Pearl's of Turkey

Eight days across Turkey's greatest hits, starting and ending in Istanbul, with flights used between destinations rather than long coach transfers. You move through layers of history in quick succession, from Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul to the World War One battlefields of Gallipoli and the classical ruins of the Aegean coast.

Along the way you take in Pergamum, once a capital city for four centuries, and Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Pamukkale's white travertine pools and a sunset over the Mediterranean from Antalya round out the trip, along with a wander through Antalya's old town.

Guiding is partial rather than constant, with a full-day guided tour of Istanbul and a local guide elsewhere covering the history of early Christians and daily life in the regions you pass through. Groups stay small and hotels are centrally located, characterful properties rather than large chain hotels.

What you'll do

• Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
• Visit the Gallipoli battlefields and hear the history of the Trojan Horse
• See the ruins of Pergamum, capital city for nearly four hundred years
• Walk through Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary
• Swim or wade through the travertine pools of Pamukkale
• Watch the sunset over the Mediterranean from Antalya and walk its old town streets