Empires of the past: Istanbul & Carthage

Arrive in bustling Istanbul, once the capital of Turkey, a city brimming with history, culture and delicious cuisine. Transfer to your hotel, get settled, and if time allows, enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Important note: Take advantage of our optional excursions package and save by adding several of the optional activities to your itinerary in one go. Click on each package to see what's included!

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, head to the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque. Located on the third hill of Istanbul, it boasts one of the most incredible panoramic views of the city.

After the visit, choose to take the transfer back to your hotel or spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Istanbul at your own pace (no included transfer back to the hotel). Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, vibrant city life and eclectic architecture.

To fully immerse yourself in the local culture, we recommend an optional full-day city tour of Istanbul*. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

*Optional full-day Istanbul city tour: see Istanbul's most emblematic sights, from the incredible Topkapi Palace to Hagia Sophia. Enjoy an included lunch, see the exterior of the iconic Blue Mosque and historic Hippodrome. End the afternoon at the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day at the aromatic Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans. Next, take a boat ride along the Bosphorus, enjoy views of old palaces and traditional houses as you sail through the heart of the city; the border between Europe and Asia.

After disembarking, enjoy time exploring the city at your own pace (no included transfer back to the hotel). We recommend an optional excursion to the key attractions of the Anatolian side of the city to discover more of Istanbul* and/or an optional dinner show on the Bosphorus!** Overnight stay in Istanbul.

*Optional half-day Anatolian Istanbul excursion with lunch: explore the Anatolian side, home to some of the country's most beautiful architecture, from the iconic Beylerbeyi Palace to the murals adorning the winding streets. Drive to Camlica Hill, in the underrated Üsküdar district. Take in the panoramic views from the highest point and soak up the bustling atmosphere from the city below. Enjoy an inlcuded lunch.

**Optional dinner show on the Bosphorus: the best way to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner is on an evening cruise down the Bosphorus! See the suspension bridges of Istanbul as they twinkle in the evening light. Enjoy exciting dance performances (belly dance and dervish), Turkish music, a delicious dinner, and two drinks per person.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Ankara, crossing the spectacular mountains of Bolu along the way. Arrive and enjoy a panoramic tour of Ankara, the Turkish capital and a modern and cosmopolitan city steeped in history and ancient culture.

Later, pay a visit to Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk. Inaugurated in 1953, it’s dedicated to the founder of Modern Turkey. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Ankara.

Estimated distance and travel time: 280 miles, 6 hrs approx.

The timing indication reflects the actual driving time, it doesn't consider the obligatory stops every 2 hours lasting an average of 15 minutes each.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your journey to incredible Cappadocia, famed for its unique geological formations. Pass by the spectacular Salt Lake along the way.

Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to the hotel. Head to a wonderful ceramic workshop where you’ll witness the traditional way of creating ceramic objects, from everyday artifacts to true works of art. Enjoy a visit to a precious stone shop and gain insight into the process of turning raw materials into stunning jewelry. For operational reasons, this activity might be done the next day.

The remainder of the day is yours to begin discovering the landscapes of this magical region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For an unforgettable experience, we recommend our optional safari and sunset tour* for an adrenaline rush through the valleys of the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.**

Estimated distance and travel time: 190 miles, 5 hrs approx.

The timing indication reflects the actual driving time, it doesn't consider the obligatory stops every 2 hours lasting an average of 15 minutes each.

*Optional Jeep safari and sunset in Cappadocia: Immerse yourself in the magical Cappadocia valley landscape, enjoying the sunset as you do impressive, adrenaline-pumping dips, donuts, and tricks in a 4X4 jeep.

**Optional upgrade to a cave hotel in Cappadocia: Upgrade to a cave-style hotel for the two nights in Cappadocia, subject to an additional fee. This unique experience lets you enjoy traditional accommodations carved into the rock, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and modern comfort.

Breakfast at the hotel. Why not start the day with an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia*, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Next, you have the chance to enjoy an optional visit to Saratli**, the incredible underground city*.

Mid-morning, discover the fascinating landscapes of Cappadocia, formed by the erosion of layers of lava and ash from ancient volcanic eruptions over 3 million years ago! Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, a Byzantine monastic complex with beautiful frescoes.

Explore the Valleys of Avcilar and Güvercinlik, where the captivating "Fairy Chimneys" are located, followed by a visit to a local carpet workshop. Afterwards you can enjoy an optional Turkish night in Cappadocia***. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

*Optional Hot Air Balloon flight: float over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique viewpoint on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight. Enjoy panoramic sunrise views, celebrate with a non-alcoholic beverage and a personalized flight certificate. Minimum age limit for children: 6 years old.

Please note: The hot air balloon flight depends on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot take place, it will be refunded upon return.

