Mystic Mosaic: Grand Tour of Ancient Türkiye with Luxury Cunard Mediterranean Voyage

Arriving in Barcelona, you’ll transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Embark the regal Queen Elizabeth, one of the finest cruise liners at sea. Enjoy Cunard’s spectacular heritage, sense of occasion and huge array of activities, including ballroom-dancing, lawn bowls and Afternoon Tea in the Garden Lounge.

Sail along this narrow passage to witness the picturesque landscapes and charming coastal towns on both sides. The strait is known for its stunning views of the Calabrian and Sicilian coasts, as well as the Messina skyline.

Soaring mountains, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unspoilt green spaces, and Byzantine churches – Athens is a beguiling destination of beauty and mythology. The Acropolis gazes out on urban sprawl from the heart of the city.

As you sail along this legendary waterway connecting the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara, you’ll be captivated by the picturesque landscapes and historical landmarks that grace its shores.

İstanbul promises a living mosaic of cultures, evident in its diverse neighbourhoods and culinary delights. With its rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and lively markets, you’ll experience a fusion of old-world charm and contemporary allure.

Disembarking in İstanbul, your guide will whisk you on a city tour. Visit the Blue Mosque, wander Hippodrome Square, enjoy a photo stop at the magnificent Hagia Sophia, and lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar. 

Leaving İstanbul behind, you’ll enjoy a photo stop at the Trojan Horse before roaming around the Gallipoli region. Visit the serene Lone Pine Memorial with views of the 1915 front line and the historic Anzac Cove landing site. 

Today, you’ll uncover the history of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk among the legendary ruins, trace the tales of Homer’s Iliad, and admire the reconstructed wooden horse before continuing to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.

Leaving Çanakkale behind, soar through the skies on a cable car to the Acropolis of Pergamon before reaching Kuşadası. Here, you’ll be treated to an escorted tour of Ephesus, before finishing the day with dinner at your hotel.

Relax on the beaches of Kuşadası or opt for an optional tour of the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Dine on delicious Mediterranean cuisine as you admire the panoramic vistas of the beckoning horizon and surrounding coastline. 

Next, you’ll transfer to Pamukkale. Revel in a day at leisure, where you could choose to visit the UNESCO Ancient City of Hierapolis to admire the geological marvel where thermal springs create a terrace of white baths.

Transferring from Pamukkale to Konya, you’ll visit Sultanhanı Caravanserai, a well-preserved example of Seljuk architecture, and investigate the Mevlana Museum, the final resting place of Rumi, a recognised Sufi mystic. Then, check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Join an optional early morning tour to witness Cappadocia’s celebrated sunrise punctuated with hot air balloons. Relish the Three Beauties: Pigeon Valley, Uçhisar Valley, and Paşabağ Valley before encountering the Avanos Valley’s Red River, Türkiye’s longest river. 

Spend a day at leisure in Cappadocia, wandering inviting villages, discovering local crafts, sampling regional cuisine, and enjoying the unique landscapes. Relax, explore at your own pace, and soak up the region’s atmosphere.

Your holiday complete, today you’ll disembark your ship before making your own way home.