Flight to Izmir, meet and drive to the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon. Among the impressive structures of this city, dating from 399 B.C., we will see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. The Asclepieum of Pergamon was a famous health center where methods of treatment included blood transfusions, music therapy and meditation. Than return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.

Following breakfast we drive to Selcuk Town, we visit the House of Virgin Mary on top of Mt. Coressos. Then our memorable visit to Ephesus will begin as well as viewing one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, the Temple of Artemis (One of the Seven Wonders of Antiquity) and Selcuk Museum. Transfer to Izmir Airport for flight to Istanbul.

Transfer to the airport for flight to Kayseri. Arrival at Kayseri airport, Transfer to Cappadocia Area. Drive to Devrent valley where the geografical formations remind us a place of another planet. Then in Pasabagi, we’ll take a stroll among the amazing fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. After having our lunch we leave from Avanos to see the most beautiful examples of Byzantine art in Goreme Open Air Museum. Then we drive to Uchisar castle, the highest point of the region, where we have a fabulous panoramic view over Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, departure for our trip underneath to the ground, we set off to Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest sub- terraine settlements in Cappadocia. Then we drive to Ihlara Canyon, we hike through the canyon by the Melendiz River, enjoying its natural beauty besides the Rock-Hewn Churches. After lunch, visit of Selime Monastry and then to Agzikarahan Carevanserai, one of the best examples of Selcuk art, built in the 13th century to supply accomodation for the Silk Road traders. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast . Transfer to Kayseri Airport for flight to Istanbul

Arrival to Istanbul. Meet at the airport. On the way going from airport to the city center we will see City walls, then we will cross Galata Bridge over Golden Horn. Check-in to the hotel. Overnight.

After breakfast we will visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles and Saint Sophia. This church - turned mosque - turned museum takes the breath away with the sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome. After lunch we will visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852) and we will see the extravagant Treasury and the priceless Chinese porcelain. Last stop will be Grand Bazaar. Then we return to the hotel for overnight.

Departure from the hotel for a visit to the Spice Bazaar where we will experience the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme rising from every store, the same smells that filled the air over 400 years ago. We then embark on a scenic tour of the Bosphorus, the natural waterway that divides Asia from Europe, passing palaces, castles, palatial homes, and the two magnificent suspension bridges. Lunch at a fish restaurant. Afternoon visit Dolmabahce Palace, The last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous with the great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4,5 tons chandelier. Than we will cross the Bosphorus Bridge. Unique chance to step from one continent (ASIA) to another (EUROPE) in 2 minutes. Camlica Hill, exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosphorus from the best point of view. Then transfer to airport for your flight back to home.

Flight to Antalya.Meet and transfer to the city enter. Afternoon visit Antalya Museum. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

After breakfast drive to ruins of Perge in to the northeast of Antalya. This is where St. Paul began preaching after arriving from Cyprus. Highlights are, the Gymnasium, the Bath, the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium and the Hellenistic Gate. Another one of the Pamphilian cities is Aspendus. The Theater is the best preserved in the world with its incredible acoustics. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

After breakfast, free at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

After breakfast at hotel, transfet to the airport for flight to Istanbul. Meet at İstanbul airport and transfer to the hotel.

Arrival at Istanbul Airport. Meet and transfer to the hotel. Free at leisure. Overnight.

Departure in the morning. Flight to Ankara by TK108 at 08:00. Visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and continue to Cappadocia. Lunch on the way. In the afternoon we will visit the Selçuk Agzikarahan Caravanserai and natural citadel of Uçhisar. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

After having breakfast in the hotel visit to the Pigeon Valley near Uchisar; then proceed to the Open Air Museum in Goreme through Avcilar Valley and visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Lunch in a restaurant and then visit to Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors. Pasabagi in Zelve region and Avanos with shopping facilities for the world-wide famous handicrafts. Dinner and overnight.

Early departure for Pamukkale. On the way visit to the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and arrival in Konya. Lunch. After visiting the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic, proceed to Karatay Theological School in which beautiful tiles are on display. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

In the morning visit to the ancient Hierapolis with the Theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis, the graveyard. Then drive to Aphrodisias and lunch. Later visit to the ruins and the museum. Drive to Kusadasi and overnight.

Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City, Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; Virgin Mary’s House, Selcuk Ephesus Museum and Church of St. John. Overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast we drive to Pergamon to see the Acropolis and the Temple of Trojan which is majestically located on a hill overlooking the Plain of Bergama. Highlights here will also include the Altar of Zeus, Theater and Temple of Dionysus, with a final stop at Asclepion, an ancient medical center at the foot of Pergamon where methods of treatment included barefoot walking and music therapy. Lunch in town. Following lunch we drive to Canakkale. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast drive to Troy, the place where the legendary Trojan War took place in the historical work of Homer of Smyrna. After visiting the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3000 years, drive to Canakkale and lunch. Thereafter sail to the other side of Dardanelles by a ferryboat and drive to Istanbul with visit to Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles - particularly involving the Allied Forces including Australians and New Zealanders during World War I. Arrival in Istanbul and check-in to the hotel. Overnight.

Free until transfer time. Transfer to Istanbul Atatürk Airport International Lines for flight to home.

Arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Meet and drive to embark ferry boat to Yalova. Drive to Bursa, enjoying the lovely countryside view and have lunch. Following the lunch you will visit Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque), the Green Mausoleum, the old Silk Market in Covered Bazaar. Then drive to Mt Uludag, the legendary Mt Olympos. Return to Bursa for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast depart for Kusadasi, enroute have lunch in Bergama before visiting Pergamon to see the Acropolis, the Temple of Trajan and the theater both overlooking to the plain of Bergama with a picture stop for one of the Seven Churches of Revelation in downtown Bergama. Then finally Ancient Medical Center, Asclepion will be visited before driving to Kusadasi.

Following breakfast, drive to Selcuk to visit the House of Virgin Mary on top of Mt Coressos. Your memorable visit to Ephesus will begin as well as viewing one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, the Temple of Artemis (One of the Seven Wonders of Antiquity). Continue on to Pamukkale (Cotton Castle).

You will tour the Antique City of Hierapolis where Calcareous hot springs descending over cliffs have created fascinating travertines in the form of white terrace and basins. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

In the morning we will drive via Kemer and Finike to Myra. We will visit the ancient city of Myra where St. Paul met the apostles before their journey to Rome. We will also visit the Church of St. Nicholas who was the bishop here in the 4th century. Then we will visit the Rock Tombs. Afternoon we will have a cruise to sunken city of Kekova. We drive back to Antalya through the coastline. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

Today, travel to Cappadocia via Konya, the famous old capital city of the Seljuk Empire with many fine examples of Turkish Islamic art and architecture. After a visit to the Mausoleum of Mevlana, continue to Cappadocia. Enroute visit the 13th century Sultanhani Caravanserai. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Situated near a former volcano, the unique landscape of Cappadocia evolved through erosion of the ash sedimentation by wind, sun, rain and snow. Enjoy a full day tour through the many valleys and conical cliffs, with whole cities hewed from these rocks cliffs. Included is the Goreme Valley, Underground City of Kaymakli, Valley of the Birds and Uchisar Castle, where you can capture a panoramic view of the beautiful plateau. Than visit Avanos Village followed by the famous local pottery and carpet shows allowing ample time for shopping. Also time will be allocated for the local souvenir shopping. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel. Transfer to Nevsehir Airport for flight to Istanbul by TK 259 (12:00/13:20). Transfer to restaurant for lunch. Afternoon we will visit the famous Topkapi Palace, home to some of the world’s biggest emeralds and diamonds. Last stop will be Grand Bazaar. Then check-in to the hotel for overnight.

After breakfast drive to the Old City of Istanbul and begin our visit starting with Blue Mosque, with its graceful cascade of domes, its six slender minarets and its magnificent interior of beautiful blue Iznik tiles. St.Sophia Museum which is one of the great architectural marvels of the ancient world.and the Underground Basilica Cistern. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast embark the Bosphorus Cruise Boat. A scenic journey along the Bosphorus between two continents, Asia and Europe. Lunch at a sea food restaurant. Afternoon visit Spice Bazaar, where the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme rise from hundreds of colourful muslin bags at every store-front. Last minute shopping. Then transfer to airport for international flight.

Arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. After a short rest drive to pier for embark the Bosphorus Cruise Boat. A scenic journey along the Bosphorus between two continents, Asia and Europe. Lunch at a sea food restaurant. Afternoon visit Spice Bazaar, where the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme rise from hundreds of colourful muslin bags at every store-front. Overnight in Istanbul. (--,L,--)

After breakfast drive to the Old City of Istanbul and begin our visit starting Hippodrome of Constantinople, where horse and chariot races used to take place and it was the center of Byzantine civic life. Blue Mosque, with its graceful cascade of domes, its six slender minarets and its magnificent interior of beautiful blue Iznik tiles. St.Sophia Museum which is one of the great architectural marvels of the ancient world. Then visit Underground Cistern and famous Topkapi Palace, which was home to the sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. It is now a museum exhibiting imperial collections of crystal, silver,Chinese porcelain and imperial costumes. Overnight in Istanbul. (B/L/--)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Izmir by TK 2316 at 09:00. Upon arrival, drive to Selcuk to visit the House of Virgin Mary on top of Mt Coressos. Your memorable visit to Ephesus will begin as well as viewing one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, the Temple of Artemis (One of the Seven Wonders of Antiquity). Then we will visit Sirince Village before check-in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi . (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we will depart from the hotel for Bodrum. Upon arrival the City Tour we will visit the following places. St Peters Castle, the symbol of Bodrum. The Crusader castle was built by the Knights of St. John between 1402 and 1409. Today on the walls of the castle you can see lots of stones from Mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Then we will visit the Ancient Theater, The Theatre is located on the hillside overlooking Bodrum. The view of the town from there is beautiful. Then drive to Marmaris for embarkation to the yacht. At the harbor of Marmaris, we board our traditional Turkish gulet-style yacht .Our gulet is a teak and oak beauty with both sails and a motor, an outdoor eating area, and comfortable cushions for relaxing on the observation decks, fore and aft. There are seven or eight snug cabins below, each with its own head and shower. You meet our expert captain and his friendly crew. The captain and your Trip Leader take you on a short tour of the gulet, and give you information about safety and comfort on board. To keep the decks and cushions clean, we don’t wear our shoes on board; rather, we recommend watershoes, flip-flops, or slippers. Dinner and overnight on board. (B/L/D)

We cruise to Ekincik Cove, where a small riverboat meets us and takes us on a side trip upriver on the Dalyan River. A shimmering blue band, the Dalyan River snakes amid bamboo and cattails, glimmering like the nearby Mediterranean Sea. Named for dalyans, the fishing weirs that have supported locals for centuries, the river reveals abundant birdlife. As we cruise this lovely waterway, we may well see some of the many species of birds that live here, from the shy ibis to the fearless gull. When our small riverboat brings us to Iztuzu Beach, we may also discover the Loggerhead Sea Turtles, depending on the season, who have nested here since the age of the dinosaurs. You’ll be transported by the tranquil sands, which are bordered by the Dalyan on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. After lunch in a local tavern, we visit the ancient Lycian site of Caunus, a beautiful ancient site where we clamber around the temples, baths, nympheum and an ancient theater. We have striking views along the way of Lycian temple tombs hugging a rock face. We return to our gulet for dinner. (B/L/D)

In the morning, we cruise to Aga Limani, or “Friendship Cove.” There’s time for a swim this morning before we begin today’s hike, which some consider to be our trip’s most challenging. We hike through forests, meadows and spectacular coastal scenery to a little- known Greco-Roman site called Lydea. We walk a pine-shaded trail amid the smells of wild herbs, and the music of goat bells, with spectacular vistas of the Gocek Lagoon and Bay of Fethiye. The hike takes about three hours: the first hour or so is uphill. As we hike, our gulet sails around to meet us in a spectacular cove which shelters the sunken baths of Cleopatra, built for her by Mark Antony. Legend says that Antony gave Cleopatra the entire Turquoise Coast as a wedding gift - a present fit for a queen. This is another excellent place to swim, if you feel so inclined. (B/L/D)

This morning we begin our cruise along the craggy Mediterranean coast. We make a landing on a small beach in the Bay of Gemiler, and drive to a spot near Kayakoy, a Greek “ghost town.” From here, we begin our hike to Kayakoy, on a rarely used trail that follows the side of a hill full of carob trees, thyme, and bay, with incredible vistas of inlets and lacy coastline. Anatolian Greeks once inhabited this city, with about 600 houses. During the 1920s, the entire population was relocated to Greece in the aftermath of the Turkish War of Independence. It is an eerie and moving place, a tragic reminder of how politics can affect human lives. The hike takes two hours. We walk first uphill, then descend on a well-graded but sometimes rocky path to a cove at Soguk Su. (Please note that if you elect not to join the hike, you will need to stay onboard the gulet, which sails to meet us at Soguk Su.) In the afternoon, we cruise to nearby Gemiler Island, where we see a sixth-century Byzantine monastery and ancient churches and refectories. If you like, you can hike to the top of the island, about a 400-foot elevation gain, for a breathtaking view of the azure channel below. We return to our gulet in the afternoon, and you may have time for a brief swim before dinner. (B/L/D)

In the morning, we have our last breakfast on board and make a short cruise to the harbor at Fethiye, where we meet our minibus. We bid a fond farewell to our captain and crew. Then drive to Antalya. On the way we will visit the ancient city of Myra where St. Paul met the apostles before their journey to Rome. We will also visit the Church of St. Nicholas who was the bishop here in the 4th century. Overnight in Antalya. (B/L/D)

After breakfast visit Old City and Harbour. Then drive to Pamukkale. Upon arrival we will tour the Antique City of Hierapolis where Calcareous hot springs descending over cliffs have created fascinating travertines in the form of white terrace and basins. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B/L/D)

Today, travel to Konya. Konya was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century as Iconium. Certainly the Mevlana Museum is one of the most important places to visit in Konya. This small museum is next to a 16th century mosque which was built by Sinan during Sultan Selim II period. This museum used to be Mevlana’s lodge, the found of the Whirling Dervishes. Overnight in Konya. (B/L/--)

Following breakfast, drive to Cappadocia. Situated near a former volcano, the unique landscape of Cappadocia evolved through erosion of the ash sedimentation by wind, sun, rain and snow. Enroute stop by the 13th century Sultanhani Caravansarai, the ancient ‘hotels’ during the silk road time. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B/L/D)

Enjoy full day tour through the many valleys and conical cliffs, with whole cities hewed from these rocks cliffs. Included is the Goreme Valley, Underground City of Kaymakli, Valley of the Birds and Uchisar Castle, where you can capture a panoramic view of the beautiful plateau. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B/L/D)

OPTIONAL: Early in the morning Baloon Tour After breakfast check-out from the hotel. Than visit Avanos Village followed by the famous local pottery shows. Transfer to Kayseri Airport for domestic flight to Istanbul by TK 2015 (16:25/17:55). Transfer to the hotel for overnight in Istanbul. (B/L/--)

Free until transfer time. Then transfer to airport for flight to home. (B/--/--)

Tour of “Sultan Ahmet Center”, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantian and Ottoman Empires were ruled. St. Sophia, One of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th.century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque, facing St. Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, Most attractive shopping center and the biggest “souk” in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leather ware and souvenir.

Suleymaniye Mosque, masterpiece of Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, built in the name of Suleyman The Magnificent during 16th.century, considered as the best amongst the imperial mosques. Topkapi Palace, imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc

We start the day by visiting Dolmabahce Palace, The last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous with the great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4,5 tons chandelier. Bosphorus Bridge, Unique chance to step from one continent (ASIA) to another (EUROPE) in 2 minutes. Camlica Hill, exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosphorus from the best point of view.

Our tour begins with Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), Mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish etc., Then we embark Bosphorus Cruise, through the waterway separating the two continents, Asia and Europe, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments.

You will be picked up from your hotel and drive to a first class restaurant. With half a bottle of wine or 2 soft drinks included, watching spectacular floorshow of famous belly dancers, typical Anatolian Folklore groups featuring popular musical instruments and Turkish singer.

Departure from hotel and cruise in Sea of Marmara to Prince’s Islands. Stop at Buyukada, the popular summer resort with pine trees. This was also the exile island of the Byzantine Prince’s. Following lunch in a seaside restaurant , you will have a tour of the island with horse-drawn carriages. Evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotel. (Lunch Included)

Departure from your hotel to catch the ferry boat to Yalova. Drive to Bursa, enjoying the idyllic scenery. After lunch, we take the cable car to Mt. Uludag, the legendary Mt. Olympos. Back in Bursa, visit Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque), The Green Mausoleum, the old silk market in the covered bazaar. Late evening return to Istanbul by ferry and transfer to your hotel.