| Trip Itinerary |
|
| Day 1: USA - Istanbul |
|
Overnight flight to Turkey.
In-flight Meal Included |
| Day 2: Arrive Istanbul |
|
Arrive in exotic Istanbul for a relaxing 3-night stay. This evening enjoy a Welcome Reception and dinner with your Tour Director.
In-flight Meal and Dinner Included |
| Days 3 & 4: Istanbul |
|
Known by the Greeks as Byzantium, the Romans as Constantinople and then finally by the Ottomans in the 15th-century as Istanbul, this exciting city has always held a strategic position in the world as a gateway between Europe and Asia! Sightseeing includes visits to the 6th-century Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, home to the Turkish Sultans for over 400 years, and the Grand Bazaar. The rest of your stay is free to explore on your own.
Buffet Breakfast Included |
| Day 5: Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale |
|
This morning, our route takes us south along the Sea of Marmara for a visit to the WWI battlefields of the Gallipoli Peninsula and the Anzac Cemetery. Then across the Dardanelles Straits by ferry to Asia and overnight in Canakkale.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Day 6: Canakkale - Pergamon - Izmir |
|
First stop is the ancient city of Homer’s Troy to see the ruins and its famous hollow wooden horse. We continue to ancient Pergamon, the Greek center of arts and sciences where we visit the Acropolis and see the great Temple of Trajan. After a visit to the shrine of the Greek god of medicine in Asclepion, continue to the port city of Izmir for dinner.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Day 7: Izmir - Ephesus - Pamukkale |
|
Morning visit to the chapel that marks the sight where the Virgin Mary is thought to have spent her last days. Continue for a highlight visit to the amazing ruins of Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archaeological sights. See its 2,000 – year – old marble streets, the magnificent façade of the Celsus Library, the amphitheatre still used for concerts today and the Temple of Hadrian.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Day 8: Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Antalya |
|
In Pamukkale enjoy the “Cotton Castle”, where we see the spectacular white lime cascades formed by hot springs, an incredible natural phenomenon. After a visit to the Roman health spa of Hierapolis, continue to the coastal resort on Antalya, our home for the next 3 relaxing nights.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Days 9 & 10: Antalya |
|
One morning enjoy a visit to the historical sites of Perge and Aspendos. We will also enjoy lunch with the locals at one of the quaint villages nearby as part of our Explore and Discover series. The rest of your time is at leisure.
Buffet Breakfast, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner Included |
| Day 11: Antalya - Konya |
|
Through the green forests, orchards and olive groves, we continue our journey to the arid Anatolian Highland for an overnight in Konya, the land of the “Whirling Dervishes”.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Day 12: Konya - Cappadocia |
|
Today we visit the Seljuk Mevlana Monastery, the Karatay Medrese and the Ince Minaret. After a visit to the Caravanserai of Sultanhani, continue to Cappadocia for 2 leisurely nights. This afternoon, a chance to visit a hand-made Turkish carpet center!
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Day 13: Cappadocia |
|
We begin our day with a visit to the unique and unreal moonlike landscape of Goreme with its rock chapels carved by early Christians of the 6th-century. Then we visit the cave village of Avcilar, the underground city of Kaymakli and the monastic complex of Zelve. After dinner, enjoy a highlight folklore show in an underground cave featuring folk dances from Turkey’s varied regions.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Day 14: Cappadocia - Ankara |
|
Via the 13th-century Seljuk Caravanserai of Agzikarahan, we continue to Ankara. Afternoon sightseeing of the Turkish capital includes a visit to the magnificent Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, and the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Day 15: Ankara - Istanbul |
|
Return to Istanbul for a mid - afternoon arrival. Time at leisure for shopping with the locals, or an optional cruise along the Bosphorus which separates the great continents of Europe and Asia! Tonight enjoy a Highlight Farewell Dinner.
Buffet Breakfast and Highlight Dinner Included |
| Day 16: Istanbul - USA |
|
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.
Buffet Breakfast and In-flight Meals Included |
| |
Email friend
Printer format
Save trip
