Main itinerary

International flights are not included. We recommend that you depart from London Heathrow at 11.20 with Turkish Airways on flight TK1980 direct to Istanbul. Flight arrives 17.15 to Istanbul Airport. At your arrival, you will be met by a Fez representative and transferred to your hotel. You will have some free time to explore the surrounding areas before being taken to a yacht to join a sunset cruise and sail along Bosphorus strait. The strait is traditionally connected to the Greek mythology figure Io, also known as Callithyia, and regarded as the first priestess of Hera. Io was turned into a white heifer and wandered the earth, crossing the Bosphorus (meaning cattle strait) strait.  Keep your eyes on the shore to not miss old palaces, wooden mansions and the beauty of Istanbul. Drinks and light dinner will be offered on board. Overnight: Hotel Lamartine (https://www.lamartinehotel.com/) Included meals: Dinner

A half-day tour of Istanbul will take place to show you the classic landmarks of the city. Visit St. Sophia Museum, marvel at the grandeur of the Byzantine Hippodrome and continue onto the Blue Mosque. The tour concludes at Sultanahmet where you can wander the charming streets filled with cafes, shops and architecture - it’s a perfect blend of history, architecture and local culture.  After exploring Istanbul, you will continue your journey into Cappadocia. You will be transferred to the airport where you will join the flight that takes you to the ancient region of Cappadocia. Here the soft volcanic rock has created cones, caves and valleys through erosion. As well as natural formations, churches and tunnel complexes were cut into the rock and many are scattered throughout the countryside from Byzantine and Islamic eras.  From the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel, Gamirasu Cave Hotel.  Overnight: Gamirasu Cave Hotel(https://www.gamirasu.com/) Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today, immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of Cappadocia, a region renowned for its unique geological formations and rich history. Our journey will take us through some of the most iconic sites in the area. Start your adventure at the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This museum is an extraordinary complex of rock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries, dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries. The frescoes adorning the walls of these structures are remarkably well-preserved, depicting scenes from the Bible and the life of Jesus.  Next we will marvel at the fairy chimneys, the iconic rock formations that Cappadocia is famous for. These tall, thin spires of rock were formed over millennia by volcanic activity and erosion. The fairy chimneys are scattered throughout the region, with some of the best examples found in the Devrent Valley and Pasabag (Monk’s Valley).  Finally, delve into the depths of one of Cappadocia’s many underground cities. These subterranean complexes were carved out of the soft volcanic rock by ancient civilisations as early as the Hittite period. They were used as hiding places during times of invasion and persecution. The most famous underground cities are Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, which extend several levels below ground and include living quarters, kitchens, wineries and even chapels. We will visit Kaymakli underground city. Later you will join an immersive cooking experience in a Turkish village house where you'll learn to prepare a three-course meal, mainly using the traditional method 'Tandir.' Starting around 17:30 and concluding by 21:30, you'll enjoy your delicious creations after the cooking session. Indulge yourself in Turkish culinary traditions and savour your prepared dishes in a traditional village setting. The restaurant was turned from a family home to a restaurant and run by the family, the mother will pass down her knowledge during this class.  In the morning, there is the option to enjoy a hot air balloon flight over the stunning valleys of Cappadocia. Additional €200 per person. This can be confirmed on your arrival to Istanbul on the 15th of June.  Overnight in Cappadocia. Overnight: Gamirasu Cave Hotel(https://www.gamirasu.com/) Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

Leaving Cappadocia early in the morning, we will drive to Adiyaman, stopping off at Kahramanmaras - the capital of Turkish ice cream! After lunch and enjoying traditional ice cream, we will continue our journey driving to the Tombs of Commagene Kingdom and the towering Colossal Statues of Gods. After a short 25 minute walk to Tumulus of Antiochos, the former capital of Kommagene, we'll await a breathtaking sunset from the summit of Nemrut. This ancient memorial, concealed in time for almost two millennia, will be a remarkable backdrop as the sun descends atop Mt. Nemrut. Overnight: White Star Hotel(https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297957-d9752441-Reviews-White_Star_Hotel-Adiyaman.html) Included meals: Breakfast and dinner at hotel

Following breakfast, our journey takes us to Sanliurfa (Urfa) via a scenic route, passing the impressive Ataturk Dam and the historic town of Harran, known for its unique mud-brick houses and ancient city walls. In Sanliurfa, we will explore the revered Holy Pools of Abraham and visit the cave believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.  The Holy Pools of Abraham attract tourists and pilgrims from all over the world and are revered as one of the most important religious and historical sites of Turkey. It is believed that Abraham was ordered to be burned alive, however a miracle occurred when he was thrown into the flames and they turned into water.  This evening’s entertainment will be dinner as part of Sira Gecesi - meaning “Night of Order”. Traditionally a male only event, this event of folk music, poetry and social gathering will show you the heart and warmth of the Turkish people. Indulge in coffee and traditional delicacies, whilst listening to the enchanting music. Overnight: Kasr-I Hayat(https://www.kasrihayatbutikotel.com.tr/) Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

Our first destination is Gobekli Tepe, the most significant archaeological site of our time, reshaping our understanding of early human history. This sacred site reveals the earliest-known religious structures, dating back an astonishing 11,000 to 13,000 years, predating pivotal human advancements like pottery, writing, Stonehenge, and even the Pyramids. Following this, we will visit the Halepli Bahce Mosaic Museum, Kizilkoyun Nekropolis, and the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum. Overnight: Kasr-I Hayat(https://www.kasrihayatbutikotel.com.tr/) Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

Embark on a scenic drive towards Gaziantep, where the adventure begins. Upon arrival, enjoy a captivating boat trip at Halfeti, exploring the intriguing sunken city beneath the tranquil waters. Legend says that Halfeti is the only place in the world where black roses grow.  After this unique experience, we will visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. This exceptional museum proudly showcases the magnificent mosaics retrieved from the submerged city of Zeugma, offering a glimpse into the splendid artistry and cultural heritage of a bygone era.  Flight back to Istanbul, roughly 1h 30mins.  On the last night together, there will be a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Istanbul. Celebrate the connections you made, the knowledge you gained, and the memories you created. Overnight: Hotel Lamartine Istanbul(https://www.lamartinehotel.com/) Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

Transfer to the airport in the early morning for your international flight home.

Our intention is to follow the above itinerary as closely as possible but please note that timings and specific excursions may be subject to local factors such as weather conditions.

International flights are not included. We recommend that you depart from Istanbul International Airport at 09.40 on Turkish Airways Airways flight TK1989 to London Heathrow. Flights arrives to London Heathrow at 11.40.

• Domestic flights detailed in the itinerary • Transportation and accommodation as stated in the itinerary • Professional English-speaking guide throughout the programme • Meals as per the itinerary

• International flights • Alcoholic beverages • Travel insurance • Tips and porterage • Services & meals not mentioned as included