Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul to Gallipoli Peninsula to Canakkale
You'll arrive in Istanbul and get picked up for the drive to Gallipoli Peninsula. The day focuses on visiting several significant historical sites including Kabatepe Museum, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, The Nek with the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, and Lone Pine Cemetery. After spending time at these poignant locations, you'll take the ferry from Eceabat to Canakkale and check into your hotel. The evening is yours to relax and settle in.
- Start point
- Istanbul, Turkey (Istanbul)
Included Activities
- Visit Kabatepe Museum
- Visit ANZAC Cove
- Visit Lone Pine Australian Memorial
- Visit Johnston's Jolly (Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels)
- Visit The Nek and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial
- Visit Lone Pine Cemetery
- Ferry crossing from Eceabat to Canakkale
Landmarks Kabatepe Museum ANZAC Cove Lone Pine Australian Memorial Johnston's Jolly Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial Lone Pine Cemetery Dardanelles 
- Day 2
Canakkale to Bergama
After breakfast, you're heading to Troy to see the legendary site and the replica of the wooden horse. From there, you'll travel to Pergamon to check out the extensive ancient city, which includes the Acropolis, Temple of Athena, Serapis Temple, Heroon, Sanctuary of Athena, Library of Pergamon, Temple of Tragan, Theatre, and Zeus Altar. You'll overnight in Bergama.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Troy and see the replica wooden horse
- Visit Pergamon Acropolis
- Visit Temple of Athena in Pergamon
- Visit Serapis Temple in Pergamon
- Visit Heroon in Pergamon
- Visit Sanctuary of Athena in Pergamon
- Visit Library of Pergamon
- Visit Temple of Tragan in Pergamon
- Visit Theatre in Pergamon
- Visit Zeus Altar in Pergamon
Landmarks Troy Pergamon Acropolis Temple of Athena Serapis Temple Heroon Sanctuary of Athena Library of Pergamon Temple of Tragan Theatre in Pergamon Zeus Altar 
- Day 3
Bergama to Kusadasi
You'll start at Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia, to see early Christian structures like the Gymnasium, Jewish Synagogue, and the Diana Temple. Next you're heading to Alasehir to explore Philadelphia's St John Basilica. From there, it's on to Akhisar for a short visit to the 4th-century church. After lunch, you'll stop at the Roman Agora in Izmir before driving to Kusadasi for the night.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Sardis
- Visit Sardis Gymnasium
- Visit Jewish Synagogue in Sardis
- Visit Diana (Artemis) Temple in Sardis
- Visit Philadelphia (Alasehir)
- Visit St John Basilica in Philadelphia
- Visit Akhisar (Thyatira) 4th century church
- Visit Roman Agora in Izmir
Landmarks Sardis Sardis Gymnasium Jewish Synagogue in Sardis Diana (Artemis) Temple St John Basilica Akhisar (Thyatira) 4th century church Roman Agora in Izmir - Day 4
Kusadasi
Your day includes the House of Virgin Mary followed by exploring Ephesus Ancient City with the Baths of Scholastica, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and the Theatre. Later you'll visit the Basilica of St John where the apostle John was buried and see the Temple of Artemis. You'll stay overnight in Kusadasi.
Included Activities
- Visit House of Virgin Mary
- Visit Ephesus Ancient City
- Visit Baths of Scholastica
- Visit Library of Celsus
- Visit Temple of Hadrian
- Visit Theatre in Ephesus
- Visit Basilica of St John
- View Temple of Artemis
Landmarks House of Virgin Mary Ephesus Ancient City Baths of Scholastica Library of Celsus Temple of Hadrian Theatre in Ephesus Basilica of St John Temple of Artemis 
- Day 5
Kusadasi
You're traveling to the Ionic cities, starting with Priene, a well-designed Greco-Roman city featuring the best-preserved Hellenistic theatre in Turkey, newly excavated synagogue remains, and Alexander the Great's home. Then it's on to Miletus, the great Ionian port where Paul said goodbye to the Ephesian elders, to see more newly excavated synagogue remains. After lunch, you'll visit the Temple of Apollo at Didyma. You'll overnight in Kusadasi.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Priene
- Visit Hellenistic theatre in Priene
- Visit newly excavated synagogue in Priene
- Visit Alexander the Great's home in Priene
- Visit Miletus
- Visit newly excavated synagogue in Miletus
- Visit Temple of Apollo at Didyma
Landmarks Priene Hellenistic Theatre in Priene Miletus Temple of Apollo at Didyma - Day 6
Kusadasi to Pamukkale
You'll drive about 2 hours 30 minutes to Aphrodisias to see the Temple of Aphrodite, which was excavated by New York University. After lunch, you're visiting Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Then you'll head to Pamukkale for the night, where you can swim in the hotel's hot spring water indoor pool.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Aphrodisias (Temple of Aphrodite)
- Visit Laodicea
- Swimming at hot spring water indoor pool
Landmarks Aphrodisias Temple of Aphrodite Laodicea 
- Day 7
Pamukkale to Antalya
You're driving to Hierapolis to visit the Gate of Domitian, Arcadian Way, Necropolis, and Philip's tomb. From there, you'll continue to the unexcavated city of Colossae in Honaz, the ancient metropolis of Phrygia and recipient of Paul's letter. Later you'll drive south to Antalya for dinner and overnight.
