Meet The Guides
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our team will meet you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation meeting with your tour manager and guide.
Overnight: Istanbul
Dinner
Day 2 – Istanbul Classics
After breakfast, begin exploring Istanbul’s historic heart:
• Blue Mosque: A 17th-century Ottoman masterpiece famous for its handmade Iznik tiles and grand domes.
• Hippodrome: The ancient social and sporting hub of the Byzantine Empire.
• Hagia Sophia: A 6th-century marvel blending Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
• Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops.
• Optional: Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia, with breathtaking views of palaces and bridges.
Overnight: Istanbul
Breakfast – Dinner
Day 3 – Istanbul to Çanakkale via Troy
After breakfast, visit the Spice Bazaar, a centuries-old market filled with exotic aromas and colors. Continue your journey to Çanakkale, stopping en route to visit:
• Ancient Troy: The legendary site of the Trojan War, immortalized in Homer’s Iliad.
Arrive in Çanakkale and enjoy free time in the evening.
Overnight: Çanakkale
Breakfast – Dinner
Day 4 – Pergamon & Arrival in Kuşadası
This morning, travel to Pergamon, one of the most powerful cities of the Hellenistic era.
• Asclepion: The ancient Roman healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine.
In the afternoon, arrive in the coastal town of Kuşadası and check into your hotel.
Overnight: Kuşadası
Breakfast – Dinner
Day 5 – Ancient Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary
Step back in time with a full-day tour of the ancient city of Ephesus:
• Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Great Theater, Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, and Trajan Fountain: Magnificent Roman monuments along the 2,000-year-old marble streets.
• House of the Virgin Mary: A peaceful pilgrimage site believed to be her final residence.
Visit a local leather workshop before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Kuşadası
Breakfast – Dinner
Day 6 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis
After breakfast, visit a traditional carpet-weaving atelier before departing for Pamukkale:
• Hierapolis Ancient City: A renowned spa city of the Roman Empire.
• Pamukkale Thermal Springs: Striking white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich waters.
• Necropolis: A vast ancient cemetery showcasing Roman burial traditions.
Overnight: Pamukkale
Breakfast – Dinner
Day 7 – Konya: The Spiritual Heart of Anatolia
Today, travel to Konya, the city of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes:
• Mevlana Museum: The mausoleum of 13th-century poet and mystic Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi.
Overnight: Konya
Breakfast – Dinner
Day 8 – Sultanhan Caravanserai & Güzelyurt Village – Arrival in Cappadocia
Journey toward Cappadocia with memorable stops:
• Sultanhan Caravanserai: A 13th-century inn that once hosted Silk Road merchants.
• Güzelyurt Village: A traditional village reflecting the authentic lifestyle of Cappadocia.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Breakfast – Dinner
Day 9 – Fairy Chimneys & Underground Cities of Cappadocia
Optional: Early morning hot air balloon flight over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia.
Today’s full-day tour includes:
• Göreme Open-Air Museum: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches with vivid Byzantine frescoes.
• Özkonak Underground City: A vast subterranean network where early Christians hid from persecution.
• Carpet Workshop & Avanos Pottery Studio: Witness centuries-old Anatolian craftsmanship.
• Pigeon Valley & Three Beauties: Iconic fairy chimney formations sculpted by nature.
• Optional: Traditional Turkish Night show.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Breakfast – Dinner
Day 10 – Ankara: The Modern Capital
Depart for Ankara and explore:
• Anıtkabir: The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey.
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: A world-class collection spanning prehistoric to Ottoman eras.
Overnight: Ankara
Breakfast – Dinner
Day 11 – Return to Istanbul & Farewell Celebration
Travel back to Istanbul. In the afternoon:
• Topkapi Palace: The opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans, housing sacred relics and imperial treasures.
In the evening, join a special farewell dinner, with live entertainment, commemorative plaques, and group photos to celebrate the journey.
Overnight: Istanbul
Breakfast – Dinner
Day 12 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable journey through Anatolia.
Breakfast
