A Tour of Ancient Turkey

DAY 1 Welcome to Turkey

Board your morning four-hour flight from the UK to Istanbul before catching your onward connecting flight to Izmir, which should take a little over an hour. Once you arrive this afternoon, it's time to get stuck straight into exploring what this beautiful country has to offer. Your guide will meet you at the airport to take you to your hotel before soaking up the atmosphere in this buzzing city, perched on the beautiful Aegean coast.

First stop is Izmir Clock Tower - an elaborate clock tower located at Konak Square, just a stone's throw from your hotel. Designed by French architect Raymond Charles Pére and built in 1901, it has become an iconic symbol of Izmir. Next, our guide will take you on a tour of Kemeralti Bazaar, a lively market dating back to the 17th century, which offers an authentic taste of the city. Take in the sights and sounds of the bustling bazaar as your guide leads you through the crowded, colourful streets. You'll get to explore the shops, eateries, mosques, coffeehouses, synagogues and artisans' workshops as you weave your way through the labyrinth. While you're here, it would be criminal not to try some true Turkish street food before bed.

DAY 2 Discovering Pamukkale

After breakfast this morning (try the menemen, Turkish tomatoes and eggs) you'll be met by our guide at your hotel for a private transfer to the UNESCO Heritage Site of Pamukkale - all you need to remember is a hat, suncream and a bottle of water as there's a lot of exploring in the sun to look forward to. The three-hour drive offers some spectacular views along the way, so sit back, relax and take it all in. Pamukkale is famous for its mineral-rich, thermal waters and as one of the oldest thermal cities in the world. The thermal waters have been used to heal and beautify since ancient times, and you can see for yourself when you take a dip in the historic waters at the modern spa. Don't forget your swimmers - it's not every day you get to bathe in the same waters that Cleopatra once swam in.

The scenery is mesmerising, as the hot calcite-laden waters spring from the earth, cascade over cliffs and harden as they cool, to create an otherworldly landscape. It's thanks to these magical-looking white slopes that Pamukkale - meaning Cotton Castle - got its name. Make sure you take your camera as you'll struggle to explain the unreal beauty of Pamukkale to your friends and family back home.

Next stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, which you can access directly from Pamukkale. The sense of history as you walk through these Greco-Roman ruins is palpable - the impressive Roman Amphitheatre is well worth a look, as is the on-site Archaeological Museum, which helps bring the ruins to life. Our expert guide will be on hand at all times if you have any burning questions, too. After a good wander, it's back in the people carrier for a short drive to Aphrodisias. You can explore the ruins of this once thriving first century city, including a fantastically preserved stadium and the famous temple dedicated to Aphrodite, the city's patron goddess.

Your private transfer will take you all the way back to your hotel - something your feet will be very glad of after a busy day.

DAY 3 Soaking Up the History of Pergamon

It's time to say goodbye to Izmir as you continue your Turkish adventure to Mount Ida. Our guide will meet you at the hotel before you set off on the four-hour journey north. Breaking up the drive, you'll stop at Pergamon (the perfect half-way spot) for a guided tour of the ancient city. As you walk among well-preserved ruins like the Acropolis, Asklepion, Temple of Dionysus and various waterways, fountains and more, it really feels as though time has stood still. Ancient Pergamon, with its majestic setting on top of Kale Hill, was one of the most spectacular city centres in the Hellenistic period and you still get that sense of wonder today. Don't miss the Temple of Serapis (Red Basilica), dedicated to John the Apostle and one of the Seven Churches citied in the Bible. If there's time, try and squeeze in a visit to the modern town of Bergama, with its historic bazaar at Arasta.

Continue on your journey towards Mount Ida before checking in at your hotel in nearby Adatepe - a pretty little village tucked away on the mountain slope.