Best of Turkey

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Explore the mysterious land of the Ottomans Intrepid-style. Marvel at Mehmet Aga's masterpiece, the Blue Mosque, and bargain for trinkets in Istanbul's massive Grand Bazaar. Try delicious Turkish snacks, be mesmerised by the Whirling Dervishes and discover the underwater treasures of the Mediterranean on a relaxing boat cruise. From the laneways of ancient Ephesus to the bizarre landscapes of Cappadocia - take the plunge and discover a unique travel adventure waiting for you in Turkey.

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Days 1-2: Istanbul

Kickstart the adventure by checking out some lesser-known sights of Istanbul city on an orientation walk. In free time, why not drop by the famed Topkapi Palace, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts or head underground to see the eerie Basilica Cistern.

Day 3: Bursa

Depart Istanbul and travel to Bursa. Relax in a traditional Turkish bath, stop by a local teahouse, nosh on a hearty iskender - the local style of kebab - or explore the bazaar in this former capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the evening, visit a Dervish lodge and be treated to a mesmerising sema performance.

Days 4-5: Selcuk

Allow history to come alive while strolling through ancient Ephesus, the former capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Learn how to make delicious gozleme and taste aromatic fruit wine in Sirince. In free time, perhaps take a walk through the Ephesus Museum to uncover myths of the Roman Empire or take a look inside the Basilica of St John.

Day 6: Pamukkale

See the fascinating, chalky terraces of Pamukkale and take the opportunity to bathe in the healing thermal waters of the nearby hot springs. While here, maybe delve further into local history with a vist to the Hierapolis Museum.

Days 7-8: Kayakoy

Discover ghost houses or play backgammon and sip tea with the locals in Kayakoy. Set out on a half-day trek along the rugged coastline of the Lycian Way, and cool off with a dip in the beautiful Oludeniz lagoon.

Days 9-10: Kas

Travel to Kas and cast away on a cruise along Turkey's Mediterranean coastline, which boasts shimmering crystal waters, an ancient sunken city and mysterious Lycian tombs. Drift off to sleep under a blanket of stars. Back on dry land, spend time appreciating the distinctively Mediterranean feel of Kas.

Day 11: Konya

Move away from the coastline and travel to the plains of the Anatolian Steppe. Stop to take a walk through a unique Cappadocian valley. Then, arrive in Konya, a city intimately connected with the Whirling Dervish sect of Islam and boasting a large student population. Learn more about the Dervishes on an optional visit to Mevlana Museum or get lost amid the commotion of the local bazaar.

Days 12-13: Goreme

Be astounded by the quirky rock formations of Cappadocia, which jut from the ground like mushroom-shaped fairy houses. Why not take in this surreal landscape from a unique vantage point - floating over the region in a hot air balloon - or head below into one of Goreme's underground cities. Afterwards, be treated to warm Turkish hospitality while breaking bread with a local family in their home.

Day 14: Ankara

Travel by bus to Ankara.

Day 15: Istanbul

Arrive back to Istanbul where the call to prayer echoes over the cobbled streets. Perhaps visit a traditional hamam, be wowed by the intricate detail of the Blue Mosque or take a boat cruise on the mighty Bosphorus.

Highlights

Be mesmerised by the hypnotic rituals of the devout Whirling Dervishes in their home of Konya

Explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, and taste Turkey in the local produce of the mountain village of Şirince

Paddle through the magical healing hot springs at Pamukkale and uncover the streets of Hierapolis that Cleopatra once walked

Discover the atmospheric remains of a Ghost Village and trek along the ancient trail of the Lycian Way to a lagoon of unforgettable turquoise

Set sail on the Mediterranean – explore sunken cities and hike to a knight’s castle

Walk into valleys honeycombed with caves churches, underground cities, prehistoric rock formations and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia