CENTRAL TURKEY 1 WEEK

Discover Ankara, the capital city of modern Turkey, beginning with the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where expressive Neolithic statues, monumental Hittite reliefs, and the personal artifacts of King Midas represent just a fraction of the museum’s extraordinary collection. A visit will also be paid to the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic, which stands as a deeply significant site of reverence for the Turkish nation. Drive to Cappadocia via the Salt Lake route. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia is a territory that proves as profoundly inspiring as it is awe-inspiring. Distinctive fairy chimneys sculpted by wind and rain, magnificently frescoed churches hollowed out of the volcanic rock, and striking panoramic views stretch in every direction. Take in the vibrant colors of the Goreme rock churches, trek through Zelve Valley—retaining inhabitants until 1950 and now preserved as a ghost town—and explore Uchisar Village, gathered around a massive rock fortress offering a spectacular vista of the entire landscape. Visit Cavusin village, along with the ceramic-making town of Avanos, renowned for its artisanal red clay earthenware. Enjoy a live demonstration of traditional pottery making during your visit. Dinner and a second overnight stay at the hotel in Cappadocia.

Trace the historic Silk Road to Konya, where the remnants of ancient caravanserais line the path. These monumental fortifications provided security for traveling merchants and functioned as early hotels. Stop to discover Sultanhan, celebrated as one of the most stunning caravanserais in Turkey. Continue toward Konya, a city that flourished as an Islamic epicenter of cultural and theological scholarship under the profound influence of Rumi (Mevlana), where a brief stop will be made before traveling along the road dividing the Anatolian plateau and the Taurus Mountains toward Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Pamukkale.

Explore ancient Hierapolis, a historic spa town where visitors once gathered for the thermal hot springs, which also created the famous white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, before driving toward Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. Ancient Ephesus stands grandly at the intersection of major overland and maritime trade networks. Antiquity truly comes to life in Ephesus as you wander down the ancient marble avenues in the footsteps of rulers and traders. Conclude your excursion with visits to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Basilica of St. John. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Kusadasi.

Drive to Izmir, ancient Smyrna, to enjoy a leisurely walk along this beautiful Aegean port city’s waterfront esplanade. Proceed to Izmir Menderes Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.

Immerse yourself in the historic heart of Constantinople/Istanbul and discover its most prominent Byzantine and Ottoman monuments: the Hagia Sophia Museum, a spectacular sixth-century church constructed by Emperor Justinian and crowned with a magnificent dome; the Ancient Hippodrome; the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its exquisite blue Iznik ceramic tiles; the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, a masterpiece of Ottoman architectural design; and Topkapi Palace, the grand residence of the Ottoman sultans. Enjoy some free time to explore the vibrant alleyways of the Grand Bazaar , with dinner on your own this evening.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on international flight times, private transfer from the hotel to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) for your flight back home. End of Services.