Where east meets west, this region was once the most prosperous of the ancient Mediterranean; investigate 3,000 years of complex history in the fascinating city of Istanbul. The Ayasofia symbolises Byzantine Constantinople, built as a church by Emperor Justinian it became a mosque and is now a museum. Assess the political value of the chariot races at The Roman Hippodrome and investigate the forest of columns supporting the Byzantine Cistern. Travel to the western fringes of Turkey where Greeks settled 3,000 years ago and Romans later developed prosperous cities along its shorelines. The extensive Roman ruins of the Mediterranean trading city of Ephesus allows a detailed study of architectural design. Students can consider the cultural attainment of a civilization, which commissioned such an imposing building as the Ephesus library. Imagine the atmosphere of the crowd of 25,000 as they listened to St Paul’s speech in the grand theatre.

Hierapolis is a  ruined city adjacent to the spectacular white limestone terraces of Pamukkale. The thermal Sacred Pool is believed to have healing properties. Visit Priene in the valley of the River Maeander, considered the best example of a Hellenistic city outside of Greece and the Temple of Didyma the oldest oracle in Asia Minor. Pergamum founded by Alexander the Great is a great ancient centre of culture and learning.

Students can assess the extent of damage caused by early archaeologists, as they uncovered the complex layers of ancient buildings at the legendary site of Troy.

Our best value sample itinerary from £725

8 Days to Turkey

Day 1:
Travel to Istanbul by air. Meet your coach and guide. Time permitting, take a short orientation tour of the city. Overnight Istanbul.

Day 2:
Spend a full day in Istanbul. Visit the Topkapi Palace and museums. See the Blue Mosque, famous for its beautiful interior tiles, and the Hippodrome, where chariot races took place in Roman times, and the Basilica Cistern. Visit Hagia Sofia, the splendid former mosque. Do some shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3:
Transfer to Bursa, one-time capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the thermal baths, beautiful parks and gardens, and important Ottoman buildings. See the Green Mosque and Sultan Mehmet the First's Green Mausoleum. Overnight in Bursa.

Day 4:
Transfer to Pamukkale. The 'Cotton Castle' is famous for its thermal springs, baths, and calcified pools. Also visit the largest Necropolis in Turkey. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 5:
Transfer to Kusadasi. En route, visit Aphrodisias and Ephesus. Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world. Overnight Kusadasi.

Day 6:
Full day to the cities of Priene, Miletus and Didim. Visit the Temple of Didyma, which was dedicated to Apollo. Return to Kusadasi for overnight accommodation.

Day 7:
Travel to Canakkale via Pergamum and Troy. Pergamum, founded by Alexander the Great, rivalled Athens and Alexandria as a cultural centre. Visit the Acropolis, the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Trojan, the Theatre, Temple of Athena and the remains of Asclepion. See a replica of the famous wooden horse. Overnight in Canakkale (location may vary depending on return flight time).

Day 8:
Morning transfer to Istanbul to connect with your return flight.