This spectacular tour has been especially designed to experience the history, culture, diversity and color of the people of Turkey. Enjoy the mystic palaces of the Sultans, bazaars and mosques of Istanbul and the rock-hewn churches of Cappadocia. Visit magnificent ancient sites from the Roman, Christian and Islamic eras. View the sun-drenched waters of Mediterranean coast and journey through the battlefields of Gallipoli, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 –  ISTANBUL

Arrive in Istanbul Atatürk airport where your guide will meet you and assist you with your transfer to hotel. After checking in and freshening up, we highly recommend that you take a good rest, both because of the jet lag and also because you will be starting on your wonderful trip of Turkey early the following morning. You will meet your traveling companions over dinner at a traditional restaurant in the Kumkapi district, accompanied by gipsy music. Overnight Istanbul. (D)

DAY 2 – ANKARA 

Early depart for Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey. Visit the world famous Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the mausoleum of Ataturk. (Father of Turks) In the Evening Dinner at the historic Ankara district at “The castle”.
Overnight Ankara.  (B/D)

DAY 3 – CAPPADOCIA

Journey to Cappadocia en route stop at the 14th Century BC Hittite Capital “Hattusas”, continue to “Yazilikaya” the Hittite religious center. Drive across the central Anatolian plateau to Cappadocia, a landscape of unique rock formations and ‘Fairy Chimneys’. Overnight Cappadocia. (B/D)

DAY  4 -5 .  CAPPADOCIA

Tour includes 2 full days in the unique region of Cappadocia. This wonderful area is the home of a thriving folk craft industry. Pottery, carpets, kilims, embroidery and doll making are all made in this region by local artisans. Your stay here includes local tours, optional folkloric and belly-dancing shows, visits to carpet weaving villages, displays of local crafts and the opportunity to view outstanding frescoes in the churches of the region as well as a fascinating underground city. Overnight Cappadocia.  (B/L/D)

DAY 6-  CAPPADOCIA -ANTALYA 

Morning depart for Antalya via Konya, a clean and pleasant town on the southwestern outskirts of the Cappadocian region, birthplace of the spiritual leader “Mevlana” and Dervishes. Visit the Monastery / Museum. And continue to Antalya. Evening free, to explore Antalya at leisure. Overnight Antalya. (B/L)

DAYS 7 –  ANTALYA – PAMUKKALE

Explore the fascinating archeological sites surrounding Antalya. Visit the ancient Roman city of Perge, here the substantial remains of a great theatre, stadium, huge Hellenistic and Roman gates and a colonnaded street are impressive. Visit Aspendos with the best-preserved amphitheatre in Turkey. What you see here remains from Roman times, though the history of the settlement goes back to the Hittite Empire (800BC). Continue your trip towards Pamukkale the ‘Cotton Castle’ where the white limestone cliffs have attracted visitors since before the time of Christ. In the evening swim in the warm thermal waters at our hotel. Overnight Pamukkale.  (B/D)

DAY 8 –  PAMUKKALE -SELCUK

Today we visit the Roman city of Hierapolis scattered around the natural beauty of Pamukkale and continue our journey to Selcuk. En route we stop at the Roman city of Aphrodisias, the goddess of love set amongst the mountains in one of the most picturesque sites of Turkey. Our next stop is Selcuk for overnight. Overnight Selcuk. (B/D)

DAY 9 –  SELCUK

A full day reserved to visit the biblical city of Ephesos, the ancient Roman capital of Asia Minor. Ephesos is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world and center of early Christianity. Visit the chapel of the Virgin Mary and the nearby archeological museum. Overnight Selcuk.  (B/D)

DAY 10 –  SELCUK – CANAKKALE

Visit the city of Canakkale at the southern entrance to the Dardanelles and the nearby battlefields of Gallipoli. En route visit the ancient city of Pergamon, famous for learning, medicine and the arts in antique times. Also visit the fabled Homeric city of Troy, site of the Trojan wars and the famous wooden horse. Overnight Canakkale.   (B/L/D)

DAY 11 –  ISTANBUL

Travel across the Dardanelles by ferry to tour the scenes of the historic battlefields of World War 1. In the afternoon continue to Istanbul along the European shore of the Sea of Marmara. Once in Istanbul, enjoy a private Bosphorus sunset cruise. Weather permitting. Evening at your leisure. Overnight Istanbul. (B/L)

DAY 12 –  ISTANBUL 

Start your day by visiting the magnificent Haghia Sophia, and then continue to the marvelous Topkapi palace, that served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the 16^th and 19^th centuries. Optional visits: to the Treasury, where the extensive exhibits include priceless world-class collections of jewelry, porcelain, textiles and costumes of the Sultans, as well as to the Harem quarters, which is an absolute highlight. Have lunch in one of the special traditional restaurants in Topkapi. Then we continue to visit the famous Blue Mosque, the Byzantine Hippodrome and the incredible Underground Cistern. Return to your hotel and in the evening, enjoy a traditional farewell dinner. Overnight Istanbul. (B/L/D)

DAY 13 –   ISTANBUL 

Free morning for last minute shopping; time permitting, before transfer to Istanbul airport for departure to ongoing destinations. (B)