DAY 1: ISTANBUL > PERGAMUM > IZMIR

Pergamon Ancient City - Pergamum is renowned as the original location of The Great Altar of Pergamon, which is now exhibited in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany. The altar’s base remains at its original site and is thought to be dedicated to Zeus, often referred to as “Satan’s Throne” by John of Patmos in the Book of Revelation.
Admission fee: 50 TRY per person

DAY 2: IZMIR > EPHESUS > IZMIR

Ephesus Museum - Enjoy a leisurely morning with some extra sleep, as today’s drive is relatively short. Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia Minor. The tour includes the Odeon, Marble Street, Hadrian’s Temple, the Celcius Library, and the Great Theatre. Consider having lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered Christian and Muslim shrine near Ephesus, believed to be where the Virgin Mary lived, brought there by Saint John. After touring Ephesus, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Admission fee: 200 TRY per person

DAY 3: IZMIR > APHRODISIAS > PAMUKKALE

Aphrodisias - The fourth day of your journey will be dominated by the color “white” as you visit the renowned “cotton castle” and admire the exceptional craftsmanship of Aphrodisias’ sculptors in their marble statues.
Admission fee: 200 TRY per person

Pamukkale - Known as “cotton castle” in Turkish, Pamukkale is a natural site formed by hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing water. The ancient city of Hierapolis was constructed atop this white “castle.” Visit the Cotton Castle, ancient Hierapolis, the Necropolis, Roman Baths, and the Theatre. After an optional lunch, travel to Aphrodisias, famous for its temple dedicated to Goddess Aphrodite and its sculptors. The tour includes the Theater, Basilica, Roman Baths, and the largest stadium of ancient times. Visit the Aphrodisias museum with its stunning marble statues, then transfer to the hotel in Pamukkale for an overnight stay.

DAY 4: PAMUKKALE > ANTALYA

Antalya - After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Antalya. Situated on the northern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, Antalya has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human presence dating back to the early Paleolithic age. It has been a significant city for all major Anatolian civilizations, boasting a rich legacy of historical treasures. Antalya also offers beautiful beaches and waterfalls. Recently, it has become a popular golfing destination with many top-level courses. Upon arrival in Antalya, check into your hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure.

DAY 5: ANTALYA, ASPENDOS, KURSUNLU

Aspendos Ruins - Begin with a visit to the ancient city of Aspendos, whose history dates back to 1000 BC, often linked to Greek sailors from Argos.
Admission fee: 100 TRY per person

Kursunlu Waterfalls - Visit the stunning Kursunlu waterfalls before returning to the hotel in Antalya for an overnight stay.
Admission fee: 20 TRY per person

DAY 6: ANTALYA > KONYA > CAPPADOCIA

Konya - The visit to Konya will be an unforgettable journey to the place where this mystic lived, loved, preached, and died, as well as a journey to the depths of your soul. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana (with a chance to see practicing dervishes) and the 13th-century theological schools of Karatay and Ince Minare.

DAY 7: CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia - After breakfast at the hotel, begin exploring Cappadocia. Once the capital of the powerful Hittite empire and later a refuge for early Christians, it is a land of magic, known for its fairy chimneys and unique historical and cultural heritage. Prepare to travel back in time and let your mind wander between ancient images and the breathtaking landscape.

Goreme - Visit the Goreme valley, a significant site in the region. The valley is home to rock churches and monasteries dating back to the 2nd century AD, adorned with colorful frescoes.

Zelve Open Air Museum - Explore the Zelve valley, where the village was built into erosion furrows and rock faces, carving the tufa rock and utilizing large openings eroded by water.
Admission fee: 65 TRY per person

Avanos - The next stop is Avanos, a town famous for its terracottas. Regional potters craft typical vases and tiles using techniques from the Hittites, around 2000 BC.

Ortahisar - Visit Ortahisar, known for its picturesque simplicity, before returning to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 8: CAPPADOCIA > ANKARA

Ankara - Your half-day tour in Ankara includes the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Ankara.

DAY 9: ANKARA > ISTANBUL

Istanbul - Enter Istanbul from the Asian side, with the first stop at Çamlica Hill, offering a magnificent view of the Bosphorus. You will then be transferred to your hotel.

DAY 10: ISTANBUL

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome was a center for sports and entertainment in ancient Constantinople, the Eastern Roman Capital, and a significant political hub. It was a starting point for revolts and political movements throughout history, echoing the cries of chariot-riding slaves and the inspiring words of intellectuals and poets.

Blue Mosque - Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is admired for its exquisite Ottoman tiles that adorn the shrine’s walls. The floral patterns and well-lit, spacious interiors reflect the eternal Ottoman spirit.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - The Shrine of Holy Wisdom, a stunning Byzantine basilica from the 6th century, represents the golden age of Justinianus. Its domed construction was an architectural innovation, richly decorated, leading Justinian to proclaim, “Solomon, I have outdone thee!” Converted to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, it became a museum in 1935 by order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Grand Bazaar - The largest, oldest, and most captivating covered bazaar in the world, where people have traded jewelry, carpets, food, perfumes, and even gossip for centuries! The tour includes a brief demonstration of Turkish rugs.

Topkapi Palace - The Topkapı Palace served as the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Designed by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and later enhanced by Architect Sinan, it reveals the rituals and structure of Ottoman hierarchy and state affairs. Home to the imperial treasury, cabinet, and Janissaries’ barracks, every corner of the palace speaks of Ottoman splendor. The palace exhibits a distinguished collection of Chinese porcelains, holy relics, Sultan’s attires, and imperial weaponry.
Admission fee: 500 TRY per person

DAY 11: ISTANBUL

Istanbul - After breakfast, start the day with a refreshing cruise on the Bosphorus. A poet once described the Bosphorus as “God’s beautiful calligraphy written by an ink made of sapphires.” This strait, separating and connecting two continents, has amazed people with its beauty since ancient times. The cruise begins at the pier, offering views of the harmony between Ottoman and modern architecture, and the city’s fairytale-like skyline from the sea.

Rumeli Fortress - Constructed by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.

Ortakoy - A renowned area for handicrafts and nightlife.

Bebek Park - A popular wealthy residential district during Ottoman rule, and still so today.

Besiktas - A commercial district of the new city.

Dolmabahce Palace - A magnificent 19th-century palace, home to the Ottoman Sultans in the Empire’s last century.

Çırağan Caddesi - This splendid marble palace, built by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed by the Balyan family between 1863 and 1867, now serves as luxury suites for the five-star Kempinski hotel.

DAY 12: ISTANBUL

Istanbul - After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

• Doorstep pickup and drop-off in a comfortable vehicle
• Included domestic flight tickets
• Expert multilingual tour guide services
• Hotel accommodations
• Convenient airport transfers

• Personal expenses
• All admission fees amount approx. $45
• Lunch
• Drinks and all personal expenses

Situated with an abundant historical backdrop and rich cultural ethos, an expedition through the wonders of Turkey would likely encompass visiting its most well-known monuments and points of interest. These may range from antique locations like the remnants of Ephesus, to renowned landmarks such as the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia. Distinguishing traits of such an expedition exploring Turkish wonders might be the expedition service’s emphasis on less-famed locations or unusual experiences rarely featured in mainstream tours. The journey could also involve distinctive cultural adventures, like a trip to a traditional Turkish hammam or tasting indigenous foods and beverages.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.