Itinerary

DAYS 1 – 3

Explore the landmarks of the city once called Constantinople. Visit the fabulous Topkapi Palace, the Basilica of St. Sophia, and the spectacular Blue Mosque. Take a private cruise on the Bosphorus. Explore the Grand Bazaar with its incredible collections of jewelry, antiques and Oriental rug shops. (2B)

Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

DAY 4

This morning fly to Gaziantep, in the land of Upper Mesopotamia. Drive along the shore of the Euphrates River to tour the ancient Roman Empire city of Zeugma. (B)

Dedeman Hotel, Gaziantep

DAYS 5 & 6

Tour the Archaeological Museum of Gaziantep to see its extensive collection of ancient Roman mosaics. At Antakya (Antioch), visit the Grotto of St. Peter and the Archaeological Museum. See Bakras Castle, one of the most photographed medieval castles in the Middle East. (2B)

Liwan Hotel, Antakya & Hilton Hotel, Adana

DAYS 7 & 8

Tour Gumusluk Monastery and Kaymakli Underground City, with its nearly 100 underground tunnels. Enjoy an enchanting evening presentation of the mystical Whirling Dervishes. (2B)

Museum Hotel, Cappadocia

DAY 9

Arrive at Hattusa, capital of Hittite civilization. You will tour the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations of Ankara and the ancient capital of Hattusa and Yazilikaya. (B)

Hilton Hotel, Ankara

DAY 10

Visit the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to see artifacts belonging to the Hittites, Urartians and Phrygians. In Izmir, visit the House of Virgin Mary, an example of Roman architecture made entirely of stones. (B)

Charisma Hotel, Kusadasi

DAYS 11 – 14

Visit Ephesus and see the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theater of Ephesus. In Bodrum, view the medieval Crusaders’ Castle and the site of King Mausolus’ Tomb, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On Day 14, you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination. (4B)

Kempinski Barbaros Bay, Bodrum

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