Duration: 14 Days 13 Nights

Description: This 14-day tour will take you across the length and breadth of Turkey, showcasing important sites like the Anzac Cove, Ephesus and Cappadocia, among others. The main cities of Istanbul and Ankara are also extensively covered during this trip. You also visit Troy, the site of the Trojan War and the House of the Virgin Mary on Mt. Koressos.

Day 1- On arrival at Istanbul, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Relax after your journey and in the evening join the Travel Director and fellow companions for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2- Next day, we make our way to the Gallipoli Peninsula and view the Anzac Cove, which was the site of a bitter battle during World War II. We also visit Lone Pine Cemetery, the final resting place of many allied soldiers. Marvel at the beauty of the Dardanelles and stay overnight at Çanakkale.

Day 3- Today we visit the ruins of Troy, the site of the Trojan War, to see the famous Wooden Horse. You can also explore the Asclepion Medical Centre in ancient Pergamon city. In the evening, dine at your hotel in Izmir.

Day 4- The fourth day of the tour takes us to the excavations at Ephesus, including the Temple of Hadrian, Great Theatre and Library of Celsius. We also drop by the House of the Virgin Mary located at Mt. Koressos en route to the hot springs at Pamukkale.

Day 5- At Pamukkale, enjoy the Cotton Castle springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa at Hierapolis. In the afternoon, stroll down the quaint, narrow streets of Antalya.

Day 6- The next stopover of our tour is the impressive Antalya Archaeological Museum and the Roman cities of Perge and Aspendos. Here be impressed by one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world that was built during the rule of Marcus Aurelius.

Day 7- In the morning, we travel inland and enjoy a Be-My-Guest lunch at a 100-year old traditional Ottoman-style house of a local family. Next we visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum, the final resting place for members of the Whirling Dervish mystic sect. You will also visit the final resting place of Mevlana, the founder of this unique movement. Later in the day, we make our way to the Karatay Tile Museum.

Day 8- Next day, we first visit the well-preserved Sultanhan Caravansary and then journey on to biblical Cappadocia. Here, you can visit the underground city of Sarhatli located on the ancient Silk Road just outside Konya. The cone of Uchisar is also another famous tourist attraction. Dinner arrangements have been made at your hotel.

Day 9- At Cappadocia, spend the day exploring the volcanic landscape in and around Urgup, which is dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. Pay a visit to the Goreme Open-air Museum and learn about pottery making in Avanos.

Day 10- From Cappadocia we make our way to the Turkish capital Ankara. Join a local guide for your orientation tour of the city. The tour will take you to the Museum of Anatolian Civilization and Ataturk’s Mausoleum. Enjoy dinner at your hotel in the evening.

Day 11- At Gordion, listen to the fascinating legend of King Midas and see the Great Tumulus, the city’s largest burial mound. Explore the Green Ottoman Complex and Grand Mosque at Bursa. In the afternoon, you are free to explore on your own. Enjoy dinner at your hotel in the evening.

Day 12- On Day 12, we cross the Sea of Marmara by ferry to reach Istanbul. You are free to spend the day as you wish. Enjoy the exotic atmosphere of the city and shop for souvenirs at the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest markets.

Day 13- The local sightseeing tour will give you an insight into the Ottoman Empire’s power and influence. The tour will take you to the Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia, a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica. Visit the wonderful Blue Mosque built in the 17th century. In the evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow companions.

Day 14- On the last day of the tour, return home with special memories. Transfers are available on certain conditions.