DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Turkey
Depart for Turkey

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 7:00 PM with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner at your hotel. . We recommend that you select flights which arrive in Istanbul no later than 4 PM on day 2 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Full Day Istanbul Tour
Begin your day by visiting the Turkish & Islamic Art Museum, which is located in one of the earliest surviving palace buildings, dating back to the 15th century. Then, continue on to the Hippodrome, which once served as a stadium for chariot racing and public gatherings. Next, visit the magnificent St. Sophia, its massive dome was a daring engineering feat in the 6th century - architects still marvel at the building's many innovations, once considered the greatest church in Christendom. It was proclaimed a mosque soon after the conquest of the city by the Ottomans in 1453, that later was converted to a museum. Afterward, arrive at the Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. The jeweled turban crests, silken caftans and priceless Chinese porcelains of the palace bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era. End the day at the Grand Bazaar, in the Old City, a favorite place for shopping. You can wander the labyrinth of streets and passages with more than 4,000 shops displaying jewelry, leather goods, carpets and more. Enjoy the art of bargaining and shop to your heart's content!
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Sunday - Balat & Fener Neighborhoods, Bosphorus Cruise
Head to the historic neighborhoods of Balat & Fener. Here, the houses are painted in bright colors, laundry is still hanging across the narrow lanes, kids play in the streets and many different cultures and religions live next to each other. View the Greek Orthodox College surrounded by this scenic area. Afterward, visit the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. View humble fishing villages, wooden Ottoman villas and contrasting suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Monday - Travel to and Explore Safranbolu
Today, depart Istanbul and head east toward the Black Sea region. Upon afternoon arrival in the historic town of Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the Crystal Terrace. It consists of a glass platform suspended from the edge of the cliff above the Tokatli Canyon. Admire the wonderful views of the canyon below. Visit the 17th-century Caravanserai of Cinci Hani, a magnificent inn on the famous Silk Road that is now a hotel. The imposing structure is made out of limestone and consists of an entry, courtyard, rooms, stable and a cistern. Afterward, head to the Kaymakamlar Museum House, a typical Safranbolu house, that features all the classic elements of Ottoman houses during the 18th and 19th centuries. After your visit, walk through the historical Safranbolu Bazaar before departing for Cappadocia. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Safranbolu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Yörük Village, Travel to Cappadocia
This morning, drive to Yörük Village. Stroll along the narrow streets of this museum-like village and view houses built in the traditional Ottoman Turkish style. Some of the oldest wooden houses here are from the 17th century but the majority date from the 19th century. Visit the house of a local family and listen to their stories about the past and present daily village life. Afterward, depart for Cappadocia, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Once you arrive in Cappadocia, enjoy wine in one of the valleys. Then, drive to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, Home Hosted Dinner
Awake very early to participate in the optional hot air Balloon Ride that takes you soaring over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations - the feeling is both serene and sublime. Afterwards, enjoy morning tea with your group in a traditional cave home with a local Cappadocian family. Next, visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, resembling a vast monastic complex composed of scores of refectory monasteries placed side-by-side, each with its own church. The museum showcases 11 early Christian rock-cut churches containing spectacular frescoes with vibrant colors still luminous after standing for centuries. Drive to the village of Avanos, famous for its beautiful old houses and onyx. Then, visit a local pottery shop. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed to the Pasabag Valley with its remarkable earth pillars in the midst of a vineyard, also called Monks Valley, before returning to Cappadocia for leisure time. Tonight, a specially arranged home hosted dinner awaits you. Meet with the family, share tales and conversation, and learn about Turkish culinary traditions
Optional: Cappadocia Balloon Ride (AM)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Full Day Cappadocia Tour
Today, embark on a full day exploration of Cappadocia with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations. First, visit a carpet atelier where you will have the opportunity to see how traditional Turkish carpets are made. Then, continue to the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City, that features a maze of narrow tunnels and rooms carved from soft volcanic rock. See Pigeon's Valley (Guvercinlik) and visit the area that housed countless pigeons during ancient times. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Cemil Village, the oldest Armenian Village in the world. Here, we will view the local Armenian houses and visit the most famous Armenian church, Cemil Church, which was abandoned in 1924. This evening after dinner, enjoy a captivating dance of the Whirling Dervishes, which displays infinite spinning in perfect harmony, is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs, and culture. Experience a seven-century-old ritual, featuring beautiful costumes and live music
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Friday - Konya, Sille, Travel to Sagalassos
Today, depart in the morning for Sagalassos. The drive will take you through the Anatolian countryside with its breathtaking scenery. En route, stop in Konya, a city renowned for its Seljuk architecture. Here, visit the Mevlana Museum, housing the works of the 13th century leader Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. Continue to Sille for lunch and stroll through the beautiful former Greek Anatolian village and its picturesque canal. The village of Sille is a 5-thousand-year-old historic settlement and is known for its diversity and rich potter art, candle making, and folk arts. Continue your drive to Sagalassos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at the hotel in Sagalassos for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Sagalassos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Sagalassos, Travel to Fethiye
This morning, visit the ancient city of Sagalsssos, founded on the slopes of the Taurus mountain range and served as the metropolis of the Roman province of Pisidia. Most of the buildings are well preserved and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. View the impressive great theater with a capacity of 9,000 people. Afterward, travel to Fethiye. Along the way, in the southwestern province of Isparta, visit flower fields of lavender, lily and rose depending on seasonal conditions. Following lunch at a local restaurant continue the drive to Fethiye. Arrive at the hotel late afternoon and check into your room. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Fethiye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Full Day Cruise along Fethiye's 12 Islands
After breakfast, travel to the Fethiye Marina where you will embark on a private cruise to the Fethiye Islands. Several stops are included during the cruise for swimming and snorkeling. Savor lunch on the deck and relax, as you take in the stunning natural scenery. Admire views of ancient ruins as you sail in the crystal-clear waters of the Turquoise Coast back to Fethiye
Overnight: Fethiye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Monday - Dalyan, Boat Cruise to Kaunos
Begin the day with a drive to Dalyan, a delightful riverside town. Embark on a river cruise to the ancient site of Kaunos, dating back to the 10th century BC. Admire the remarkably preserved Greek amphitheater, which displays Roman and Hellenistic features and the remains of an early Byzantine basilica. Marvel at the striking ancient Lycian tombs, carved high in the cliffsides. Several of the façades are adorned with intricate relief and Ionian columns. Following your visit, return by boat to Dalyan, for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, travel back to Fethiye. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Fethiye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Tuesday - Flight to Istanbul
Morning transfer to Dalaman airport for your flight to Istanbul. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. Tonight, gather for a Farewell Dinner - share wonderful memories of your journey and bid goodbye to Turkey, your Tour Manager, and your newfound friends
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Wednesday - Depart Turkey
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast