ITINERARY

DAY 1 – ISTANBUL

Arrive in Istanbul Atatürk airport where your tour leader/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 at 18:00 for a Welcome drink.  Overnight Istanbul.

DAY 2 – ISTANBUL

A full day spent exploring the magnificent sights and treasures of Istanbul  – the city of Sultans, including Topkapi palace, Hagia Sophia, Underground Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar.  Overnight in Istanbul (B)

DAY 3 – ISTANBUL – CANAKKALE

Morning depart for Gallipoli to visit the battlefields.  After lunch visit the moving sights of Anzac Cove, Ariburnu cemetery, Lone Pine, the NEC Plugges Plateau and Chanuk Bair.  Overnight in Canakkale (B, D)

DAY 4 – CANAKKALE – TROY – PERGAMUM – KUSADASI

Early morning departure for the ancient city of Troy, were the scene of the famous battles between the ancient Greeks and the Trojans took place. The scenic coastline of the Aegean Sea brings us to the Hellenistic city of Pergamum, a famous city of learning, medicine and the arts in ancient times. Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D)

DAY 5 – SELCUK – EPHESUS – KUSADASI

Visit the magnificent biblical city of Ephesus, the ancient Roman capital of Asia Minor.  Ephesus is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world.  Visit the chapel of the Virgin Mary, The Basilica of St. John and the nearby Archaeological Museum.  Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D) 

Optional: Sirince village visit (afternoon)

DAY 6 – SELCUK – APHRODISIAS – PAMUKKALE

A Journey to Pamukkale; known in Turkey as the Cotton Castle. These white limestone cliffs have attracted visitors since before the time of Christ.  Stop at the Roman city of Aphrodisias set amongst the mountains in one of the most picturesque sites in Turkey. Explore the Roman city of Hierapolis and stand at the ‘Gateway to Hell’. In the Evening swim in the thermal waters at our hotel.  Overnight in Pamukkale (B, D)

DAY 7 – PAMUKKALE – ANTALYA

Your journey continues through the Turkish countryside, past lakes to the foot of the Taurus Mountain. Continue south to Antalya, arriving in time to explore this beautiful city set on the shores of the Mediterranean before the sunset. Overnight in Antalya (B, D)

Optional: museum & old harbour tour (afternoon)

DAY 8 – ANTALYA

Explore the hinterland of Antalya and visit the ancient Roman city of Perge and the best-preserved amphitheatre in Turkey at Aspendos. Afternoon is at your leisure.  Overnight in Antalya (B, D)

DAY 9 – ANTALYA – CAPPADOCIA

Depart Antalya for Cappadocia.  En route visit Konya, famous for its Selcuk architecture and spiritually important as the center of the spiritual leader Mevlana, the Whirling Dervish who preach friendship, tolerance, and divine love we visit the Mevlana Museum, a place of worship and home to many famous works of art and textiles and visit the Karatay Medrese. Continue through the vast steppes of central Anatolia along the legendary ‘Silk Road’, dating from the middle Ages. Visit the famous Sultanhani Caravanserai before continuing to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D)

DAY 10 – CAPPADOCIA

A full day to explore the beauties of Cappadocia, Including visits to: Goreme open-air museum, Pasabag fairy chimneys, Cavusin dwellings, Ozkonak underground city, Avanos, Red & Rose valley panoramic stop.  Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D)

DAY 11 – CAPPADOCIA – ANKARA

Early morning departure for Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey where we visit the world famous Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the impressive mausoleum of Atatürk, father of the modern Turkish people.  Overnight in Ankara (B, D)

DAY 12 – ANKARA – BURSA

After a relaxing morning we leave for Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival visit the amazing Green Mosque Complex. In the evening enjoy famous warm mineral bath at your hotel “Hamam” at the hotel. Overnight in Bursa (B, D)

DAY 13 – BURSA – ISTANBUL

In the Morning visit of the City of Bursa, with a rich imperial past.  It has many fine examples of Ottoman architecture, and remains also an important center of the Silk Trade.  Enjoy a visit to the fascinating silk markets and continue to the city of Iznik (Ancient Nicaea) founded in 1000BC and famous for its ceramics. Pass through Hereke, world famous as a production center for Turkey’s finest silk carpets.  Continue to Istanbul and visit the main workshops where exquisite designs from the Ottoman period are transposed and sold throughout the world. Overnight in Istanbul (B, D)

Optional: Bosphorus cruise & Farewell Dinner on boat.

DAY 14 – DEPART ISTANBUL

Transfer to airport for your ongoing destination flight. (B)