Join historian Garrett Ryan and professional licensed tour guide Alp Edward Watmough for an epic journey in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. We'll follow Alexander to Troy, where he offered sacrifice to Achilles. We'll pass the site of his first great battle with the Persians at the Granicus. We'll explore Halicarnassus - which Alexander besieged - and the mountaintop ruins of Termessos, which he failed to take. Along the way, we'll visit some of the most spectacular ruins and landscapes anywhere in the classical world. 

Meet at the airport with your representative upon arrival, then transfer to your hotel.

Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport, at least 14 days prior to your departure.

Depending on the arrival time, at around 3 PM, meet you guide for an orientation meeting and you may visit the Selcuk Museum.

Included Meals: Group Welcome Dinner

Overnight: Selcuk

This morning, we visit the Belevi Mausoleum, a massive and mysterious tomb built for one of Alexander the Great’s successors. We then head to the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, one of the most important cities of the ancient world. Stroll its marble avenues, admire the stunning Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian. Explore nearby highlights in Selçuk, such as the Basilica of St. John or the Temple of Artemis.

After an included lunch, we journey south. We stop at Didyma, home to the grand Temple of Apollo, and—if possible—at the lesser-known but remarkably intact Temple of Zeus in Euromos on the way to Bodrum. 

By evening, we arrive in Bodrum, where the turquoise coast and ancient charm await. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Bodrum, La Quinta Hotel or similar

Today is yours to enjoy the coastal charm of Bodrum at your own pace. Relax by the beach, stroll through the marina, explore the lively bazaars, or visit the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

For those seeking more history, an optional excursion is available to the ancient cities of Priene and Miletus. These lesser-visited sites offer a peaceful yet powerful glimpse into classical antiquity, with well-preserved temples, theaters, and city plans.

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Overnight: Bodrum, La Quinta Hotel or similar

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Bodrum and head south along the scenic coast. Our highlight today is a visit to the ancient city of Kaunos, reached by a peaceful boat ride across the Dalyan River. Explore its impressive ruins—Roman baths, a theater, and Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs.

After soaking in the atmosphere of this riverside gem, we continue our drive to the laid-back harbor town of Fethiye, where the turquoise waters meet the lush hills of the Lycian coast.

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Overnight: Fethiye, Alesta Yacht Hotel or similar

Today, we delve into the ancient heartland of Lycia. Our first stop is Pinara, a quiet and atmospheric site surrounded by pine-covered hills, where hundreds of tombs dot the mountainside like windows into the past. We then visit Tlos, one of the oldest and most powerful cities of Lycia. Explore its hilltop acropolis, Roman stadium, rock tombs, and sweeping views over the Xanthos Valley.

After a day rich in history and breathtaking scenery, we return to Fethiye for another relaxing overnight stay.

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Overnight: Fethiye, Alesta Yacht Hotel or similar

Today we continue exploring the Lycian civilization with three of its most iconic sites. Our first stop is Xanthos, the ancient Lycian capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander among monumental tombs, a Roman theater, and the remains of this proud city that once defied empires. Next, we visit Letoon, the sacred sanctuary dedicated to Leto and her twin children, Apollo and Artemis. This peaceful site, with its partially submerged temples and inscriptions, reveals the spiritual heart of ancient Lycia.

We end the day at Patara, once a major port city and the birthplace of St. Nicholas. In addition to its impressive ruins—including a well-preserved parliament building and ancient lighthouse—you’ll also have time to enjoy the nearby Patara Beach, one of the longest and most pristine in Turkey.

After the tour, transfer to Kas for the night.

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Overnight: Kas, Cappari Hotels Aquarius or similar

This morning, we visit the ancient city of Myra, famed for its stunning rock-cut Lycian tombs and the grand Roman theater. Myra is also home to the Church of St. Nicholas, dedicated to the beloved saint who inspired the legend of Santa Claus.

Nearby, we explore Andriake, the ancient port of Myra, where remnants of granaries, harbors, and Roman baths offer insight into the city’s maritime legacy.

In the afternoon, we embark on a relaxing boat tour over the sunken city of Kekova. Glide across crystal-clear waters to view the half-submerged ruins of ancient Dolichiste, lost to earthquakes centuries ago. Enjoy an included lunch on board, with swimming stops in secluded coves along the way.

