Turkey - Istanbul & Cappadocia

16th - 23rd May 2025

Why not join us on this two centre tour to Turkey based in Istanbul for 4 nights and 3 nights in Cappadoccia. Explore lstanbul, the eclectic city with an array of history, majestic architecture and lively markets. Straddling both Asia and Europe it embodies the collision of these two continents and cultures and is known for its diverse history, with influences from the Greek, Persians, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans to be discovered.

Cappadocia’s honeycombed hills and huge boulders create a landscape that could be from a fairytale. The hidden cave dwellings will enchant and amaze, and can be experienced with a stay in one of the cave hotels. You may even want to experience the unique landscape from a hot air balloon.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Turkish Airlines flight departs Manchester at 10.35 arriving in Istanbul at 16.50. Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be met by your tour guide. On the way into the city you will be given a short orientation tour before checking in at the Hotel Levni Spa. Tonight you will have a welcome dinner at Hamdi, a local restaurant which overlooks the Bosphorus. (D)

Day 2: Istanbul - After breakfast in your hotel, there will be a full day guided tour which includes St. Sophia (exterior only), the cathedral built by Emperor Justinian in 537 which was the largest church in Christendom for a thousand years, the Byzantine Hippodrome with its various monuments including a 3500-year-old red granite obelisk brought from Egypt and erected here in 390 AD. The Ottoman Empire produced marvellous architecture and you'll see two of its finest works: Topkapi Palace home of the sultans, and the famed Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I. You will also visit the Basillica Cistern. This marvel of Byzantine engineering once supplied water to Constantinople's Great Palace.

After all these visits, you'll venture into the labyrinthine of the Grand Bazaar before returning to your hotel. (B)

Day 3:  Istanbul - After breakfast you will be met by your guide who will take you on a short visit to the Spice Bazaar.  Following this you board a private cruise sailing between the two continents, Europe and Asia, sailing past the latest palaces of Ottomans, as well as mansions and modern villas. After disembarking our cruise, you will then drive to Beyoglu and visit Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) which is a hive of activity any time of day or night. Here you will weave through the backstreets, an often neglected sightseeing route, dotted with historic buildings, crumbling churches, hip cafes, swanky restaurants and market stalls. This area is one of the most colourful districts in the city. Continuing on this pleasant downhill walk you arrive at Karakoy and cross the Unkapani Bridge, before arriving back at your hotel. (B)

Day 4:  Istanbul - Today will be at leisure for you to further explore Istanbul (B)

Day 5:  Istanbul to Cappadocia - Today you will be transferred to the airport for your Turkish Airlines 13.00 departure to Kayseri. Arriving in Kayseri at 14.30 you will be met by your guide for the transfer to your hotel the MDC Cave Hotel in Cappadocia. Dinner will be at the hotel (B, D)

Cappadocia - Ancient volcanic eruptions and centuries of erosion have given the Cappadocia region of central Turkey one of the most distinctive landscapes in the country, if not the world. Its undulating, rose-tinted valleys are speckled with the towering tufa formations dubbed “fairy chimneys”. The same soft rock that was slowly shaped by nature was also worked by human hands to form thousands of cave dwellings, churches, monasteries and even entire underground cities. Add in an ancient wine culture, increasingly sophisticated dining and a wealth of outdoor activities and this is a destination of a lifetime. Why not greet the dawn on a hot air balloon ride?

Early risers often wake to the sight of a sky full of colourful hot air balloons floating over Cappadocia’s already-surreal tufa formations. Flights – weather permitting – usually take around an hour and are one of the most popular activities for visitors to the area. Balloon flights can be arranged at extra cost.

Day 6: Cappadocia - After breakfast you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby for our visit to Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. Taking time to walk through this amazing valley. You will then travel to Pasabagi (Monk's Valley) with its multiple stems and caps, peculiar to this area. After your visit to Pasabagi, your journey takes you to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey.

There will be time for lunch before proceeding to Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church entrance is excluded as it requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. We will then visit Love Valley and Uchihsar Castle before returning to your hotel. Dinner will be at the hotel. (B, D) 

Day 7: Cappadocia - Once again, after breakfast you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby to continue your exploration of the area with a visit to Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock-cut churches by hiking through the valley. Following your visit to Rose Valley you will visit Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. Here you will have time for lunch before moving on to visit Ortahısar Castle, where the storage caves can also be observed. Later in the afternoon you’ll be able to explore Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City where the early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back to the hotel a visit to the panoramic Pigeon Valley where the pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery.

