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Classical Turkey - Greeks and Romans in Anatolia
10
days
from
£4,430
Book today with a deposit of
£665
24th April 2026 - 3rd May 2026, 7th - 16th May 2027
Tour highlights
- The most prosperous region of the ancient Mediterranean world.
- The finest Hellenistic and Roman city ruins to survive from antiquity.
- Visit sites where mythology, legend, and history merge together.
- Includes all the major sites, many of which are off the beaten track.
- Scenically varied and spectacular: coast, mountains and plains.
Western Anatolia contains many of the most brilliant archaeological site from the ancient World. Asia Minor, as it was known, was the meeting place of many cultures: Hittites, Phrygians, Ionians, Lydians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Macedonians, and Romans all settled in or ruled this region.
The great Bronze Age epic, “Iliad”, was set in and around Troy in the north of Asia Minor, and in the centuries following the collapse of the Bronze Age, from c. 1100 BCE, many Greeks settled along the coast: Aeolians in the north, Ionians further down south, and Dorians in the far south. They founded cities all along the Aegean and Mediterranean seaboards and penetrated into the river valleys. Most of the local peoples in these areas absorbed and adopted Greek culture.
The new civic form of the polis – a city-state with contiguous territory for food production and a harbour for trading – was perfectly suited to this region. Cities quickly developed from the seventh century BCE in parallel with those of the Greek mainland. The greatest advance in human thought – the attempt to explain the natural world according to laws based on scientific observation – took place in these cities. The key early philosophers, Thales, Anaximenes and Anaximander, were all based in Asia Minor, as was the father of urban planning, Hippodamus.
When the Romans conquered Asia Minor they continued the city-building established by the Greeks. City leaders and plutocrats adorned their cities with monuments, tapping into the supreme architectural and sculptural traditions of the region. Moreover, Roman emperors showed a great interest un Asia Minor and built on a mammoth scale there. Temples that celebrated the imperial cult, where emperors were worshipped as gods, flourished in the era of the Pax Romana.
Most of what remains in Western Anatolia today is of Hellenistic and Roman origin, though there is much also from the Byzantine era; from the fourth century CE, cities reconfigured themselves in a Christian guise. With a falling away of maritime commerce, however, and severe disruption in the wake of Arab incursions in the seventh century CE, the ancient cities toppled into decline. Even the greatest of them, such as Ephesus or Sardis, became little more than villages or were abandoned altogether. Finally, the Ottoman Turks arrived to create an empire that lasted for five centuries until the birth of modern Turkey.
This tour presents the finest group of Hellenistic and Roman city ruins to be found anywhere in the world. They are set against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape, one that unfurls as the tour progresses.
Itinerary
Fly at c. 11.20am (Turkish Airlines) from London Heathrow to Izmir, via Istanbul. First of three nights in Izmir.
Under the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty, Pergamon became the most powerful city-state in Asia Minor, rivalling Athens and Alexandria as a centre of culture. On a steep-sided hill are remains of Attalid palaces, a Temple of Dionysus, an Altar of Zeus (most of which is now in Berlin), theatre, library, and Temple of Athena. The Asclepieon and ‘Temple of Serapis’ (Red Fort) lie on flat ground below.
Drive inland to Sardis, capital of the Kingdom of Lydia, whose last independent ruler was the fabulously wealthy Croesus (560–546 bc); it later became an important Roman city. See the impressive remains of the Temple of Artemis, the reconstructed ‘Marble Court’, gymnasium and the 3rd-century ad synagogue, the largest in the ancient world. Free time in Izmir (Smyrna in Greek). Third and final night in Izmir.
Drive to Ephesus, the Roman capital of the province of Asia. The most popular pilgrimage destination in the Greco-Roman world, the city was also key to the development of Christianity. Ruined by harbour sedimentation and finally sacked in the 7th century, Ephesus is the most extensively excavated site of the ancient world, and probably the one with the greatest range of standing remains. Among the more striking buildings are the Library of Celsus and the theatre, scene of the protest against St Paul described in the New Testament. Also see the restored Basilica of St John at the top of Ayasuluk Hill. Overnight in Kușadasi.
Drive to Selçuk to visit the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, housing the statue of Artemis retrieved from the temple of the goddess. Return to the site of ancient Ephesus for a more in-depth exploration. The domestic dwellings with their floor mosaics and frescoed walls are particularly interesting. After lunch, drive to Pamukkale where the next two nights are spent.
