Day 01,Thu  DEPART for ISTANBUL  
Evening departure to Istanbul from featured gateways. In flight snacks, drinks, dinner, and breakfast served on board of the plane.  

 

Day 02, Fri  ARRIVE ISTANBUL  
Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport.  Transfer to your hotel. You will stay at centrally located Golden Age, or Lion, or a similar first class hotel. Relax for the day, or go out for a stroll checking out shops, the Opera House, the Cafes, book stores, or the bars. 

 

Day 03, Sat ISTANBUL  
After breakfast a full day excursion in Istanbul including the Hagia Sophia Church; the Blue Mosque; the Byzantine Hippodrome and the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.  (B-L)    

 

Day 04, Sun ISTANBUL / Ankara / CAPPADOCIA 
After breakfast check out and transfer to the airport for your short flight to Ankara flight. Upon arrival, visits in Ankara -the capital city of Turkey-, including the Anatolian Civilization Museum, where archaeological pieces dating as far back as the prehistoric age are exhibited; the Mausoleum of Ataturk, where the founder of the Turkish Republic lies; and finally a visit to the Ancient Citadel. After lunch in Ankara depart for Cappadocia. Dinner at Hotel Perissia or similar in Cappadocia. (B-L-D)  

 

Day 05, Mon  CAPPADOCIA *  
After breakfast a visit to the natural citadel of Uchisar; then visit the Subterranean City of Kaymakli, built in the 7th century by Christians fleeing persecution, in which a visitor is able to descend several floor levels..   After lunch, visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, the Cavusin; the Pasabag Valley, and finally Avanos Village famous for it's pottery.   There may be an opportunity to visit a co-op carpet factory.  Dinner at hotel. (B-L-D)

 

Day 06, Tue CAPP.. / Konya / PAMUKKALE**  
Departure for Konya to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana.    Lunch en route to Pamukkale. Arrive in Pamukkale in the evening.  You will stay at the first class Hotel Lycus River or a similar hotel at hotel. Most hotels in Pamukkale have hot thermal baths and pools, and some have mud baths. You might want to just relax for the night.   (B-L-D)

 

Day 07, Wed  PAMUKKALE / KUSADASI***  
After breakfast at hotel, first proceeding to Hierapolis, and visit to the antique city's Roman and early Christian remains, and Pamukkale's thermal natural-pools.  Continue to Aphrodisias, lunch upon arrival, and then a visit to the antique city.  Continue to Kusadasi**. Dinner and stay at Hotel Pine Marina or a similar first class hotel in Kusadasi.  (B-L-D)

 

Day 08, Thu  KUSADASI / Ephesus / KUSADASI  
After breakfast you visit the world famous Ancient City of Ephesus, and the Shrine of Virgin Mary where it's believed that she lived her last years.   There may be an opportunity to visit a co-op carpet factory or a jewelry shop.  Return to Kusadasi**.(B-L-D)  

 

Day 9, Fri  KUSADASI. / Pergamum / Troy  
After breakfast departure for Pergamum. After lunch visit to the Pergamum Antique City, visiting the Asclepium Sanctuary and the Acropolis.  A visit to Troy on the way. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Akol or a similar moderate hotel in Canakkale.  (B-L-D)  

 

Day 10, Sat    CANAKKALE / ISTANBUL  
After breakfast, depart for Istanbul, cross Dardanelles by a ferry. Visit Gallipoli, the famous WW 1 frontline. Lunch en route. Arrive at hotel in Istanbul.   You might want to consider to take our optional Istanbul by Night excursion to enjoy a farewell dinner with wine, accompanied by a Turkish entertainment with pop-singers, folk-dancers, and belly dancers ($79). You will stay at centrally located Golden Age, or Lion, or a similar first class hotel .   (B-L)  

 

Day 11, Sun   ISTANBUL / HOME  
After breakfast transfer to airport. End of services. (B)