You can rest assured some of your best moments on this journey will be captured without you knowing it or needing to worry about missing anything great.  You are welcome to leave it to us and order your personalised album from Heart of Turkey Tours at the end of the trip, allowing you the time to take it all in.

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Explore the hidden streets of old Istanbul, learning about the Turkish culture and the modernisation of Turkey, and visit the great mosques, the underground cathedral-sized Basilica Cistern and the station of the famous Orient Express. 

There is nothing like the rush and banquet of colour at this glorious trade centre established in the 1660's.  The Egyptian Spice Bazaar has 85 shops selling spices, Turkish delight, other sweets, dried fruits and nuts and traditional trinkets.

We take in and taste all that is traditional and beloved in Turkiye produce, on balmy and boutique village streets on the Asian side of Istanbul.

We cruise the Bosphorus by yacht, taking in the magnificent  landmarks from the water, and ride a cable car to the historic and picturesque Piere Loti Cafe with its spectacular 180 degree views of Istanbul.

Wander the funky Fener and Balat districts with their colourful new and ruined old Ottoman homes and view the Byzantine walls of the old city from the glistening water near sunset.

A very special gallery and artist is tucked in the hilltop town of Uchisar, whose castle can be seen from all around.  Here, Naile will teach you the classical Turkish Ebru art of drawing with paint on water, the design then absorbed onto other materials.

Avanos is also known for its eye and mouth-watering bustling Friday local market. We'll be there too.

This vast complex of monasteries, side by side, each with its own church, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fresc pictured here is one of countless examples around Cappadocia, many of which you will see at this museum.

Following on from the glorious Great Mosques of Istanbul, you will see a beautiful village mosque in the heart of Cappadocia and hear about its history and designs.

A perfect time and natural setting to reflect on our first week together. Amasra is a lovely small Black Sea fishing town with two islands. We see a castle built by the Roman empire and a Byzantine-era church, before relaxing at the beach.

Descending from the hierapolis, Pamukkale's tavertine terraces have been formed over thousands of years by a carbonate mineral left by the flowing of thermal spring water.

The ancient Greek port city of Ephesus is steeped in biblical history and our last fabulous stop before flying back to Istanbul. 

Mel is a broadcast journalist based in Christchurch, New Zealand, with her two half-Turkish teenage sons. She has a deep association with Turkiye and brings her tried-and-true experience of this magical part of the world to your experience. Mel will  be there for all of your needs along the way, with ease and good humour. She looks forward to making your journey extra special and stress-free.

Salih from My Local Guide Istanbul was born in a house above a cave in southeast Turkiye that survived the Neolithic period. Naturally, the ages became his passion, hosting global history lovers for the past 16 years.  Salih has a degree spanning the tapestry of cultures who have inhabited Turkiye since 1500 BC.  "Walking down to the Basilica Cistern and into Hagia Sofia every day, I love the history even more. And each day I learn new things from them.  I feel very lucky to be born into this rich history, fertile soil and great climate."

Relax and watch the bustle of old Istanbul with syrupy baklava, Turkish delight and a Turkish coffee or cay (Turkish tea). If sweet is not your thing, an equally fabulous savoury menu is on hand.

The beloved cats and dogs of the streets of Istanbul are a phenomenon to behold. As you wander, you will discover how a community of animal lovers and  businesspeople who they share their lives with keep these thousands of street urchins well fed, happy and healthy.

A foodies dream. From the maze of meyhanes (historic  taverns with meze platters) at the heart of traditional Turkish social life, to local production, a professional cooking lesson and lunch in a traditional village home, we peel back the layers of the mouth-watering Turkish cuisine with experts in their history. 

 Breathtaking Cappadocia. In this magical landscape you will walk valleys with ancient cave churches, explore a multi level underground city, try traditional crafts and experience wine, honey and traditional family garden production. You will sleep in cave hotel rooms and enjoy fabulous, leisurely 

breakfasts on the terrace with thiis stunning moonscape in your eyeline.

Try your hand at the pottery wheell in a town famous for its ceramics. Modern Avanos stands on the banks of the longest river of Turkey, the Red River. The clay used for its pottery is from the red silt of the river.

The jewel in the crown of Cappadocia, the Rose Valley, with its ancient rock cut churches and gardens, is a place of great reflection. And it could be a good time to get out your Heart of Turkey diary gift.  Mel will arm you with tips on travel writing that will make your thoughts sing and forever take you back to those first reflections of a wonderous walk back through time.

What a start to the day watching hundreds of balloons rise, with quiet puffs the only sound to break the air. Or you can choose to fly and see Cappadocia from on high, as an optional extra.

The historic Ottoman-era village of Safranbolu was a trading place and centre for growing saffron. It is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites for its well-preserved Ottoman houses and architecture. We take a sightseeing tour by golf cart of sites including the old Turkish Bath and blacksmiths bazaar.

The archaeologists can still be seen working piece by piece in the surrounds of this incredible ancient city next to the famous terraces of Pamukkale.

On the road to Ephesus, we stop at the exceptionally well-preserved Roman-era city of Aphrodisias is an archaeological site in ancient Caria.