Reader Holidays - Istanbul and the Ancient Treasures of Turkey from thisisoxfordshire

Reader Holidays - Istanbul and the Ancient Treasures of Turkey from thisisoxfordshire

A Newmarket Gold Escorted Holiday

Join us to explore one of the world's most mystical cities and to discover some of the world's finest ancient sites. Uncover the secrets of Turkey's fascinating Greek, Roman and Byzantine past on trips to Troy, Gallipoli, Pergamon and Ephesus, and relax in the beachfront resort of Kusadasi, overlooking the beautiful blue waters of the Aegean.

What The Price Includes

• Return flights from your local airport to Turkey
• Return airport-to-hotel transfers
• One suitcase allowance per person
• Three nights' bed and breakfast accommodation in the Erboy Hotel, Istanbul
• One night's half-board accommodation in the Iris Hotel, near Canakkale
• Three nights' half-board accommodation in the Tusan Beach Resort, Kusadasi
• Coach travel throughout
• Escorted tours as detailed in the itinerary
• The services of a Newmarket Tour Manager
• Government taxes and service charges

Single rooms are available for a supplement

Itinerary

Day One

Fly to Istanbul, where you'll be met by your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure, exploring your extraordinary surroundings.

Day Two

Discover the city where East meets West on today's fascinating tour. Unearth priceless treasures at the extraordinary Topkapi Palace (entrance included), visit the breathtaking Blue Mosque with its six minarets and cobalt tiles that give the building its name, and perhaps pick up some Turkish delight at the colourful spice market. This evening you'll have the chance, on an optional excursion, to enjoy a traditional fish dinner in the popular Kumkapi district.

Day Three

Today you'll further explore the Historic Peninsula - the centre of ancient Istanbul - for a full day's sightseeing. After exploring the contrasting wonders of the fabled Blue Mosque and the monumental Aya Sofya church, take a guided stroll through the ancient Roman Hippodrome and visit the world's largest covered bazaar.

Day Four

Leaving Istanbul this morning, you'll travel west, around the Sea of Marmara, to the beautiful Gallipoli peninsula. Gaze in awe at the Anzac Cove and its stunning surroundings before visiting the memorials and cemeteries that commemorate the wartime losses suffered here in 1915, which famously included some 10,000 Australian and New Zealand Army Corps members - the famous ANZACs.Later this afternoon, you'll cross the narrow Dardanelles to Canakkale and check in to the Iris Hotel in time for dinner.

Day Five

Today you'll travel to Troy, guarded by a replica giant wooden horse that recalls the tales of the first Trojan War. Discover the wonders of Ancient Greece as you visit the Hellenistic city of Pergamon, where the acropolis, with its temples, two-storey Library, monumental Altar of Zeus and spectacular, 10,000-seater theatre, are among the breathtaking ruins. You'll arrive this evening in Kusadasi, for a three-night stay in the Tusan Beach Resort hotel.

Day Six

Spend today at leisure exploring Kusadasi. Head to the beach for a spot of sunbathing, stroll the harbour promenade, visit the medieval Kale district, or perhaps visit tiny Pigeon Island.Alternatively, join our optional excursion to Pamukkale. Marvel at the geological wonder's outcrop of white calcium deposits - some 100 metres high - and its hundreds of terraces and pools filled by a mineral-laden spring, before exploring the Temple of Apollo and restored Roman Theatre. En route, you'll stop at the 'red water' springs of Karahayit, famed for their curative powers. This afternoon, enjoy lunch and a relaxing spa at the luxurious five-star Pam Thermal Hotel.

Day Seven

Take in the ruins of Ephesus on our final excursion. Uncover the history of this - previously Roman, then Byzantine - great city as you wander through the remnants of its churches, bathhouses and temples, visit its impressive Roman Amphitheatre, and see the fabled Library of Celsus's facade and the colonnade of the Arcadian Way.You'll return to Kusadasi this evening to enjoy a last dinner at the hotel.

Day Eight

Journey to the airport at Izmir today, to begin the return journey home to the UK.

The following hotels are offered with this holiday (subject to availability and supplementary pricing)