TOUR COST (per person):

Low Season

High Season

- All transfers
- Meet and greet at airport in Istanbul
- Transportation by modern, air-conditioned motor coach
- Welcome cocktail
- 12 nights accommodation in hotels as specified above
- Baggage handling

Day 1. Arrival In Izmir
Upon arrival meet with Tour Escort at the airport and transfer to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the evening come together with your traveling companions for a welcome cocktail hosted by your Tour Escort. Afterwards, sample fine Turkish cuisine at dinner. Overnight in Izmir. (D)

Day 2. Izmir - Ephesus - Kuşadası
Today starts with journey to Ephesus, the largest ancient city ever uncovered. Once populated with three hundred thousand people, it has an enormous amphitheater, which can still hold twenty four thousand spectators. As we walk down the marble covered streets, we see gymnasiums, baths houses, public latrines, the library of Celsus, and The Temple of Artemis- One of the Seven Wonders of the World. Later, visit the sixth century Church of St. John and The House of Virgin Mary. Continue to travel to the seaside town of Kusadasi where we spend two nights. (B, D)

Day 3. Kuşadası - Priene - Miletus - Didyma
Taking a full day trip to the major sites of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma in today. Built in 334 B.C. on the slopes of Mount Mycale, Priene is a spectacular site. Discover the Temple of Athena, the five thousand seat Hellenistic Theater, and gaze out to the sea from a top the Acropolis. Stops are made to Miletus and Didyma to see the theaters, agoras, baths, and The Temple of Apollo- the third largest temple of the ancient Greek world. (B, D)

Day 4. Kuşadası - Aphrodisias - Hierapolis
Depart today, via the Aphrodisias, dedicated to Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, the city was an important center of the arts, with stops Hierapolis. The Sculpture School of Aphrodisias enjoyed great fame and is evident by the fine marble statues and architectural relief scattered throughout the side. Later, find out The Largest (30000 seats) and Best-Preserved Stadium of the classical world. In the Afternoon stop at Pamukkale (Hierapolis), a magnificent natural formation unique in whole the world. Over the last fourteen thousand years, calcium rich water from an underground thermal spring has flowed over the mountainside and slowly solidified, creating Shallow White Basins and Twisted Stalagmites. Since antiquity, these thermal pools have been used for their healing powers. Spend the evening in Pamukkale. (B, D)

Day 5. Hierapolis - Konya
This morning, drive through the beautiful Anatolian countryside to Konya, one of Turkey's oldest cities. Find out the Outdoor Museum and then the Mevlana Museum to learn about the mystical religious sect known as the Whirling Dervishes. They use music and dance to induce themselves into a mystical state. As the ceremonial music plays, they begin to whirl, and their long skirt billow giving the impression that they are floating on air. Overnight in Konya. (B, D)

Day 6. Konya - Cappadocia
On route to Nevsehir stop at the Seljuk Caravansary of Sultan Han, a mini fortress used to protect merchants from bandits as they crossed the ancient silk route. Later, discover the Underground City of Kaymakli. Around the sixth century the Christian inhabitants of this region began to tunnel into the soft volcanic rock of large hill. As deep as two hundred and seventy five feet with eight different levels, several thousand people lived in this subterranean city. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Day 7. Cappadocia
Following breakfast visit the fascinating Göreme Valley. The lunar like landscape of this region is eerie, yet beautiful. Over thousand of years, the rain has eroded this landscape to give rise to strange rock formations known as "Fairy Chimneys". Many of these have homes and churches carved into them. Some of the grottos are magnificently decorated with colorful frescoes depfeting biblical scenes. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Day 8. Cappadocia - Ankara
Your destination today is Ankara, stop is made along the way at a caravansary. Then visit the world renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilization which contains priceless artifacts from Paleolithic to Roman times. Also visit the enormous Citadel which overlooks the city; and Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - the father of modern Turkey. Overnight in Ankara. (B, D)

Day 9. Ankara Departure
After a farewell breakfast, transfer to Ankara airport for flight home. (B)

TOUR COST (per person):

Low Season

High Season

- All transfers
- Meet and greet at airport in Istanbul
- Transportation by modern, air-conditioned motor coach
- Welcome cocktail
- 8 nights accommodation in hotels as specified above
- Baggage handling

