> DAY 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. After clearing customs and immigration, your representative will meet you at the airport and assist you with your transfer to the Titanic City Hotel. Following your check in, your tour guide will inform you on the details of your tour program. After orientation, enjoy dinner and the afternoon at your leisure in Istanbul. (D)
> DAY 2: Istanbul
After breakfast meet your guide for your full day tour of Istanbul. Your tour will begin at the famous Blue Mosque, one of the best examples of classical Turkish architecture. This 17th-century Ottoman mosque is famed for being the only in the world with six minarets. You will visit the Hippodrome, the former centre of sporting and political activities in Constantinople. During the visit you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi and the fountain of Willhelm II. Continue to the magnificent Hagia Sophia. This marvelous Byzantine basilica was built in the sixth century and today is sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World. After lunch, continue your tour with a visit to The Rustem Pasha Mosque, famous for its lavish quantities of exquisite Iznik tiles, set in a variety of beautiful floral and geometric designs. Not to be missed is your visit to the 17th century Egyptian Spice Bazaar which is full of the mystical aromas of various spices and colorful shops selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, and fish etc. Your tour will end with the Grand Bazaar, which in addition to its historical importance, is a bazaar that will tempt you with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs. After your tour, enjoy your evening at your leisure or take an optional Kervansaray Night Tour. (B, L)
> Day 3: Istanbul, Ankara
Continue your sightseeing tour of Istanbul with a visit to the Basilica Cistern, the largest of several hundred cisterns that lie beneath the city. You will proceed to the spectacular Topkapi Palace. The Palace was the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. It holds a breathtaking position above the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Your tour will include an insight into the spectacular architecture, an unparalleled collection of Chinese porcelain, Imperial costumes, holy relics, and the Imperial Treasury. After lunch, transfer to the airport to meet your flight to Ankara. Upon arrival, transfer to the Ickale Hotel where you will enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure. (B, L, D)
> Day 4: Ankara, Cappodocia
Your day will begin with a visit to renowned Anatolian Civilizations Museum, which houses remnants from the Stone Age, Neolithic Age, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and other areas. Continue to Cappadocia by way of Salt Lake (Lake Tuz). Enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure at Hotel Dedeman. (B, L, D)
> Day 5: Cappodocia
After breakfast, begin your full day tour to the famous valley of Cappadocia where nature has created an incredibly unique landscape. Visit Goreme, Cappadocia's most famous attraction, a complex of several painted cave-churches carved out by Orthodox monks between 900 and 1200 A.D. The paintings and decoration represent the flowering of a uniquely Cappadocian artistic style. Continue your tour with a visit to Uchisar, the highest point in Cappadocia and famous for the Uchisar Castle dating from the Byzantine period. Visit the Kaymakli Underground City, which was originally carved out of a rock hill by the Hittites nearly four thousand years ago. This incredible site was then expanded by the Assyrians, Persians and Romans as each conquered the region. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, visit the striking fairy chimneys of Pasabag and the village of Avanos with its traditional pottery shops. (B, L, D)
> Day 6: Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale
Early departure for Pamukkale. On the way, visit the 13th century Seljukian caravanserai "Sultanhan". The next stop will be Konya which is famous for the Mevlana Museum and the Theological School of Whirling Dervishes. In the afternoon continue to The Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel in Pamukkale where you will enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure. (B, L, D)
> Day 7: Pamukkale, Kusadasi
After breakfast, depart for Kusadasi. On the way, visit the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis. While here you will visit the Apollo Temple, Monumental Nympheum (a 4th century Basilica), the Theatre, and the well preserved Necropolis. Continue to Aphrodisias, the city of the Goddess of Love. Explore the well-preserved Theater, Stadium, the Odeon and the Agora. Continue to the Charisma Deluxe Hote in Kusadasi where you will enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure. (B, L, D)
> DAY 8: Kusadasi, Ephesus, Izmir
After breakfast, depart for the ancient city of Ephesus. En-route, you will visit the House of the Virgin Mary where it is said she had lived her last years. Proceed to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the Mediterranean. Your tour will begin at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Theatre and Odeon. Following lunch, visit the Archeological Museum. Continue to Izmir and a visit to the castle of Alexander the Great, whose history can be traced back to the Fourth Century BC. Marvel at the views from Pagos Hill overlooking the entire city of Izmir and the ancient Agora, the best preserved Roman Market in Asia Minor. Finish the tour with a visit to the Izmir Bazaar. Finish your day at the Moevenpick Hotel in Izmir with dinner and the evening at your leisure. (B, L, D)
> DAY 9: Izmir, Pergamum, Troy, Canakkale
After breakfast enjoy a scenic drive to visit the enchanting ancient city of Pergamum. You will visit the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library, and The Asclepieum of Pergamun. Continue with a visit to the ancient city of Troy, famous for the legendary Trojan Horse from the times of Beautiful Helen, the Queen of Sparta and Paris, the Trojan Prince. Dinner and overnight at Kolin Hotel in Canakkale. (B, L, D)
> Day 10: Canakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul
Today discover the Gallipoli Peninsula on your way to Istanbul. Cross the Dardanelles, the long narrow strait which connects the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Along the way, stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure or take an optional Bosphorous Cruise tour. (B, L, D)
> DAY 11: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul for your departure flight. (B)
