Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7:30 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM Overnight: Istanbul
Embark on a half day morning tour of Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents Your tour includes the Rustem Pasha Mosque, a 16th century Ottoman Mosque famous for its large quantities of Iznik tiles, which are set in a very wide variety of floral and geometric designs. Continue to the Hippodrome, the place where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Then, visit St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century which was later converted to a mosque. Proceed to the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Alternatively, embark on the optional cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. View humble fishing villages and suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait. Afterwards, visit the Grand Bazaar, where bargaining is an art. This evening, savor dinner together Optional: Half Day Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Grand Bazaar (PM) Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, depart Istanbul and drive towards the town of Gallipoli, site of the famous Ottoman victory against the Allies during World War I. Afterwards, cross the Dardanelles and continue to Canakkale province, located in northwest Turkey, where you will arrive in the early evening Overnight: Canakkale Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, proceed to the classical city of Troy. Tour this 4000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer's epic poem The Iliad. Then, drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period, and visit the Asclepion, the ancient Roman spa center. Continue to Kusadasi, a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer, where you will arrive in the early evening Overnight: Kusadasi Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend a full day at leisure in Kusadasi. Or, join the optional tour to Ancient Ephesus where the Temple of Artemis, one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World," once stood. Walk along the 2000 year old marble streets; see the Great Theater, the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus. Visit the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last residence. Following the tour, visit a leather factory to shop, or return to the hotel Optional: Full Day Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary with Lunch Overnight: Kusadasi Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale, famous for its mineral-rich hot springs and white terraces. Visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hierapolis "Holy City," a UNESCO a World Heritage Site situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs. The Pamukkale hot springs have served as a therapeutic thermal spa since the 2nd century B.C. Tonight, gather together for dinner Overnight: Pamukkale Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, travel from Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle," to Konya, a city renowned for its Seljuk architecture and also as the home of the "Whirling Dervishes." Arrive in the afternoon and visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana with its distinctive fluted dome of turquoise tiles. View works of the 13th century leader Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. After exploring the museum, join your fellow travelers for dinner together Overnight: Konya Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart for Cappadocia, visiting the magnificent Caravanserai of Sultanhan en route. Afterward, visit Guzelyurt, a fine example of cave dwellings and Greek influences in the Cappadocia region. Following a special home hosted lunch, continue to Nevsehir in Cappadocia. Time permitting, meet children at a local school en route. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, visit a carpet atelier and watch a demonstration of carpet weaving. After, check into your hotel with free time before dinner. Tonight, attend the optional Whirling Dervish performance; their captivating mystical ritual connects one in infinite spinning to perfect harmony Optional: Whirling Dervishes Performance (PM) Overnight: Cappadocia Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awake very early to participate in the optional hot air Balloon Ride that takes you soaring over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations. Then, explore Cappadocia to see Guvercinlik, Uchisar, Pasabag, and the Devrent Valley. Famed for temples and houses cut directly into the region's spectacular rock formations, Cappadocia has captivated travelers for centuries. Perhaps, opt to join the optional half day tour of Cappadocia that includes the Open-Air Museum in Goreme Valley; see early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes. Explore the village of Avanos, famous for its beautiful old houses and onyx, and visit a local pottery shop. The tour ends at the fascinating Ozkonak Underground City, built on the northern slopes of Mt. Idis. Return to the hotel with free time before dinner tonight Optional: Cappadocia Balloon Ride (AM) Optional: Half Day Cappadocia (PM) Overnight: Cappadocia Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, depart for Ankara, the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, also known as the Anitkabir, lies a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with NeoHittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The most noted cenotaphs within the complex are those of General Ismet Inonu, a close comrade of Ataturk's and his successor, and that of Ataturk himself, a large and highly decorative marble cenotaph, beneath which lies his tomb. Continue to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum - built in two Ottoman buildings located near Ankara Castle. The Museum, being among exceptional museums with its unique collection, exhibits Anatolian archaeological artifacts, as well as artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the present Overnight: Ankara Meals: Breakfast
Depart for Istanbul, arriving in the early afternoon. Leisure time to explore on your own on this last day in Turkey. Perhaps, choose to partake in the optional tour to the Topkapi Palace residence of Ottoman Sultans. Tonight during dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager Optional: Half Day Istanbul with Topkapi Palace (PM) Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast
What's Included 11 nights First Class accommodations
