Itinerary

Day 1: Departure from USA

An overnight flight to Istanbul.

Day 2: Arrive Istanbul 

We arrive in Turkey’s cultural and spiritual heart today and transfer to our hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities or meals planned; on our own we can explore the area surrounding our hotel or simply relax. Dinner tonight is on your own.

Day 3: Full Day Istanbul Tour (B) 

After breakfast, pick up from hotel and our journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. We visit the Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque and Hippodrome where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Then we’ll visit the Underground Cistern. At the end of the day visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping.

Day 4: Full Day Istanbul Tour (B) 

After breakfast, pick up from hotel. First visit Hagia Sophia the Byzantine church which was converted to a mosque in 15th century. Continue to Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme etc. Later we will join a boat trip on the Bosphorus, a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages.  Transfer to your hotel.

Day 5: Istanbul –Troy - Canakkale  (B, D) 

This morning, you'll depart for Canakkale. After lunch on your own en route, you’ll visit legendary Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the city where, in Homer's monumental Iliad, Helen's face is said to have launched a thousand ships. Until 1870, it was thought that Troy was a fictional place. Dinner and overnight in Canakkale.

Day 6: Pergamum - Kusadasi  (B, D) 

This morning,  depart for Kusadasi. En route , we will explore the remarkably well-preserved ancient city and fascinating ruins at Pergamum, which was home to a library of more than 200,000 parchment volumes. First we’ll visit the Asclepium, ancient medical center built in the name of Asclepios- god of medicine. Following lunch, continue to Pergamum Acropolis, where the temple of Athena, Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysos, Library, Agora, Great Theater and the Roman Baths will be seen.  Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi

Day 7: Kusadasi -Ephesus (B,D) 

After breakfast we’ll first visit the Artemission Temple which is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia and one of the best preserved classical city of the Eastern Mediterranean dated back to 2000 years. Afternoon visit House of Virgin Mary. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Kusadasi – Marmaris –Blue Cruise  (B,D)

Today we drive south to coastal Marmaris, stopping along the way at a carpet factory to watch a demonstration of this age-old craft. Late afternoon we board our gulets for our first night on board. 

Day 9: Blue Cruise  (B,L,D)

Sailing to Ekincik, swimming and possibility of visiting the Ruins of Caunos and/or join the optional trip to the mud baths in Dalyan . In this bay we have an optional excursion which is called Dalyan Caunos. You can discover this area with small boats that are offered from Ekincik bay. Passing through the river which is covered with reefs, don't forget to take your camera with you. And you can see the famous king tombs on the hill. Visiting the Caretta Caretta beach (Iztuzu) will be the last point. The Caretta Caretta turtles are coming to this area once a year to dig in and lay their eggs in the sand. Stay overnight at Ekincik bay. Evening meal and overnight in a natural bay.

Day 10: Blue Cruise     (B,L,D)

You will sail to the bays of the  Göcek Gulf. In this gulf there is good snorkelling in many bays, at batik Hamam you can see the ruins of  Cleopatra Bath and you will enjoy these unique bays. Breakfast is served  at Agalimani and continue to Batik hamam. Arriving in Fethiye for dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Fethiye – Antalya (B,D)

This morning bid farewell to our crew, and begin the drive to Antalya. Along the way we visit Demre to tour the striking Roman ruins at nearby Myra and visit the 12th-century Church of Saint Nicholas. After lunch break in Demre we continue the drive along the Turquoise Coast to the resort city of Antalya. 

Day 12: Antalya (B,D)                                                                 

On this morning’s walking tour, we encounter highlights of Antalya’s charming Old Town, including the extravagantly carved Hadrian’s Gate and the lovely Yivli Minare (fluted minaret). After a visit to the city’s Archaeological Museum, the remainder of the day is at leisure. 

Day 13: Antalya – Perge - Aspendos   (B,D)

This morning, you'll see the ramparts, Hadrian's Gate, slender minarets, and restored harbor area. Then visit the Archaeological Museum of Antalya. The artifacts here trace the path from the Stone and Bronze ages, through the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and up to the Ottoman Empire. You'll also see Ottoman ethnographic exhibits. The museum is one of Turkey's largest, and has nearly 5,000 works of art on exhibit.

Later, you will discover Aspendos, an ancient city dating to the fourth and fifth centuries BC. Here is the stunning ancient theater in Turkey—so well-preserved that you can see the names of Roman spectators carved into the backs of the seats—a bit of ancient graffiti. Not far from the theater are the remains of a large aqueduct from ancient times. You'll also visit Perge, where St. Paul gave some of his first sermons. Originally settled by the Hittites in 1500 BC, Perge thrived during the Roman Empire. The ruins here, which include a theater and stadium, create an excellent impression of how an ancient city looked and felt.

Day 14: Departure (B)                         

Transfer to Antalya Airport.