Near Pamukkale is Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman settlement renowned for its extensive ruins, including a well-preserved theater, a large necropolis with elaborate tombs, and the Temple of Apollo. In the afternoon, drive to the nearby site of Laodicea on the Lycus. Famous for its grand architecture, Laodicea features well-preserved ruins, including a stadium, theaters, baths, and aqueducts. It was also mentioned in the Bible as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Second and final night in Pamukkale.
Drive into the interior of Anatolia. One of the most beautiful classical sites in Turkey, Aphrodisias was the centre of a Roman cult of Aphrodite, whose temple survives. An important school for the production of high-quality and widely exported sculpture, there are many fine examples in the museum. Among the architectural remains is the largest and most complete stadium to have survived from the ancient world. Drive to Antalya for the first of three nights there.
Founded by (and named after) Attalus II of Pergamum, Antalya was the principal port in Pamphylia in ancient and Byzantine times. The morning is spent exploring the old town with its restored Ottoman period houses, followed by a free afternoon.
Colonised by the Greeks after the Trojan War, Perge has substantial Hellenistic and Roman gates and colonnaded streets. While the Roman aqueduct at Aspendos is the best-preserved in Asia Minor, the theatre is most complete in the whole of the Roman world. Afternoon visit to the archaeological museum in Antalya, one of the country’s finest, with exhibits from prehistory to Ottoman.
Fly from Antalya to London Heathrow, via Istanbul, arriving at c. 3.00pm.
Fly at c. 10.45am (Turkish Airlines) from London Gatwick to Istanbul. Drive to Canakkale, on the Dardanellis Strait, where the first two nights are spent.
Guarding the Dardanelles and the passage between the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara, the Gallipoli Peninsula has long held strategic importance, contested by Persians, Greeks and Macedonians. In the afternoon, drive to Troy, one of the most evocative archaeological sites of the ancient world, immortalised in Homer’s Iliad as the setting of the legendary conflict between Greeks and Trojans. Second and final night in Canakkale.
Under the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty, Pergamon became the most powerful city-state in Asia Minor, rivalling Athens and Alexandria as a centre of culture. On a steep-sided hill are remains of Attalid palaces, a Temple of Dionysus, an Altar of Zeus (most of which is now in Berlin), theatre, library, and Temple of Athena. The Asclepieon and ‘Temple of Serapis’ (Red Fort) lie on flat ground below. Continue to Izmir for the first of two nights.
Drive inland to Sardis, capital of the Kingdom of Lydia, whose last independent ruler was the fabulously wealthy Croesus (560–546 bc); it later became an important Roman city. See the impressive remains of the Temple of Artemis, the reconstructed ‘Marble Court’, gymnasium and the 3rd-century ad synagogue, the largest in the ancient world. Free time in Izmir (Smyrna in Greek). Overnight in Izmir.
Drive to Ephesus, the Roman capital of the province of Asia. The most popular pilgrimage destination in the Greco-Roman world, the city was also key to the development of Christianity. Ruined by harbour sedimentation and finally sacked in the 7th century, Ephesus is the most extensively excavated site of the ancient world, and probably the one with the greatest range of standing remains. Among the more striking buildings are the Library of Celsus and the theatre, scene of the protest against St Paul described in the New Testament. Also see the restored Basilica of St John at the top of Ayasuluk Hill. Overnight in Kușadasi.
Drive to Selçuk to visit the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, housing the statue of Artemis retrieved from the temple of the goddess. Return to the site of ancient Ephesus for a more in-depth exploration. The domestic dwellings with their floor mosaics and frescoed walls are particularly interesting. After lunch, drive to Pamukkale where the next three nights are spent.
Famous for its grand architecture, Laodicea features well-preserved ruins, including a stadium, theaters, baths, and aqueducts. It was also mentioned in the Bible as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Set in the fertile Maeander valley, the Ancient City of Tripolis was a prosperous Roman crossroads between Lydia, Caria and Phrygia. Its colonnaded streets, theatre, baths and early churches reveal a thriving urban centre shaped by trade, agriculture and later Christian life.
Towering above the striking terraces of Pamukkale, Hierapois is one of the largest and most significant ancient sites in the region. With its extensive ruins — including a well-preserved theater, a sprawling necropolis of decorated tombs, and the Temple of Apollo — the site offers a full day of exploration through centuries of Greco-Roman history. Third and final night in Pamukkale.
One of the most beautiful classical sites in Turkey, Aphrodisias was the centre of a Roman cult of Aphrodite, whose temple survives. An important school for the production of high-quality and widely exported sculpture, there are many fine examples in the museum. Among the architectural remains is the largest and most complete stadium to have survived from the ancient world. Continue to Izmir where the final night is spent.
