An intriguing cultural collision between Europe and Asia, Turkey’s epic historical tales and magical landscapes have fascinated travellers for years. Come with us as we capture the essence of its archaeological and cultural heritage, meet friendly people and uncover its fascinating history. Starting and finishing in Istanbul, our 11-night adventure will be a ‘full on’ and rewarding trip!
Extras
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel and at this time we will catch the first glimpses of this fascinating city where the continents meet!
After check in we will meet for our Welcome Drink followed by dinner in the hotel.
After breakfast we begin our day of exploration in fascinating Istanbul.
After breakfast, we will begin exploring Istanbul. We visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar of which dates back to the 17th Century with its bustling atmosphere. It is still the most popular bazaar visited by locals to shop for fresh ingredients to spice up the dishes prepared in the kitchens of Istanbul.
From here we continue to Eminonu Pier and board a private boat for a Bosphorus Cruise. We will travel through the waterway separating Asia and Europe, seeing the old Ottoman wooden mansions, marble palaces, foreign embassy estates and small fishery villages all located along both the Asian and European sides of this famous river….
After breakfast we continue our tour at the remains of the Hippodrome, once decorated with marble statuary and columns. In its heyday it was the site of chariot races and the focal point of the city’s civic life. The remains of some of its walls are still visible as is an obelisk brought from Egypt in 390 AD by Theodosius I.
Adjacent to the Hippodrome is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Built during the period of 1609-1617 it is also known as the “Blue Mosque” thanks to the light which shines through over 2,500 stained glass windows and reflects onto the dark blue Iznik tiles within. The next stop will be the Basilica of Saint Sophia, one of the largest historical Christian shrines ever built with its rich mosaic murals, colossal columns and exposition of divine serenity. Our next stop is the Topkapi Palace where in the 15th century Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror started the first stages of its construction. The famous Topkapi is built around four inter-connecting courtyards. We view the many treasures of the Ottoman sultans including fine porcelains, gem encrusted objects d’art, traditional armour and imperial costumes, stunning tile work and sacred relics of the Christian and Islamic faiths.
In the early morning we begin our drive to Gallipoli Peninsula (approx 4 hr). Our scenic drive will first take us to Gallipoli Anzac war fields and memorials, the site of the incredible battle during World War I. We explore the soil that was shed with bloods of heroism from the Cape Hellas Memorial built for the missing Australian and British soldiers. The memorial is located on one of the landing zones of Anzac in 1915. You will also visit the Anzac Cove. At this narrow cove in the early hours of the morning of April 25, troops of commonwealth forces initiated the landing which was to last for ten months. You will explore the Shrapnel Valley that leads the slope on to the major Australian memorial, Lone Pine.
After an early breakfast we will depart from the hotel and drive to the very well-known Ancient City of Troy. Founded during 3000 BC, Troy had both strategic and commercial importance that made it a target for many assaults in history. Discovered in the 19th century, Troy was excavated by Heinrich Schliemann and has a rich history of not only mythology but also excavations. We will be thrilled by the ancient city that witnessed the battle of heroes. While exploring the ruins of Troy, we will enjoy hearing about this legendary city including both the historical facts and the mythological stories that immortalized its name.
We then explore the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon which is famous for its Asclepion. Asclepion of Pergamon became one of the most famous ancient healing centres and the world’s first psychiatric hospital!
Leaving the Asclepion, we will see the Acropolis, the Altar of Zeus, and the Temples of Athena, Trajan, and Dionysus. It is from a staircase leading from the Temple of Athena that the magnificent 10,000 seat theatre will be seen.
After breakfast we will drive to the timeless city of Ephesus where history and archaeology will offer us incredible richness. Ephesus was the Capital of the Province of Asia Minor famed for its flavorsome market during the Roman Era and was, therefore, the scene of many political intrigues while commanding an immense wealth due to its port and its trading activities. A city with such importance, authority and prosperity had prestigious buildings that have been able to survive up to today in a wonderful state of preservation.
After breakfast we drive to Pamukkale on route visit the Aphrodisias, which was built from a marble quarry near Baba Dağ (ancient Salbakos) that was extensively exploited in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and the sculptors from Aphrodisias became famous in the Roman world. In Greek times, the site was dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and fertility. The site was named Aphrodisias during the 2nd century BC and the great Temple of Aphrodite was built in the 1st century AD.
