On arrival in Istanbul you will be met by your World Expeditions Schools representative and drive to the historical peninsula, known as Sultanahmet, where you spend the night at the hotel. Today we will have a full trip and safety briefing outlining all aspects of your program. This is a great time to ask any questions you have regarding your journey. We then head out for an orientation and welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Driving time: 1 hour 50 km (31 mi)

Meals:  D

After a brief itinerary and introducing the day’s program we head to discover some of the historical peninsulas most famous sites. We start the day with the Philoxenos (Binbirdirek) cistern, which dates back to the Byzantine period at the time of Constantine and is known as the second largest underground cistern in Istanbul. Afterwards our round walk through the historical peninsula takes us to nearby Hippodrome square, once a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. The surviving monuments of the Spina (the middle barrier of the racecourse), the two obelisks (Obelisk of Thutmose III & Walled Obelisk) and the Serpentine Column, now sit in holes in a landscaped garden. Here it is also possible to visit the museum of Turkish & Islamic arts, including notable examples of Islamic calligraphy, tiles, and rugs as well as ethnographic displays on various cultures from different time periods and regions in Turkey, particularly nomad groups. Our next visit takes us to blue mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), built between 1609 and 1616. The design is the culmination of two centuries of both Ottoman Mosque and Byzantine church development. It incorporates some Byzantine elements of the neighbouring Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture and is considered to be the last great mosque of the classical period. From the blue mosque we head over to famous Hagia Sophia, considered to be one of the world’s most important monuments, a masterpiece and example of great architectural beauty. The marvel complex anchors the old city of Istanbul and has served for centuries as an Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later as a mosque and as museum. Our last stop takes us to famous covered bazaar (Kapali Carsi), one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. The bazaar was founded by Fatih Sultan Mehmet after he had conquered Constantinople, aim was it to form a significant conclusion for the Silk Road. Today it is an important trading centre for jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. We conclude the day with a traditional cup of Turkish tee, known as cay and afterwards return to our hotel. Overnight in hotel in Sultanahmet.

Meals:  B

After breakfast we leave Istanbul and drive towards Gallipoli peninsula. The Dardanelles strait has always played a strategic role in history and is unique in many respects, the Persian army of Xerxes I and later the Macedonian army of Alexander the great crossed the Dardanelles in opposite directions to invade each other's lands. In 1915, during World War I, the western Allies sent a massive invasion force of British, Indian, Australian and New Zealand troops to attempt to open up the strait. On arrival we first visit the south cemeteries & memorials with cape helles memorial; Morto bay with the French war cemetery and Canakkale martyrs' memorial and if time is permitting Soganlidere & Sahindere cemeteries, twelve tree copse cemetery and N.Z. memorial. The helles memorial is both the memorial to the Gallipoli campaign and to men who fell in that campaign and whose graves are unknown and/or who were lost or buried at sea in Gallipoli waters. Inscribed on it are the names of all the ships that took part in the campaign and the titles of the army formations and units which served on the peninsula. It stands on the tip of the peninsula and is in the form of an obelisk over 30 m (90 ft) high that can be seen by ships passing through the Dardanelles. Morto bay with the French war cemetery and Canakkale martyrs' memorial is located on the south of the peninsula. The French war cemetery commemorates the 14,300 French troops who died in the Gallipoli campaign, some of whom are buried in individual graves whilst the remains of others are contained in ossuaries within the cemetery. The Canakkale martyr’s memorial is over 40 m (120 ft) high and commemorates Turkish losses in the battle of Canakkale, as the campaign is known there. In the late afternoon/or early evening we take the ferry and cross over to Canakkale, a small seaport on the southern (Asian) coast of the Dardanelles at their narrowest point. The city is located amidst a historical and mythological rich area, homeland of many widely known legends. Canakkale itself is a pleasant town with a nice harbour and nice cafes around. Overnight in hotel in Canakkale Driving time: 3 hours, 320 km (200 mi)

Meals:  B

After breakfast we cross over to Gallipoli peninsula again and take time to walk through north cemeteries & memorials; we first visit Kabatepe (Gallipoli) museum located within the Gallipoli historic national park and commemorates the Gallipoli campaign, now considered a defining moment in the modern history of not only Turkey, but of Australia and New Zealand as well. The museum hosts numerous relics from the campaign, including weapons, sniper shields, ammunition, uniforms, photographs, letters written by the soldiers to their families, and private belongings such as shaving tools, cocoa cases, leather flasks, dress buttons, belt buckles are on display in the museum. Afterwards we take time to walk through the national park housing many relics of the naval and land battles that took place in 1915 during World War one and to visit the landing points of the western allies, known as ANZAC cove, became the main base for the Australian and New Zealand troops for the eight months of the battle of Gallipoli. We visit beach cemetery; shrapnel valley cemetery; Plugge's plateau cemetery; shell green cemetery & lone pine cemetery, the largest graveyard-cum-memorial to those buried unmarked or at sea. Afterwards we continue towards Chunuk Bair cemetery via Johnston’s Jolly Cemetery; Quinn's Post Cemetery; 57th Regiment Memorial & Cemetery; Walker's Ridge Cemetery; the Nek Cemetery; Sgt Mehmet’s Monument (Mehmet Cavus Aniti) & Baby 700 cemeteries. In the late afternoon we return to Istanbul where we spend the night at the hotel. Driving time: 3 h; 320 km ( 200 mi) (Canakkale to Istanbul via Kilitbahir & Gallipoli)

Meals:  B

After breakfast transfer to Istanbul airport and fly to Kayseri. After arrival meet with our vehicle and then continue from there to Cappadocia where we spend the next two nights to explore the landscape of this wonder of nature. After arrival we visit Goreme open air museum - Walk through Meskendir valley to Red & Rose valley In the morning, we start today’s first activity and drive to Goreme open air museum; one of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. The Christian people at the heart of the Cappadocia realized that the soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches and monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post iconoclastic period. The frescoes inside the Goreme Open Air Museum are a unique artistic achievement from this period. Afterwards we start our walk in the Meskendir valley where we follow a path which is full of old Cave houses and complexes from the old Christian civilization. Via Meskendir we cross over to red valley area, another beautiful valley in Cappadocia with its spectacular formations and colours. In Red Valley it is possible to visit the hidden Uzumlu (Grape) church, cross church and the church of the three crosses. These churches have been carved out of the cliff face, although it is not definite, the common believe is that these churches date back to the 8/9th century; the decorative reliefs and frescoes are added in the 10/11th Century. After walking through the Red and Rose valleys we will arrive in Cavusin. Overnight in hotel in Cappadocia Walking time: 4 hour 9 km (5.5 mi) + 82 m - 134 m (+246 ft - 402 ft) Driving time: 1 hour 45 - 50 km ((30 mi) (Hotel in Sultanahmet/Sirkeci to Istanbul new Int. airport) Transfer time: 1 hour 80 km (50 mi) (Kayseri airport to Cappadocia)

Meals:  B,L

Transfer to Zemi valley, we start our walk in Zemi valley, a green valley with wind eroded volcanic rocks, beautiful rock formations, caves in cliffs and tall poplar trees. At the end of the valley there will be the opportunity to visit the El Nazar church. We continue our hike via Gorkundere known as one of the love valleys of Cappadocia cause of the extraordinary shapes of the fairy chimneys. The trail takes us to the sunset point of Goreme. After having lunch in Goreme we continue our walk-through pigeon valley with spectacular views of the natural cliffs and handmade caves and passes through a few tunnels carved into the rock. Our walk leads us directly to Uchisar village, where it is possible to visit the high viewpoint known as “the fortress.” Many rooms hollowed out into the rock, are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels and passages. The top of the citadel provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. In the late afternoon we drive back to our accommodation. Walking time: 3 to 4 hours 10 to 12 km (6.5-7.5 mi) (Zemi valley to Uchisar via Gorkundere & Pigeon valley)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we drive to the village of Ayvali and walk from here on stabilized gravel roads along the foot of a natural tumulus carved by erosion and known as Golgoli by local people. The settlement of Golgoli is one of the oldest in Cappadocia. The road continues passing through vineyards via the Damsa Lake in the direction of the Cemil village. Here we take time to visit the monastery of Keslik, a rock-cut Byzantine complex built in volcanic tuff stone. The complex, with its main monastery chapel with blackened frescoes, is a kind of labyrinth where once hundreds of monks lived. Hollowed out in the 13th century, Keslik is also known as the Monastery of Archangels. Afternoon we drive to the nearby village Taskinpasa village. In the afternoon, we move to Taskinpasa village, we will visit a madrasa and a mosque in this still little-known village. This tour can be done periodically in reverse in the afternoon we also take time to visit Mustafapasha, former Sinasos, inhabited by Greek Orthodox families until the beginning of the 20th century, famous for its houses which display fine examples of stonework. Close to Mustafapasha village, we will have a short walk-through vineyard to the ruins of Gomeda, one of the oldest cave churches in Cappadocia dating from the iconoclastic period. Walking time: 4 to 5 hours 11 - 12 km (7.5 mi) +/- 300 m (+/- 900 ft) (Ayvali to Cemil village)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we leave Cappadocia and drive to Antalya via Konya. It will take about 4 to 5 hours until we reach Konya. In Konya we will have Lunch and we will visit the Mevlana Museum. The Mevlana museum, located in Konya, Turkey, is the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Sufi mystic also known as Mevlana or Rumi. It was also the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, better known as the whirling dervishes. The members of the Mevlevi order had a prolific impact throughout the Ottoman Empire in classical poetry, calligraphy, visual arts and music. Afterwards we continue driving until we arrive in Antalya. It is uncertain when the site of the current city was first inhabited. Attalos II, king of Pergamon, was believed to have founded the city around 150 BC, naming it Attalia and selecting it as a naval base for his powerful fleet. However, excavations in 2008 in the Dogu Garaji district of Antalya have uncovered remains dating to the 3rd century BC, suggesting that the city was founded earlier than previously supposed. Antalya became part of the Roman Republic in 133 BC when King Attalos III of Pergamum willed his kingdom to Rome at his death. The city grew and prospered during the Ancient Roman period. The city includes sites with traces of Lycian, Pamphylian, and Hellenistic -but mainly Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman- architecture and cultures. We spend the Night in the Old Part of Antalya at the Kaleici next to the Harbour. Driving time: 8 hours 540 km (338 mi)(Cappadocia – Antalya via Konya) Overnight at hotel in Antalya

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we first take time for a walk through the old city centre (Kaleici); with its narrow-cobbled streets of historic Ottoman era houses; with streets and buildings still bear the marks of Antalya’s history. The old city centre has been restored to retain much of its historical character; most famous the Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, Yivli Minare and Hidirlik Tower. Later we leave Antalya and drive towards Kas, on the way we visit Myra; according to Strabo one of the largest towns of the Lycian alliance; the ancient city consists an impressive necropolis including tombs of rulers and family members and a large Roman amphitheatre. We arrive in Ucagiz village. We start our boat trip today in the nearby village of Ucagiz for a superb day out in a beautiful part of Turkey. Going on a blue cruise in the turquoise waters is a great way to put a memorable ending to our family holiday. We have our own private boat and we travel out to Kekova archipelago. Our boat takes us to amazing coves to swim and snorkel off the boat, which is so idyllic. This region has been an important sea trading location since the ancient times. The most valuable product during the Byzantine period was a dye called Tyrian purple obtained from murex seashells. Well, intermingled with people’s homes in rustic villages, there are ancient harbour settlement ruins in the area which used to export this expensive dye to the Mediterranean world. Lunch is BBQed for us as we enjoy the weather and the sunshine. In the late afternoon we arrive in Kas where we spend the night at the hotel. Boat Tour in Kekova; Gokkaya or Kocakari: approximately 4 hours; with BBQ lunch on board Driving time: 3 hours 190 km (119 mi); (Antalya to Kas via Myra & Ucagiz)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we start our walk. This is a beautiful and easy walk-through Mediterranean maquis with wildlife surrounded by mountain landscapes. The paths are well made and there is little ascent and descent. On several occasions we have splendid views across the sea to the islands. We may even bump into a Turkish tortoise as well! We arrive in Limanagzi beach famous for its pristine waters great for swimming. Cliff lined Sebada coast along the beach boasts Lycian rock tombs seen several meters above the water. We have lunch at our peaceful beach cafe amid relaxed swimming opportunities before we take a public boat to head back to Kas, harbour. Walking time: 2 to 3 hours 5.5 km (3 mi) +/- 180 m (+/- 540 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Having a short drive, we arrive in Kekova sound renowned for its sunken ruins. The landscape and sea here is truly magnificent. The waters are warm, clear and sparkling blue. The coastline is rugged and stunning. Our sea kayaking instructors take us through the easy steps on how to paddle (if we have not done it before) and off we go, along the coast of Kekova Island with the submerged Byzantine city which we can see 2m down through the blue waters. There are no roads here so we find isolated beaches and truly splendid panoramas. We head to Simena village where we stop for a swim, some lunch, and maybe the famous homemade ice cream. If we wish, we can walk up to Simena Castle with its panoramic views of atop of the hill. We continue our kayaking a little further, back to where have started, Ucagiz village. If we are lucky, we may see the graceful Loggerhead Turtle or a Mediterranean Monk Seal. We head back to Kas, where we have some free time this afternoon to relax by the pool or at the lovely harbour town or we can head to the beach. Sea Kayak in Kas: approximately 4 hours Driving time: 1 hour 60 km (388 mi); (Kas to Ucagiz)

Meals:  B,L,D

Transfer to Dalaman airport where the trip concludes. Driving time: 2 to 3 hours 150 km (94 mi)

Meals:  B