Included Activities
- Visit Hierapolis
- Visit Gate of Domitian
- Visit Arcadian Way
- Visit Necropolis
- Visit Philip's tomb
- Visit Colossae (Honaz)
Landmarks Hierapolis Gate of Domitian Arcadian Way Necropolis Philip's tomb Colossae (Honaz) 
- Day 8
Antalya
You'll explore Antalya city center including Kaleici, the Clock Tower, Old Harbour, Kesik Minare, and Hadrianus Gate. Then you're checking out the Antalya Archaeological Museum. After lunch, you'll relax at the Kursunlu Waterfall, which dates back to the Roman period. You'll have dinner and stay overnight in Antalya.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Kaleici (old Antalya)
- Visit Clock Tower in Antalya
- Visit Old Harbour in Antalya
- Visit Kesik Minare
- Visit Hadrianus Gate
- Visit Antalya Archaeological Museum
- Visit Kursunlu Waterfall
Landmarks Kaleici Clock Tower in Antalya Old Harbour in Antalya Kesik Minare Hadrianus Gate Antalya Archaeological Museum Kursunlu Waterfall - Day 9
Antalya
You're driving to the Greco-Roman city of Perge where Paul gave his first speech on Christianity. Then you'll visit Aspendos to see the world's best preserved Greco-Roman amphitheatre. Next you're exploring Side to check out the ancient theatre, great gate, and Temple of Apollo. You'll have dinner and overnight in Antalya.
Included Activities
- Visit Perge
- Visit Aspendos Amphitheatre
- Visit Side ancient theatre
- Visit Side great Gate
- Visit Temple of Apollo in Side
Landmarks Perge Aspendos Amphitheatre Side Side ancient theatre Temple of Apollo in Side 
- Day 10
Antalya to Konya
You'll drive to Sagalassos ancient city and then continue to Yalvac to visit Pisidian Antioch. From there you're heading to Konya via Beysehir Lake and checking into your hotel for the night.
Included Activities
- Visit Sagalassos ancient city
- Visit Pisidian Antioch in Yalvac
Landmarks Sagalassos Pisidian Antioch Beysehir Lake 
- Day 11
Konya to Cappadocia
You're visiting Konya, ancient Iconium, starting with the Mevlana Monastery of the Dervishes and the Mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, founder of the whirling Dervishes. You'll also see the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret. On the way to Cappadocia, you'll stop at the walled 13th-century Sultanhan Caravansarai. You'll continue to Cappadocia for dinner and overnight.
Included Activities
- Visit Mevlana Monastery of the Dervishes (museum)
- Visit Mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi
- Visit Karatay Medrese
- Visit Ince Minaret
- Visit Sultanhan Caravansarai
Landmarks Mevlana Monastery Mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi Karatay Medrese Ince Minaret Sultanhan Caravansarai 
- Day 12
Cappadocia
You're visiting the Goreme Open Air Museum to see Byzantine frescoes and exploring multiple churches including Tokah Kilise, Basil Kilise, Elmali Kilise, Azize Barbara Kilisesi, Yilanli Kilise, Karanlik Kilise, St Catherine Chapel, and Carikli Kilise. You'll also visit the Nunnery and the Troglodyte Village of Avcilar. Later you're exploring Ortahisar and Avanos Village to see the fairy chimneys, and visiting St Simeon church at Pasabag Valley. You'll overnight in Cappadocia.
Included Activities
- Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
- Visit Byzantine Frescoes
- Visit Tokah Kilise
- Visit Basil Kilise
- Visit Elmali Kilise
- Visit Azize Barbara Kilisesi
- Visit Yilanli Kilise
- Visit Karanlik Kilise
- Visit St Catherine Chapel
- Visit Carikli Kilise
- Visit Nunnery
- Visit Troglodyte Village of Avcilar
- Visit Ortahisar
- Visit Avanos Village and fairy chimneys
- Visit St Simeon church at Pasabag (Monk) Valley
Landmarks Goreme Open Air Museum Tokah Kilise Basil Kilise Elmali Kilise Azize Barbara Kilisesi Yilanli Kilise Karanlik Kilise St Catherine Chapel Carikli Kilise Nunnery Troglodyte Village of Avcilar Ortahisar Avanos Village Fairy Chimneys St Simeon church at Pasabag (Monk) Valley - Day 13
Cappadocia to Ankara
There's an optional early morning hot air balloon ride from 06:00 to 08:00 available if weather permits (limited availability in winter). Your full day includes visiting Cappadocia Kaymakli Underground city, Uchisar Castle with panoramic views of the cone and Guvercinlik Valley, and Ihlara Valley (note this takes about half a day and isn't suitable for elderly travelers). Later you'll drive to Ankara, Turkey's capital city. You'll have dinner and overnight in Ankara.
