Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Istanbul – the only city in the world to straddle two continents. Until then, maybe get out into the city streets and wander around or go hunting for a real doner kebab and some authentic Turkish delight (which pairs nicely with a cup of Turkish coffee). If you arrive a day or two early, maybe consider taking a day trip to Princes’ Islands. After the meeting tonight, why not head out for dinner with your group and get a taste of the fabulous local cuisine.

Discover the Old Town of Istanbul on a walk along the historical peninsula with your local leader. See some of Istanbul’s landmarks and learn about the region’s history along the way. The rest of today is then free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe wander through the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, visit the Galata Tower or head to a local tea house for a drink and to partake in some nargile (also known as a waterpipe, shisha or hookah) smoking.

This morning, jump on a bus and ferry to the shores of Gallipoli – a significant peninsula for Australians and New Zealanders. A place of pilgrimage for many, it’s hard to imagine the now calm waters and peaceful landscape as the site of such a brutal battle back in World War I. Take in the reverence and serenity of the area and hear the stories of heroism and mateship that shone through the tragedies of war. You'll spend tonight in Canakkale – a popular university town – so you won’t have a hard time finding something fun to do tonight. Whether you’re chilling on the shore of the Dardanelles with a drink or checking out a local band with some of your travel pals, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in this coastal city.

Up for learning a little about ancient history and mythical heroes? This morning, you’ll have the option to take an excursion out to the ruins of Troy – the famed walled city infiltrated by the Greeks after they hid in the enormous Trojan Horse. Explore the ancient walls, climb around the 4500-year-old ruins and look out across the Troad (the Plains of Troy) towards the Dardanelles and the hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Later today, drive to Selcuk. The evening is free for you to spend how you like. Maybe grab a couple of your new friends and wander through town to find a great spot for dinner.

This morning, head out to the ruins of Ephesus and explore the streets once walked by Marc Antony and Cleopatra. This is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. Discover the ancient city which had running water, public toilets, in-house heating, a medical institute and Roman baths. While the theatre is also well preserved, it’s perhaps the library that’s the coolest structure. Nearby are the remains of the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In your free time this afternoon, maybe head to the town of Kusadasi and hang out at one of the many sparkling beaches. You could also head to the hilltop village of Sirince and wander the cobbled lanes in search of some local fruit wine.

Travel east inland to Pamukkale, which literally translates to 'cotton castle'. Here, spectacular natural hot springs with a high calcium content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, creating bright white terraces, or ‘cotton’. Why not take a dip and snap some pics – these springs have been used as a spa since the second century BC and its waters are said to have healing properties. Take a walk in the ancient city of Hierapolis and check out the ruins of the city – Hierapolis is known for its abundance of temples and religious structures, and the amphitheatre shouldn’t be missed. If you're lucky, tonight you might catch an epic sunset from the Acropolis.

Today, maybe get up early for a sunrise hot air balloon over Pamukkale before making your way south to the coast of Turkey to see the whitewashed buildings of Kas. Right on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll be able to explore this area and its Old Town this afternoon. You could be lazing by the beach and taking in the views out over the sea, swimming in the clear turquoise waters or wandering through the Ancient City of Antiphellos. This area has been inhabited since the 4th century, so make sure to soak in some of the incredible history while you’re here. As the sun sets, ask your leader for some local dinner recommendations and feast on local delights in a restaurant tucked away in a corner of the Old Town.

Sailing in the Mediterranean is on a lot of people’s bucket lists for a reason, and today you get to tick it off yours. Jump in a boat and sail along the Turkish coast for the day, discovering the mysterious sunken ruins of an ancient Lycian city, exploring rock tombs, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and cruising along this incredible coastline. After a day of swimming, soaking up the sun, eating a delicious homemade meal and exploring ancient lost worlds, head back to Kas for a free evening.

After breakfast, hop on a public bus to Antalya – the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean. It’s hard to get a bad photo of Antalya with its cobblestone streets, historic Old City, vibrant marina and the Taurus Mountains framing the city. Head around town with your group leader, maybe jump on the old Nostalgic Tram or go to Konyaalti Beach for some more time chilling out beachside. If you are in the mood for some last-minute history, check out some of the best museums in the country, or get theatrical at Aspendos ancient city with a beautiful, intact theatre from Roman times. Tonight, why not stake out some food and shisha with your group – Antalya has a thriving nightlife scene, so take advantage.

This morning, say goodbye to those leaving and meet your new travel buddies at a second welcome meeting at 8 am. When you’re all acquainted, jump on a public bus with your group and make your way to Cappadocia – home to strange rock formations, fairy chimneys and underground cities. Make sure you have a good book or your favourite playlist lined up for the journey or take the chance to get to know your new travel mates. You’ll arrive in the evening. For dinner, a local family will welcome you and your group into their home for a traditional home-cooked Turkish meal. After, you might like to check out the nightlife in Goreme or watch a traditional sema dance, performed by whirling dervishes.

This morning, head underground and explore some of Cappadocia’s 36 underground cities – these hidden metropolises were carved into the earth thousands of years ago. Next, check out a traditional pottery demonstration with a local artisan, revealing the local secrets and techniques used to create intricate ceramics. You'll also make a stop at Pigeon Valley (named for the many pigeon houses carved into the valley’s rock) and Devrent Valley, AKA the ‘Imagination Valley’, where the unusual rock formations resemble animals. Later this evening, why not join your group for a hike to find a perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset over Cappadocia’s one-of-a-kind landscape.

Today is free for you to explore all that Cappadocia has to offer. You may have seen the iconic hot air balloons over Cappadocia online, and this morning will be your chance to tick that epic sunrise experience off your bucket list. If you’re up for it, rise bright and early and head out and up as the sun rises over the otherworldly city. Heights not for you? There are tonnes of great viewing points around the city where you can grab some pics as the sky fills with balloons. If you’re keen to get out and stretch your legs, why not head out on the Red Valley Hike, which takes you through Meskindir and Rose Valley. The trail also takes you through a cave church with excellently preserved frescoes. You could also explore the markets and street vendors in town. There’s a wealth of incredible Turkish handiwork on display, from ceramics to intricately woven carpets. Your leader will know the best places to see!

Today you’ll travel to Eskisehir – translating to ‘Old City’, this is home to ancient monuments and rock-cut tombs. When you arrive, you’ll visit Odunpazari, a historic district that dates back to the 11th century. As you explore, you’ll see well-preserved buildings from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, including konaks (traditional Ottoman-era houses). Tonight, you might like to explore Eskisehir’s thriving nightlife scene. Ask your leader to point you to all the best local spots!

Board a high-speed train to Istanbul. After dropping your bags at your hotel, you’ll head off on a tour of the Fener and Balat districts, where you’ll be shown all the best bits along the river and get a lay of the land. After hunting down some lunch (borek and Turkish coffee, anyone?), why not explore this incredible city on foot and uncover some hidden gems. Tonight, check in with your leader for the best spots to grab dinner, and maybe rally the group to toast your adventure.

This morning, your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your group leader and travel pals. If you would like to spend more time checking out all Istanbul has to offer, your leader will be able to give you the best tips for making the most of your time in the city. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.