Classical Turkey Tour

Touch down in this magnificent city where our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we can arrange a Turkish Bath (Hamam) session to help with the jetlag.

A wonderful sunset Bosphorus cruise is another option to make the most of your first day in Istanbul.

Overnight in Istanbul | Meals excluded

Your second day in the region will be spent exploring the only city on two continents, Istanbul. Start at the Hippodrome Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its top attractions; the fountain of Wilhelm II, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the Obelisk from Egypt. Proceed to one of the largest and most iconic mosques in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque, with its six minarets adorning the city’s skyline. See the magnificent interior Blue tiles that make this 17th-century mosque a phenomenon.

Our next site will be the Hagia Sophia- a magnificent accomplishment of Byzantine architecture. Marvel at the buildings breathtaking designs before heading to one of the coolest spots in town, the Basilica Cistern. Visit the Topkapi Palace- the Ottoman empire’s imperial residence, which now stands as a museum displaying holy relics and collections of Chinese and Japanese artifacts. Finish the day with a colorful Grand Bazaar tour and enjoy its rich collection of handmade jewelry, leather, and textiles.

Overnight in Istanbul | Meals: B, L

On the third day, take a four-hour drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula and tour the scene of a battle between the Turks and the Allied forces in World War 1. The peninsula is home to several memorials commemorating the Allied soldiers who died in their unsuccessful attempt to conquer the peninsula.

Explore this historical battleground as our guide narrates the events of the 10-month battle.
After the battlefields, we will proceed to Troy’s ancient city, which was the scene of the famed battle of Troy. Take pictures beside a wooden replica of the ingenious Trojan horse at the site. The ancient city has a fascinating history that spans beyond the epic battle, which you will learn as you explore the excavated ruins.

Overnight in Canakkale | Meals: B, L

Travel from Canakkale to the ancient city of Assos, which was once home to Aristotle. Explore the ruins of the classical town for a glimpse of Greek architecture, including the showpiece 600 BCE Temple of Athena, a crumbled theatre, city walls, and a marketplace. Another local highlight in the area is the old stone port of the city.

Drive to another ancient city, Pergamon, which served as the Roman Empire’s eastern capital and was an important cultural center. Marvel at the breathtaking pieces of Roman architecture in the city’s ruins- a magnificent Acropolis, the Athenaeum Library, the Temple of Trojan, and the Sanctuary of Asclepius.

You will then visit the Temple of Serapis in Bergama before continuing to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Kusadasi | Meals: B, L

On the next day, you will explore the ancient capital of Asia Minor, Ephesus. The well-preserved ruins of this ancient city are home to a fascinating amphitheater, the Celsus Library, Temples, and the famous Odeon (Concert hall). Marvel at the magnificent pieces of Hellenistic architecture, including the ruins of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis.

Visit the Ephesus Museum in Selcuk town and then the house of the Virgin Mary. Take a short ride to the Old Greek Village, Sirince, where you will visit the Ayios Promodos Church, explore the colorful village center, and relax for wine tasting.

Travel from Kusadasi to the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisia named after the goddess Aphrodite. Marvel at the town’s landmarks’ quality craftsmanship as you learn its history before proceeding to Hierapolis and Pamukkale. Explore the ruins of Hierapolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site-1988) and visit its top attractions before proceeding to the white steeped pools of Pamukkale. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the surreal landscape and cool down in the warm waters of the region.

Overnight in Pamukkale | Meals: B, L, D

Travel to the pilgrimage destination for Sufis, Konya City. Visit the iconic Mausoleum of Mevlana, attached to the historic lodge (tekke) of the Whirling Dervishes sect.

On your way to Cappadocia, visit one of the most popular tourist attractions, the 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai. Marvel at this breathtaking piece of Anatolian Seljuk architecture before proceeding to Cappadocia.

Overnight in Cappadocia | Meals: B, L

Spend the day exploring a region famous for its unique moonscape topography and rock architecture. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and enjoy Christian frescoes, climb Uchisar rock castle for a panoramic view of the region, explore Kaymakli underground city, and marvel at the Pasabag and Zelve rock formations.

Enjoy the region’s scenic beauty, learn its rich history, and mingle with the locals where you can visit a carpet workshop to learn more about this age-old art. Visit the small town of Avanos, famous for its magnificent pottery art, and enjoy a potter demonstration at a local workshop.

Overnight in Cappadocia | Meals: B, L

Depart for Ankara, the capital of Turkey rich in history. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where you will come to terms with Turkey’s complex history. View artifacts collected from every important archeological site in Anatolia and enjoy collections from Hittite, Assyrian, and Catalhoyuk sites. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic, before proceeding to Safranbolu, where you will enjoy local cuisine and Turkish Delight for dinner.

Overnight in Safranbolu | Meals: B, L

Spend the day exploring the perfectly preserved Ottoman town of Safranbolu and enjoy unique displays of late Ottoman urban architecture, containing over 1000 registered artifacts from the 17th to 19th centuries. The small town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Visit the historical sites of Asmazlar Konagi, Cinci Hani, Seljuk mausoleum, and Torumtay tomb with Mongol mummies. During your free time, visit the colorful bazaars and take photographs of the town.

Overnight in Istanbul | Meals: B, L

After 10 days of an eclectic blend of history and culture, transfer to the airport for your return flight home or next destination(s) if you would like to continue exploring Turkey.

Meals: B