Explore the rich history of Turkey. You will start your tour in Istanbul, Turkey’s business and industrial center, and one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. See the sites in Canakkale, Kusadasi, Pumukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia, and then enjoy your last night back in Istanbul.

Please note: 2009 itinerary varies. Please call for details.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul

Board your overnight flight to Turkey.

Day 2 - Istanbul

Land in Istanbul, the ancient capital of civilization known previously as Byzantium and Constantinople. This evening, enjoy an included dinner with your group. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Istanbul

On your guided tour of Istanbul, visit 15th-century Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans; the ancient Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia, illuminated by 30 million gold mosaic tiles; and the stunning Blue Mosque. Pass by the Hippodrome, an elaborate stadium once the site of ancient chariot races. This evening, opt for an Istanbul by Night event with dinner. (B)

$65 USD

Istanbul by Night After your walking tour of Istanbul, spend the evening enjoying dining and entertainment at a local nightclub.

Day 4 - Canakkale

As you make your way along the Aegean coast to Canakkale, stop for a tour of Bursa, the very first capital of the Ottoman empire. Arrive by evening in Canakkale, a town coveted in centuries past by warring forces because of its strategic location at the entrance to the Dardanelles. (B, D)

Day 5 - Kusadasi

A local guide leads a tour of Troy, where Homer’s Iliad comes to life. Tour the ruins, where experts have identified the relics of nine civilizations dating back 5,000 years. Then follow the Aegean coast to Pergamon, where you’ll visit the ancient Greek Acropolis. Continue on to seaside Kusadasi. (B, D)

Day 6 - Kusadasi

Visit Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical cities. View the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the house where Mary is said to have spent her final days. This afternoon, opt for a journey to the village of Sirince for a firsthand look at Turkish rural life. (B, D)

$25 USD

Village of Sirince The peaceful village of Sirince lies in the hills outside of Ephesus. On a walking tour led by your tour director, stroll past some of the country’s best-preserved 19th-century architecture.

Day 7 - Pamukkale

Departing Kusadasi, you'll stop at the ruins of Miletus. In ancient times, this harbor held 200 Greek warships. The Roman theater and baths of Faustina are particularly impressive. Continue on to the ancient Temple of Apollo in Didyma, started in A.D. 300 and used for approximately 1,400 years. This was once considered home to the gods and solely inhabited by priests. Arrive later in Pamukkale, where dinner is included tonight. (B, D)

Day 8 - Pamukkale

Take a guided tour of Pamukkale’s travertines, a cascade of snowy white calcium terraces formed from hot springs. The tour includes the ruins of Hierapolis, the Roman spa city built around Pamukkale’s calcium rich waters. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to soak in the hot springs or opt for an excursion to Aphrodisias, the best-preserved Hellenistic site in all of Turkey, dating back to at least the 1st century B.C. (B)

$29 USD

Aphrodisias In Aphordisias, you will explore the city that honored Aphrodite, goddess of love. Ancient sculptures made of glowing marble date back to the late 1st century B.C. in this beautiful getaway.

Day 9 - Antalya

Cross the Kale River Delta to Demre. Here you’ll visit the 4th-century Church of St. Nicholas. Continue to the ruins of Phaselis, an ancient Lycian city. Later reach Antalya, ancient retreat of Antony and Cleopatra. (B, D)

Day 10 - Antalya

On your tour of Antalya, view the Old Town and enjoy included visits to the archaeological museum and Hadrian’s Gate. Later, opt for a trip to Aspendos and Perge. (B, D)

$30 USD

Aspendos & Perge Perge was settled for new Greek colonists and prospered under Alexander the Great. The ancient remains of the city include the Great Theatre, Hellenistic Gates Roman bath houses and a magnificent stadium.

Day 11 - Cappadocia

Stop in Konya. Visit the Mevlana Museum. Continue to Cappadocia. This evening, join an optional excursion to see a Whirling Dervishes performance (seasonal). (B)

$45 USD

Whirling Dervishes The Muslim sect known as the Whirling Dervishes was founded in the 13th century by Mevlana Celeldin Rumi. Learn about this fascinating sect and its modern-day practitioners during this special cultural performance of dance, music and tradition.

Day 12 - Cappadocia

Tour the rock churches of Göreme and visit the towns of Pasabag and Avanos. This evening, opt to attend a traditional Turkish Folklore Evening. (B)

$45 USD

Traditional Turkish Folklore Evening Taste Turkish wine, snacks and beer at this authentic Cappadocian restaurant, carved out of sheer rock.

Day 13 - Istanbul

This morning is free for your own explorations of Cappadocia. You might choose to visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts or the Mosaic Museum. Or join an optional excursion to explore an underground city. Then catch your afternoon flight back to Istanbul. (B)

$29 USD

Underground City Some of the most interesting cultural riches in Cappadocia are the 150-200 known underground cities of varying sizes. Please note: There may be low and tight entraceways during this tour. This excursion may be difficult for people with back problems or claustrophobia.

Day 14 - Istanbul

This morning, join an optional excursion to the Bosphorus, also know as the Istanbul Strait. This evening, reflect on your journey at tonight’s farewell dinner.  (B, D)

$55 USD

Bosphorus Straits Cruise View Ottoman palaces and medieval castles during this half-day cruise along the Bosphorus Straits, which separates Europe and Asia. Lunch at a seafood restaurant is included.

Day 15 - Istanbul

If you are not staying for our tour extension in Istanbul, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport early this morning for your return flight home. (B)

Please note: 2009 itinerary varies. Please call for details.