A traditional Turkish
carpet weaver at work

The Janissary Band
marching at a concert at
the Military Museum

AN AUTHENTIC TOUR OF TURKEY
17 DAYS

We have designed this tour based on our years of experience in Turkey and on our knowledge of American travelers. The itinerary follows a logical route, starting in Ankara where we visit The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations for an orientation on what awaits us in this land of many civilizations. The tour is concluded in Istanbul, which presents not only the climax of the sightseeing and culinary experiences of the voyage but also the widest range of choices for your shopping pleasure! This is a unique tour with many special features to give you a first-hand understanding of Turkey and her people in a cross-section of authentic settings.

DAY 1: ANKARA Arrive at Ankara airport. Transfer to hotel. Welcome Cocktail and dinner at hotel. (D)

DAY 2: ANKARA City Tour: Atatürk's Mausoleum, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Lunch at a restaurant in Ankara. Drive for visit to Gordium. Dinner at hotel in Ankara. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: CAPPADOCIA Morning departure from Ankara for Hattusas. Lunch at Bogazkoy. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: CAPPADOCIA Sightseeing in underground city and churches carved in volcanic rock, and the landscape of Fairy Chimneys. Lunch in Urgup. Dinner with entertainment. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D/E)

DAY 5: KONYA Visit Ihlara Valley and Sultanhan Caravanserai during the drive to Konya, with lunch en route. Visit Karatay Medresesi (Academy). Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: ANTALYA Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana before departing for lunch by Egridir Lake. Drive to Antalya. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: ANTALYA Visit Perge, Aspendos and Side. Lunch at Manavgat Falls. Dinner at a restaurant. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: ANTALYA Tour of Termessos. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: PAMUKKALE Drive to Pamukkale; lunch enroute. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: KUSADASI After sightseeing in Hierapolis and Aphrodisias, drive to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: KUSADASI Sightseeing in Ephesus, the Archaelogical Museum, the Basilica of St. John, and the House of The Virgin Mary. Lunch at Selcuk. Dinner at a restaurant (B,L,D)

DAY 12: ÇANAKKALE Drive to Pergamum via Izmir. Sightseeing in Pergamum. Lunch at Bergama (Pergamum). Drive to Çanakkale. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 13: BURSA Sightseeing at Troy and the Gallipoli War Monuments. Lunch at Gelibolu (Gallipoli). Drive to Bursa for dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 14: ISTANBUL Visit the Green Mosque and Mausoleum, and the Silk Bazaar. Lunch at a famous Doner Kebap (Gyro) restaurant in Bursa. Drive to Istanbul for dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 15: ISTANBUL Visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Underground Cistern, and St. Sophia Museum. Lunch on the grounds of Topkapi Palace. Visit Topkapi Palace and Covered Bazaar. Dinner at a restored mansion or other special restaurant. (B,L,D)

DAY 16: ISTANBUL Cruise on the Bosphorus, with lunch on the European coast. Visit Dolmabahce Palace. Watch a performance of the Janissary Band at the Military Museum (if scheduled). Farewell Cocktail and dinner at a special location. (B,L,D)

DAY 17: Transfer to the airport for the flight to your next destination. (B).

B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included, D/E = Dinner and entertainment included
NOTE: The city or region designated next to a tour day (e.g., DAY 6: ANTALYA) indicates the location of overnight stay.