Today’s mission: conquer the city that conquered empires. You’ll hit the streets with your Trip Leader and explore Topkapi Palace (aka the original bling palace), the Hippodrome (ancient Roman chariot-racing arena), Blue Mosque (which is actually grey but go with it), and the Basilica Cistern—an underground wonder with mood lighting that makes it feel like a Bond villain’s lair.

After soaking in the history, you’ve earned some freedom. Dive headfirst into the maze of the Grand Bazaar—over 3,000 stalls selling everything from carpets to knockoff designer bags to lamps that may or may not grant wishes. Or ferry across to the Asian side and brag about visiting two continents before lunch.

Need a snack? Order a meze board and try everything once. Even the mysterious-looking one. Especially that one.

Wave goodbye to Istanbul and hop on the ride to Eskişehir (say: es-kee-sheh-heer). This vibrant university town is all street art, good coffee, and riverside cafes—think of it as Turkey’s hipster cousin.

First up, your Anteros rep will give you the lay of the land on a walking tour. Wander the old Ottoman quarter of Odunpazarı, browse artisan markets, and sip çay (tea) along the Porsuk River like you belong here.

Tonight? Time to sample the nightlife. Thanks to a buzzing student scene, you’ve got live music, shisha lounges, and plenty of taverns to explore. And if you spot a place selling çiğ börek (meat-stuffed fried pastries), drop everything and buy two. One for now. One for 2 a.m.

You’re leaving hipsterville and heading to the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia. But first: a pit stop at Tuz Gölü, Turkey’s surreal salt lake where the ground is so blindingly white it looks like someone spilled a bucket of Photoshop. Cue your new profile pic.

Later, descend into the Saratlı Underground City—a spooky-cool maze of tunnels and rooms where people used to hide from raiders. Your Anteros rep might even challenge you to a race through one of the passageways (spoiler: they’ve practiced). Back above ground, you’ll arrive in Ürgüp where fairy chimneys and freaky rock towers rise out of the earth like a geological fever dream.

Feeling stiff? Sign up for a Turkish bath (hamam) and get scrubbed like a turnip. It’s weird, steamy, a little awkward—and 100% glorious. Tonight, dig into an included dinner of Anatolian specialties. Your taste buds will thank you.

Instagram didn’t lie: Cappadocia at sunrise is everything. If you’re doing the optional hot air balloon ride, prepare to float over valleys painted in gold, past fairy chimneys and ancient cave homes. Bring a scarf—it’s chilly up there, and you’ll want to look like a boho travel god in your photos.

Later, you’ll visit Göreme National Park, a UNESCO site full of 4th-century churches carved into the rock. Wander through Love Valley (you’ll see how it got its name), and snap panoramas from Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia. Also included: a stop at Avcilar Valley, where the views are only rivalled by the ice cream.

Tonight: a Turkish dance show with whirling dervishes and more spins than a DJ set. Your Anteros rep might even join the dance floor—don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Say goodbye to moon rocks and hello to the Turkish Riviera Today’s drive to Antalya is the perfect chance to nap, journal, or demolish your snack stash. When you arrive, your Trip Leader will show you around the old city of Kaleiçi—a dreamy jumble of Ottoman houses, bougainvillaea-draped lanes, and crumbling Roman gates.

Need to cool off? Konyaaltı Beach is calling. Prefer something steamier? Try a local hamam (yes, again—it’s addictive). As the sun dips over the Mediterranean, find yourself a rooftop bar, order a plate of meze, and let the sea breeze do the rest.

Wave farewell to Antalya’s glittering coast—we’re heading west to Fethiye, but not before stopping at one of Mother Nature’s showstoppers: Saklikent Gorge. This massive canyon is a refresh button for your soul. You can wade through icy water with sheer walls towering above you, or hang back with a Turkish tea and enjoy the view without soaking your socks.

After drying off, we roll into Fethiye, a coastal gem where aquamarine meets ancient. Locals say this place was gifted to Earth by the gods. After your included dinner and sunset by the marina, you might start believing it.

Today’s yours, and there are no wrong answers. Wanna set sail into the blue? Join the optional day cruise aboard a Turkish gulet and hop from island to island, all while basking in the sun like a sultan on leave.

Rather stay dry? Hike up to the Amyntas Rock Tombs for a dose of Lycian history and Instagrammable views. Or check out Kayaköy a hauntingly beautiful ghost town frozen in time.

Foodie tip: swing by the fish market and have a local grill your catch. Life in Fethiye is simple: sun, sea, and seconds of baklava.

Say goodbye to the coast—it’s time to go inland to Pamukkale, aka the Cotton Castle. No, it’s not snow. It’s a mind-bending terrace of white mineral pools formed by centuries of flowing hot springs.

Explore the ancient spa town of Hierapolis up above, where Romans used to gossip, steam, and soak. Dip your toes in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool if you're feeling royal.

Then on to Kuşadası, where the sea breeze and your included dinner await. Cocktails on a rooftop terrace with views of the Aegean? Yes, please.

Prepare to meet one of the most jaw-dropping ancient cities in the world. Ephesus was once a capital of Roman Asia, and it shows. Stroll down Curetes Way, peek into ancient bathhouses and brothels, and marvel at the Library of Celsus. If you’re quiet, you can almost hear the debates of toga-clad philosophers.

Don’t miss the Temple of Artemis—or what’s left of it. It’s a tick off the Seven Wonders bucket list. The rest of your day in Kuşadası is yours: beach, bazaar, or baklava... dealer’s choice.

Today is epic. First stop: Pergamon Acropolis—ride the cable car up and explore temples, libraries, and the steepest ancient amphitheatre you’ll ever see (warning: vertigo!).

Then: Troy.Yes, that Troy. Wooden horses, Helen of Sparta, and centuries of buried secrets. Your Anteros rep will retell the legend with just enough drama to make Homer proud.

End your day in Çanakkale, where the sea meets myth and the meze is divine.

Start your final full day with reverence. Gallipoli is a place of raw history and powerful emotion. Visit ANZAC Cove Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair, and take a moment to honour the bravery of those who served.

Then, back to Istanbul for one last evening of Turkish wonder. Treat yourself to a rooftop dinner, a cheeky shisha, or some final souvenir hunting in the Grand Bazaar’s twilight glow.

One last Turkish breakfast—honeycomb, olives, feta, bread, and ten other things you’ll miss. Maybe even a final dondurma (Turkish ice cream) with the cheeky street vendors who never stop joking.

Your trip might be ending, but Turkey will cling to your heart (and your camera roll) long after you leave. Until next time—görüşürüz!