- 12 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels
- Private transfers airport/hotel/airport
- Buffet breakfast daily
- 8 Luncheons and 6 Dinners at hotels
- Airfare from Istanbul to Ankara
- Entrance fees and all sightseeing tours as listed
- Deluxe motor coach
- English speaking professional tour guide
- Luggage handling
- Taxes and service charges
Day 1 Wednesday
Arrival at Istanbul airport, transfer and overnight at a 4-star hotel.
Day 2 Thursday
After breakfast at the hotel visit to the Topkapi Palace, located on the peninsula that overlooks the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. Saint-Sophia Museum, built originally by Emperor Justinian in 6th Century A.D. During the visit you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and Fountain of Wilhelm II; Blue Mosque; Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts; the Mosque of Sultan Süleyman “The Magnificent” built in the 16th century; and the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops where all kinds of carpets, trinkets, jewelry, antiques and leather clothes can be purchased. Overnight at a 4-star hotel (B-L).
Day 3 Friday
After breakfast in the hotel, you will visit the Spice Bazaar, then embark on an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from Asia. Winding between wooded hills, it is lined with mosques, castles, 19th century mansions, picturesque villages and the extravagant baroque places of the late Ottoman sultans. Our tour concludes with a drive along the Bosphorus to visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum, Istanbul’s best ethnological museum and overnight at a 4-star hotel (B).
Day 4 Saturday
After breakfast transfer to Istanbul airport for a short flight to Ankara, transfer and overnight at a 4-star hotel in Ankara (B).
Day 5 Sunday
In the morning visit the world-wide famous Anatolian Civilizations, also known as the Hittite Museum, and the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the Turkish hero; then depart for Cappadocia with lunch on the way. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake, visit the 13th century Seljukian Caravanserai Agzikarahan. Arrival in the Cappadocia region and overnight at a 4-star hotel (B-L-D)
Day 6 Monday
After breakfast in the hotel visit to Pigeon Valley near Uchisar; then proceed to the Open Air Museum in Goreme through Avcilar Valley and visit the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will visit Kaymakli Underground City, Pasabagi in Zelve region and Avanos with shopping for the world famous handicrafts. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Cappadocia (B-L-D).
Day 7 Tuesday
Early departure for Pamukkale. On the way visit to the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai then arrival in Konya for lunch. After visiting the Mausoleum of the famous mystic, Mevlana, proceed to Karatay Theological School to see the beautiful tiles on display. Drive to Pamukkale and overnight at a 4-star hotel (B-L-D).
Day 8 Wednesday
In the morning visit to the ancient Hierapolis with the Theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis; then drive to Aphrodisias and lunch. Later visit the ruins and the museum. Drive to Kusadasi and overnight at a 4-star hotel (B-L-D)
Day 9 Thursday
Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City, Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; Virgin Mary’s House, Selcuk Ephesus Museum and St. John Church. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kuþadasý (B-L-D).
Day 10 Friday
Early departure for Bergama and visit to the Asclepion and Acropol. Lunch and drive to Assos for a short visit to the village. Continue on to Canakkale and overnight at a 4-star hotel (B-L-D).
Day 11 Saturday
Morning departure for Troy, the legendary city of Homer’s “Iliad”. Visit the ruins, lunch in Canakkale, and drive to Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel. B/L
Day 12 Sunday
Full day at leisure for shopping and sightseeing in amazing Istanbul. B
Day 13 Monday
Tour ends after breakfast. B
Estimated prices per person: $1595 (double) and $2065 (single)
For departure dates: Jan 4 to Mar 31
Estimated prices per person: $1935 (double) and $2485 (single)
For departure dates: Apr 1 to Oct 31