Classical Turkey With Optional Cappadocia Extension

Istanbul Explore the sixthcentury Basilica Cistern, a marvel of civil engineering. Visit Justinian's timeless Hagia Sophia when its doors open privately for you, and continue to the site of the ancient Hippodrome. At the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (again opened exclusively for you), observe precious Ottoman artifacts. Explore the Pera District and climb the Galata Tower for a panoramic view of Istanbul. Enjoy a private boat ride on the Bosphorus. The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul B L D

Istanbul/Antalya Visit the Topkapi Palace before the crowds arrive. Fly to Antalya (ancient Pamphilia), where the Taurus Mountains cascade to the coastal beaches, and where some of the Mediterranean's best-preserved ruins may be found. In Perge, explore its ancient towers, stadium and theater. Also visit Aspendos, a city known for having the most well-preserved theater in antiquity. Next, visit the Antalya Museum, one of Turkey's most important museums. (day 5: B L) Kempinski Hotel The Dome B L D

Antalya/Lycian Coast/Kalkan Drive along the breathtaking coast to the ruins of Phaselis and then explore the rock tombs and theater of Myra. Board a glass-bottomed boat to Simena, a "sunken" city on Kekova Island. As you cross the channel to Kale, notice a medieval castle and a fifth-century BC sarcophagi park. From there, you have a magnificent view of the turquoise sea that embraces the rugged land. Patara Prince Resort B L D

Kalkan/Turquoise Coast/ Caunos/Gocek The Turquoise Coast is a beautiful combination of lush pine forests, colorful vegetation and ancient history. Visit ancient Xanthos and Patara en route to Gocek. Swissotel Gocek Marina & Resort B L

Gocek/Bodrum Embark on an 'African Queen'-style boat ride through the reed beds of River Dalyan to the ruins of Kaunos. Continue to Bodrum, where whitewashed Aegean houses climb the hills. The next day, observe reassembled shipwrecks at the Underwater Archaeological Museum, then travel to quaint Yashi to sample meze (appetizers). (day 9 B L) The Marmara Bodrum B L D

Bodrum/Kusadasi/Tire/ Kusadasi Explore the remains of Euromos, Didyma and Priene, testament to the extraordinary achievements of the ancient Ionians. In the evening, the weather and the Minister of Culture willing, spend a magnificent evening at Ephesus: attend a privately catered dinner in the ruins while a chamber orchestra from the Izmir Symphony entertains. The next day, travel to Tire, where craftsmen still practice their ancient trades. Visit several mosques in the market area and join the Camlik Village Weavers Association to discuss Turkish weaving. (day 11: B L) KoruMar Hotel B L D

Kusadasi/Istanbul Visit Ephesus in depth, the most well-preserved classical city in the Mediterranean. It is home of one of the wonders of the ancient world: Artemision, a stunning all-marble temple. This afternoon, fly to Istanbul. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet B L

Istanbul/Edirne/Istanbul Explore Suleymaniye and Rustem Pasa Mosques, built by the great architect Sinan. Stroll through the Spice Bazaar and shop for jewelry, rugs, antiques, tiles and souvenirs in the Grand Covered Bazaar. Visit Istanbul Modern, Turkey's first museum of contemporary art and tour the sumptuous Dolmabah?e Palace. Privately tour the Chora Church, one of the world's richest repositories of Byzantine mosaics. Afterward, enjoy a dinner prepared from Ottoman royal recipes. Embark on an excursion to the fascinating town of Edirne to see Sinan's unrivaled Selimiye Mosque. Later, gather for farewell cocktails and dinner.(day 14: B L) Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet B L D

Istanbul/Departure Board your homebound flight. B

Apr 25-28: Cappadocia's lunar-like landscape is filled with "fairy chimneys" of soft, porous stone that have been transformed into cave dwellings, monasteries and cellar villages. Explore the rock-cut churches in G?reme, see the stunning frescoes in the Dark Church, join a Ulasli family for lunch in their home and glimpse Cappadocia from above on a hot-air balloon ride.