Turkey

DAY 1: USA—Istanbul

Today you will board your flight to Istanbul. Overnight onboard.

DAY 2: Istanbul (Arrive)

On arrival in Istanbul you will be met at the airport by a company representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 3: Istanbul

Enjoy a tour of Istanbul including Topkapi Palace, the o cial and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years (excluding harem) and the Hippodrome, which dates from the days of Constantinople’s glory as an imperial capital. You will also visit the largest mosque in Turkey, the stunning Blue Mosque, and the colourful Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul (Breakfast).

DAY 4: Istanbul—Ankara

This morning enjoy an optional tour of St. Sophia and Bosphorus Cruise. Later today you will depart for Ankara. Overnight in Ankara (Breakfast, Dinner).

DAY 5: Ankara—Cappadocia

Today you will visit the Anatolian Civilization Museum to view artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the Classical Period. You can then enjoy a tour of Ataturk’s Mausoleum to visit the tomb of the leader of the Turkish War of Independence. Continue to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia (Breakfast, Dinner).

DAY 6: Cappadocia

Optional Early Morning Balloon ride. Today you will visit Goreme, located among the fairy chimney rock formations, Pasabagi, formerly known as “Monk’s Valley,” and Red Valley. It is known not only for its natural formations but also for the numerous churches and homes carved into the rock. See the 6th century frescoes, Zelve’s cliff -side Byzantine monastic complex and Uchisar’s natural citadel. Overnight in Cappadocia. (Breakfast, Dinner).

DAY 7: Cappadocia—Pamukkale

​Today you will be transferred to Pamukkale. En-route you will visit the famous Mausoleum of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana. Overnight in Pamukkale (Breakfast, Dinner).

DAY 8: Pamukkale—Kasadusi

​Today you will explore the fertile valleys of Pamukkale, known as the “cotton castle” for its white limestone cascades. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis, known for its hot springs and well-preserved ruins, before being transferred to Kusadasi on the coast. Overnight in Kusadasi (Breakfast, Dinner).

DAY 9: Kasadusi

​Today you will tour Ephesus, one of the most magni ficent excavations in the world. Visit the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan and the steam-heat Baths of Scolastika. Continue to the majestic Temple of Hadrian, Latrines (public toilets) and the marble Library of Celsus, built to hold 12,000 scrolls. You will also see the Great Theatre, the largest in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats where St. Paul preached. Walk along the Arcadian Way, the same path that Mark Antony and Cleopatra once rode in procession and visit the humble chapel on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite many controversies, the Vatican has officially sanctioned the site for pilgrimage. Overnight in Kusadasi (Breakfast, Dinner).

DAY 10: Kasadusi—Pergamum—Troy—Canakkale

Today you will visit the ancient Greek city of Pergamum, filled with relics and ruins of the past. You will then continue to Troy, famous for its wooden horse, and learn about its pivotal role during the Trojan War. Finally you will be transferred to Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale (Breakfast, Dinner).

DAY 11: Canakkale—Gallipoli—Dardanelles—Istanbul

This morning you will depart for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, named after the acronym from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in World War I. Continue to Lone Pine Cemetery, which is the location of one of the five memorials on the Gallipoli Peninsula commemorating servicemen killed in the campaign from the former British Empire with no known grave, and see Gabatepe War Museum. You will cross the Dardanelles and travel to Istanbul for a final night in this vibrant city. Overnight in Istanbul (Breakfast).

DAY 12: Istanbul (Depart)

Today you will be transferred to Istanbul airport for your flight back to the USA (Breakfast).