Welcome to Istanbul. You will be transferred to your hotel from the airport in Istanbul today. We offer an optional half-day tour visiting the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and Rustempasa Mosque followed by a cruise along the European and Asian shores of the Bosphorus. This option departs the hotel at 1 p.m.

After breakfast we drive towards the nation’s capital, Ankara to visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk before continuing on to the surreal landscape of Cappadocia.

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Tonight, don’t miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers… a night you won’t forget!

Leaving Cappadocia we head south, towards Konya, along the ancient Silk Road, visiting Sultanhani Caravansary, just as the ancient traders did. Once in Konya we tour the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi and Alaeddin Mosque.

Today we head for Pamukkale and it’s calcium travertines. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.

Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis (“the City of Zeus”). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul.

After breakfast, our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.