Included Activities
- Visit Cappadocia Kaymakli Underground city
- Visit Uchisar Castle and panoramic points
- Visit Ihlara Valley
Optional Activities
- Hot air balloon ride (06:00-08:00, subject to weather availability, particularly limited in winter)
Landmarks Cappadocia Kaymakli Underground city Uchisar Castle Guvercinlik Valley Ihlara Valley 
- Day 14
Ankara
You're spending the full day exploring Ankara including the Museum of Anatolian Civilization, Ulus district, Mausoleum of Ataturk, Temple of Augustus, Roman Bath, Column of Julian, and Ankara Citadel. You'll have dinner and stay overnight at your hotel in Ankara.
Included Activities
- Visit Museum of Anatolian Civilization
- Visit Ulus
- Visit Mausoleum of Ataturk
- Visit Temple of Augustus
- Visit Roman Bath
- Visit Column of Julian
- Visit Ankara Citadel
Landmarks Museum of Anatolian Civilization Ulus Mausoleum of Ataturk Temple of Augustus Roman Bath Column of Julian Ankara Citadel - Day 15
Ankara to Bursa
You're visiting Yassihoyu\u0308k (Gordion) to see King Midas's Earth Tumulus, Phrygian Valley, and Midas Shehri. Then you're heading to Yaziliakya with monument writing-rocks and underground passages from the Phrygian age. You'll drive to visit Sivrihisar Castle and Ballihisar. After that you're seeing the Kybele Temple in Pessinus. You'll drive to Bursa for dinner and overnight.
Included Activities
- Visit Yassihöyük (Gordion)
- Visit King Midas's Earth Tumulus
- Visit Phrygian Valley
- Visit Midas Şehri
- Visit Yazılıkaya
- Visit Sivrihhisar Castle
- Visit Ballihisar
- Visit Kybele Temple in Pessinus
Landmarks Yassihöyük (Gordion) King Midas's Earth Tumulus Phrygian Valley Midas Şehri Yazılıkaya Sivrihhisar Castle Ballihisar Kybele Temple in Pessinus - Day 16
Bursa to Istanbul
You're visiting Bursa city center including the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum. You'll also head to Nicea where the Council of Nicea was held. Then you're taking the fast ferry to Istanbul for a leisurely afternoon. You'll have dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Included Activities
- Visit Bursa city center
- Visit Green Mosque
- Visit Green Mausoleum
- Visit Nicea (Council of Nicea site)
Landmarks Green Mosque Green Mausoleum Nicea - Day 17
Istanbul
Your full day tour of Istanbul starts with the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque. You'll visit Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Later you're exploring the Basilica Cistern. You'll overnight in Istanbul.
Included Activities
- Visit Hippodrome of Istanbul
- Visit Hagia Sophia
- Visit Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque - Sultanahmet Camii)
- Visit Topkapi Palace (Sarayi)
- Visit Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi)
- Visit Basilica Cistern
Landmarks Hippodrome of Istanbul Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque - Sultanahmet Camii) Topkapi Palace (Sarayi) Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) Basilica Cistern - Day 18
Istanbul
In the morning, you're visiting the Old Spice Bazaar. Then you're taking a Bosphorus cruise by ferry to see Anadolu Hisari, Rumeli Hisari, old mansions, waterfront wood houses, imperial palaces, hunting lodges, kiosks, and modern villas on both European and Asian shores (note: no interior visits to the medieval forts). You'll drive by the Golden Horn to see the old city walls and visit the Sulemaniye Mosque. You'll also visit Dolmabahce Palace. You'll overnight in Istanbul.
Included Activities
- Visit Old Spice Bazaar
- Bosphorus cruise by ferry
- View Anadolu Hisari from ferry
- View Rumeli Hisari from ferry (exterior only)
- Drive by Golden Horn and Old city walls
- Visit Süleymaniye Mosque
- Visit Dolmabahce Palace
Landmarks Old Spice Bazaar Bosphorus Anadolu Hisari Rumeli Hisari Golden Horn Old City Walls Süleymaniye Mosque Dolmabahce Palace - Day 19
Istanbul Departure
You'll transfer to the airport for your return flight.
- End point
- Istanbul, Turkey (Istanbul)