Dinner will be at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 8: Cappadocia Return - Sadly it is time to say farewell to Cappadocia. After breakfast and check out you will be transferred to Kayseri airport for your Turkish Airlines flight which departs at 15.15 to Istanbul where you will transfer to the Manchester flight arriving at 21.55. (B)

Your Hotels: Istanbul - Hotel Levni Spa This luxury hotel is located on the heart of the Old Town of Istanbul, providing an easy access to many attractions such as Üsküdar Square, Taksim Square, Galata Square and Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Marmaray Sirkeci Metro is just a few steps away from the hotel. This hotel offers modern rooms, equipped with air-conditioning, TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee facilities and bathroom with shower and hairdryer. All kinds of delicacies are available to savour in the hotel's restaurant, with specialities for vegetarians and diabetics. Its roof top bar offers stunning views of the Bosphuros and Istanbul. Guests can enjoy leisure time in the indoor swimming pool or maintain fitness at the gym room. Forget the worries of the day as guests can also enjoy a relaxing massage at a spa centre after a busy day.

 

Cappadocia - MDC Cave Hotel The hotel is nestled in the picturesque background of Urgup, Cappadocia and features an impeccable blend of luxury, beauty, style and heritage. The MDC Cave Hotel is located in a quiet and charming area within walking distance to the Urgup town centre and is surrounded by the extraordinary beauty and relaxing nature of the valleys and the unique fairy chimneys - a stunning location which makes the MDC Cave Hotel a special place to stay in Cappadocia. 

Each room is designed to pamper and provides the ultimate in comfort. The fine details have been passionately chosen and each room deserves a visit. The MDC Cave Hotel's rooms were once private homes that have been restored under the guidance of UNESCO Heritage controls.
All 46 rooms at MDC are different in size and design; each has its own little story. Rooms could at one time have been kitchens, sleeping areas or stables. They mix valuable antiques and original artworks to create a traditional authentic style with an unexpected modern twist.
On the top floor, there is also a delightful terrace available for the use of guests, from where you can enjoy the wonderful view. Buffet breakfast is served in the garden restaurant and also outside on our patio during the summer months.
MDC hotel has added brand new heated outdoor swimming pool in late 2022.

Price per person (Based on 2 Adults sharing Twin/Double Room):

• Member Plus Adult - £2249
• Member Adult - £2289                    
• Non Member Adult - £2329                 
• Single Supplement - £650 (double/twin for sole occupancy)

Price Includes:

• Return Turkish Airlines (not Lo-Cost) from Manchester to Istanbul & Istanbul to Kayseri
• Return airport transfers with English speaking guide  
• Porterage at both hotels if required
• 4 nights  B&B accommodation at the Hotel Levni Spa (Istanbul)
• 3 nights HB accommodation at the MDC Cave Hotel Cappadocia
• Entrance fees to attractions as per the itinerary
• Local taxes and service charges
• Meals are indicated by code letters in itinerary (B) Breakfast (D) Dinner
• English speaking guide throughout the tour
• A/C vehicle with driver throughout the sightseeing tours

Not Included:

• Single Supplement
• Any items of a personal nature such as meals, drinks, etc
• Guide/Driver Gratuities
• Travel Insurance
• Hot Air balloon Ride

 

For further details and bookings, you can either use the  or contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please include your Name, Home Address, Contact Telephone Number, Membership Number and the Number Places Required (Member/Non-Member)

                                     Highgrove Gardens & the Cotswolds 25th - 28th July 2025

                              Join us on this varied and interesting tour based at the 4* Blunsden House Hotel, Swindon.    

                                     The highlight of the weekend will be a visit to Highgrove Gardens near Tetbury.

                                                                                      

ITINERARY

Day 1:  After the pick-ups we will travel towards Swindon stopping at Croome Court (NT) for our visit of the weekend. There’s more than meets the eye at Croome. Owned by the Coventry family since the 16th century, Croome has a fascinating history. The Coventrys used their wealth – from successes as statesmen and lawyers, colonial connections and advantageous marriages – to create this magnificent place.

A secret wartime airbase, now a visitor centre, was once a hub of activity for thousands of people. Outside is the grandest of English landscapes, ‘Capability’ Brown’s masterful first commission, with commanding views over the Malverns. The parkland was nearly lost, but is now great for walks and adventures with a surprise around every corner. At the heart of the park lies Croome Court, once home to the Earls of Coventry with four floors to explore. The 6th Earl of Coventry was an 18th century trend-setter and today Croome follows his lead by using artists and craftspeople in the house to tell the story of its eclectic past in inventive ways, perfect for making new discoveries..After our visit to Croome we continue to the Blunsden House Hotel, Swindon for check-in and dinner.

