Departure flight to Istanbul.

Arrival at the airport in Istanbul. You will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul. There, you will get a quick briefing from the tour guide about the itinerary. Rest of the day free to start your exploration of this legendary city. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will start with a half-day guided city tour of Istanbul including the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the sportive and social center of the Byzantine Empire, and the Blue Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Istanbul built in the 17th century and famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. Afterwards, you will visit a true architectural wonder, Hagia Sophia. This architectural masterpiece has stood for nearly 1,500 years, witnessing the rise and fall of empires. Once a Byzantine cathedral, later an Ottoman mosque, and now a great symbol of Istanbul’s rich history. Take a good look at its grand dome, intricate mosaics, and centuries-old Islamic calligraphy.

You will also visit the Spice Market, known in Turkish as Misir Carsisi (Egyptian Bazaar), where you will discover different spices, their flavors and healing qualities. Located in Eminonu, Istanbul's oldest district, right next to the Flower Bazaar, the market was built by Hatice Turhan Sultan in 1660. Bedazzle your senses with the tempting variety of interesting spices, such as saffron, nigella seeds, chili, cumin, curry, all used for savory cooking as well as medicines. Rest of the day free. Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure southward to Canakkale. You will make a stop en route to visit the First World War battlefields at Gallipoli, where one of the Ottoman Empire's greatest military victories took place in 1915. Continuation to the hotel in Canakkale for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the site of the Ancient Greek city of Troy located southeast of the Dardanelles strait, close to Mount Ida. Both factual and legendary, Troy is famous for being the focus of the Trojan War, one of the most important events in Greek mythology and the scene of the legendary Fall of Troy, described in the Homer's Iliad and made famous by its wooden horse. You will visit the archaeological site of the city founded around 3500 BC, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see a reconstruction of the fabled wooden horse.

Continuation to Pergamon, a major cultural center of the Greek world in the 2nd century BC and one of Turkey's finest archaeological sites, where you will see the Asclepeion, an ancient Roman spa center. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will drive to Izmir. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Izmir. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Izmir, Turkey's third largest city located on the shore of the Aegean Sea. Walking along the large promenade, you will reach the historic clock tower at Konak Square, the busiest place in the city. Stop at a local restaurant nearby to taste a typical Turkish coffee before discovering the authentic Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar, a rare sample of Ottoman architecture. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Optional full-day tour ($) of the Ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary (approx. $85 USD / person, to be paid to your guide at destination)

After breakfast, departure toward the wonderful site of Hierapolis-Pamukkale. Located near the city of Denizli, Pamukkale (meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish) is a unique and spectacular natural site, with its fairy-like, dazzling white cascade. Pamukkale's terraces are made of travertine, which is a sedimentary rock deposited by water from hot springs. The thermal water has been used since the Roman time for its therapeutic powers.

On top of the "castle" is the Greco-Roman spa city of Heriapolis, built in the 2nd century BC. You will visit Apollo's temple, which was competing with the one in Delphi at the time, the monumental Nymphaeum dedicated to the nymphs, the goddesses of water, and the Roman theatre. You will also see the well-preserved, extensive necropolis. Continuation to Antalya. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure to explore Antalya, the heart of the Turkish Riviera. Discover the authentic and historic charm of Antalya as you stroll through the Kaleici district. Around the corner of a cobbled alley, you will see Hadrian's Gate, a magnificent example of Roman architecture dating back 130 AD, as well as the Old Clock Tower. Admire breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding mountains from Karaalioglu Park where the Hidirlik Tower sits, watching the bay since the 2nd century AD. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Optional full-day tour ($) including Antalya Archaeological Museum, Perge and Aspendos (approx. $65 USD / person, to be paid to your guide at destination)

Following breakfast at the hotel, departure for Cappadocia. En route, you will visit the large 13th-century Sultan Han caravanserai. This caravanserai provided traders, both foreign and native, with heated rooms, food, medical attention, equipment repair, and many other common conveniences along the Silk Road. Continuation to Nevsehir. Overnight in Cappadocia. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Optional evening show ($) including Whirling Dervishes performance (approx. $40 USD / person, to be paid to your guide at destination)

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure to explore the splendid region of Cappadocia. Explore one of the many underground cities open to the public. Digged into the rock, Göreme is one of those remarkable cities, the image of the undeniable charm of Cappadocia with its immaculate, fairy-like cliffs and hills cut by erosion. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Optional ($) Cappadocia Balloon Ride (approx. $230 USD / person, to be paid to your guide at destination)

Optional full-day ($) Cappadocia tour (approx. $65 USD / person, to be paid to your guide at destination)

After breakfast at the hotel, departure for the Turkish capital, Ankara. Upon arrival, you will see the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. This museum has the finest archeological collection in all Turkey and contains records of every civilization that passed through Anatolia with priceless items dating back 7500 years. Overnight in Ankara. (Breakfast)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure toward Istanbul. Rest of the day free to continue your exploration of the captivating city of Istanbul, bridge between Europe and Asia. Wander around the districts of Fener and Balat, where the small streets and colorful houses will give you the impression of being in a village. Make your way to Karakoy district, the former financial center of the Ottoman Empire, where you will be impressed by the magnificent buildings constructed by the Empire's wealthiest families or choose an optional tour. Farewell dinner with the group and overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Optional ($) Half Day Tour of Istanbul with Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar (approx. $65 EUR / person, to be paid to your guide at destination)

After breakfast, greeting in the lobby of your hotel by our local representatives and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)