Itinerary

DAYS 1 – 4

Begin your journey by exploring the wonders of Istanbul, the meeting point of European and Asian culture and one of the world’s great cities. Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the fabulous Topkapi Palace and savor a sumptuous lunch in one of its elaborate gardens. Then try your hand at bargaining at the famed Grand Bazaar where you can find everything from colorful carpets to handmade jewelry. The next day, tour some of the city’s religious sites, from the Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque, before embarking on an evening cruise of the Bosphorus followed by dinner at one of Istanbul’s best seafood restaurants.

Swissôtel the Bosphorus, Istanbul

DAYS 5 & 6

Explore the surreal rock formations of Goreme National Park and its open-air museum of houses and churches carved out of sandstone. As you walk through this fairytale landscape with your expert guide, you’ll come to understand more about the people who lived here as well as the unique geology of the area. Dine in an underground restaurant as you explore the subterranean passages of Kaymakli and marvel at several of the famed “fairy chimneys” in the nearby villages.

Lykia Lodge Hotel, Uchisar

DAYS 7 – 9

Leave Cappadocia and drive to Turkey’s capital of Ankara where you’ll see the striking citadel, the mausoleum of Ataturk and the fabulous Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Then board a flight to the city of Izmir, your base for exploring some of the country’s most spectacular archaeological sites. Spend a day in the ruins of the great city of Pergamum, once a center for culture and learning. Explore the magnificent Acropolis with its library and temple to Dionysus. Back in Izmir, ascend Mount Pagos for a panoramic view of the area, visit the archaeological museum, and stroll the old market.

Swissôtel Grand Efes, Izmir

DAYS 10 & 11

Visit legendary Ephesus, home to the ruins of the enormous temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On the evening of Day 10, fly back to Istanbul. After a leisurely morning, visit the main cathedrals of the Armenian Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Church. After dinner in Istanbul, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Armenia.

Swissôtel the Bosphorus, Istanbul; Armenia Marriott Hotel, Yerevan

DAYS 12 – 14

Begin your exploration of Armenia in its capital, Yerevan, with visits to the Museum of Medieval Armenian Culture and the Yerevan Brandy Company where you’ll have a private tasting of some of their esteemed cognac. Venture into the mountains for a day trip to the Dilijan region that is home to the 11th-century Hagartsin Monastery and Lake Sevan, known as “the emerald of Armenia.” The next morning your expert guides will take you on a unique journey to the spiritual heart of the Armenian Church in Echmiadzin.

Armenia Marriott Hotel, Yerevan

DAYS 15 – 17

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