Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with the city. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 – In Istanbul (Full Day Tour)
After breakfast, you begin a tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Highlights include: the Sultan Ahmet Center in the heart of the “Old City”; Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel originally constructed as a Christian basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian; the magnificent “Blue Mosque”, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets; the ancient Roman Hippodrome, site of chariot races and other sports events; and the illustrious Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman Sultans. You will also see the Fountain of Wilhelm II, and visit the exotic “Grand Covered Bazaar”, the largest covered “souk” (bazaar) in the world. You will have some free time to wander among the tiny shops that line the Bazaar’s virtually endless maze of winding passageways. (B, L)
Day 3 – In Istanbul (Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise)
This morning, you’ll be picked-up at your hotel and proceed to the “Spice Bazaar” (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar). With its array of spices, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, Lokum (“Turkish Delight”) and other exotic edibles, the Bazaar has the fragrance and atmosphere of the Middle East. Then you continue to the embarkation point of your Bosphorus cruise. The relaxing cruise offers wonderful views of Istanbul’s European and Asian shorelines with their Ottoman palaces, citadels, and centuries-old mansions. At the end of the cruise (approx.1:00 pm), you will be driven back to your hotel. The balance of the day is free for independent activities. (B)
Day 4 – To Ephesus and Kusadasi
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you will be met and proceed to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, with a visit to the impressive Isa Bey Mosque, en route. Upon arriving in Ephesus, you begin your walking tour along it marble streets viewing the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. At the end of your walk, you will see the “Great Theater” where St. Paul preached. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a Turkish buffet lunch. After lunch, you visit a carpet cooperative, where you’ll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. Then you proceed to the Shrine of Mother Mary, the house believed to be where Mary spent the last years of her life. After visiting the Shrine, we continue to the the Temple Of Artemis (Diana), one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Then it’s on to Kusadsasi for the night. (B, L)
Day 5 – To Pamukkale and Hierapolis
After breakfast, you depart for Pamukkale, where you will see its remarkable white calcium “petrified terraces”. You’ll also visit ancient spa of Hierapolis, famed for its healing thermal baths. Pamukkale Overnight in Pamukkale (B, L, D)
Day 6 – To Antalya
After breakfast, you motor to Antalya. One of Turkey’s most popular resorts, Antalya is situated on Turkey’s southern coast, an area known as the “Turkish Riviera.” Your beach holiday begins after you check in to your all-inclusive hotel. (B, D)
Day 7, 8, and 9 – In Antalya
Three full days to enjoy the beach, swimming, water sports, and other recreational activities available at your hotel and in the area. You can also avail yourself of a wide choice of optional excursions that are available through our local representative. (B,D)
Day 10 – To Istanbul
Depending on the departure time of your flight, you may have time for one last swim before you are transferred to the airport. Then you board your flight to Istanbul, where you connect with your flight to the U.S. (B)