The Experience

Independently explore Turkey, from its Greek and Roman roots to its Ottoman Empire architecture, visiting Istanbul, Izmir, Ephesus and Bodrum as well as the marvelous fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Day 1: Arrive Istanbul, Turkey
Arrive in Istanbul, former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, where you are met and provided VIP assistance through immigration and customs procedures. For your convenience, your visa for Turkey has been obtained for you in advance. Transfer to your hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (Gold) or Pera Palace Hotel, Jumeirah (Silver)
Day 2: Istanbul | Byzantine Wonders
Today, visit the sixth-century Basilica Cistern and the timeless Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Discover Topkapi Palace, the headquarters for the Turks who once ruled most of the Mediterranean. Stroll through the Pera District, the modern-day heart of Istanbul.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (Gold) or Pera Palace Hotel, Jumeirah (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 3: Istanbul/Cappadocia | Astonishing Landscapes
Venture out to Istanbul,™s impressive City Walls, which once repelled Attila the Hun. Just inside the walls, visit Chora Church, now a museum and home to the richest repository of Byzantine interior wall decorations to be found anywhere. Next, fly to Nevsehir, a region known as Cappadocia. Wonder at its unique landscape consisting of soft volcanic rock (tuff) sculpted into astonishing shapes by wind and erosion.

The Museum Hotel (Gold) or Argos in Cappadocia (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 4: Cappadocia | Rock-Carved Churches
This morning, you may rise early for an optional hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys., Explore mysterious rock-carved churches with dazzling wall decorations at the Göreme Open Air Museum, and then privately visit the beautifully restored Dark Church. Also tour the Zelve Open-Air Museum. In the afternoon, enjoy a lecture on the tradition and art of weaving in Turkey from the Göreme Village Weavers Association.

The Museum Hotel (Gold) or Argos in Cappadocia (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 5: Cappadocia/Bodrum | Underground City
Tour the marvelous underground city of rock-carved subterranean tunnels, hallways, sleeping cells and chapels at Kaymakli, as you descend 70 feet below the surface. Next, visit the potters of Avanos, whose skillful craft and time-honored tradition of using the clay from the banks of the Kizilirmak (Red River) is over 5,000 years in the making. At midday, fly to Bodrum via Istanbul, and check into your hotel, enjoying breathtaking views of the Aegean coastline.

The Marmara Bodrum | Meals: B
Day 6: Bodrum | Maritime Archaeology
Explore picturesque Bodrum, the home of Herodotus, the Father of History,, and visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which honors the crucial role that maritime activities have played in the history of civilization. Your afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring Bodrum, with its stunning harbor and whitewashed houses, or relax at your hotel.

The Marmara Bodrum | Meals: B
Day 7: Ionia/Izmir | Ionian Ruins
Drive to Izmir to explore ruins of the ancient Ionian culture without equal anywhere in the Mediterranean. Stop at the Temple of Zeus at Euromos as well as the Temple of Apollo at Didyma. Travel to view the ruins of the ancient city of Priene amid vast plains of cotton fields watered by the River Meander.

Swissôtel Grand Efes (Gold) or KoruMar Hotel De Luxe (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 8: Ephesus | Archaeological Grandeur
Explore the remains of the great Ionian city of Ephesus, with access to the breathtaking Terrace Houses (provided excavation work is not taking place). Unmatched as an archaeological site, the sheer size and grandeur of the ruins make this the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean.

Swissôtel Grand Efes (Gold) or KoruMar Hotel De Luxe (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 9: Istanbul | Cruising the Bosphorus
Fly back to Istanbul, where you explore the 19th-century Dolmabahçe Palace, the largest and finest example of Ottoman Baroque architecture in the city. In the afternoon, embark on a private cruise along the storied Bosphorus. Later, check into your hotel.

Shangri-La Bosphorus (Gold) or Park Hyatt Istanbul РMa̤ka Palas (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 10: Istanbul | The Age of Sinan
This morning, explore the beautiful, domed 16th-century Suleymaniye Mosque, created by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, whom Frank Lloyd Wright called the supreme master builder of all time., Afterward, explore the dazzling Grand Bazaar, a monument to the Rise of Istanbul., Wander, shop and bargain among its 3,500 shops. If time permits, explore the Spice Bazaar as well as the Rustem Pasha Mosque, also built by Sinan, to marvel at its breathtaking tile decorations.

Shangri-La Bosphorus (Gold) or Park Hyatt Istanbul РMa̤ka Palas (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 11: Depart Istanbul
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart.

Meals: B