Day 1. Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival meet with Tour Escort at the airport and transfer to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the evening come together with your traveling companions for a welcome cocktail hosted by your Tour Escort. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)

Day 2. Istanbul
Today begin your day with a tour to the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Once home to the great Sultans, it is filled with treasures and antiquities including twelve thousand pieces of fine Chinese porcelain. In the afternoon, visit the unique Blue Mosque built in 1609 by Sultan Ahmet. The interior walls are covered with twenty thousand blue iznik tiles. Visit the Hippodrome, and then on to the domed Basilica of St. Sophia, which has inspired architects and religious leaders for over fifteen hundred years. Constructed in 326 by Constantine the Great, it has been a cathedral, a mosque and now a museum. Spend the evening in Istanbul. (B, D)

Day 3. Istanbul
After breakfast, venture into the Grand Covered Bazaar. Built in 1457, it is famous for it's selection of goods and is the largest bazaar in the world with over four thousand shops. We continue on to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar where the scent of hundreds of spices permeates the air. Then, embark on a cruise of the Bosphorus, a,long the way, viewing the Dolmabahce Palace and the Beylerbeyi Palace, a nineteenth century palace on the Asian side of Istanbul. At the end of the day have a tea or Turkish coffee on the Pine Hill with a remarkable view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, D)

Day 4. Istanbul - Dardanelles (Canakkale)
After breakfast we leave Istanbul to visit Canakkale (Dardanelles) the cradle of many ancient civilizations and taking visitors back into the depth of history. Discover the Troy a symbolic wooden Trojan horse commemorates the legendary war. Spend the evening in Canakkale. (B, D)

Day 5. Dardanelles - Pergamum - Izmir
On route to Izmir stop at ancient Pergamum, once ruled by Alexander the Great. Famous for the invention of parchment paper, Pergamum had a library containing two hundred thousand books. Visit the Acropolis, the Alter of Zeus, and the ten thousand-seat amphitheater. Tour the marvelous Asclepieion, a fourth century B.C. shrine to the healing God Asclepios. Continuing your day, you will travel to beautiful Izmir. A short tour of Kadifekale (Wit. Pagos) standing the impressive ruins of a castle and its walls, which were built by Lysimachus in the reign of Alexander the Great. The castle offers an excellent vantagepoint to enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Izmir. Overnight in Izmir. (B, D)

Day 6. Izmir - Ephesus - Kuşadası
Today starts with journey to Ephesus, the largest ancient city ever uncovered. Once populated with three hundred thousand people, it has an enormous Amphitheatre, which can still hold twenty four thousand spectators. As we walk down the marble covered streets, we see gymnasiums, baths houses, public latrines, the library of Celsus, and The Temple of Artemis- One of The Seven Wonders of the World. Later, visit the sixth century Church of St John and The House of Virgin Mary. Continue to travel to the seaside town of Kusadasi where we spend two nights. (B, D)

Day 7. Kuşadası: Priene - Miletus - Didyma
Taking a full day trip to the major sites of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma in today. Built in 334 B.C. on the slopes of Mount Mycale, Priene is a spectacular site. Discover the Temple of Athena, the five thousand seat Hellenistic Theater, and gaze out to the sea from a top the Acropolis. Stops are made to Miletus and Didyma to see the theaters, agoras, baths, and The Temple of Apollo- The Third Largest Temple of the ancient Greek world. (B, D)

Day 8. Kuşadası - Aphrodisias - Hierapolis
Depart today, via the Aphrodisias, dedicated to Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, the city was an important center of the arts, with stops Hierapolis. The Sculpture School of Aphrodisias enjoyed great fame and is evident by the fine marble statues and architectural relief scattered throughout the side. Later, find out The Largest (30000 seats) and Best-Preserved Stadium of the classical world. In the afternoon stop at Pamukkale (Hierapolis), a magnificent natural formation unique in whole the world. Over the last fourteen thousand years, calcium rich water from an underground thermal spring has flowed over the mountainside and slowly solidified, creating Shallow White Basins and Twisted Stalagmites. Since antiquity, these thermal pools have been used for their healing powers. Spend the evening in Pamukkale. (B, D)

Day 9. Hierapolis - Konya
This morning, drive through the beautiful Anatolian countryside to Konya, one of Turkey's oldest cities. Find out the Outdoor Museum and then the Mevlana Museum to learn about the mystical religious sect known as the Whirling Dervishes. They use music and dance to induce themselves into a mystical state. As the ceremonial music plays, they begin to whirl, and their long skirt billow giving the impression that they are floating on air. Overnight in Konya. (B, D)

Day 10. Konya - Cappadocia
On route to Nevsehir stop at the Seljuk Caravansary of Sultan Ham, a mini fortress used to protect merchants from bandits as they crossed the ancient silk route. Later, discover the Underground City of Kaymakli. Around the sixth century the Christian inhabitants of this region began to tunnel into the soft volcanic rock of large hill. As deep as two hundred and seventy five feet with eight different levels, several thousand people lived in this subterranean city. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Day 11. Cappadocia
Following breakfast visit the fascinating Goreme Valley. The lunar like landscape of this region is eerie, yet beautiful. Over thousand of years, the rain has eroded this landscape to give rise to strange rock formations known as "Fairy Chimneys". Many of these have homes and churches carved into them. Some of the grottos are magnificently decorated with colorful frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Day 12. Cappadocia - Ankara
Your destination today is Ankara, stop is made along the way at a caravansary. Then visit the world renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilization which contains priceless artifacts from Paleolithic to Roman times. Also visit the enormous Citadel which overlooks the city; and Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - the father of modern Turkey. Overnight in Ankara. (B, D)

Day 13. Ankara - Antalya
Today, flight to the Mediterranean coastal city Antalya. Founded in the second century B.C. by King Attalus II of Pergamum, this cliff side city has a picturesque marina, beautiful parks, and a long stretch of pristine beach to wander along. Also explore the Antalya Museum and Hadrians Gate, a tripartite marble structure built in 130 A.D. to commemorate the visit of the emperor Hadrian. After the tour, time is available for you to further explore on your own and spend the evening in Antalya. (B, D)

Day 14. Antalya: Perge - Aspendos
After breakfast embark on a full day trip to explore the ancient ruins of Perge, and Aspendos. Perge- the best example of a complete Roman city on the southern coast. Its stadium could accommodate fifteen thousand spectators. After that stop at our final destination  Aspendos. The Roman Theater here is the best preserved in the world. You can still see the names of spectators carved into the backs of the seats. Overnight in Antalya. (B, D)

Day 15. Antalya - Myra - Fethiye
A short drive this morning takes you to Myra famous with Lycian Tombs and the Birthplace of ST. Nicholas the patron saint of children. Born around 300 A.D., "Santa Claus" served as the Bishop of Myra. Continue your route the main sights around Fethiye: Kayakoy and Oliideniz. In 1923 the compulsory exchange of citizens between Turkey and Greece left Kayakoy a ghost town. Still empty, this town has two Greek Orthodox Churches with magnificent frescoes. And also discover the Lycian Rock Tombs dating from the seventh century. Overnight in Fethiye. (B, D)

Day 16. Fethiye - Counos - Bodrum
Today the road leads us to Counos for boat trip to find out the magnificent Caunos Tombs carved into the rock high on the cliff face, above the fascinating ancient Harbor City of Caunos. After that drive to Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus. Founded by the Dorion Greeks about 1000 B.C. the major attraction of the city is the Castle of St. Peter. Built in 1402 by the crusading Nights of St. John, the castle is a marvelous example of Crusader architecture. After our castle tour, explore The Tomb of King Mausolus (4th century B.C.), which was one of the Seven Wonders of The Ancient World. Overnight in Bodrum. (B, D)

Day 17. Bodrum Departure
After a farewell breakfast, transfer to Bodrum airport for flight home. (B)

TOUR COST (per person):

Low Season

High Season

- All transfers
- Meet and greet at airport in Istanbul
- Transportation by modern, air-conditioned motor coach
- Welcome cocktail
- 16 nights accommodation in hotels as specified above
- Baggage handling
- 16x breakfast and 12x dinner