Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul
You'll arrive in Istanbul and get settled at your hotel in the old city, then there's time to wander around on your own before heading out for a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus. The evening includes entertainment and dance shows with drinks included, so it's a nice way to get your first taste of the city and meet the group.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner cruise on the Bosphorus with entertainment and dance shows with unlimited drinks)
Included Activities
- Dinner cruise on the Bosphorus with entertainment and dance shows
Landmarks/POIs Bosphorus 
- Day 2
Istanbul
This is a full guided tour hitting Istanbul's major sites. You'll see Hagia Sophia Mosque from the outside, walk through the Byzantine Hippodrome, check out the Blue Mosque with its signature blue tiles, and spend time at Topkapi Palace including the Harem section. Dinner happens at a local restaurant afterward, giving you a chance to decompress and try some traditional food.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia Mosque (exterior view)
- Visit Byzantine Hippodrome
- Visit Blue Mosque
- Visit Topkapi Palace including Harem
Landmarks/POIs Hagia Sophia Mosque Byzantine Hippodrome Blue Mosque Topkapi Palace - Day 3
Istanbul to Cappadocia
You're heading out early for the drive to Cappadocia, passing through Ankara on the way. The landscape changes dramatically as you get closer, with those incredible rock formations and valleys starting to come into view. It's a long drive but the scenery really builds anticipation for what you'll see over the next couple days.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive to Cappadocia via Ankara
Landmarks/POIs Ankara Cappadocia 
- Day 4
Cappadocia
Start before sunrise if you're doing the optional hot air balloon tour, which gives you incredible views of the valleys from above. After some breakfast, walk through Devrent and Pasabagi valleys to see the fairy chimneys up close. Then head to Avanos to watch potters working with techniques they've used for centuries. Following lunch, you'll check out Goreme Open Air Museum with its Byzantine cave churches and wall paintings. Finish the day at Uchisar Castle for panoramic views across the entire region around 75°F/24°C.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Devrent valley
- Visit Pasabagi valley
- Visit Avanos pottery town with pottery demonstrations
- Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
Optional Activities
- Early morning hot air balloon tour
Landmarks/POIs Devrent Valley Pasabagi Valley Avanos Goreme Open Air Museum Uchisar Castle - Day 5
Cappadocia to Pamukkale
Drive south toward Pamukkale, stopping in Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum where Rumi's tomb is located. Take time for lunch in Konya, then continue the drive to Pamukkale for the evening. It's another long travel day but you're heading toward one of Turkey's most distinctive natural sites.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Mevlana Museum
Landmarks/POIs Konya Mevlana Museum Pamukkale 
- Day 6
Pamukkale
Walk through Hierapolis, the ancient Greco-Roman city built on top of natural hot springs. You'll see the large necropolis, Great Baths, Frontinus Street, the Theatre, Martyrion of St. Phillip, and Cleopatra's pool where you can actually swim. After exploring the ruins, walk barefoot across the travertines, those white mineral terraces formed by flowing water. It's a unique experience and one of the more visually different places you'll encounter on this trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Hierapolis ancient city
- Visit necropolis at Hierapolis
- Visit Great Baths at Hierapolis
- Walk Frontinus Street
- Visit Theatre at Hierapolis
- Visit Martyrion of St. Phillip
- Visit Cleopatra's pool (antique pool)
- Walk on travertines
Landmarks/POIs Hierapolis Cleopatra's Pool Pamukkale travertines - Day 7
Pamukkale to Istanbul
Head back toward Istanbul for your final stop in Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. You'll have time to explore there and grab lunch, then drive to Istanbul for a farewell dinner. It gives you a moment to reflect on everything you've seen and a chance to say goodbye to everyone before heading home.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner in Istanbul)
Included Activities
- Visit Bursa
Landmarks/POIs Bursa 
- Day 8
Istanbul
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Pack the night before so you're ready to head out without rushing around in the morning.
- Meals
- Breakfast
