Glories of Turkey - Small Group Tour

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. A welcome briefing will be held.

Accommodation at the Burdock Autograph Collection, Istanbul, or similar

Enjoy a full-day tour including a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453 and 1852 the harem). Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the center of life, where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Next see St. Sophia, a church built in the 6th-century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, and now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders.

Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Join an optional dinner with belly dancing entertainment. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Burdock Autograph Collection, Istanbul, or similar

In the morning, drive to Tekirdağ city and visit Barbare Vineyard. We’ll be informed about winemaking, tour the vineyard, and taste some wines. Then depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, then overnight near Gallipoli. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Double Tree by Hilton, Canakkale, or similar

Cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale and visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War, and many cities built on top of each other. Before arriving in Asclepion, enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional local village. Then continue to Pergamum to visit the ancient Medical Center in Asclepion and continue to İzmir overnight. Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation at the Swiss Grand Ephesus, Izmir, or similar

Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world, and explore 2,000-year-old marble streets, a theater, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium, and Hadrian’s Temple. Take a short drive to see St. Mary’s stone cottage, where it is believed the Virgin Mary spent her last years, accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production center to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Swiss Grand Ephesus, Izmir, or similar

Discover Turkish craftsmanship at a leather fashion showroom, marvel at Pamukkale’s dazzling travertine terraces, explore the ancient UNESCO city of Hierapolis, and end the day with a delightful dinner and overnight stay. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Adempira Spa & Thermal Hotel, Pamukkale, or similar

Embark on a scenic morning drive to coastal Fethiye, enjoy a walking tour of the Telmessos Ancient Theatre and lively Fish Market, then unwind with dinner and an overnight stay. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Alesta Yacht Hotel, Fethiye, or similar

Enjoy a free day to relax at your own pace or join an optional boat cruise along the turquoise coast, featuring swim stops at secluded bays and picturesque islands. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Alesta Yacht Hotel, Fethiye, or similar

Take a scenic drive along the Mediterranean to Antalya, the jewel of the Turkish Riviera, stroll through the Old Harbor and Kaleiçi district on an orientation walk, then savor dinner at a local restaurant before your overnight stay. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Mercure Antalya Konyaaltı, Antalya, or similar

Optional excursion to Perge, a remarkably well-preserved ancient city, and Aspendos, home to one of the world’s finest Roman theaters, followed by a free afternoon to explore Antalya or relax at your hotel, with an overnight stay in Antalya. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Mercure Antalya Konyaaltı, Antalya, or similar

Depart early for Cappadocia, stopping at a 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai, then explore the fascinating underground city of Saratli before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Gamirasu Cave, Cappadocia, or similar

Start the day with an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and lunar landscapes, or join a half-day tour exploring the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Avanos, Devrent Valley, and Red Valley, complete with a hands-on pottery demonstration. In the evening, you may choose to witness the mystical Whirling Dervishes ceremony before returning to your hotel for dinner. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Gamirasu Cave, Cappadocia, or similar

Journey to Ankara, Turkey’s vibrant capital, passing the striking Salt Lake along the way, then visit Anıtkabir, the impressive Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, before settling in for your overnight stay in Ankara. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Grand Mercure Ankara Hotel, Ankara, or similar

Return to Istanbul and, in the afternoon, opt for a Bosphorus cruise past Ottoman palaces and elegant mansions before visiting the vibrant Spice Market for Turkish delights and souvenirs, then conclude your journey with a festive farewell dinner. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Burdock Autograph Collection, Istanbul, or similar

After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport for your international departure. Meals: B