Magic Carpet Private Tour

Upon arrival at the airport meet our representative, who will assist with your transfer to the Arena Hotel. This Ottoman stone house is located in the perfect spot to allow you to explore old sector of Istanbul. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps scour the streets for hidden treasures and souvenirs.

Today enjoy a full day private guided tour of Istanbul taking in all the most important sights. See St. Sophia, the cathedral built by Emperor Justinian in 537 which was the largest church in Christendom for a thousand years, the Byzantine Hippodrome with its 3500-year-old red granite obelisk brought from Egypt and erected here in 390 AD. The Ottoman Empire produced marvellous architecture including its finest works: Topkapi Palace, home of the Sultans, and the famed Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I. Afterwards venture into the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar - one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. The guide will then return you to the Arena Hotel for overnight. (B)

Journey to Gallipoli where the guide will take you through the significant sites to the ANZAC. Visit Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine and 57th Regiment Memorial. From there cross the Dardanelles, a narrow strait connecting the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara to Assos. Overnight stay at Nazlihan Boutique Hotel in Assos. The hotel is a mix of its historical seaport heritage and modern updates making it a great place to relax and unwind. (B, D)

Today travel to the legendary area of Troy to see a reconstruction of the fabled Wooden Horse and the many levels of the ancient town. Afterwards cross the legendary Mount Ida to Pergamum. Visit the Acropolis of this ancient city, one of Turkey’s oldest civilised settlements, which has been inhabited from pre-historic times through the Ionic, Roman and Byzantine Civilisations. This area is a fascinating stop for history-loving tourists. It has yielded archaeological treasures whose importance is recognised worldwide. Continue to Kusadasi for overnight stay at Efe Boutique Hotel with its modern and stylish decor. (B, D)

Visit the ancient city of Ephesus to explore some of the best preserved ancient theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. After lunch short drive to climb the hill to visit the house of Mother Mary where she is thought to have spent her last years together with St. John. Return to Kusadasi for overnight and dinner at the Efe Boutique Hotel restaurant overlooking Kusadasi Harbour. (B, D)

After breakfast travel to Pamukkale taking in the meandering plains and cotton farms on the way. Once there enjoy the beauty of lime cascades and visit ancient Hierapolis. The Sacred Pool, shallow thermal waters rippling over a wonderful scattering of ancient Roman ruins that lie beneath, is one of the highlights of the site. Overnight at the Ayapam Boutique Hotel in Pamukkale. This new hotel is located at the bottom of the calcium travertines allowing for a marvellous view of the World Heritage Listed Site from everywhere in the hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the hot spring pool. (B, D)

The coach will drive to Cappadocia, on the way visit Konya and see the Mevlana Museum, then continue to Cappadocia to stay at Gamirasu Cave Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Gamirasu is an exquisitely restored troglodyte cave house, which was once a Byzantine monastic retreat and now one of the most unique hotels in the world. Dinner at a cave Restaurant tonight. (B, D)

Early morning optional hot air balloon. After breakfast visit the Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors, followed by Open Air Museum in Goreme to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings dated back to 10th to 13th century. Finally admire the natural fortress in Uchisar. Overnight stay at Gamirasu Cave hotel in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Today the coach will drive to Istanbul, stopping via Ankara to visit the Ataturk Mausoleum. Overnight in Istanbul at the Arena Hotel. (B)

After breakfast transfer to the airport. (B)