11 Days Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Aphrodisias, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pergamum, Canakkale, Troy
Tour Overview
This vibrant East meets West melting pot offers ancient history, fascinating cultural diversity and modern, urban sophistication. From the amazing Roman ruins at Kusadasi to the unbelievable fascination of Cappadocia to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, you'll discover why Turkey is an international travel favorite.
Day 1 - Istanbul
Arrive to Istanbul, Turkey, where you are met and escorted to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 – Istanbul – City Sightseeing
Start a leisurely day, visiting the historical Spice Market, and continue by boat for an excursion along the Bosphorus. After lunch, drive to the Asian side via Bosphorus Bridge and visit Beylerbeyi Palace & Camlica Hill. (BL)
Day 3 – Istanbul – City Sightseeing
Today take a full day classical tour of Istanbul, including the ancient Roman Hippodrome (center of the chariot races) and the Blue Mosque. We continue on to Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia Museum, and the historical Grand Bazaar. (BL)
Day 4 - Istanbul / Ankara / Cappadocia
Transfer to the airport for an early flight to Ankara. On arrival, we begin our sightseeing of the Capital of modern Turkey, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Afternoon drive to Cappadocia. (BLD)
Day 5 - Cappadocia
Full day tour of the area, including the underground city of Sarhatli, Goreme Open Air Museum, the Villages of Cavusin & Avanos and the Valley of Pasabag. (BLD)
Day 6 - Cappadocia / Konya / Pamukkale
Depart early this morning for Pamukkale. On the way, visit Konya, the home of Whirling Dervishes. Afternoon continue to Pamukkale, the ancient spa center and the unique natural site of white limestone terraces cascading down the mountain slope. (BLD)
Day 7 - Pamukkale / Hierapolis / Aphrodisias / Kusadasi
Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis (a world heritage site) and on to the city of Aphrodisias. Afternoon continue to Kusadasi. (BLD)
Day 8 - Kusadasi - Ephesus
Full day tour of the Greco-Roman ruins at Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John. (BLD)
Day 9 – Kusadasi / Pergamum / Canakkale
Drive to Pergamum and visit the Greco-Roman city with its Acropolis and Asclepeion, the first hospital in history, offering treatment to the Gladiators. Afternoon drive to Canakkale. (BLD)
Day 10 – Canakkale / Troy / Istanbul
Drive to Troy, site of the Trojan War, as documented in the legendary Iliad of Homer. After our visit, we will return to Istanbul by crossing the Dardanelles by ferry. (BLD)
Day 11 – Depart Istanbul
Transfer to airport for your departure flight. (B)
