Welcome to Turkey. Your journey begins in vibrant Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
In the morning, embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s busiest waterways. Leisurely cruise past the quaint fishing villages that line its shores. Travel towards the old city and see the beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses along the waterfront. Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa, a large city in northwest Turkey that was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum Complex. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city’s bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments. This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal.
Begin your day in the charming village of Cumalıkızık, with its traditional wooden houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Later, head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkey’s modern capital, Ankara. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, the Hilton SA. Perhaps take a dip in its indoor pool or unwind in its jacuzzi or hammam.
A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey’s bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes visits to the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Later, head to Avanos in Cappadocia. Famed for its unique geological formation, Cappadocia is a scenic delight with golden hills and panoramic views. Visit the underground city of Özkonak, carved into soft volcanic rock.
With its golden volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly rock formations, Cappadocia is anything but ordinary. Rise early to watch the sunrise as hot air balloons lift off and drift above the valleys. Later, travel to Göreme to explore rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant and savor Anatolian flavors while supporting employment for local women. Continue to Paşabağ Valley, then meet a Cappadocian local for a tour of their cave house and insights into traditions and family life. This evening, witness Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant.
Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery-making in Avanos. It’s then time to take a journey along the famous Silk Road to visit a 13th-century caravanserai, a historic roadside inn where travelers would rest and recover after a day’s journey, most notably along the iconic road itself. Later, you’ll head to Turkey’s most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire.
See the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret Medrese, and visit the Mevlana Museum before a scenic drive scenic drive through Taurus Mountains to Aspendos, an ancient city in Antalya. Known for having the best-preserved Roman theater anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travelers.
Visit Antalya's charming Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on places to explore in the city, take a stroll around the harbor or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast.
Cross the soaring Taurus Mountains to see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Next to the ruins, you can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. Later, return to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.
Start your morning with a trip to the Temple of Aphrodite in Geyre, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. Based in the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, it was the focal point of the city in its heyday. You’ll see the towering, fourteen columns of the temple that have been re-erected. Arrive into the coastal resort of Kuşadası for an evening at leisure.
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos, venerated by both Christians and Muslims, before continuing to Ephesus, once the Roman capital of Asia Minor. Walk the Arcadian Way, stand before the Library of Celsus, built to honor a Roman senator and store 12,000 scrolls, and step into the Great Theater, where Saint Paul is believed to have addressed early Christians. Discover Anatolia’s leather-making heritage, historically linked to the Ahi guilds of medieval craftspeople and traders associated with 13th-century leatherworker Ahi Evran. Continue to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to view statues of Artemis, mosaics and household artifacts uncovered during excavations that began in 1863. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and learn about Turkey’s culinary techniques in a hands-on cooking class.
In Homer’s city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan War and the backdrop to the legend of Paris and Helen, the ‘face that launched 1,000 ships’, explore the storied site. A replica of the mighty Trojan Horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be found beside the city’s walls. Then continue to Çanakkale, gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields. This evening, you may choose to join the Optional Experience, The Flavors of Canakkale on a city center walk, for a gentle stroll with local bites, including a Biga-style Turkish meatball sandwich and a traditional cheese dessert.
This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, this was the site where, for nine months during the Great War, ANZAC troops fought, in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, return to Istanbul, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Today, take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia your way with your choice experience. Choose between visiting Hagia Sophia Digital Experience, offering an immersive journey through the landmarks marvels, or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia built in A.D. 537, famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and toast to your trip over dinner at a local restaurant.
It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.
