1. Day Departure to Turkey

2. Day Arrive in Istanbul
Upon your Arrive in Istanbul, you are Meet with a friendly 'merhaba' (hello) and escorted to your hotel. You have the day free to begin exploring Turkey's cultural capital or to relax at your leisure. At the orientation meeting at 7pm learn more about the cultural adventure ahead of you. During the welcoming dinner take time to get acquainted with the other members of your group.

3. Day Istanbul
Discover the classical highlights of Istanbul: Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Mosque of Soliman the Magnificent. You will also visit the Topkapi palace, which like the others, is formed by many smaller palaces and apartments. In the afternoon, you are free to explore the labyrinth tunnels of the Grand Bazaar. One could visit Istanbul for the shopping alone. The Grand Bazaar, in the old city is the logical place to start. This labyrinth of streets and passages houses more than 4, 000 shops. The names recall the days when each trade had its own quarter: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers' street, and the street of the skullcap makers. Still the commercial center of the old city, the bazaar is the original shopping mall with soMeething to suit every taste and pocket.

4. Day İstanbul
Begin your discovery of Istanbul's natural beauty and rich historic heritage with a morning cruise on the Bosporus. Glide past the minarets and palaces, stone fortresses and wooden Ottoman mansions of the only city in the world that bridges Europe and Asia. In the afternoon discover Saint Sophia and the church of Saint Savior in Chora. The Basilica or St. 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. "

5. Day Istanbul/Ankara/Mausoleum
Morning drive to Ankara, Turkey's political capital and second biggest city. Since 1923, it has been capital of the Turkish Republic, a secular nation. 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.

6. 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 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.

7. 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. (At additional cost).

8. 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).

9. 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 area.
10. Day Perge / Aspendos / Istanbul
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. Its acoustics are so well tuned that a coin dropped on stage can be heard in the last row. Late flight to Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel.

11. Day Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Tour Code: Western Anatolia Tour