Departure flight to Istanbul.

Upon arrival in Istanbul, meet our local representative after exiting customs and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest after your flight or begin discovering the atmosphere of this fascinating city at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, discover some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks during a guided morning tour through the historic Old City. Begin at the Hippodrome and continue to the magnificent Blue Mosque, famous for its elegant domes, six minarets and impressive blue Iznik tiles decorating the interior. You will then visit the renowned Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the Byzantine Empire. After a free lunch in the Old City, continue to the vibrant Spice Market, where colorful stalls of spices, teas and local delicacies create Istanbul’s signature atmosphere.The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Optional ($) Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise (approx. $50 USD / person, to be paid to your guide at destination)

Enjoy a relaxing cruise between Europe and Asia along the Bosphorus Strait, passing elegant Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions and panoramic city views.

After breakfast, depart Istanbul and travel toward the Gallipoli Peninsula, an important historical site from World War I.Free lunch on the road before continuing to the Gallipoli battlefields. Visit the famous memorials and cemeteries that commemorate one of the most significant military campaigns in Turkish history. The peaceful landscapes today stand in strong contrast to the events that once unfolded here.Continue to Çanakkale for hotel check-in. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Çanakkale. (Breakfast-Dinner)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the legendary city of Troy, made famous by Homer’s Iliad and the story of the Trojan Horse. Explore the archaeological site where traces of multiple civilizations dating back thousands of years have been uncovered. You will also see the reconstructed Wooden Horse overlooking the ancient ruins.Continue to Pergamon, once an important cultural and intellectual center of the ancient world. Visit the famous Asclepion, one of the earliest medical centers of the Roman era. Following the visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing toward Izmir, located along the beautiful Aegean coast.Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. 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)

Join an unforgettable excursion to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Once a major commercial center of the Roman Empire, Ephesus is home to remarkable monuments including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the ancient Agora. You will also visit the House of Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary.

After breakfast, depart for Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most unique natural wonders. Before reaching Pamukkale, enjoy a visit to a local leather factory where you will learn more about one of Turkey’s traditional crafts.Known as the “Cotton Castle,” Pamukkale is famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside for thousands of years. You will also visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, including its Roman Theatre, Necropolis, Temple of Apollo and ancient thermal baths. Guests wishing to enjoy the famous Kleopatra Pools may do so during free time (entrance fees are not included and are payable locally; approximately € 15 per person).

Free lunch during the visit of Pamukkale. After the tour, dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pamukkale. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Following breakfast, continue your journey through the Anatolian countryside toward Konya. Free lunch in Aksehir before continuing to Konya.Upon arrival, visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the great philosopher and poet Rumi, founder of the Whirling Dervishes order. This important spiritual and cultural site offers insight into Sufi traditions and Turkish history.At the end of this visit, check in at the hotel and have dinner on site. Overnight at the hotel in Konya. (Breakfast-Dinner)

After breakfast, depart for Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most spectacular regions.En route, visit the impressive Sultanhan Caravanserai, a beautifully preserved 13th-century roadside inn once used by Silk Road merchants and travelers.Following the visit, continue driving to Aksaray for a free lunch. Upon arrival in Cappadocia in the afternoon, check in at the hotel.The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Cappadocia. (Breakfast-Dinner)

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

Experience a traditional spiritual ceremony performed in a historic caravanserai setting, offering a unique cultural experience inspired by the teachings of Rumi.

Breakfast at the hotel.Today is free to enjoy Cappadocia at your own pace or participate in optional excursions.Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Cappadocia. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Optional ($) Cappadocia Balloon Ride (approx. $240 USD / person, to be paid to your guide at destination)

Early this morning, soar above Cappadocia’s extraordinary volcanic landscapes during an unforgettable hot air balloon experience at sunrise. 

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

Discover the region’s famous fairy chimneys, rock formations and cave dwellings. Highlights include the Goreme Open Air Museum, Ozkonak Underground City, Devrent Valley, Avanos and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cappadocia’s unique valleys.

After breakfast, depart for Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. Lunch at leisure on the road before arriving in Ankara.Visit Anıtkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Continue to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, home to one of the richest archaeological collections showcasing civilizations that shaped Anatolia throughout history.Check in at the hotel and dinner on your own.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Ankara and drive toward Istanbul. During the transfer, stop in the Sapanca region where you will have a lunch at leisure.Upon arrival in Istanbul in the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax, explore the city independently or join an optional excursion.In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel. 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)

Visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman sultans, home to imperial collections, courtyards and treasury rooms. Continue to the famous Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.

After breakfast, meet your local representative in the hotel lobby. Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

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