Fly from Izmir to London Gatwick, via Istanbul, arriving at c. 4.30pm.
Expert speakers
Reverend Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
A renowned historian with an extensive publication portfolio, Lloyd’s scholarship spans global histories, with an emphasis on cultural interconnections through diplomacy, trade, literature, art and architecture. He has spent considerable time researching in Egypt, Iran, Japan, China and Cambodia and has major interests in the ancient, medieval and early modern Middle East, Far East and South East Asia, with a special focus on court society, monarchy and nobility. He is a regular guest on podcasts such as Empire hosted by William Dalrymple and The Ancients. In addition, he is an ordained priest in the Church in Wales.
More tours led by Reverend Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
Practicalities
In 2026: Two sharing: £4,780 or £4,430 without flights. Single occupancy: £5,390 or £5,040 without flights.
In 2027: Two sharing: £4,990 or £4,630 without flights. Single occupancy: £5,590 or £5,230 without flights.
Private coach; hotel accommodation as described below; breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners (2026), 7 lunches and 9 dinners (2027), including wine, water and coffee; all admissions to museums and sites, etc., visited with the group; all gratuities for restaurant staff and drivers; all state and airport taxes; the services of the lecturer, tour manager and local guides.
In 2026: Four Points by Sheraton, Izmir: modern, comfortable 4-star hotel overlooking the Aegean sea. Yedi Bilgeler Hotel, Kusadasi-Selcuk: a country hotel and winery, set among its own vineyards and olive groves. Doga Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale: a 5-star hotel with modern and spacious rooms, indoor and outdoor pools. Ruin Adalia Hotel, Antalya: Five converted Ottoman houses form this new hotel on the site of archaeological excavations. Single rooms are doubles for sole use throughout.
In 2027: DoubleTree by Hilton, Canakkale: modern, comfortable hotel overlooking the Dardanellis Strait. Renaissance Hotel, Izmir: centrally located, it offers modern, spacious rooms. Yedi Bilgeler Hotel, Kusadasi-Selcuk: a country hotel and winery, set among its own vineyards and olive groves. Doga Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale: a thermal hotel with indoor and outdoor pools. DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir: modern and comfortable hotel conveniently located near the airport. Single rooms are doubles for sole use throughout.
British, New Zealand, and American ordinary passport holders can travel to Turkey without a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Most other nationals require individual electronic visas, which are not included in the tour price. You will need to apply online in advance
The tour covers long distances by coach, and on some days there are several hours of driving. There are a few hotel changes. There is a lot of walking over the very rough terrain of partially excavated archaeological sites. Some visits require an uphill walk to reach the site. Agility and stamina are essential. Average distance by coach per day: 85 miles.
Between 10 and 22 participants.
Before booking, please refer to the FCDO website and Travel Health Pro to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.
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The Duero River: from source to sea, 13–22 April 2026
World Heritage Malta, 13–19 April 2026
Istanbul Revealed, 3–10 May 2026
Great Houses of the South West, 5–12 May 2026
Early Music in Yorkshire, 6–11 May 2026
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The Cathedrals of England, 6–14 May 2026
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Courts of Northern Italy, 8–15 May 2026
Istanbul Revealed, 16–23 May 2027
Central Anatolia, 24 May–5 June 2027
Dates & prices
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2026
Date
Speaker
Price
Date:
24th April - 3rd May 2026
Speaker:
Reverend Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
Price:
from £4,430
(Based on two sharing)
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2027
Date
Speaker
Price
Date:
7th - 16th May 2027
Speaker:
Reverend Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
Price:
from £4,630
(Based on two sharing)Testimonials
“The choice of itinerary was first class and the reason we booked this tour. Everyday was used to full advantage.
”
“All the sites were wonderful, with individual characteristics that avoided repetition.
”
“Tour met all my expectations and more. It will be one of my happy memories. I will be booking more tours with MRT!
”
“Having read Classics for my degree I always hoped to visit these sites in Turkey. The time of year was good, being not too hot or full of tourists, so I seized the moment! The tour was beautifully organised; it was a wonderful experience, and we were very privileged to be in such a small group.
”
“Lloyd was outstanding. His deep knowledge of Classical history, philosophy and languages, as well as Biblical and Christian history was effectively communicated. I learned a huge amount.
”
“We really enjoyed the tour because we saw some fantastic sites and Lloyd was a really impressive and engaging guide,and the arrangements went smoothly.
”
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