Compare Turkey Luxury Travel Turkish Adventure by Inca vs Treasures of Turkey - with Anzac Day, Small Group, 2022 With Anzac Day Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Depart USA, fly to Antalya

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner on Day 2

Accommodation: Tuvana Hotel

Fly from your home city to Antalya, Turkey. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel and checked-in. You'll meet the rest of the group for dinner in a glass-walled dining room.

Day 3: Phaselis, Myra, Kale, boarding the gullet

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Yacht, Gulet

We drive south along the coast, stopping for a seaside picnic at the ancient site of Phaselis (690 BC) not far from the ancient site of Olympus. Nearby, the unquenchable Chimaera burns to this day. We continue to Myra to see impressive rock tombs, a fine theater, and the Church of St. Nicholas (Guess who got his start there!).

By mid-afternoon, at the nearby port of Cayagzi, we board the gulet that will be our home for the next five nights. We sail west to Kekova Roadstead to visit the hillside village of Kale, formerly known as Simena.

We explore the remains of a castle located above Kale—the panoramic view is spectacular. You see many sarcophagi from Hellenistic and Roman times. We stroll along the path through nearby Teimiussa, just east of the village of Uçagiz.

You may have a chance to try your hand at rolling out gözleme (börek), a very tasty, traditional, thin flatbread (it looks a lot like a flour tortilla) which is sprinkled with herbs and goat cheese and baked on what looks like an upside-down wok. Making them seems so simple, but you'll discover it's another story when you try to roll one out!

On the yacht our itinerary is flexible, respecting both the weather and our interests. When conditions are right, we put up all the sails and, like the ancient mariners, let the wind drive us onward. We have quiet times, good hikes, and opportunities to swim, read, and just hang out. This is a vacation! Each night we anchor in a sheltered cove or bay. On the aft deck, we will enjoy

Day 4: Kas, Gemiler Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Yacht, Gulet

We sail early, moving slowly along the submerged ruins of the sunken village, then turn westerly towards the charming village of Kas. After a leisurely shore visit we cruise to Gemiler Adasi (Island) where the Knights of St. John built a castle and monastery along the route of the Crusades. We explore the remains of several churches and a monastery, and ponder the purpose of a mysterious covered passageway that runs for nearly a thousand meters along the spine of this narrow island. We overnight in its protective anchorage.

Day 5: Kayaköy, Göcek, Cleopatra's Bath

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Yacht, Gulet

We have a vigorous hike to the village of Kayaköy that was deserted in the aftermath of WW I. Over a cool beverage and a warm gözleme, we'll talk of the post-WW I events that led to Kayaköy's abandonment. You may choose to remain on board to read, swim, or snooze instead.

After lunch we sail along the coast to visit the charming village of Göcek. After the visit, we may cruise on to the trailhead at Cleopatra’s Bath where we anchor for the night.

Day 6: Lydae, Ekincik

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Yacht, Gulet

We disembark for a scenic yet challenging morning hike through the pine forests to the mausoleum at ancient Lydae. If you choose not to hike, you may remain on board as the gulet cruises around the peninsula to anchor. As you wait for the hikers at the end of the trail at Agalimani you may swim or just relax. In the afternoon we cruise to a peaceful cove on the Bay of Ekincik where we anchor for two nights.

Day 7: Caunus, Dalyan, Ekincik

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Yacht, Gulet

This morning we disembark onto an African Queen-style put-put to motor past Iztuzu Beach, a long sand spit, now a protected loggerhead sea turtle nesting site, and meander through the silt marshes and cattails up the Dalyan River to visit the Lycian site of Caunus. On the way we will see the huge rock cut Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs. In Caunus we visit a Roman theater, bath, and agora dating from the 2nd century BC.

The hikers among us will head over the peninsula on a three-hour hike to the lovely Bay of Ekincik. Everyone else will go into the little village of Dalyan for bit of shopping before rejoining the gulet in Ekincik Bay.

Dinner will be on board or you may elect to dine ashore, on your own, at one of the fine restaurants overlooking the bay.

Days 8: Euromus, Didyma, Priene

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Nisanyan Houses

After breakfast on the gulet we drive north through farmlands and pine-forested mountains to visit the Temple of Zeus at Euromus. After a brief visit, we continue to the Aegean coast to explore the remains of the enormous Temple of Apollo at Didyma. After learning about ancient fortune-telling and the Greek oracles, we continue north to the Menderes (ancient Meander) River delta and Miletus. From here, we continue north to visit ruins of the impressive Greek city of Priene with its grid system of streets.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Sirince, the "Tuscany of Turkey," a historic village located in the hills not far from Ephesus where we spend two nights in a historic property. You will have time to settle in to your charming hillside accommodations at Nisanyan Houses before we meet for dinner.

Day 9: Ephesus

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Nisanyan Houses

We depart in the morning to explore Ephesus, the largest Greco-Roman site in the world, and if reopened in time, the Ephesus Museum at Selçuk. You will have the entire day to take in this magnificent site.  We will be visiting the following sites around Ephesus: the Basilica, the House of Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, another ancient Wonder of the World. We will have lunch in Selçuk at a small typical restaurant. In the evening we will return to our hotel before dinner.

Day 10: Fly to Istanbul

Accommodation: Four Seasons Sultanhamet

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast we depart to the Izmir Airport to catch our mid-morning Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, a crown jewel among cities, where we begin our wonderful days exploring legacies of Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations.

