Worldwide Escorted Tours 2024-2026

Day 1: UK to Istanbul D Fly from the UK to Istanbul, a vibrant city that straddles two continents. Transfer to your hotel for a welcome dinner. Day 2: Istanbul B/D Start your exploration of Istanbul at Sultanahmet Square, the heart of historic Istanbul, where you’ll delve into the history of the ancient Hippodrome, once the site of thrilling chariot races and now home to magnificent obelisks. visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, followed by the stunning Blue Mosque, famed for its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles. After lunch continue to the Topkapi Palace Museum. This grand palace, which once served as the residence of Ottoman sultans, houses a priceless collection of artifacts. From there, head to the bustling Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops offering everything from handmade carpets to exotic spices. In the evening, explore Istanbul at your leisure or join an optional excursion to experience a traditional Turkish show, featuring captivating music and dance performances (at additional cost). Day 3: Istanbul to Canakkale B/D After breakfast, the morning is free to explore Istanbul at your own pace or join our scenic Bosporus Cruise (at additional cost). This delightful cruise offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline and historic landmarks as you cross from Europe to Asia. Along the way, we’ll make a stop on Istanbul’s Asian side to glimpse local life. In the afternoon, embark on a picturesque drive to Canakkale, taking in the stunning Marmara Sea coastline. En route, visit the famous WWI battlefields of Gallipoli, a poignant and historic site where soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, Britain, and Turkey fought and fell. After crossing the historic Dardanelles channel, enjoy dinner at your hotel Canakkale. Day 4: Canakkale to Kusadasi B/D Discover the legendary city of Troy immortalized in Homer’s Iliad and discover archaeological wonders that span over 3,000 years. Continue your journey through Ayvalik to the ancient city of Pergamon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll explore the impressive ruins of the Acropolis, an open-air museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Day 5: Ephesus & Sirince B/D Visit the remarkable ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Walk through its historic streets, visiting agoras, temples, and churches, and capture a memorable photo at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the afternoon, Surrounded on three sides by the Black Sea, Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean, Turkey is a breathtaking place of stunning architecture and empires, mouth- watering delicacies and rich culture. This 12 day tour encapsulates the heart and soul of this vibrant country. What you’ll see  Tour of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar  Coffee and Baklava-Tasting  Honour First World War soldiers at the Gallipoli War Memorial  Explore legendary Troy and ancient Pergamon  Discover the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus  Enjoy a picnic among Aphrodisias’ ancient ruins  Relax in Pamukkale’s thermal waters and terraces  Explore Konya, former Seljuk Empire capital  Experience the wonder of Cappadocia’s other-wordly landscapes NEW Journey Through Ancient Turkey THIS TOUR EXPLORE 114  Europe Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk Blue Mosque, Istanbul