Eastern Turkey (Anatolia) - 10 Days

 This was also one of the earliest locations where humans domesticated animals.  The Akkadians, Assyrians and Hittites are just a few of the early conquerors. 


Depart U.S. on overnight flight to Istanbul.

Day 1 – Friday – Welcome to Istanbul. You will transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore Istanbul. Overnight Istanbul

Day 2 – Saturday – Istanbul Old City - Tour the exotic city that truly spans both Europe and Asia as the ends of the Bosphorus Bridge sit on each continent. We start with a visit to several important historical and cultural highlights: the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace (home to the Ottoman Sultans for over 600 years), the Basilica underground cistern and the Hippodrome. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner with the rest of your group. Overnight Istanbul (B, L, D)



Day 3 – Sunday - Ankara, Cappadocia - After breakfast we drive towards the nation's capital, Ankara to visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of the Mustafa Ataturk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey before continuing on to the surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Overnight Cappadocia (B, D)

Day 4 – Monday - Goreme, Underground City in Cappadoccia. The name  Cappadocia was traditionally used throughout history and is still widely used as an international tourism concept to define a region of exceptional natural wonders. There are natural landscapes here not seen anywhere else. Today we tour the Goreme open-air museum, a series of churches and buildings carved out of the natural rock in the 10th, 11th and 12 centures, including Pasabag and the scenic Uchisar Castle, from where you have a magnificent view of the entire region. We will also visit the ancient Derinkuyu Underground City, a city eight stories deep featuring a uniquely large room with a barrel vaulted ceiling. Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers - a night you won't forget! Overnight Cappadocia (B)

Day 5 – Tuesday - Konya, Pamukkale - Leaving Cappadocia we head south along the ancient Silk Road just as the ancient traders did. We will stop at the original Sultanhani Caravansary, the largest camel way-station built in 1229 and still active today.  We will stop at Konya to tour the Mevlana Museum, an impressive mausoleum and the final resting grounds of Rumi, one of Persia's most popular poets and philosophers.  Overnight Pamukkale (B, D)

Day 6 – Wednesday - Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Aphrodisias - Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale. We then drive to Aphrodisias, the famous city of Aphrodite, before heading onto the resort town of Kusadasi. Overnight Kusadasi (B, D)

Day 7 – Thursday - Ephesus, Kusadasi - Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand what determines their value. Overnight Kusadasi (B, D)

Day 8 – Friday - Pergamum, Troy, Canakkale -This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before driving along the Aegean coast to the ancient city of Pergamum. We visit the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamum, its impressive temples and library that made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. We then continue north to tour the legendary city of Troy. Overnight Canakkale (B, L, D)


Day 9 – Saturday – Gallipoli Battlefields - After breakfast, we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, Anzac Cove, Johnston's Jolly and Gallipoli Museum. In Turkey, the battle is perceived as a defining moment in the history of the Turkish people - a final surge in the defense of the motherland as the centuries-old Ottoman Empire was crumbling. The struggle laid the grounds for the Turkish War of Independence and the foundation of the Turkish Republic eight years later. Later, we drive back to Istanbul for our last overnight. (B, L)

Day 10 – Sunday – Istanbul - After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your return home. (B)

Price
$1,246 per person, double occupancy

Price Includes
 - Inbound and outbound transfers from/to Istanbul airports
 - Transportation in a fully air conditioned , non smoking coach
 - Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
 - Entrance fees to various sites
 - 9 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 6 Dinners
 - 9 nights - 4 star accommodation in total 

Price Does Not Include
 - International Airfare from U.S.
 - Tips