Christmas & New Year in Türkiye

Today, you'll depart for Istanbul, Türkiye.

Please note: Some customers may depart on Day 2 and arrive Day 2.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival in Istanbul, proceed to Exit 14 to be met by a tour representative and transfer to the hotel.

Should travellers arrive before the check-in time, their luggage can be stored at the hotel, allowing them to begin exploring this magnificent city at their leisure (charges may apply).

A city steeped in history, Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, was the storied capital of the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman Empires. This fascinating metropolis uniquely bridges Europe and Asia, offering a vibrant tapestry of cultures. Spend the remainder of your day losing yourself in a city brimming with magnificent museums, bustling bazaars, majestic minarets, and opulent palaces.

Istanbul in December offers a unique and memorable travel experience, combining cooler weather with a festive atmosphere leading up to the New Year. While you won't find traditional Christmas celebrations widespread, the city is beautifully decorated and provides a different perspective on its historical and cultural sites.

Please note: If your international flight arrives at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, the tour representative will meet you at Column 9.

Overnight: La Quinta By Wyndham Hotel or similar, Istanbul

Meals included: None

After breakfast, embark on a captivating full-day tour of Old Istanbul, a city where empires once stood.

Step into the opulence of Topkapi Palace, the grand residence of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Inside, marvel at an extraordinary collection of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, and the ceremonial robes worn by the royal family. The palace also houses the magnificent jewels of the Imperial Treasury and the revered Holy Mantle, which enshrines relics of the Prophet Mohammed.

The tour continues to the iconic Sultan Ahmed Imperial Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque. This 17th-century architectural masterpiece is famous for its stunning interior, adorned with exquisite blue Iznik tiles. Just outside the mosque, you'll visit the Hippodrome, the ancient venue for chariot races, and discover three significant monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.

Please note: For mosque visits: both men and women are required to wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Women should also cover their heads with a scarf. If you don't have a scarf, wraps are provided at the entrance.

After a well-deserved lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the bustling Spice Bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar), where the air is thick with the enchanting aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, and countless other herbs and spices. This vibrant market is the perfect place to shop for authentic Turkish coffee and local handicrafts.

Following your time at the bazaar, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for a domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the stunning landscapes, unique fairy chimneys, and ancient cave dwellings that define this magical region. December in Cappadocia offers a truly magical and distinct travel experience, transforming the famous landscape into a serene winter wonderland. While the weather is cold, the lack of crowds and the potential for a snow-dusted landscape create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Please note: If you wish to join the optional hot air balloon activity tomorrow, please speak with your guide and register as it will take place early the next morning (paid on tour).

Overnight: El-Puente Cave Hotel or similar, Cappadocia

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, prepare for an enchanting full-day tour of Cappadocia's unique landscapes. The journey begins by descending into the fascinating Ozkonak Underground City, one of the region's most well-preserved subterranean settlements.

Next, we head to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the spiritual heart of Cappadocia. Here, you'll discover remarkable rock-cut churches adorned with exquisite frescoes that vividly illustrate the life of Jesus Christ and the early monks.

The tour continues to the abandoned village of Cavusin, where you can explore old cave dwellings and former Greek houses. Following a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant in Avanos, a town famous for its traditional pottery, we will visit a workshop to observe local artisans demonstrating their time-honored techniques.

The adventure continues through Cappadocia's surreal landscape. First, explore Love Valley, a hidden area known for its remarkable natural rock formations. Then, visit Devrent Valley, often called "Imagination Valley" because the unique shapes of the rocks resemble various animals. We conclude our tour at the iconic Three Beauties, a trio of fairy chimneys that perfectly symbolise the magic of Cappadocia.

Optional Activity: Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia
Early this morning, why not take the opportunity to join an amazing optional experience? Take a hot air balloon over the spectacular landscape of Cappadocia. Not included, bookable on tour.

Please note: If you wish to embark on the balloon journey then please inform the tour leader the day prior.

Overnight: El-Puente Cave Hotel or similar, Cappadocia

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, begin the scenic journey across the vast Anatolian plains towards Konya. A short break for coffee will be enjoyed along the way (not included), making the drive a comfortable and fascinating passage through the heart of Türkiye.

Upon arrival in Konya, the spiritual home of the Whirling Dervishes, we will visit the Mevlana Museum. This sacred site houses the beautifully adorned, green-tiled mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, the revered mystic, poet, and founder of the Mevlevi Sufi order. Here, you'll feel the tranquility and historical significance of this spiritual center.

After this insightful visit, continue our journey to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, with the rest of the evening at your leisure to relax and anticipate tomorrow's stunning sights. Visiting Pamukkale in December offers a peaceful and unique experience, as the "Cotton Castle" takes on a different kind of beauty in the cooler weather. While it's the off-season, the main attractions are still open, and you'll benefit from fewer crowds and a tranquil atmosphere.

Please note: Today's travel is approximately 650 kilometres.

Overnight: Pam Thermal Hotel or similar, Pamukkale

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, prepare to be mesmerised by the ethereal beauty of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonder. Famous for its brilliant white calcium terraces, lovingly known as “Cotton Castle,” Pamukkale is formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading over the mountainside.

