Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul
You'll arrive in Istanbul and settle in with a traditional Turkish dinner to start things off. After that, the evening is yours to explore the city at your own pace, whether that means wandering neighborhoods, grabbing tea at a café, or just getting oriented with your surroundings.
- Meals
- Dinner (Turkish dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Centrum (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Istanbul independently
- Day 2
Istanbul
A local guide leads you through Istanbul's main attractions on foot. You'll see the Blue Mosque with its 20,000 hand-painted tiles, walk through the Grand Bazaar's winding corridors, and check out Hagia Sophia's 1,500 years of history. Later, you can either join an optional Turkish bath and belly dancing show or continue exploring on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Centrum (or similar))
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Istanbul with local guide
- Visit Blue Mosque
- Visit Grand Bazaar
- Visit Hagia Sophia
Optional Activities
- Turkish bath
- Belly dancing Turkish evening
Landmarks Blue Mosque Grand Bazaar Hagia Sophia 
- Day 3
Istanbul to Canakkale
You'll head from Istanbul toward Canakkale, stopping at Gallipoli to pay respects at World War I sites including ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery. The drive offers views along the Sea of Marmara before you ferry across the Dardanelles. Then it's time to explore Troy's ancient ruins with a guide, finishing with free time in Canakkale to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Tusan Hotel (or similar)), Hotel (Hotel Iris (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit ANZAC Cove
- Visit Chunuk Bair
- Visit Lone Pine Cemetery
- Visit Troy ancient ruins with in-depth guided tour
- Ferry crossing across Dardanelles
Landmarks ANZAC Cove Chunuk Bair Lone Pine Cemetery Troy Sea of Marmara Dardanelles - Day 4
Canakkale to Izmir
After breakfast, you'll travel south along the Turkish coast to Pergamon, a hilltop town full of archaeological remains. From there, continue to Izmir, Homer's birthplace and a busy port on the Aegean coast. After dinner, you can walk the palm-lined waterfront or check out this lively city's energy.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Turkish dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Anemon (or similar)), Hotel (Movenpick Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Pergamon hillside ruins with scenic mountain drive
Optional Activities
- Explore Izmir promenades independently
Landmarks Pergamon 
- Day 5
Izmir to Pamukkale
You'll sail from Izmir toward Ephesus, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders and a really well-preserved classical city. Walk around the Temple of Artemis and Library of Celsus, places connected to Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Then it's on to Pamukkale with its famous white mineral terraces, a UNESCO site. Dinner is included at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Lycus River (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Ephesus ancient ruins
- Visit Temple of Artemis
- Visit Library of Celsus
- Visit Pamukkale and white calcium terraces
Landmarks Ephesus Temple of Artemis Library of Celsus Pamukkale 
- Day 6
Pamukkale to Konya
Start at Hierapolis with a guided tour, then you'll have the option to soak in the thermal pool known for its mineral properties. After lunch, drive to Konya, a city with Sufi heritage dating back thousands of years. You'll explore a 12th-century mosque, walk through market streets, and learn about whirling dervish traditions and the poet Rumi. Hotel dinner included.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Anemon (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Hierapolis
Optional Activities
- Thermal pool experience at Hierapolis
Landmarks Hierapolis - Day 7
Konya to Cappadocia
Leave Konya and head to Cappadocia, another UNESCO site with unusual landscapes. The Goreme Open Air Museum shows you a massive monastic complex with caves carved right into the rock, complete with colorful painted churches inside. You'll return to your hotel for a traditional dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Yusuf Yiğitoğlu (Or Similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
- Explore monastic rock complex and cave churches
Landmarks Goreme Open Air Museum - Day 8
Cappadocia
This day focuses on Cappadocia's underground and local culture. You'll explore Kaymakli Underground City with its connected tunnels and chambers, then visit a traditional cave house where a local family still lives. They'll serve you coffee and tea. Back at the hotel, you'll have the evening free to find dinner and explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Yusuf Yiğitoğlu (Or Similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Kaymaklı Underground City
- Visit traditional cave house in Uchisar Valley with local family
Optional Activities
- Find dinner independently
Landmarks Kaymaklı Underground City Uchisar Valley - Day 9
Cappadocia to Ankara
You'll leave Cappadocia after breakfast with several stops along the way. Check out Zelve Open Air Museum, a cave town with old dwellings and a Byzantine monastery, plus Pasa Baglari's famous fairy chimneys. Then drive to Ankara, Turkey's capital, where you'll see Kalesi castle overlooking the city and have time to shop for local goods like pears, honey, and angora wool. Hotel dinner included.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Best (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Zelve Open Air Museum
- Visit Pasa Baglari and fairy chimneys
- Explore Kalesi castle in Ankara
Optional Activities
- Shop for pears, honey, muscat grapes, and angora wool in Ankara
Landmarks Zelve Open Air Museum Pasa Baglari Kalesi - Day 10
Ankara to Istanbul
You'll travel back to Istanbul from Ankara with a stop at the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and lunch along the way. You'll arrive in the afternoon and have time to think about everything you've seen on this journey. The evening is free for a last look around Istanbul before you leave.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Centrum (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Museum of Anatolian Civilisations
Optional Activities
- Explore Istanbul independently
Landmarks Museum of Anatolian Civilisations - Day 11
Istanbul
Your trip through Turkey ends in Istanbul where it started. You'll say goodbye to your group and head home with photos and memories from traveling through this historically rich country.
