Istanbul to Amman

Itinerary

Day 1 Istanbul

The adventure begins in one of the world's most glamorous and mysterious cities. Arrive early to cruise the Bosphorus, shop for bargains at the Grand Bazaar or soak up the atmosphere at the fabulous Topkapi Palace and the imposing Aya Sofya. Board an overnight train for Denizli.

Day 2 Pamukkale

Arrive in Denizli with plenty of time to explore the gleaming calcium terraces of Pamukkale. Generations of tourists, from the ancient Romans onwards, have come here to bathe in the hot travertine springs.

Day 3 Selcuk

Explore the incredible ruins of Ephesus, once a trading powerhouse and now Turkey's best-preserved ancient city, then taste local wine in Sirince, a village seemingly unchanged by time. In Selcuk, see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Days 4-5 Fethiye

Catch a public bus to Fethiye, a coastal village that's a hub for island cruising, paragliding, hiking or simply relaxing on Turkey's most famous beach, the idyllic Oludeniz.

Day 6 Antalya

Vibrant Antalya is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. Linger in a hip cafe in the old city of Keleici, wander palm-lined boulevards or stroll in Karaalioglu Parki.

Days 7-8 Goreme

Reach the dramatic region of Cappadocia, whose fertile soils nurture orchards and vineyards. Visit fascinating underground cities and cave churches, hike through dramatic gorges or perhaps hire a bike and head off to explore local artisan villages.

Day 9 Nemrut Dagi

Follow steep and winding roads through the ancient lands of King Antiochus, a fierce and megalomaniacal warlord who hoped to immortalise himself with a monumental tomb at Nemrut Dagi, set high on a man-made mountain.

Day 10 Sanliurfa

Legend has it that the prophet Abraham was born in a cave here. Join religious pilgrims at the Throne of Nimrod where Abraham is said to have been thrown into the fire by the Mesopotamian tyrant. Stay in a local home and enjoy a delicious feast spiced with isot, the legendary local pepper.

Days 11-12 Aleppo

Don't miss Aleppo's famous covered souq, the ruined Citadel and the 15th century houses in the Christian quarter. On a free day, perhaps explore the Dead Cities, a group of surprisingly untouched Byzantine ruins, or perhaps the Qala'at Samaan where St Simeon perched to preach to the faithful.

Days 13-14 Damascus

Syria's glamorous capital is a maze of ancient alleyways, lively bazaars and gorgeous architecture contributed by the Persians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs. Discover more of the city's medieval history on a visit to the Crusader fortress Krak des Chevaliers, and the mausoleum of the legendary Muslim leader Saladin. There's also time to wander the ruined city of Palmyra.

Day 15 Amman

This grand adventure through antiquity comes to an end in Jordan's modern capital.