Western Anatolian Tour 2

Antalya (Side, Perge, Aspendos) - Pamukkale - Ephesus - Pergamum - Troy - Gallipoli - Istanbul

This tour takes in some of Turkey’s most magnificent ancient cities, together with the stunning natural wonder of Pamukkale, and the moving battlefields of Gallipoli, ending in enchanting Istanbul.
2 nights in Antalya
1 night in Pamukkale
1 night in Selcuk (for Ephesus)
1 night in Bergama (for Pergamum)
1 night in Çanakkale (for Troy & Gallipoli)
2 nights in Istanbul
(This tour can be taken as a continuation of Tour 1. In this case you will skip the first two days of in the Antalya region and go instead to Pamukkale.)

1 UK to Antalya
Fly to Antalya (via Istanbul) with Turkish Airlines from London, Birmingham or Manchester where you will be collected by one of our drivers and taken to your hotel.

2 Antalya
One of Turkey’s most important regions, you will visit a wealth of ancient sites including the Pamphylian trading cities of Side, Perge and Aspendos. Particularly impressive is the free-standing theatre at Side, which seated 20,000, the stadium at Perge, which is the largest in Asia Minor and the theatre at Aspendos, one of the best preserved in the world. Visit also the beautiful natural setting of the stunning Manavgat Waterfalls.

3 Pamukkale
Travel to the ancient city of Hierapolis, the site of the largest Necropolis or graveyard of the ancient world, then the Roman Baths and Basilica before continuing to Pamukkale to visit the Red Water and Calcium Cliffs. Marvel at the strange formations caused by mineral deposits, which have given rise to its Turkish name, literally translated as ‘cotton castle’. You will have free time to swim in the thermal pool with its Roman columns.

4. Aphrodisias to Ephesus
Visit Aphrodisias, the Greco-Roman settlement dedicated to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, which is remarkably well preserved. Set on a high plateau about 600m above sea level, Aphrodisias is in a beautiful secluded setting. Continue to Selçuk and visit the village of Sirince, which has been inhabited by both Turkish and Greek people.

5. Ephesus to Bergama
Ephesus, the Roman Capital of Asia Minor and one of the most important of the ancient cities, is home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the ‘seven wonders of the ancient world’. Visit the ruins of Odeon, Hercules Gate, the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent library, Agora and the spectacular Greco-Roman theatre. Continue to Meryem Ana, the house of the Virgin Mary, where she spent her last days and visit the Basilica of St. John before continuing to Bergama for overnight.

6. Pergamum and Troy
Visit Pergamum, once the capital of one of the richest and most powerful small kingdoms in Anatolia. The ruins of the beautiful city of Pergamum are in a spectacular setting, on the summit and terraced slopes of the hill which rises above Bergama. Continue to Troy where you can explore the site of the legendary town, made famous by Homer in his Iliad and visit the Temple of Athena. Overnight in Çanakkale.

7. Gallipoli
Cross the Dardenelles and visit the World War I memorials at Gallipoli. Afterwards, you will head for Istanbul where you will enjoy dinner and overnight.

8. Istanbul
Take a full day city tour to discover the splendours of Istanbul. Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, monuments to Islam and Christianity, which stand facing each other. Marvel at the wealth of Topkapi Palace with its awe-inspiring jewels and intriguing harem. Take in the Hippodrome and the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque.

9. Istanbul to UK
Fly back to UK from Istanbul.

8 nts small group tour from £1099
Prices are per person (min 2 people sharing) per person, single supplement £225. Departure dates: 8th May, 11 Sep, 9th Oct. Price includes: scheduled flights (inc. meal & drinks) from London, Manchester or Birmingham, 4* Hotels (or 3* where 4* is not available) on HB basis, lunch, entrance fees, professional guide, caring driver, air-conditioned non-smoking minibus/midibus.