Days 2-4: Highgrove Gardens:  As part of King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s private residence, enjoy a tour of the Royal Gardens where your expert garden guide will lead you round the breath-taking gardens helping you to understand the King's deep commitment to sustainability, while enjoying the rich variety of flora and fauna. Highgrove has always been the private residence of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, near Tetbury in Gloucestershire. Since 1980 when the then young King Charles first arrived at Highgrove, he had devoted much energy to transforming the gardens around the house, which are renowned as some of the most inspiring and innovative in the United Kingdom.

Whilst we can’t visit the house itself, His Majesty kindly opens his gardens to the public and we’ll enjoy a tour with an experienced guide, who will reveal the garden’s history and some of the organic practices the King believes in. Visitors will be welcomed with a short 10 minute video from King Charles III before an experienced garden guide brings guests on a fascinating 2 hour seasonal walk where they will reveal the history, inspiration and unique organic management behind these incredible gardens.

Cotswold Farm Park: Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park has a long-standing reputation for a fun-filled day out. Visitors of all ages can interact closely with the animals and learn about farming, past and present. As the home of rare breed conservation, visitors can meet over 50 flocks and herds of farm animals, including Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs, Suffolk Punch Horses and Highland cattle. The Animal Barn, Adventure Barn and Discovery Barn can be enjoyed all year round, as they are under cover and protected from the elements. The on-site restaurant, serving locally sourced seasonal food and Adam Henson’s own beer, is a hit with the all ages. There’s plenty to offer outside the Farm Park too. Experience the stunning diversity of animals and plants by completing our two mile wildlife walk.

Historic Rugby School:   One of the oldest public schools in England it is steeped in a fascinating history and positively crammed with old world charm, a tour of Rugby School and its museum is not to be missed. Top of many international visitors’ ‘must–see’ venues in the UK, the grand school buildings and hallowed rugby ground alone never fail to impress. In fact, there’s so much to see, a tour of the school’s highlights takes up to two hours with one of our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. After the tour you will be treated to afternoon tea.  After visiting Rugby School we will make our way back to the Manchester Area, arriving early evening.

Your Hotel: Blunsden House Hotel, Swindon -  Blunsdon House is a 4* independent hotel with fantastic leisure facilities. Our hotel is set in 30 acres of beautifully maintained grounds with views to the Cotswolds. Relax beside green fields and country views, that you won't have to pay for in journey time. Located in the heart of the hotel all rooms include: King or Queen size beds, en-suite bathroom with power shower, heated towel rail & hairdryer, 32” LCD TV’s, FREE high speed internet access, tea & coffee making facilities and a working desk with ergonomic leather chair. Blunsdon House Hotel | Luxury 4 Star Hotel in Swindon

 Price per person (Based on 2 Adults sharing Twin/Double Room):

• Member Plus Adult - £439
• Member Adult - £454                    
• Non Member Adult - £469                 
• Single Supplement - £93

Price Includes:

• 3 Nights Accommodation including Full English Breakfast and 3-course, choice menu dinner with tea/coffee
• Executive Coach & Professional Tour Driver throughout the tour as per itinerary                   
• Entry to Croome Court 
• Entry to Cotswold Farm Park
• Tour of Highgrove Gardens
• Tour of the Rugby School with Afternoon Tea    

Not Included:

• Single Supplement
• Any items of a personal nature such as meals, drinks, etc
• Guide/Driver Gratuities
• Travel Insurance

For further details and bookings, you can either use the  or contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please include your Name, Home Address, Contact Telephone Number, Membership Number and the Number Places Required (Member/Non-Member)

                                  Walking or Leisure in The Malverns 28th - 31st March 2025 - FULL

Join us on this tour based at the Abbey Hotel at Great Malvern. Great Malvern has been recognised as a tourism destination since the days of the Victorian Water Cure which is very evident with all the Victorian architecture across the town. People used to visit from far and wide to take Malvern Spring Water for medicinal purposes in the form of hydrotherapy, including Florence Nightingale, Charles Dickens, and Charles Darwin.

ITINERARY

Day 1:  After the pick-ups we will travel towards Great Malvern stopping at Upton upon Severn for our first walk of the weekend. This 5.7 mls clockwise circular walk starts and ends in the car park in Upton upon Severn. The paths and tracks are generally good throughout, but some of them do go through wooded areas or across fields and these may be muddy or wet depending on the ground conditions on the day.

