Classical Turkey Explorer

Upon arrival at Istanbul International Airport today you will be met and transferred to the Ottoman Imperial Hotel or similar for a 3 night stay.   Evening is free at leisure. 

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.   After breakfast, embark on a full-day journey through the timeless wonders of Istanbul. The day begins with a visit to the Sultanahmet Mosque, famously known as the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its striking blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets. From there, stroll through the historic Hippodrome, once the vibrant centre of Byzantine political life and thrilling chariot races. Continue to the majestic Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel commissioned by Emperor Justinian, where layers of history and architectural brilliance converge. After a leisurely lunch, explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for over four centuries.

Its lavish courtyards and galleries house priceless collections of porcelain, jewelry, calligraphy, and sacred relics. The day concludes with a descent into the hauntingly beautiful Basilica Cisterns—an underground marvel supported by hundreds of ancient columns, where soft lighting and the gentle sound of water evoke a sense of mystery and wonder.  The evening is free at leisure. (B,L)

This morning begins with breakfast at our hotel, followed by a rendezvous with our guide for a sensory-rich visit to the famed Egyptian Spice Market. Nestled beside the Yeni (New) Mosque near the Golden Horn, this historic bazaar—built in 1664—houses 113 vibrant shops brimming with exotic spices, dried fruits, teas, and Turkish delicacies. Once the pharmacy of the Ottoman Empire, it remains a fragrant testament to Istanbul’s culinary heritage.

After sampling Turkish Delight and browsing the intimate spice stalls, we board a ferry for a scenic and informative cruise along the Bosphorus, gliding between Europe and Asia. As we sail past palaces, fortresses, and waterfront mansions, our guide will illuminate the history and significance of each landmark. Upon docking, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Chora Church, also known as the Kariye Museum.

Here, we explore one of Turkey’s finest collections of preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, a hidden gem of sacred art and storytelling. After the tour, we return to our hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B,L )

After breakfast, we set off for the coastal town of Çanakkale, following a scenic route along the sparkling Marmara Sea.

En route, we pause for lunch at a charming local restaurant before crossing the legendary Dardanelles Strait—a historic waterway that has shaped centuries of trade and conquest. Upon arrival, we continue to the ancient city of Troy for a guided sightseeing tour. Here, myth and archaeology intertwine as we explore the remnants of this fabled city, immortalized in Homer’s epics. After our visit, we travel onward to Assos, where dinner and overnight accommodations await in a tranquil seaside setting. Overnight at Assos Troy Port Hotel or similar. (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.  After  breakfast, the journey begins with a visit to the Adatepe Olive Oil Museum, housed in a beautifully restored stone building that once served as a soap factory.

Here, guests enjoy a guided tour showcasing traditional olive oil production methods, antique tools, and the cultural significance of olive cultivation in the Aegean region.

Following lunch, the afternoon unfolds in the ancient city of Pergamon, a treasure trove of Greco-Roman history. Highlights include the dramatic hillside Acropolis, the majestic Temple of Trajan, and the remnants of the once-renowned Library of Pergamon. The tour continues to the Asklepion, an early healing center dedicated to the god of medicine, and concludes at the evocative Red Basilica—one of the Seven Churches of Revelation—where layers of spiritual and architectural history come to life.

As the sun begins to set, the journey continues southward to the coastal town of Kuşadası, where guests enjoy a relaxing dinner and settle in for an overnight stay at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel or similar.  (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.  Today’s journey begins with a deep dive into antiquity at the legendary city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. Guests will stroll along marble-paved streets once walked by emperors and philosophers, pausing at iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Terrace Houses, which offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of Ephesus’ elite. From there, the tour ascends the wooded slopes of Mount Koressos to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus. Surrounded by pine trees and imbued with a sense of peace, this humble stone chapel invites quiet reflection. A leisurely lunch follows at a local restaurant, where guests enjoy regional Aegean flavors and warm hospitality. The afternoon unfolds in the hillside village of Şirince, a charming blend of Greek and Turkish heritage known for its cobbled lanes, artisan boutiques, and fruit wines. There’s time to explore the village at a relaxed pace—perhaps sampling a glass of pomegranate wine or browsing handmade crafts—before returning to the hotel with memories of a day steeped in history, spirituality, and local color. (B,L,D)

Departing from Kuşadası after breakfast, today’s journey ventures inland to the captivating ruins of Aphrodisias, an ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Renowned for its remarkably preserved stadium, elegant Temple of Aphrodite, and exquisite marble sculptures housed in the on-site museum, Aphrodisias offers a serene and evocative glimpse into classical artistry and urban design.

