Magical Turkey

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul, the largest city in modern Turkey. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: Today we enjoy an extensive tour of Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents and the former capital of three great empires. Our first visit will be Hagia Sophia, the legendary landmark built about 1,500 years ago and one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Byzantine era. We will then visit the famous Blue Mosque. After lunch, you will have free time to explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. In the afternoon, we will visit the Chora Museum, famous for its magnificent Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3: In the morning, we will take a Bosphorus cruise and enjoy the beautiful views of Istanbul from the water. We will then visit Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman sultans ruled the empire for centuries. After lunch, you will have free time to explore the famous Spice Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4: Today we fly to Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey. We will visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, one of Turkey’s most important archaeological museums and the recipient of the European Museum of the Year Award in 1997. The museum houses remarkable collections from the Hittite, Phrygian, and other ancient civilizations of Anatolia. Later, we will visit Anitkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. Overnight in Ankara.

Day 5: Today we travel to Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire and one of the most important archaeological sites in Anatolia. The Hittites were one of the great powers of the ancient Near East and were among the earliest civilizations known for their advanced use of iron. We will explore the ancient city and visit Yazilikaya, the impressive open-air rock sanctuary decorated with Hittite reliefs. Later, we continue to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6: Today we explore dreamlike Cappadocia. We will visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, with its ancient monasteries and rock-cut churches decorated with beautiful frescoes. We will also visit the unusual Gumusler Monastery, famous for its remarkable frescoes, including a unique depiction of the Virgin Mary. Along the way, we will hear fascinating stories about the ancient people, beliefs, and traditions connected with Cappadocia. Cappadocia is also one of the world's most famous destinations for hot-air balloon rides, which are available as an optional activity. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 7: After breakfast, we spend another full day exploring Cappadocia. We will visit Uchisar, Urgup, Avanos, and Zelve, discovering the unique fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations of the region. We will also visit one of the famous underground cities where early Christians lived and sought refuge. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 8: Today we follow the historic Silk Road. Along the way, we will stop at one of the largest and best-preserved caravanserais on this ancient trade route. After lunch in Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to Rumi, the famous 13th-century philosopher, poet, and spiritual teacher. We then cross the breathtaking Taurus Mountains and continue to Antalya on Turkey’s beautiful Mediterranean coast. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 9: Today we explore two of the most impressive ancient sites in the Antalya region. Our first stop is Perge, which was visited by St. Paul and St. Barnabas. We will explore its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, including the ancient streets, theater, baths, and agora. Later, we continue to Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. After lunch, you will have the option to visit the museum at no extra cost. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 10: We cross the Taurus Mountains once again and continue through the countryside, where we may see traditional Turkish nomadic communities and their way of life. We then arrive at Pamukkale, famous for its stunning white calcium terraces and the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 11: Today we drive through the beautiful Meander Valley toward Izmir. Before lunch, we will visit the remarkable ancient city of Aphrodisias, dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. The site is famous for its magnificent marble sculptures and one of the best-preserved ancient stadiums in the world, which could hold around 30,000 spectators. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 12: Today is another highlight of our journey. After about an hour of driving, we arrive at Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We will take an extensive tour of the site and see the Temples of Hadrian, Trajan, and Domitian, the ancient Roman baths, the magnificent Library of Celsus, and the Great Theater. We will also visit the ancient Church of Mary, traditionally associated with the Third Ecumenical Council of Ephesus. After lunch, we visit the Basilica of St. John and the traditional site of his tomb. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 13: Today we travel north to Pergamum, one of the most important ancient cities of western Anatolia. We will visit the Acropolis, where the kings of Pergamum once lived, and the Asclepion, one of the largest and most important ancient medical centers in Anatolia. Pergamum was also famous for the development of parchment, an important writing material in the ancient world. After lunch, we continue to Troy, the legendary city made famous by Homer’s Iliad. We will explore the archaeological site while hearing stories and passages from this timeless epic. Overnight in Canakkale.

Day 14: Today we drive to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Known as “Green Bursa” because of its beautiful parks and surrounding mountains, the city is famous for its Ottoman heritage. We will visit the impressive Grand Mosque and Green Mosque, as well as the tombs of several Ottoman sultans and members of the royal family. Overnight in Bursa.

Day 15: Today we return to Istanbul. On the way, we stop in Iznik, ancient Nicaea, one of the most important cities in early Christian history. In 325 AD, the First Ecumenical Council of Christianity was held here, leading to the formation of the Nicene Creed. We then continue to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 16: Today is a free day in Istanbul. You can explore the city at your own pace, shop, relax, or revisit some of your favorite places.

Day 17: Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight home..