For the non-walkers there will be time at leisure in Upton Upon Severn to explore its unique and varied history which you can discover at Tudor House Museum and The Pepperpot Heritage Centre with stories, artefacts and photographs from days gone by.  The Battle of Upton – one of the final battles in the English Civil War took place on 28 August 1651 a few days prior to the final Battle of Worcester. After our visit to Upton Upon Severn we continue to the Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern for check-in and dinner.

Day 2: After Breakfast we travel by coach to the starting point of our linear walk from Little Malvern (British Camp car park) to Gt Malvern via the Malvern Hills (6 mls approx) back to the Abbey Hotel. This is a fairly challenging walk and does involve significant uphill sections, but the views along the way are certainly worth the effort !

For the non-walkers you will have a day at leisure to explore Great Malvern. Head to Malvhina fountain in Great Malvern where you can sample some Malvern Water straight from the hills. With the increase in travellers, the Winter Gardens now Malvern Theatres opened in 1885 to entertain the wealthy. The Theatre became famous for its George Bernard Shaw productions along with the works of Sir Edward Elgar. Today, Malvern Theatres hosts world-class theatre productions straight from the West End as well as music, comedy, children’s entertainment and much more! There is a Town walk (approx 1.2 mls)  which takes in many of the fine buildings to be found around Great Malvern, many with connections to the Victorian water cure which brought the town much fame and investment in the nineteenth century. Alternatively you could hop on a bus or train to Worcester which is situated approx 9 miles away. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: After breakfast we travel to Broadway for our final walk of the weekend. This circular walk from the coach parkin Broadway to Broadway Tower (4.5 mls) which has one steep uphill section and a corresponding downhill section.     For the non-walkers you will have time at leisure in Broadway. At the heart of the Cotswolds lies the quaint, picture-postcard village of Broadway. Peacefully dwelling at the base of the Worcestershire hills in a region of England that is nationally recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Broadway is a beautiful and historic village ideal for those who love picturesque landscapes, excellent cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. The image of Broadway today remains as it has done for centuries; a charismatic spectacle of rolling wolds, overlooking a gathering of ancient honey coloured limestone period buildings with orderly horse chestnut trees lining the grass-fringed verges of the historic 'broad way' High Street.

In the afternoon we will re-join the coach for the short journey to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway for our train from Broadway to Cheltenham Race Course. The Friendly Line in the Cotswolds' offers a unique opportunity to sample train travel from 50 years ago hauled by steam, diesel or diesel railcar. Your  trip from Broadway to Cheltenham Racecourse has glorious views westwards of the Vale of Evesham, the Malverns and Wales, and eastwards the Cotswolds. After a relaxing ride on the train, the coach will meet us at Cheltenham Race Course and take us back to the hotel for Dinner.

Day 4:   After breakfast and check-out we depart for the Morgan Factory for our tour. At the Morgan Motor Company, we witness how a family-owned enterprise was able to keep its ethos over the years. Operating for more than 110 years, authentic design, engineering, and manufacturing have made Morgan Motor renowned worldwide for its ability to build and deliver products tailored to each owner’s specific needs.  Meet the craftsmen at work on a factory tour – highlights include gaining access to workshops and seeing a Morgan Sports Car being handmade from start to finish.  After visiting Morgan we will make our way back to the Manchester Area, arriving late afternoon.

Your Hotel: Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern - The setting of the Abbey Hotel is by far one of the most perfect in the country, situated right in the heart of the countryside at the foot of the Malvern Hills.  All the bedrooms are en-suite and have TV, ironing centre, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.  The hotel offers a lift, the Priory View Restaurant, 1848 Lounge Bar and the Courtyard Café. https://www.sarova-abbeyhotel.com/

 Price per person (Based on 2 Adults sharing Twin/Double Room):

• Member Plus Adult - £399
• Member Adult - £414                   
• Non Member Adult - £429                 
• Single Supplement - £45 

Price Includes:

• 3 Nights Accommodation including Full English Breakfast and 3-course, choice menu dinner with tea/coffee
• Executive Coach & Professional Tour Driver throughout the tour as per itinerary                   
• Single journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway from Broadway to Cheltenham Race Course
• Tour of the Morgan Factory    

Not Included:

• Single Supplement
• Any items of a personal nature such as meals, drinks, etc
• Guide/Driver Gratuities
• Travel Insurance

For further details and bookings, you can either use the  or contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please include your Name, Home Address, Contact Telephone Number, Membership Number and the Number Places Required (Member/Non-Member)