1. Day Departure to Turkey.

2. Day Arrive in Istanbul
After your Arrive we do your transfer to hotel. You have the day free to begin exploring Turkey's cultural capital or to relax at your leisure. During dinner get acquainted with the other members of your group.

3. Day Istanbul
Begin your discovery of Istanbul's natural beauty and rich historic heritage with a morning cruise on the Bosporus. In the afternoon discover Saint Sophia and the church of Saint Savior in Chora. Hagia Sophia, now called the Ayasofya Museum is unquestionably one of the finest buildings of all time. Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, take time to stop and savor its majesty and serenity as you admire the fine Byzantine mosaics and Islamic calligraphy.

4. Day İstanbul /Ankara / Mausoleum
Morning we drive to Ankara, Turkey's political capital city. In the afternoon, you'll visit the mausoleum of Ataturk- the eternal father of the Turks on this soil. The museum section will feature Turkey of today stage by stage through phases of history.

5. Day Museum / Hittite Sites / Cappadocia
Prior to departure for Hattusas, you'll visit the world-renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its priceless collection of Paleolithic, Neolithic,Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian and Roman artifacts We drive to Hattusas, the capital city of the Hittites and site of the world famous cuneiform tablets. You will also visit the rock shrine of Yazilikaya, featuring drawings of 63 out of the 1, 000 deities worshipped by the Hittites. In late afternoon, drive into the heart of central Anatolia to the volcanic beauty of Cappadocia's deceptively, desolate landscape.

6. Day Cappadocia
Explore one of the oldest settlements of the region - Goreme. The chimney like, rock formations that spread throughout Cappadocia's rugged landscape are as fantastic as man's accomplishments within its stone. Visit the Byzantine churches of Goreme carved into the cliffs and caves with colorful frescoes dating to the 7th century. Originally, there was a church for every day of the year. Continue your exploration of this intriguing region with a visit to the hidden, monastic valley of Pasabagi, which has a large number of carved rock houses and churches. Stroll through the red valley of Dervent and a photo stop at the ancient natural citadel of Uchisar. Optional dinner and entertainement with folkloric dances.

7. Day Cappadocia
This morning learn how the colorful kilims (carpets) that echo the earth tones of the region are made during a demonstration by local weavers. Descend 8 stories beneath the surface of the earth to explore the underground city where approximately 15, 000 early Christians, fleeing persecution, lived for months at a time undetected. The city was sub-divided into separate sections for better defense purposes with comfortable living rooms, wine cellars, meeting halls and churches. After lunch continue to explore Cappadocia's beauty in the local village of Soganli. Explore early rock carved churches, see typical Cappadocia houses and barter at the local handicraft market. In the evening, attend an optional performance of the mystic whirling dervishes in a rock carved lounge (at additional cost).

8. Day To Cappadocia / Konya / Antalya area
See the difference in accommodations for 13th century travelers during a stop at Sultanhani Caravanserai en route to Turkey's oldest city – Konya, the capital of the Seljuk Empire, but known worldwide as the home of the sect of the Whirling Dervishes. Chanting of poetry, rhythmic rotation, and incessant music create a euphoria that, according to the faithful, induces a feeling of soaring, of ecstasy, of mystical flight. Continue south to Antalya.

9. Day Perge / Aspendos / Antalya
Begin your Greco-Roman quest today by visiting Perge where a mere scrape of the shoe will reveal mosaic walkways through the ancient agora. Its extensive ruins include a stadium that once echoed to the roar of 15, 000 spectators. Continue to Aspendos, which has one of the best-preserved theaters in the world.

10. Day Antalya / Aphrodisias / Pamukkale
Explore the remains of Aphrodisias, the city dedicated to the goddess of love and home to a school of sculpture that was known throughout the ancient world. Sculptural relief’s still adorn many of the buildings. Explore its many Greco-Roman remains including a stadium, which once sat 30, 000 people and the Temple of Aphrodite, which was later converted into a Christian basilica. Continue to Pamukkale, a spa known throughout the ancient world.

11. Day Pamukkale / Sardes / Izmir
Enjoy the beauty of Pamukkale's immense tiers of white limestone as they cascade down a barren hillside. Visit the nearby Roman theater and necropolis. Continue to Izmir, where you will explore the remains of Sardes. Also visit the Temple of Artemis, gymnasium and the synagogue.

12. Day Ephesus
Today you will discover Ephesus. Do make sure to walk the streets of the most complete city of antiquity in the world. Stroll past the Library of Celsius, the baths and the Temple of Hadrian. You'll also visit the house where the Virgin Mary spent her last days and a photo stop for the Temple of Artemis with the last remaining column indicating where one of the Seven Wonders of the World was.

13. Day Izmir / Pergamum /Troy / Canakkale
Drive along the mythic coastline of the ""wine-dark"" Aegean Sea to ancient Pergamum, home to the famous physician, Galen. Stroll through the remains of the Asclepion, one of the foremost medical centers of ancient times, the library which once held 240, 000 scrolls, the Acropolis and the Trojaneum. Next visit the site of one of the most famous wars of ancient times, the legendary city of Troy, immortalized in Homer's Iliad and 'Discovered' in 1871 by Heinrich Schliemann. Continue on to Canakkale.

14. Day Canakkale / Gallipolis / Istanbul
Ferry across the Dardanelle for a somber stop at the very real memorial at Gallipolis, commemorating one of the most famous battles in modern history. The beauty of the green hills, sandy beaches and blue waters provides an honored resting place for the soldiers who bravely fought and died in this historic battle. After lunch, you return to Istanbul, rising from the shores of the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

15. Day Istanbul
Discover the classical highlights of Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque You will also visit the jeweled interior of the Topkapi Palace. In the afternoon, you are free to explore the labyrinth tunnels of the Grand Bazaar that houses more than 4, 000 shops.

16. Day Istanbul
The day is yours to explore this exotic city as you desire. Visit the underground cistern adorned with classical columns, the Baroque beauty of the Suleymaniye Mosque or the opulent Dolmabahce Palace. Ride along the ancient city walls once fortified by 400 towers and 50 gates - across one of only two suspension bridges that span two continents to the Asian side of the city.

17. Day Departure
Transfer to airport for your flight home.

Tour Code: Western Anatolia Tour