Turkey Discovery Itinerary

Travel to Turkey and head to the enchanting city of Antalya. Even though it’s the world’s third most visited city, Antalya retains its old-world charm in the restored Old Town, Kaleici, and is home to some excellent beaches and restaurants.

Make tracks to Goreme and get ready to be wowed. Spend time at the Open-Air Museum, seeing incredible rock-hewn churches with brightly coloured frescoes. Enjoy an orientation walk around the city and witness traditional local life unfold among the sites. Whether wandering through the enigmatic ‘fairy chimneys’ or exploring its underground cities, Goreme is sure to mesmerise.

One of the more fascinating mountain summits in the world, Mt Nemrut is littered with majestic statues that represent gods long since forgotten. Reputedly created to guard the mausoleum of Antiochus, many of the statues’ heads have fallen off and tumbled, creating an almost macabre arena of stone beheadings. Hopefully arrive in time to see the setting sun illuminate this startling scene.

Travel by ferry across Ataturk Dam and journey to a village near Hilvan for a homestay. Experience the life of a local in this traditional area, sharing a home-cooked feast with the family and sleeping on soft Urfa mattress beds, typical of the region.

A Muslim pilgrimage site due to biblical Abraham reportedly being born here, Sanliurfa is an ancient city steeped in history that shows itself in every stone. Look out for a white carp in the sacred Fish Pool, enjoy views of the city from the Throne of Nimrod Fortress and be entranced by the incredible Kazzaz Bazaar, operating since 1562.

Looking out over the Mesopotamian plains onto northern Syria, Mardin is an intriguing city that is home to the Saffron Monastery, one of the world’s oldest monasteries.

Return to Istanbul, a city with one foot in the East and the other in the West. Be overwhelmed by its history, vibrancy and beauty on a walking tour before celebrating this Turkey Discovery tour over a dinner of delectable local cuisine.