Turkey

Friday 13 June

An evening departure on Emirates Airlines for Dubai

Saturday 14 June

Change plans in Dubai and fly onto Istanbul. On arrival transfer to our inner city hotel with time to relax before dinner.

Sunday 15 June

The morning walking tour includes Topkapi Palace and the incredible underground Cistern used to water the palace gardens and was rediscovered in 1545AD. Our guide will take us to the Grand Covered Bazaar and recommend the best way to experience this bustling activity. Time is your own this afternoon with dinner in a typical local restaurant.

Monday 16 June

Our morning walking tour takes in the must-see Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Lunch is at a local restaurant. This afternoon enjoy a private two hour Bosphorus cruise with the highlights being passing summer palaces of the Ottoman Sultans and a 15th century fortress.

Tuesday 17 June

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Cappadocia. On arrival we explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum and admire the fairy chimneys, cave churches and Goreme Valley. Dinner in our hotel tonight.

Wednesday 18 June

Early this morning an optional hot air balloon is available where you can glide silently over the moon like land scape of Cappadocia. Later we explore the Kaymakli Underground City with an extensive network of chambers, kitchens and living quarters. We continue onto the Pasabagi Valley made famous as the ‘Valley of the Monks” and the Uchisar Castle sitting on top of Cappadocia’s highest point dating back 8,000 BCE. 

Thursday 19 June

This morning we begin our journey to Konya and stop along the way at Sultanhan. A historic caravanserai with intricate Seljuk decorations. Arriving early afternoon in Konya we explore the city which dates back to prehistoric times and includes the tomb of famous mystic Rumi. 

Friday 20 June

Today we travel onto Kas with a stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Antalya. The drive combines coastal roads and inland highways offering scenic views.

Saturday 21 June

We enjoy a private boat trip to relax and enjoy the stunning views of Simena Castle and the underwater ruins of the sunken City of Kekova. There will be time for a swim at the stunning Aquarium Bay and Burc Bay. A day to relax. 

Sunday 22 June

This morning a walking tour of Kas which boasts charming narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and a laid-back atmosphere. After lunch a free afternoon to follow your own interests. 

Monday 23 June

We continue onto Selcuk today for a two night stay. 

Tuesday 24 June

After breakfast travel to Roman-influenced Ephesus with its Temple of Artemis  Museum, the Library and forum. One of the seven wonders of the world. After lunch a free afternoon to relax.

Wednesday 25 June

Today we travel to Pergamum, once one of the middle east’s richest and most powerful Kingdoms. An impressive theatre with the steepest seating known in the ancient world is a sight to behold, along with the Sanctuary of Athena.  We continue onto Ayvalik. Dinner in the hotel tonight.

Thursday 26 June

The archaeological city of Troy awaits. Settled in 3,600BC the city was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1998. Arrive mid-afternoon in Canakkale with time to relax.

Friday 27 June

A tour highlight as we travel to Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove. A fully guided tour of the region includes WWI New Zealand War Graves, Lone Pine Hill and ANZAC Cove. 

We continue onto Istanbul this afternoon. Farwell dinner tonight.

Saturday 28 June

A leisurely morning before a mid-afternoon flight to Dubai. Arrive Late evening. Overnight in Dubai.

Sunday 29 June

Depart Dubai mid-morning

Monday 30 June

Arrive Auckland mid-morning.