Empires of the past: Istanbul & Carthage

Ready to discover the cultural treasures and incredible landscapes of Turkey? Arrive at your Canadian departure airport ready to catch a flight to Istanbul*. Night on board.*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

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 Kaimakli**, 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 Kaimakli, the underground city: discover the maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth, 12 miles from the city of Nevsehir. Believed to have been built in the Hittite period, it's the widest of the underground cities in the region.***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.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day by exploring the rich history of Susa. Dive into the fascinating Medina and explore the imposing Ribat with included entry tickets. Next, head to Monastir for a relaxing walk along the esplanade of the Bourguiba Mausoleum, a significant historical symbol. Enjoy an included lunch before continuing to El Djem.At El Djem, witness the impressive Amphitheater, a magnificent monument that transports you to the region's Roman past. Finally, travel to Sfax to immerse yourself in the authenticity of its Medina, exploring its alleys filled with history and culture. Check-in, included dinner and overnight stay in Sfax.Total transfer time: Approx. 3 hours | 125km.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a unique adventure in the fascinating region of Matmata. Discover the troglodyte houses, astonishing rock-carved dwellings that invite you to delve into a subterranean world filled with history and mystery. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Tamerzet and an included lunch.Continue your journey to Douz, where an exciting desert adventure awaits. Explore the vast and mysterious landscape on foot or opt for an exhilarating quad ride over the towering dunes of Douz. Please note that the quad option is for adults only. After this thrilling experience, transfer to your hotel, check in, and enjoy an included dinner. Overnight stay in Douz.Total transfer time: Approx. 4,5 hours | 305km.

Breakfast at the hotel, head early to Chott el Jerid for a panoramic stop at the salt lake. Marvel at the vast and unique beauty of this desert landscape, then travel to Tozeur for an included lunch, recharging your energy before further exploration.Known as the "gateway to the desert," Tozeur captivates with its lush oasis and ancient date palms. Stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the traditional architecture of southern Tunisia. In the afternoon, transfer to Nefta, famous for its spectacular oasis and desert scenery, iconic settings for numerous films and TV series. Return to the hotel for the check-in and included dinner. Overnight stay in Tozeur.Total transfer time: Approx. 2 hours | 125km.

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*. Return to the hotel in Tozeur for an included lunch.In the afternoon, explore the Medina and market of Tozeur, soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere. Return to the hotel to enjoy an included dinner. Overnight stay in Tozeur.*Optional visit to the mountain oases of Chebica and Tamerza: Traverse the salt lake of Gharsa to explore the palm grove and ancient city of Chebica. Continue to Tamerza's grand waterfall and the mountain canyons of Mides.Note: This excursion is paid on-site.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, travel to Sbeitla, an archaeological site in Tunisia that boasts impressive Roman ruins, including temples, baths, theaters, and a basilica. Explore these fascinating historical remnants and learn about the rich history of the region. After the visit, enjoy an included lunch before departing for Kairouan.In Kairouan, visit the Barber's Mausoleum, a significant pilgrimage site and one of Tunisia's most sacred Islamic monuments, where you’ll learn about its religious and historical importance. Stroll through the lively Kairouan souk, exploring colorful stalls of spices, textiles, ceramics, and other local products. Check-in and included dinner at your hotel. Overnight stay in Kairouan.Total transfer time: Approx. 5 hours | 330km.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Sidi Okba Mosque, a place imbued with profound spirituality and impressive architecture. Then, head to Carthage to explore its ancient ruins, a testament to a glorious past. Continue to Sidi Bou Said, a charming village with white and blue houses contrasting beautifully with the deep blue Mediterranean Sea.After a morning of exploring, enjoy an included lunch with authentic local flavors. In the afternoon, delve into the heart of Tunis city, where the bustling souks and city center welcome you with their organized chaos, vibrant colors, aromas, and contagious energy of everyday life. Check-in and included dinner at your hotel. Overnight stay in Tunis.Total transfer time: Approx. 3,5 hours | 200km.

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.**You have the option to add a late check-out at the next step of the reservation process. To ensure the availability of optional services, we recommend adding them now to your reservation, as they are subject to availability.