7D Aegean Prelude

From NZD 2665 per person on Twin sharing basis

Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale – Troy – Kusadasi – Pamukkale – Marmaris

This 7-day tour, starts from Istanbul, Turkey, and ends at Marmaris, Turkey. Discover Ottoman Istanbul, enjoy a moving visit to the Gallipoli Battlefields the follow the Aegean Coast down to ancient Ephesus before heading to Marmaris, via Pamukkale's incredible white travertines.

Itinerary

Day 1

Sat, Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours free to explore at your own pace.

Day 2

Sun, Istanbul Old City (B)

After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) and the Hippodrome. Cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with an optional 'Half day Bosphorus cruise'.

Day 3

Mon, Gallipoli Battlefields – Canakkale (B/D)

Today we visit the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.

Day 4

Tue, Troy – Behramkale – Kusadasi (B/D)

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.

Day 5

Wed, Kusadasi – Ephesus – Kusadasi (B/D)

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.

Day 6

Thu, Kusadasi – Pemukkale (B/D)

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.

Day 7

Fri, Marmaris (B)

After breakfast you will be transferred to Marmaris and our tour concludes upon arrival in Marmaris at approximately 12:00, mid-day.

Includes: 6 nights accommodation, meals, transfers & tours in airconditioned vehicles, English speaking guide, monuments entrances

Starts every Saturday in 2025 & 2026;  Small group tour operated by Fez Travel Turkey

Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.