**Optional visit to Saratli, the underground city: discover the maze of tunnels and rooms of the Saratli Underground City, located approximately 50 km from Nevsehir. The city was used as a refuge by early Christians during the Byzantine period. Explore its living quarters, storage rooms, wells, and distinctive ventilation system, offering a fascinating glimpse into life beneath Cappadocia.

***Optional Turkish night in Cappadocia: A fun evening filled with typical dances from the different regions in Turkey, including the famous belly dance. Enjoy this colorful event and the party atmosphere as you take in the traditions of the area! Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) during the show.

Breakfast* at the hotel. You're returning to Istanbul today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the city. Arrive in Istanbul, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Tunisia. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by our staff, ready to assist you with anything you need. Transfer from Tunis airport to your hotel in Hammamet. After check-in, take some time to relax and settle in. Next, enjoy a delicious included dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Overnight stay in Hammamet. 

*Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Total transfer time: approx. 1 hour | 70 km. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for Tunis, Tunisia’s vibrant capital, where centuries of history come to life in its atmospheric Medina. Wander through lively souks filled with colourful textiles, spices and traditional crafts, taking in the sights and sounds of everyday Tunisian life.

Continue towards the coast and enjoy an included lunch before visiting Carthage, the ancient Punic and Roman capital. Discover its historic Punic ports and the impressive Baths of Antoninus, reminders of the city’s remarkable past. Later, continue to Sidi Bou Said, a dazzling white-and-blue village with Andalusian roots, where you’ll have time to stroll its charming streets and soak up its coastal charm. Included dinner and overnight stay in Hammamet.

Please note: Travellers arriving on Wednesday will enjoy these visits on Day 7.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the coast behind as you travel inland to Kairouan, considered the fourth holiest city in Islam and one of Tunisia’s most important spiritual centres.

On arrival, explore the city’s rich religious heritage with visits to the Great Mosque of Sidi Okba and the Barber’s Mausoleum. After an included lunch, enjoy free time to wander through the Medina at your own pace, where quiet lanes, traditional workshops and historic architecture reveal the timeless character of this sacred city. Included dinner and overnight stay in Kairouan.

Total transfer time: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes | 112 km.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, journey towards Sbeitla, the ancient Roman city of Sufetula and one of Tunisia’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Discover its remarkably preserved ruins, including the Capitol with its three separate temples, Roman baths, Byzantine fortresses, early Christian churches and the triumphal arch dedicated to Diocletian.

After an included lunch, continue towards Tozeur, the gateway to the Djerid region and a city shaped by desert light, palm groves and distinctive brickwork. On arrival, enjoy a stroll through the city before settling in for the evening. Included dinner and overnight stay in Tozeur.

Total transfer time: approx. 5 hours | 314 km.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free morning to relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities. For a bit of adventure, consider an optional excursion to the mountain oases of Chebica and Tamerza*, or take time to admire the otherworldly landscapes of Chott el Jerid, Tunisia’s vast salt lake. Return to the hotel in Tozeur for an included lunch.

In the afternoon, explore the Medina and market of Tozeur, soaking up the vibrant local atmosphere. Return to the hotel to enjoy an included dinner. Overnight stay in Tozeur.

*Optional Mountain Oases Excursion: Hop in a 4x4 to traverse the Gharsa salt lake, exploring the ancient ruins and lush palm groves of Chebika. From there, continue your adventure to Tamerza’s waterfall and the dramatic canyons of Mides. This excursion includes a guide and transfers. 

Note: This excursion is paid on-site. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Matmata, a unique Berber region famed for its troglodyte homes, carved directly into the earth to create cool underground living spaces around open-air courtyards. This extraordinary landscape is also known for its connection to Star Wars filming locations.

Continue to Tamezret, a picturesque Berber village, for a panoramic stop before travelling onwards to Sfax. After an included lunch, explore the city’s historic Medina and the area around Bab El Diwan, where traditional architecture and local life offer a glimpse into one of Tunisia’s most authentic urban centres. Included dinner and overnight stay in Sfax.

Total transfer time: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes | 284 km.

Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to El Jem to visit its magnificent Roman amphitheatre, one of the most impressive ancient monuments in North Africa. Continue with a visit to the Mosaic Museum, home to beautifully preserved artworks that reveal the refinement of Roman-era Tunisia.

Next, journey to Sousse for a visit to its historic Medina and Ribat, where fortified walls, narrow streets and sea-facing views reflect the city’s rich past. After an included lunch, continue to Hammamet for your final night in Tunisia. Included dinner and overnight stay in Hammamet.

Total transfer time: approx. 3 hours 15 minutes | 250 km.

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time**, transfer to the Tunis city airport for your flight back to Canada. Arrive home with unforgettable memories of your Tunisian adventure, having discovered the rich history and breathtaking landscapes that make Tunisia so unique.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**Please note that, depending on your return flight schedule, you may not be able to fully enjoy your last night of accommodation.