Tour Description

This 8 day tour, starts and ends in Istanbul, Turkey. The perfect introduction to Turkey, we begin in magical Istanbul before heading across to the Gallipoli Battlefields and then down the Aegean coast. You'll see some incredible ruins and the amazing natural wonder of Pamukkale before we return to Istanbul.
Our Aegean Highlights Tour is 8 days exploring some of most the historic sites in Turkey.
Beginning in Istanbul with a visit to The Blue Mosque, a mosque of extraordinary beauty, architecture and it's 6 minarets before exploring the Topkapi Palace - the main adminstrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. It is the largest and oldest surviving palace.
Gallipoli - The shores of Gallipoli are intensely significant to Australians and New Zealand. This serene site is located at Turkey's most westerly point.
Troy - Step back in time to visit Troy and it's famous Trojan Horse
Ephesus - one of the biggest and best preserved ancient cities in the world.
Pamukkale - visit the magnificent white calcim terraces known as Travertines
Small Group Tour
Weekly departures

Tour Highlights

Istanbul - Blue Mosque
Istanbul - Old City - UNESCO Heritage site
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Istanbul - Hippodrome
Istanbul - St. Sophia Museum
Gallipoli - Battlefields Tour
Gallipoli - Johnson's Jolly - original tunnels
Gallipoli - The Nek - original trenches
Gallipoli - ANZAC Cove
Gallipoli - Chunuk Bair - New Zealand Memorial
Gallipoli - Lone Pine - Australian Memorial
Ephesus - UNESCO Heritage site
Pamukkale - Calcium Travertines - UNESCO Heritage site
Pamukkale - Hierapolis
Pergamon - UNESCO Heritage site
Site of the Temple of Artemis
Şirince - Village
Troy - UNESCO Heritage site

Day 1: Arrival Day Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul!
Our Pink Lotus Tours representative will meet and assit you at Istanbul Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore.
Overnight at Port Bosphorus hotel

Day 2: Gallipoli Battlefields

Early breakfast and ready to depart at8am
Early morning departure from Istanbul for the Gallipoli Gallipoli Peninsula, one of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey. Here we will visit the WW1 Battlefields of Gallipoli including the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston's Jolly, The Nek and original trenches and tunnels.
Overnight : Çanakkale Category : 5 star Hotel : Kolin Hotel

Day 3: Troy-Kusadasi

Tuesday
Troy, Behramkale, Kusadasi
Depart from Çanakkale and head towards Troy, where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award-winning Troy Museum. We continue on to the old village of Behramkale, a picturesque settlement with stone houses and narrow streets that offer a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life. You will have time to explore the village, take in the beautiful scenery, and perhaps enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at a local café. From Behramkale, we head south to Kuşadası.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : Boutique Hotel : Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel

Day 4: Ephesus to Kusadasi

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before exploring the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the region. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : Boutique Hotel : Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel

Day 5: Pamukkale

This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.

Overnight Pamukkale
Breakfast and Dinner included

Day 6: Silk Road Konya

Today we travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya along the way. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening!

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Cappadocia, Goreme, Underground City

Saturday
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia through the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, the fairy chimneys and explore the many levels of an underground city.

Day 8: Ankara to Istanbul

Early morning departure to the nation's capital, Ankara where we visit Anitkabir, mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, before returning to Istanbul. Our tour concludes with the arrival to Istanbul at approximately 7pm.

Package Includes

Airport Transfer with Pink Lotus Tours representative
Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
Domestic flight between Denizli and Istanbul and transfers
Car ferry fees between Canakkale and Eceabat
Tips except Driver and Guide
Entrance fees
7 Nights accommodation
7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

Package Excludes

International Airfares and Entrance Visa
Travel Insurance - Compulsory
Optional Tours
Tips for Driver and Guide
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and personal expenses