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, you will board your private coach for a scenic six‑hour drive to Ankara, Turkey’s modern capital. Upon arrival, you will visit the Ataturk Mausoleum, a stunning fusion of ancient and modern architecture, and the adjacent Museum of Independence. There you will see personal belongings, photographs, and a wax statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. You will also explore the Anatolian Civilisation Museum, where entrance is included, housing treasures from Turkey’s rich past. Dinner and overnight await you at your Ankara hotel.

Following breakfast, you will drive about three and a half hours to the magical region of Cappadocia. En route, you will stop at Salt Lake, a vast white expanse perfect for a short walk and memorable photos. Once in Cappadocia, you will visit Avanos, a village famous for its pottery, where craftspeople shape clay on spinning wheels. Next, you will descend into an underground city, a labyrinth of rooms and tunnels where early Christians sought refuge. Entrance to the underground city is included. For the adventurous, an optional jeep safari is available. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Rise early if you wish to take an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise, floating above Cappadocia’s surreal landscape. After breakfast, your guide will take you to Göreme Hill for a panoramic view of the fairy chimneys, then to Pigeon Valley for a bird’s‑eye perspective. You will also see Uchisar Castle, a natural rock fortress with stunning vistas. Cultural stops include a Turkish carpet weaving demonstration and a visit to a turquoise and onyx art shop. In the evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional belly dance show with drinks and snacks. Dinner and overnight at your Cappadocia hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive to Konya, a journey of roughly three and a half hours. Along the way, you will stop at the ancient caravanserai of Tepesi Delikhan, a reminder of the Silk Road where merchants rested safely. Upon reaching Konya, you will visit the Mevlana Museum, once the lodge of the whirling dervishes and the burial place of the great poet and mystic Rumi. His message of love and tolerance has inspired people for centuries. Dinner and overnight at your Konya hotel.

Your morning drive of about five hours brings you to Pamukkale, meaning Cotton Castle. Here you will walk on the extraordinary white terraces formed by flowing thermal waters, and explore the ruins of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis. Entrance to both is included. You will also visit a cotton textile factory outlet in Denizli, known for high‑quality fabrics. Tonight you will stay at a thermal hotel, where you can soak in natural mineral‑rich spring water in indoor or outdoor pools. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, you will drive about two and a half hours to the Ephesus area. Your first stop is a leather outlet for an upbeat fashion show featuring top‑quality Turkish leather goods. Then you will walk the marble streets of Ephesus, one of the best‑preserved ancient cities in the world, seeing the Library of Celsius, the Grand Theatre, and more. The new Ephesus Experience Museum brings history to life with visual effects. A tasting of Turkish delight and apple tea follows. Dinner and overnight in the coastal town of Kusadasi.