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.

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 - Istanbul

Enjoy free time to explore Istanbul. You might visit the Museum of Ancient Civilizations. Or join an optional morning cruise among the Bosphorus Straits, the ancient waterway that connects Europe and Asia. Venture off the beaten path on this afternoon’s special optional tour, Istanbul’s Unknown Treasures. (B)

$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.

$55 USD

Istanbul's Unknown Treasures Explore some of Istanbul's lesser-known landmarks on this relaxing guided excursion of the city

Day 5 - Canakkale

Stop for a guided tour of Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman empire. Continue to Canakkale, a town coveted in centuries past for its strategic location. (B, D)

Day 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - Pamukkale

Stop today at the ruins of Miletus. Next, visit Didyma’s Temple of Apollo. (B, D)

Day 9 - 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, 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. The site includes a temple dedicated to Aphrodite. (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 10 - 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 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - 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 14 - Istanbul

Enjoy a free day in Cappadocia or opt to visit the Eskigimus Monastery. After an included dinner this evening, board your return flight to Istanbul, where you’ll spend your last night in Turkey. (B, D)

$29 USD

Eskigimus Monastery The Eskigimus Monastery serves as the most in-depth worship sites in Turkey. Built in the 11th century, it's sure to inspire with its spectacular details.

Day 15 - Istanbul

Depart for home or continue your journey in Greece. (B)