Welcome to Istanbul, where Europe and Asia converge in a rich tapestry of culture, history, and vibrant life. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport by our warm and knowledgeable local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Take some time to settle in and begin discovering Istanbul at your own pace. Wander along its atmospheric cobbled streets, sip Turkish tea in a lively corner café, or simply absorb the city’s dynamic rhythm — a blend of ancient tradition and modern energy.

In the evening, come together with your guide and fellow travelers for a welcome meeting, where you’ll get a detailed introduction to the journey ahead. Afterwards, those who wish can join an optional welcome dinner at a local restaurant (paid locally) — a perfect way to begin your adventure with the warmth of shared stories and the rich flavors of Istanbul’s celebrated cuisine.

Meals: N/A

Accommodation: Grand Sirkeci 4* or similar

After breakfast, set off on a full-day guided walking tour through the historic heart of Istanbul — where Byzantine and Ottoman legacies come vividly to life.

Begin at the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of architecture and history. From there, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its striking blue tiles and elegant minarets, then step back into ancient times at the Hippodrome, once the center of Constantinople’s social and political life.

Descend into the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir filled with towering columns and mysterious Medusa heads. Then explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, with time to browse for local treasures.

In the afternoon, marvel at the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by the famed Ottoman architect Sinan, followed by a stop at the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, a hidden gem adorned with intricate İznik tiles.

Finish your day at the colorful Spice Market, where the scent of saffron and Turkish delight fills the air. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, enriched by the stories, sights, and flavors of this unforgettable city.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Grand Sirkeci 4* or similar

Enjoy a free morning in Istanbul to relax or explore at your own pace. Take a final stroll through the Old City, linger over a traditional Turkish breakfast, or unwind in a local café as you prepare for the meaningful journey ahead.

In the afternoon, depart the city and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of deep historical and emotional significance. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the events of the Gallipoli campaign, weaving together historical detail with personal stories that bring this sacred site to life.

Arrive in the evening and continue to Anzac Cove, where thousands gather each year in quiet reflection. Join the crowd in anticipation of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, a powerful ceremony held in the early morning hours to honour the lives lost in the 1915 campaign.

Spend the night at Anzac Beach, surrounded by fellow travelers and visitors, in an atmosphere of solemn remembrance as you await one of the most moving commemorative events in the world.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Anzac Commemorative Site, the location of the Dawn Service ceremony.

Rise early for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Anzac Cove — a powerful and emotional tribute to the soldiers who fought during the Gallipoli Campaign. As the first light breaks over the Aegean, join thousands in honouring the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who served.

After the Dawn Service, visit key memorials including the Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, where national ceremonies continue throughout the morning. With your guide, explore the historical and personal stories that bring deeper meaning to each site.

Following the formal commemorations (around midday), travel to Çanakkale and check-in to your hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is yours to rest and reflect on the significance of this unforgettable day.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Cura 4* or similar

After breakfast, leave the Gallipoli region behind and travel south to the legendary city of Troy — where myth and archaeology meet. On a guided tour of this UNESCO-listed site, walk among ancient city walls and ruins spanning thousands of years. Discover the layers of civilization hidden beneath the soil and hear the legendary tale of the Trojan War, brought to life by your expert guide.

Continue your journey with a cultural stop at a local carpet atelier, where you’ll enjoy a fresh, home-style Turkish lunch featuring regional ingredients. Afterward, watch a live carpet weaving demonstration by skilled artisans who carry on the time-honoured tradition of creating intricate designs by hand. Learn how natural dyes, hand-spun wool, and symbolic patterns reflect the stories and heritage of the region.

In the late afternoon, drive to the town of Selçuk, located near the ancient city of Ephesus. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the town or unwinding at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Kalehan Hotel 4* or similar

After breakfast, take a short drive to the awe-inspiring ruins of Ephesus, one of Türkiye’s most iconic and best-preserved ancient cities. Once a thriving Roman capital and a major hub of commerce and culture, Ephesus offers an unforgettable window into the classical world.

On your guided tour, walk the marble streets of this remarkable archaeological site, visiting landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the ancient Roman baths. Your guide will share stories that bring this once-bustling metropolis vividly to life.

Next, stop at the nearby remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only fragments remain, your guide will help you imagine the grandeur of what was once a monumental temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis.

For lunch, enjoy a warm welcome at a traditional gözleme house, where you’ll savor freshly made Turkish flatbreads filled with ingredients like spinach, cheese, or spiced meat. This rustic Anatolian meal is often prepared by local women using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

Return to Selçuk in the afternoon with time to relax, explore, or reflect on the day’s journey through the heart of the ancient Aegean.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Kalehan Hotel 4* or similar

After breakfast, depart Selçuk and enjoy a scenic journey south to Fethiye, a relaxed coastal town on the Turkish Riviera, known for its turquoise waters, vibrant marina, and stunning mountain backdrop.

Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. After a short break, set out on a guided visit to Kayaköy, an evocative hillside village frozen in time.

Once a thriving Greek Orthodox community, Kayaköy was abandoned during the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Today, its crumbling stone homes, chapels, and quiet lanes offer a powerful glimpse into the past. As you explore the ruins, your guide will share the moving history of this once-lively town and the broader story of displacement and cultural change.

Return to Fethiye in the early evening. The rest of the night is yours to enjoy — perhaps with a seaside dinner by the marina or a leisurely walk through the town’s charming center.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Marina Boutique Hotel 4* or similar

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the stunning Turkish Riviera. You’ll join a group transfer to Dalaman Airport where your tour concludes.

As your adventure through Türkiye wraps up, we hope you leave inspired by its rich history, vibrant culture, and the memories you’ve made along the way — with plenty of stories to share and even more reasons to return.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: N/A