TREASURES OF TURKEY

DAY 1- Arrive in Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2, - Istanbul City Tour

Embark on a full 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. Proceed to the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. Then, visit Hagia Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, which was later converted to a mosque. is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Hippodrome, is another popular destination in the Old City. It was once the heart of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and served as a venue for chariot races, public events, and political rallies. Today, the Hippodrome is a public park where visitors can see ancient monuments, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain. Afterwards, embark on the A scenic journey along the Bosphorus between two continents, Asia and Europe. Then to and the Grand Bazaar.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3- Istanbul- Canakkale
Start your day with a drive to Gallipoli, the site of a historic Ottoman triumph over the Allies in World War I. Take a moment to visit the Anzac Cemetery, a solemn tribute to the brave soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who lost their lives there. Afterward, head across the Dardanelles and make your way to Canakkale province in northwest Turkey. You should arrive there by early evening.

Overnight: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4- Visit Troy, Pergamum, Travel to Izmir
Begin your day with a visit to the ancient city of Troy, which has stood for over 4,000 years and was famously at the center of the Trojan War immortalized in Homer's epic poem, The Iliad. After your tour, drive to Pergamum, a kingdom that wielded significant power during the Hellenistic era. Here, you'll have the chance to explore the Asklepion, an ancient Roman spa center. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a local village before continuing on to Izmir, which is believed to be the birthplace of Homer.

Overnight: Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5- Izmir - Kusadası
Start your day with a drive to Kusadası. And proceed to 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, and check in to the hotel
Overnight: Kusadası
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6- Necropolis & Hierapolis at Pamukkale

Today, depart Kusadasi and travel to Pamukkale, famous for its natural hot springs and striking white terraces. Explore the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits atop the Pamukkale hot springs. These springs have been used for therapeutic spa treatments since the 2nd century B.C. In the evening, come together for a delicious dinner.
Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7- Pamukkale- Antalya

Depart Pamukkale in the morning and begin the scenic drive to Antalya. Upon arrive to Antalya visit  the ancient Hadrian's Gate, a Roman triumphal arch built in honor of the emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century. Explore the surrounding old town area and admire the impressive architecture of the gate. And visit the Antalya Kaleiçi Marina, a charming harbor area filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8- Full Day in Antalya
Begin your tour in the morning by visiting the ancient city of Perge, an important Roman trading center known for its well-preserved ruins, including a theater, a stadium, and a bath complex. Spend time exploring the site and learning about its rich history.

Continue on to Aspendos, another well-preserved ancient city with an impressive Roman theater that is still used for performances today. Marvel at the theater's remarkable acoustics and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

After visiting Aspendos, head to the Kursunlu Waterfall, a beautiful natural wonder located just outside Antalya. Take a walk through the lush forest to reach the waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch in the serene surroundings.

Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9- Antalya- Konya- Cappadocia
Today, depart in the early morning to travel to Cappadocia. En route, visit the 13th-century Caravanserai of Sultanhan, a large, abandoned city and shelter in Cappadocia, built on the Silk Road. During the Seljuk period, trade flourished, requiring roads for caravan transport and inns for the traveling traders. Continue to Cappadocia

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10- Cappadocia
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.  Visit 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 Kaymakli Underground City, Return to the hotel with free time before dinner tonight
Optional: Cappadocia Balloon Ride (AM)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11- Travel to Ankara, Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk
After breakfast, leave for Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. Upon arrival, head to the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a grand monument dedicated to the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Take a walk around the vast brick courtyard and admire the impressive Neo-Hittite stone statues and cenotaphs lining the monumental avenue leading up to the Mausoleum. Next, visit the impressive Anatolian Civilizations Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from various civilizations that have inhabited Anatolia throughout history. Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history of the region, from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman Empire.

Overnight: Ankara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY12- Return to Istanbul
Your return to Istanbul this morning will allow you to experience some of the city's iconic attractions. Take a cruise along the Bosphorus and marvel at the stunning views of Istanbul's famous landmarks. Afterwards, explore the Grand Bazaar and shop for souvenirs before enjoying a farewell dinner in the evening.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Saturday - Depart Turkey
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast