CLASSIC TURKIYE

After breakfast, set out on a full day of sightseeing in Istanbul’s historic heart. Begin at the Sultanahmet Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its elegant architecture, six minarets, and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Continue to the Hippodrome, once the center of sporting events and public life in Byzantine Constantinople, followed by a visit to Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s great architectural landmarks, originally built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian. Enjoy a set-menu lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans for more than four centuries and home to remarkable collections of porcelain, jewelry, calligraphy, and works of art. Conclude the day at the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and most historic covered markets, with thousands of shops offering jewelry, carpets, antiques, and traditional goods. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L) 

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day tour beginning at the Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Dating to the 17th century, this colorful market is known for its aromatic spices, sweets, teas, dried fruits, and local specialties. Next, take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the scenic waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Admire Istanbul’s skyline and pass landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ottoman waterfront mansions, Ortakoy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress. The afternoon is free at leisure to explore Istanbul independently, shop, or simply relax. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L)

After breakfast, depart Istanbul and travel toward Canakkale. En route, visit the Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the historic World War I campaign. Your sightseeing includes Anzac Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, Lone Pine, the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair, Johnston’s Jolly with its preserved trenches and tunnels, the 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, and Brighton Beach. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Continue to Canakkale for overnight. (B,L)

After breakfast, visit ancient Troy, where you will see the legendary city walls and a replica of the famous wooden Trojan Horse. Continue to Pergamon and ascend by cable car to the Acropolis. Explore the dramatic ancient theater, the Temple of Trajan, and the remains of the renowned Library of Pergamon. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, continue to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B,L)

After breakfast, discover Ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean and one of the world’s great open-air archaeological sites. Walk through the ancient city to see highlights including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theatre, and the Odeon. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, followed by lunch featuring Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the historic Isa Bey Mosque. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B,L)

After breakfast, travel to Pamukkale, known as the “Cotton Castle” for its striking white terraces formed over centuries by mineral-rich thermal waters. Explore this remarkable natural landscape, then continue to the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis, where highlights include the Necropolis, Basilica, Theatre, and Plutonium. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,L,D)

After an early breakfast, depart for Cappadocia. Along the way, visit the historic Sultanhan Caravanserai, an important stop on the ancient trade routes of Anatolia. Continue to Konya for lunch, followed by a visit to the Mevlana Museum and complex dedicated to Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, whose teachings inspired the mystical tradition commonly associated with the Whirling Dervishes. Continue through central Anatolia toward Cappadocia, taking in panoramic views as the region’s extraordinary landscape begins to unfold. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

Optional early-morning experience: Take to the skies on a hot-air balloon flight over Cappadocia. The experience includes approximately 45 minutes of flying time and about 2.5 hours in total, including transfers and preparation. The balloon experience is optional and not included in the tour price. After a late breakfast, begin your Cappadocia sightseeing at approximately 9:30 AM with a visit to Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, famous for its unusual rock formations. Continue to Pasabagi, or Monks Valley, where distinctive fairy chimneys and historic hermit dwellings reveal the region’s unique geology and religious heritage. Proceed to Avanos, a town renowned for pottery made from the red clay of the nearby Kizilirmak, or Red River. See traditional pottery-making techniques that have been passed down for generations. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, home to important Byzantine cave churches and remarkably preserved frescoes. Conclude at the Esentepe panoramic viewpoint for sweeping views over Goreme, its valleys, fairy chimneys, rock formations, and cave dwellings. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart the hotel at approximately 9:00–9:30 AM for a walk through Red Valley, known for its striking rock formations, local landscapes, and historic sites. The walk normally takes approximately 2–3 hours. Continue to Cavusin Village, where a dramatic rock-cut settlement and the ruins of the Church of St. John the Baptist reflect the region’s Byzantine past. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit Kaymakli Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s best-preserved subterranean settlements. Explore a network of underground rooms that once included stables, storage areas, cellars, refectories, churches, and wineries. Conclude the day at Pigeon Valley, offering impressive views of cave dwellings, rock formations, and the surrounding Cappadocian landscape. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul and your onward connecting flight. (B)