Next, you will step back in time with a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis, once a thriving Roman spa town. Explore fascinating ruins including the ancient theater, the vast necropolis, and the remains of temples, baths, and colonnaded streets.

After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, visit a local textile outlet. Here you can browse a variety of regional products and learn about Türkiye’s renowned textile industry. The journey then continues approximately 190 kilometres to the charming coastal town of Kusadasi, where you'll check in to your hotel.

As evening falls, join us for a truly magical Christmas Eve celebration. Savour a festive open buffet dinner, showcasing a variety of authentic Turkish dishes, accompanied by unlimited beverages. The night will be filled with music, dancing, and a warm, joyful atmosphere. To top off the evening, Santa Claus will present each guest with a special gift box to take home as a keepsake of your Turkish Christmas experience.

Overnight: Proxima Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Today is yours to celebrate as you wish so enjoy independent sightseeing, relax at the hotel facilities and be sure to make the most of the food and unlimited beverages throughout the day.

Overnight: Proxima Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, prepare to step back in time as you explore the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved classical cities, with a history spanning over 9,000 years. As you walk in the footsteps of history, you’ll discover impressive ruins including the iconic Curetes Street, the well-preserved Roman Baths, the monumental Celsus Library, and the breathtaking Grand Theatre, which once held 25,000 spectators. The tour also includes a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis, once so grand it was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Following a local lunch, the journey continues with a visit to a traditional carpet weaving center. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into one of Türkiye's oldest and most treasured handicrafts and witness the artistry and meticulous skill required to create a handmade carpet. Next, proceed to the Isa Bey Mosque in Selçuk. This mosque is a masterpiece of Turkish architecture from the Anatolian Principalities period, renowned for its asymmetrical design and stunning Seljuk tile-decorated domes. Its architecture is influenced by the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. This area is also steeped in local legend, as it is believed that the Seven Sleepers, early Christians who fled persecution, once visited here.

Overnight: Proxima Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, set off for a charming day trip to the village of Sirince.

On the way, the journey includes a stop at one of the region’s famous leather production centers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about this renowned craft and browse a variety of exquisite leather goods.

The adventure continues to the beautifully preserved Greek village of Sirince, nestled in the hills near Kusadasi. Known for its cobbled streets, traditional stone architecture, and famous fruit wines, the village offers a delightful blend of history and local flavor. During your visit, you will explore local vineyards and delve into the art of fruit wine-making with experienced winemakers. You’ll also get to immerse yourself in Turkish hospitality with a special tasting of Turkish coffee and traditional Turkish delight.

Overnight: Proxima Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure.

Today, enjoy the magnificent views of the natural beaches, explore the city, shop in the local markets, or simply relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Proxima Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Enjoy another relaxing day at leisure by making use of the hotel facilities or choosing to embark on an optional excursion, your tour guide can assist you with this while on tour.

Overnight: Proxima Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

There is never enough time to explore Kusadasi, choose an optional excursion offered by the tour operator or visit one of the many attractions.

Overnight: Proxima Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure.

In the evening, join a special New Year's Eve celebration. Enjoy a festive open buffet dinner showcasing a variety of authentic Turkish dishes, accompanied by unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The night will be filled with music, dancing, and a warm, joyful atmosphere.

Overnight: Proxima Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Happy New Year's Day!

Today is a free day for you to enjoy at leisure.

Overnight: Proxima Hotel or similar, Kusadasi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning, depart Kusadasi and embark on an exciting journey north towards Canakkale (approximately 400 kilometres), with remarkable historical stops along the way.

Our first destination is the ancient city of Pergamon, once a powerful cultural and political center of antiquity. After a delicious lunch, we will tour its impressive Acropolis, home to grand temples and what was once one of the ancient world’s greatest libraries. After Pergamon, make a short visit to a renowned local jewellery center. This is a unique opportunity to browse handmade silver and stone pieces that are unique to the region. The journey continues to the legendary city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site steeped in history and myth. Here, you will discover the very ruins that inspired Homer's epic tales of the Trojan War, the iconic wooden horse, and the beauty of Helen of Troy.

As evening approaches, we will arrive in Canakkale and check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Troia Tusan Hotel or similar, Canakkale

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, begin a deeply moving journey to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a hallowed ground of history and remembrance. The day involves approximately 350 kilometres of travel, a journey that transports us to one of the most poignant battlefields of World War I.

Our tour begins at the Kabatepe Museum, view an extensive collection of wartime artifacts, including weapons, photographs, and uniforms. From there, visit the solemn battlegrounds and memorial sites of the Gallipoli Campaign. We will pay our respects at Anzac Cove and the Ari Burnu and Beach Cemeteries, before continuing to the significant memorials at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. These sites are a powerful tribute to the soldiers who fought here.

After this powerful and historically rich tour, we will travel back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Overnight: La Quinta By Wyndham Hotel or similar, Istanbul

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After a final breakfast, and with a collection of wonderful memories, you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day.

Meals included: None