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Kas, Cappari Hotels Aquarius or similar

We begin our journey toward Antalya, traveling through the majestic Taurus Mountains. If time permits, we’ll stop at Arykanda, often called the “Delphi of Lycia,” perched dramatically on a mountainside. This rarely visited site offers stunning views and remarkably preserved structures, including baths, a theater, and a stadium.

Our main visit today is to Termessos, one of the most breathtaking ancient cities in Turkey. Hidden high in the mountains within a national park, Termessos was never conquered—even by Alexander the Great. Explore its dramatic hilltop theater, rock-cut tombs, and scattered ruins, all enveloped by pine forests and silence.

By evening, we arrive in the vibrant coastal city of Antalya, where we settle in for the night.

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Overnight: Antalya

There are no activities planned for today. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight.

If you purchase the departure flight, please advise your flight departure details, including which airport, at least 7 days prior to your departure.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: None

Day 1:  11th May, Monday / Arrival - Istanbul 

Meet at the airport with your representative upon arrival, then transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to explore the city until your welcome meeting with your guide at 6:00 PM. 

Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport, at least 14 days prior to your departure.

• Included Meals: None

• Overnight: Istanbul 

Day 2:  12th May, Tuesday / Canakkale: Journey to Çanakkale via Gallipoli

This morning, we depart Istanbul and travel westward towards the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of profound historical significance. Upon arrival, we explore key sites from the WWI Gallipoli Campaign, including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, where stories of bravery and loss come alive. After our visit, we cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry and continue to the charming coastal city of Çanakkale for an overnight stay.

• Included Meals: Breakfast

• Overnight: Canakkale 

Day 3: 13th May, Wednesday / Izmir: Legends and Lost Cities – Troy & Alexandria Troas

After breakfast, we set out to explore the legendary city of Troy, where myth and history intertwine. Discover the layers of ancient civilizations and hear the epic tales of Helen, Paris, and the Trojan Horse. We then continue to Alexandria Troas, once a bustling Roman port city visited by St. Paul and rivaling Ephesus in importance. Walk among the scattered ruins and imagine the grandeur of this forgotten gem. Enjoy an included lunch en route before arriving in Izmir, Turkey’s vibrant Aegean metropolis, where we settle in for the night.

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Overnight: Izmir
  

Day 4: 14th May, Thursday / Selçuk:  Sardis & Pergamon

Today we journey through the heart of ancient Anatolia, beginning with Sardis, the once-glorious capital of the Lydian Kingdom and home to the legendary King Croesus. Stroll through its impressive ruins, including the grand gymnasium and the oldest known synagogue in Asia Minor.

After an included lunch, we continue to the dramatic hilltop site of Pergamon, a center of learning and culture in the Hellenistic world. Explore the Acropolis, the steepest theater of the ancient world, and the ruins of the famed Library of Pergamon.

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Overnight: Selcuk

Day 5: 15th May, Friday / Selçuk:  Magnesia on the Maeander

In the morning, we’ll visit the ruins of Magnesia on the Maeander, a large Hellenistic and Roman city. Although only part of the site has been excavated, the massive stadium – one of the best-preserved anywhere – was recently cleared. 

• Included Meals: Breakfast

• Overnight: Selcuk

Itinerary

Day 1: 09 MAY / Arrival - Istanbul 

Arrival in Istanbul. Meet at the airport with your representative upon arrival, then transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to explore.

Included Meals: None

Overnight: Istanbul 

Day 2: 10 MAY / Istanbul - Highlights of Old City

Guided tour to old city of Istanbul including Hagia Sophia, Underground Cistern, Hippodrome Square, Istanbul Archaeological Museum. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Istanbul 

Day 3: 11 MAY / Istanbul - History Unveiled

Guided tour to old city of Istanbul including City Walls of Constantinople, Valens Aqueduct, City Walls of Constantinople, Chora Church. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Istanbul

Inclusions:

• 2 nights accommodation in Istanbul

• Meals: 2 Breakfasts

• Private Airport Arrival Transfer

• English speaking Licensed tour guide

• Private vehicle during tour

Exclusions:

• International Flights

• Travel Insurance

• Lunches, Dinners

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