We start right away on arrival to develop your sense of Istanbul’s amazing layout. We pass the massive Byzantine walls that span the peninsula from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn. These walls both defined and protected Constantinople until breached by the Turks in 1453. From there we head for our hotel where we will luxuriate in the heart of old Istanbul, the Sultanahmet, for four nights.

Days 11-13: Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Day 17

Accommodation: Four Seasons Sultanhamet

We keep a flexible schedule with respect to the order of events in our exploration of Istanbul. Weather, group interest and energy are all taken into consideration. Here are our best intentions and we usually do them all—and then some!

During the next three days, you’ll explore the Sultanahmet, visiting the Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, and the site of the ancient Hippodrome where we see the great obelisk brought from Egypt by the Romans. We enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, and visit Taksim Square—one of the highest points in Istanbul. We stroll down Istiklal Caddesi, a historic commercial and residential street open only to pedestrians and its cute little red trolleys. For a sweeping 360° view of Istanbul, including the Asian side, we climb the Galata Tower, built by the Genoese in 14th century.

Drive through an old gate in the triple Byzantine wall to visit the Kariye Cami’i or Church of St. Savior in Chora, renowned for its magnificent mosaics and frescoes. you'll explore Topkapi Palace, the seat of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years, and visit the Suleymaniye Cami’i—a vast religious and educational complex built for Suleyman the Magnificent by the great Turkish architect Sinan.

In the Spice Bazaar, you'll find a cacophony of sights and sounds as we stroll through its warren of passages. The marvelous Rustem Pasha Mosque, located in the heart of a bustling marketplace, is one of the finest examples of the architecture of Sinan.

Wander through the Grand Bazaar where you’ll have some time on your own to shop, visit the splendid Archeological Museum, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the Mosaic Museum, have a Turkish bath, or just savor the aromas and sights.

Day 14: Depart for home

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport with check-in to your homeward bound flight, unless you are remaining for more adventures.

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. You’ll start in vibrant Istanbul, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be close to Taksim Square, which is famous for its Republic Monument, dining and shopping options. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Reception and Dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Bursa

In the morning embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s busiest waterways. Leisurely cruise past the quaint fishing villages that line its shores. Travel towards the old city and see the beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses, on the waterfront. Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa. A large city in northwest Turkey, it was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city’s bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments. This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal.

Day 3: Cumalikizik and Gordion

Begin your day of culture in Bursa with a visit to the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum complex. Continue to the charming village of Cumalikizik, with its traditional wooden houses and very narrow cobblestone streets. Later you’ll head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkey’s modern capital, Ankara. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, the Hilton SA. Perhaps take a dip in its indoor pool or unwind in its jacuzzi or hammam.

Day 4: Sophisticated Ankara

A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey’s bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Later, head to Avanos in Cappadocia. Famed for its unique geological formation, Cappadocia is a scenic delight with golden hills and panoramic views.

Day 5: The Underground Cities of Cappadocia Experience

With its striking golden, volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly buildings, Cappadocia could never be called ordinary. At every turn you’ll be delighted with yet another geographical or architectural surprise. Today you’ll travel to the striking town of Göreme. Explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant and get a taste of Anatolia’s regional flavours. This establishment provides employment for the women of the village and supports their financial freedom. Next, continue on to the Pasabag Valley and visit the underground city of Özkonak where you’ll have time to explore its tunnels and holes with your Travel Director. Later, join a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. Explore this unique way of living, learning about local traditions and family life. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant, later you’ll witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes.

Day 6: Konya

Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery making in Avanos. It’s then time to take a journey along the famous Silk Road to visit a 13th century caravanserai, a historic roadside inn where travellers would rest and recover after a day’s journey, most notably along the iconic road itself. Later, you’ll head to Turkey’s most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. Once here, visit the Mevlana Museum, with its beautiful fluted turquoise dome, and see the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.

Day 7: Through the Taurus Mountains

You day begins with a scenic drive down the Taurus Mountains to Aspendos, an ancient city in Antalya. Known for having the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travellers. Continue to your hotel for the next two nights and enjoy time to relax.

Day 8: Antalya's Old Town

Start your day with a visit to Antalya's pretty Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on places to explore in the city, take a stroll around the harbour or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast.

Day 9: The Pools of Pamukkale

Cross the soaring Taurus Mountains to see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Next to the ruins, you can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. Later, head back to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.

Day 10: Izmir

Start your morning with a trip to the Temple of Aphrodite, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, in Geyre. Based in the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, it was the focal point of the city in its heyday. You’ll see the towering, fourteen columns of the temple that have been re-erected. End your day in the quaint Aegan port of Izmir.

Day 11: Ancient Ephesus

Today you’ll spend the day exploring pretty Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city. A vibrant destination on Turkey’s Aegean coast, it is was founded by the Greeks and has been an important port since ancient times. Explore one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheatre, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins.

Day 12: Canakkale

Dawn and first light signals the commencement of the annual Dawn Service. Attend alongside Australian, New Zealand and other foreign dignitaries and military personnel to honour the fallen soldiers. After, return to your hotel for the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps relax poolside with a cocktail and admire the beautiful surroundings or book in for one of the many treatments on offer at the hotel spa.

Day 13: Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove

This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that, for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought, in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, return to Istanbul where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Day 14: Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire

Today you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning visit the historic Blue Mosque. Made up of domes and minarets, head inside and see its beautiful blue tiled interiors. See the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia. Built in A.D. 537, it is famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and toast to your trip over a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 15: Farewell Istanbul

It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.