This tour features the highlights of Turkey: the romantic city of Istanbul, the caves of Cappadocia, the impressive ruins of Ephesus and Aphrodisias, and the white mineral pools of Pamukkale. Begin in Istanbul. Stay at the Hotel, a historic building steps from the city's main attractions. During flexible touring with guide, visit sights such as the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the beautiful tiles in its Harem, ancient underground cisterns, and Istanbul's Spice Market. Take a cruise on the Bosphorus, the waterway separating old Istanbul from new, Europe from Asia. During free time, shop for carpets and kilim, jewelry, glass, textiles and antiques at the Grand Bazaar.

Next, fly inland to Cappadocia to view ancient frescoes and cave dwellings, and climb through the narrow corridors of vast subterranean cities. In Turkey's capital, Ankara, see the colorful homes in the old quarter, visit the Ataturk Mausoleum and the acclaimed Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Continue to Izmir to explore nearby Greek and Roman ruins in Aphrodisias and Ephesus, the former terminus of the Royal Road to Babylon. Spend another day visiting the mineral pools and ruins in the ancient thermal spa of Pamukkale. The tour concludes with two more nights in Istanbul in a room with a view of the Bosphorus.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Istanbul
Arrival transfer to hotel for three-night stay. Afternoon private Istanbul tour
Day 2 Istanbul
Full-day Istanbul tour
Day 3 Istanbul
Full-day Istanbul tour, including Bosphorus cruise
Day 4 Istanbul - Cappadocia
Transfer and flight to Cappadocia. Afternoon touring underground cities and caves
Day 5 Cappadocia
Continue touring in Cappadocia
Day 6 Cappadocia - Ankara - Izmir
Drive to Ankara for city tour. Fly to Izmir for two night stay
Day 7 Izmir & Ephesus
Full-day Ephesus tour
Day 8 Izmir - Pamukkale - Istanbul
Full-day Pamukkale and Aphrodisias tour. Transfer and flight to Istanbul for two-night stay
Day 9 Istanbul
Half-day city touring. Afternoon at leisure
Day 10 Depart Turkey
Airport transfer