Welcome to Turkey, where ancient wonders meet buzzing bazaars and sun-soaked coastlines. In 12 days you’ll tick off Gallipoli, with the chance to experience the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. Plus, you’ll see Troy, Ephesus and Pamukkale, chill out at Fethiye’s Blue Lagoon, and get hands-on with local village crafts. Then it’s off to Cappadocia: fairy chimneys, underground cities, and views of hot air balloons in the sky. Expect big history, bigger views, and a suitcase that somehow comes home heavier.
Bergama: Tuck into a wholesome spread of Turkish specialities, then head to a carpet weaving demo led by local women. You'll see the craft up close, learn how patterns and symbols tell stories, and clock the time and skill behind traditional Anatolian carpets on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Çanakkale: Roam through Çanakkale’s streets and soak up that laidback harbour-town vibe. We'll also stop at the Trojan Horse monument from the movie 'Troy' for a quick photo op.
Cappadocia: Lace up! We'll head out on an easy-to-moderate morning hike through Cappadocia’s Red Valley, passing by epic volcanic landscapes and honey-coloured rock formations. Don't forget sun protection, and plenty of water.
Cappadocia: Take a trip to the Middle Ages, checking out a series of churches built into volcanic rock. Trust us when we say, it's simply sublime.
Cappadocia: There's no better place to see live pottery than here on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Come join a demo at the Chez Galip's pottery workshop - a UNESCO recognised artist for popularising Avano's pottery heritage. You'll learn the traditional techniques of shaping clay and even the firing process.
Ephesus: Grab your camera, it’s time for some bucket list ticking. See the Temple of Artemis and finally understand what all the fuss is about.
Gallipoli: Brush up on your history with a visit to WWI battle sites: Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, then check out where the ANZAC troops first landed during the Battle of Gallipoli.
Istanbul: Get on foot, and explore the vibrant corners of Istanbul. We'll check out the spice market, the epic blue mosque, Hippodrome, and even the Grand Bazaar.
Istanbul: No better way to kick off the trip than with a delish rooftop dinner with your new crew. You’ll get a taste of Turkish delight too, because starting sweet will always be the move.
Konya: Meet Mustafa, a respected local Sufi figure, at his lodge, Hichane, for a Sufi Talk that’ll unpack the philosophy behind the whirling dervishes. Expect stories, real local insight, and music too. He’ll share his world as a ney (AKA Persian flute) player and community leader. All in an underground space that makes this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience feel seriously special.
Konya: We’ll be welcomed into a local homestay in Konya to share traditional Turkish food, warm hospitality, and an easy, authentic cultural exchange around the table. It's a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you won't wanna miss.
Ölüdeniz: Head to Ölüdeniz (AKA the famous Blue Lagoon), for that unreal turquoise water and mountain backdrop combo. Kick back by the shore, then watch paragliders drift overhead like they own the sky. Cue the camera roll.
Troy: A treat for the history buffs. Spark your imagination as you visit the mythological Horse of Troy with a local guide.
