Itinerary

Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Istanbul, Turkey

    Depart on an overnight flight to Istanbul, where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel in the Old Town.
    Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Day 3: Istanbul

    Explore the masterpieces of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture found in Istanbul. Visit the sixth-century Basilica Cistern, built by Emperor Justinian I to expand one previously built by Constantine the Great. The acoustics are so good that even today it hosts classical music concerts. Continue to the timeless Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Visit Topkapi Palace, a resplendent complex that is the former seat of the Ottoman government that flourished for centuries and reached its zenith in the 16th century. Move forward a few centuries and stroll through the Pera District, modern Istanbul’s cosmopolitan heart. Observe neo-classical, neo-Renaissance and first-republic buildings from a vantage point atop the ancient Galata Tower for 360-degree views of this beautiful city.
    Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet B
Day 4: Istanbul/Cappadocia

    Centuries of volcanic activity followed by an ongoing process of erosion and contraction of the volcanic remains have left Cappadocia with a unique landscape of soft, porous stone called tuff. Fly to Cappadocia to see the rock-carved churches, monasteries and chapels at Göreme. It was here, amid the tuff, that one of the most ancient and influential monastic movements took root in the fourth century. Later, retire to your hotel, built on the site of an ancient monastery.
    Argos in Cappadocia B
Day 5: Cappadocia

    This morning, you may choose to take an optional hot air balloon excursion over Cappadocia. Then explore the underground village of Kaymakli, one of the 41 unique cellar villages discovered in the area. After lunch, visit the potters of Avanos, who have practiced their craft for more than 4,000 years.
    Argos in Cappadocia B
Day 6: Cappadocia/Izmir/Ephesus/Kusadasi

    Fly to Izmir and view the remains of the great Ionian city of Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Dating back to 6000 BC, it was an important seaport during the Hittite Empire. Later, roots of early Christianity took hold when St. Paul taught here. It is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her last years in Ephesus.
    KoruMar Hotel De Luxe B
Day 7: Kusadasi/Bodrum

    Explore the ruins of Priene, the massive Temple of Apollo at Didyma and the temple at Euromos — all testament to the extraordinary achievements of the Ionians. Continue to Bodrum, where whitewashed Aegean houses climb the hills.
    The Marmara Bodrum B
Day 8: Bodrum

    Discover Bodrum’s fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed in a former castle and containing many artifacts salvaged from shipwrecks in the surrounding waters. Exploring the museum provides a significant aid to understanding the extremely crucial role that maritime activities have played in the history of civilization as it arose here.
    The Marmara Bodrum B
Day 9: Bodrum/Istanbul

    Fly to Istanbul and view the City Walls, constructed by Theodosius II just in time to turn back Attila the Hun. Then visit Dolmabahçe Palace, the largest and finest example of Ottoman Baroque architecture in the city. Continue with a private afternoon cruise on the Bosphorus that gives you the opportunity to admire the city’s beautiful skyline.
    Park Hyatt Istanbul - Maçka Palas B
Day 10: Istanbul

    Explore the Suleymaniye Mosque, a symbol of the Golden Age created by the great architect Sinan, acclaimed by Frank Lloyd Wright as the “master builder of all time.” Afterward, wander among the 3,500 stalls of the Grand Covered Bazaar.
    Park Hyatt Istanbul - Maçka Palas B
Day 11: Istanbul/USA or Canada

    Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.
    B

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