After a morning of exploration, guests enjoy lunch at a charming local restaurant nearby, savoring regional flavors in a tranquil countryside setting.

The afternoon continues toward the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hierapolis and Pamukkale, where history and nature converge in spectacular fashion. At Hierapolis, guests walk among ancient thermal baths, the grand necropolis, and the well-preserved Roman theater. Just beyond, the surreal white travertine terraces of Pamukkale cascade down the hillside—inviting a barefoot stroll or a rejuvenating dip in the warm mineral-rich waters. As the day winds down, guests settle into their accommodations in Pamukkale, enjoying dinner and a restful overnight stay surrounded by the ethereal beauty of this timeless landscape.  Overnight at the Colossae Hotel or similar.  (B,L,D)

After breakfast in Pamukkale, guests depart for Konya, traversing the scenic Anatolian heartland en route to one of Turkey’s most spiritually resonant cities. Upon arrival, a well-deserved lunch awaits at a local restaurant, offering a taste of Central Anatolian cuisine—hearty, flavorful, and steeped in tradition.

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the Mevlana Museum, the former lodge of the Whirling Dervishes and final resting place of the revered Sufi mystic, Jalaluddin Rumi. Surrounded by tranquil gardens and adorned with intricate calligraphy and artifacts, the museum invites quiet reflection and offers insight into Rumi’s teachings of love, tolerance, and divine unity.  Enjoy dinner in Konya and overnight stay. Overnight at the Novotel Konya Hotel or similar. (B,L,D)

After breakfast in Konya, the journey continues eastward toward the enchanting region of Cappadocia, with a memorable stop en route at the Sultanhan Caravanserai. This imposing Seljuk-era structure, once a vital rest stop for traders along the Silk Road, offers a glimpse into medieval hospitality and architectural grandeur. Guests can explore its fortified stone walls, central courtyard, and intricately carved portal, imagining the bustle of camels and caravans that once passed through.

Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant along the route, featuring Central Anatolian flavors and warm village hospitality. By late afternoon, the group arrives in Cappadocia, where the surreal beauty of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and volcanic valleys begins to unfold. Dinner is served at the hotel or a regional fine-dining venue, followed by an overnight stay in Cappadocia—setting the stage for tomorrow’s adventures among one of Turkey’s most iconic landscapes. Two nights stay at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Avanos or similar. (B,L,D)

For those seeking a truly unforgettable experience, the day may begin with an optional early morning hot air balloon ride—drifting silently above Cappadocia’s surreal landscape of fairy chimneys and honeycombed valleys.

After breakfast, the tour unfolds with a visit to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site where centuries-old frescoes adorn rock-hewn chapels and monastic dwellings. Guests then may descend into the Kaymakli Underground City, a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers once used as refuge by early Christians. Continue to Devrent Valley, Pigeon Valley, and the towering spires of Pasabag.

In Avanos, a riverside town famed for its pottery traditions dating back thousands of years, guests witness artisans at work and may try their hand at the wheel. Throughout the day, Cappadocia’s blend of natural wonder, spiritual heritage, and living craft offers a rich tapestry of discovery. (B,L,D)

Departing Cappadocia after breakfast, the journey continues northward toward Ankara, with a scenic drive across the Central Anatolian plateau.

En route, guests pause at the shimmering Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü), one of Turkey’s largest and most surreal natural wonders, where the vast white expanse offers striking photo opportunities. A visit is also made to the 13th-century Agzikarahan Caravanserai, a fine example of Seljuk architecture that once served as a fortified roadside inn for Silk Road traders and travelers.

Upon arrival in Ankara, the capital city of modern Turkey, the afternoon is dedicated to exploring the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic. The tour continues at the acclaimed Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where an extraordinary collection of artifacts traces the region’s deep-rooted history from the Paleolithic era through the Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian civilizations. As the day concludes, guests enjoy dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Ankara.  Overnight at the New Park Hotel Ankara or similar. (B,L,D)

Departing Ankara after breakfast, the journey continues westward to Istanbul, where guests arrive in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is left at leisure to explore this vibrant city at one’s own pace. Two nights stay at the Moxy Hotel or similar in the Taksim Square area. (B)

After breakfast. Today is a free day in Istanbul This evening we will meet for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

After breakfast we check out of our hotel and are transferred to the airport. (B)