Meet The Guides
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Meet and greet at the airport, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. In the evening, attend an orientation meeting and dinner with your tour manager. Free time at leisure.
Dinner
Overnight: Istanbul
Day 2 – Troy Legends in Çanakkale
• Ancient City of Troy: Explore the legendary 4,000-year-old city immortalized in Homer’s Iliad.
• Trojan Horse: See the iconic wooden horse that became a symbol of strategy and myth.
Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Çanakkale
Day 3 – Pergamon & Ancient Smyrna
• Pergamon Acropolis: Ascend by cable car to the hilltop of one of the most powerful Hellenistic cities.
• Thyateira Church: One of the Seven Churches of Revelation, carrying the spirit of early Christianity.
• Ancient Smyrna (İzmir): Discover the remains of a major Roman trade and cultural hub.
Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: İzmir
Day 4 – Ephesus and Sacred Sites
• Ephesus Ancient City: Walk along marble streets over 2,000 years old and explore Roman monuments.
• Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• House of the Virgin Mary: Believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus.
• Basilica of St. John: A sacred site dedicated to the Apostle John.
Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Kuşadası
Day 5 – Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea
• Sardis Ancient City: Capital of the Lydian Kingdom and birthplace of the first coins.
• Philadelphia (Alaşehir): One of the Seven Churches, pivotal in early Christianity.
• Laodicea: Explore another ancient church and archaeological site of great significance.
• Pamukkale & Hierapolis: UNESCO-listed thermal terraces and ancient healing city.
Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Pamukkale
Day 6 – Konya & Journey to Cappadocia
• Mevlana Museum: Mausoleum of Rumi, the 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet.
• Sultanhanı Caravanserai: A Seljuk roadside inn that once welcomed Silk Road traders.
Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Cappadocia
Day 7 – The Magical World of Cappadocia
• Göreme Open-Air Museum: UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut churches and Byzantine frescoes.
• Underground Cities: Explore vast subterranean shelters built by early Christians.
• Pigeon Valley & Uçhisar Castle: Enjoy sweeping views of the region’s surreal landscape.
• Avanos Pottery Workshop: Experience the centuries-old tradition of pottery making.
• Carpet Atelier: Discover the art and history of handwoven Turkish carpets.
Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Cappadocia
Day 8 – Salt Lake & Atatürk Mausoleum
• Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü): Witness the striking white expanse of Turkey’s second-largest lake.
• Anıtkabir: Visit the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic.
Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Bolu
Day 9 – The Heart of Istanbul
• Hippodrome: Once the heart of Roman chariot races and public ceremonies.
• Blue Mosque: A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture adorned with Iznik tiles.
• Hagia Sophia: A 1,500-year-old architectural marvel bridging Christianity and Islam.
• Topkapi Palace: The opulent seat of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years.
• Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops.
• Optional: Bosphorus Cruise – Sail between two continents with breathtaking views.
Evening: Farewell dinner, plaque ceremony, and group photos.
Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Istanbul
Day 10 – Departure Day
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Breakfast