We then continue our drive to Hierapolis. Founded during the Hellenistic period as a control point of trading routes connecting East to West. In the Roman Period, Hierapolis became a center of worship to Hades and Apollo as well as a thermal center where massive Roman Baths were built to serve the Romans that visited the city from around the ancient world. Upon arrival at the site, we will be welcomed by the spectacular views of calcium pools that have been irrigated by the spring waters of Hierapolis for thousands of years. After a short break to take pictures and enjoy the view, we will continue on to the ancient site that is still being excavated by Italian archaeologists.
Today we will meet our guide in the hotel lobby and drive to Konya. Once called Iconium during the Roman period, Konya was an important post for the Roman legion and served as the Capital of the Seljuk Turkish Kingdom during the 13th century. We will have the chance to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the founder of Whirling Dervishes, Sultanhan Caravanserai, a building that ranks as one of the Seljuk masterpieces and we will also visit Karatay Medrese which is a medrese, meaning a school with a frequently but not absolutely religious focus, built in 1251 by the Emir of the city Celaleddin Karatay, serving the Seljuk sultan.
Following our tour we will have dinner and overnight at hotel in Konya
Today, we visit Karatay Medrese is a medrese, meaning a school with a frequently but not absolutely religious focus, built in Konya, Turkey, in 1251 by the Emir of the city Celaleddin Karatay, serving the Seljuk sultan. Since 1955, the edifice serves as a museum where Seljuk tiles are united, while artifacts in stone or in wood are on display in Ince Minaret Medrese, also in Konya. The collection of Karatay Museum was particularly enriched by the finds collected as of the 1970s in Kubadabad Palace royal summer residence on Lake Beyşehir shore, at eighty miles from Konya to the west. A caravanserai, also built by Celaleddin Karatay in the outskirts of Konya, carries his name too.
Afternoon we set off for Cappadocia, with a visit to the Sultanhan Caravansarai on the way.
Cappadocia will thrill you with its unique landscapes formed by rock erosion. Today’s inactive volcanoes of Erciyes and Hasan used to be active thousands of years ago and erupted continuously covering the region with a blanket of tuff that gets eroded so easily due to its soft character. Cappadocia has been occupied by various civilizations including Hittites, Greeks, Romans and Turks living in rock dwellings for centuries.
Our expedition will start with the Monastic Center of Goreme. Goreme was founded by St. Basil as the first Monastic Center of Christianity during 4th century. This morning we will have an extensive tour of the Monastic Centre that functions as an open-air museum, having very well-preserved rock-hewn churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes.
Our next stop is Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement composed of troglodytic cave dwellings providing shelter for early Christians protecting themselves from invaders.
Today we go on half day tour of Cappadocia Region including visit to Soganli Valley and Red Valley.
Afternoon free at leisure.
After breakfast we transfer to Kayseri Airport for the domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, we connect to our international flight back to home.
We stay in comfortable hotels throughout as details below (or similar);
The transfer time from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kent Hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Transfer time from hotel in Cappadocia to Kayseri Airport is 1hr (80km)
Dressing in layers is recommended. Casual evening wear is recommended and comfortable shoes for sightseeing.
Please note
A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required for sightseeing. There is a lot of travelling and some early starts.
Cappadocia – Hot air ballooning over the nature-formed valleys. Early in the morning (5.30 am), you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the selected launch site for your hot air ballooning experience. You will much appreciate the tranquility of your morning over the colorful valleys and rock formations, gliding in your balloon. Concluding your experience, enjoy a glass of champagne to celebrate the joy of seeing Cappadocia from the air and get transferred to your hotel approximately by 8.30 am – Current cost is £300 – prebookable – please contact the Solos Team for more details.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of minimum £10.00 per day. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
---|---|---|
January | 12 °C | 8 °C |
February | 13 °C | 9 °C |
March | 16 °C | 10 °C |
April | 19 °C | 13 °C |
May | 23 °C | 16 °C |
June | 28 °C | 21 °C |
July | 31 °C | 23 °C |
August | 32 °C | 24 °C |
September | 29 °C | 21 °C |
October | 24 °C | 18 °C |
November | 19 °C | 13 °C |
December | 14 °C | 10 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”