Turkey Crossroads of History

For travelers with a short amount of time yet a deep interest in Turkey, this one week program is for you. Starting with Istanbul, the city spanning both Europe and Asia, explore Topkapi Pal-ace, Hagia Sofia, the great bazaars of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. In Cappadocia, land of the fairytale chimneys, visit the underground villages and Goreme's Open Air Museum. Ephesus is your grand finale!


  • Day 1: Arrive Istanbul Four Seasons Sultanahmet

    Meet and greet on arrival at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul and transfer to hotel. Orientation tour of the hotel area with your private guide.

  • Day 2: Istanbul Four Seasons Sultanahmet

    Depart on a full day tour of incredible Istanbul with visits to the ancient Hippodrome, an area that was once the center of Byzantine civic life; Sultan Ahmet Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent paneling of blue and white 17th century Iznik tiles; Hagia Sophia, often described as the greatest work of Byzantine architecture; Basilica Cistern, the largest and most ornate of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul; and the famous Grand Bazaar, which will tempt even non-shopper s with near ly 4,000 shops exhibiting a rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather, antiques, and souvenir s. (B)

  • Day 3: Istanbul Museum Hotel

    Continue your exploration of fascinating Istanbul beginning at Topkapi Palace, once home of the Ottoman Sultans who ruled their vast empire from this very place, and now a museum with an ornately decorated Harem wing and the famous treasury of the sultans. Continue to the Spice Market, an exciting covered market filled with the fragrant scent of spices from the Orient. Break for lunch on your own at one of the nearby restaurants overlooking the Golden Horn. This afternoon embark on a public boat with your private guide and enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, the narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. NOTE: The Bosphorus cruise may also be done on board a private boat. (B)

  • Day 4: Istanbul / Cappadocia Museum Hotel

    Take a morning flight to the breathtaking Cappadocia region, renowned for its awe-inspiring natural rock formations that were utilized for everything from housing and churches to even complete underground villages. Against this beautiful background Cappadocia's traditional rural life still goes on providing unique oppor tunities to observe a lifestyle that is rapidly changing. Visit Göreme's Open Air Museum, which consists of steep cliffs and many hidden churches dating from the second half of the 9th century and later. On to Uchisar for a visit to the tufa “for tress” providing splendid views of the surrounding Cappadocian formations. End at your fabulous cave hotel, Museum, for the evening at leisure. (B)

  • Day 5: Cappadocia Museum Hotel

    Continue to explore Cappadocia with a visit to the remarkable underground city of Derinkuyu. Next, to Pasabag, a site of natural beauty with a remar kable landscape of tufa cones. Then drive to the town of Ürgüp, and visit the Turasan Winery to taste the local wine. Cappadocia is one of the main wine production regions in Turkey, and Turasan winery is the biggest producer. Afterwards proceed to Avanos, a small town famous for its potter y and carpets where you may learn fir st-hand how these century-old crafts are created. (B)

  • Day 6: Cappadocia / Kusadasi Hotel La Vista

    Take a morning flight to Izmir and drive to Kusadasi, an Aegean town set in a superb gulf known for its sparkling water, broad sandy beaches, and large marina. Settle into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

  • Day 7: Ephesus Hotel La Vista

    Full day touring the spectacular archaeological site of Ephesus, perhaps the world's best-preserved ancient city. On to the pretty village of Sirince, an old Orthodox village of perfect Turk-Greek culture located on the top of a mountain with impressive views of vineyards and peach trees. Wander the narrow streets lined with typical Greek houses and local woman selling handcrafts of all kinds. Here is your chance to socialize with locals and taste the simple but delicious Aegean cuisine at a home-hosted lunch. Your final stop today will be in the town of Selcuk for a visit of the Ephesus Museum of Archaeology. (B,L)

  • Day 8: Depart Turkey En Route

    Transfer to Izmir airport for your return flight to Istanbul and connecting flight home. (B)

  • Cappadocia Hot Air Ballooning

    Take an early morning hot air balloon flight over the spectacular Cappadocian landscape. Cappadocia is a land of extreme beauty; the deep canyons and lush fertile valleys make this a unique and memorable flight. This tour includes: transfer, short hot air balloon ride (45 minute to 1 hour), glass of champagne, and flight certificate.


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