Jewels of Turkey

This tour reveals the natural beauty, rich history and diverse cultures of Western Turkey.  Explore Istanbul, the city that straddles Europe and Asia, with over 2,000 years of history.  Discover the unusual landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale.  Revel in the coastal cities of Antalya and Bodrum.  Uncover amazing antiquities throughout.

Days 1-3 Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople. Meet your guide at the airport and learn about the city on the way to your hotel. Explore Istanbul’s famous sights in the Old City – the ancient Roman Hippodrome, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning its interior walls, the 6th-century underground Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia, Istanbul’s architectural marvel. Visit the legendary Topkapi Palace overlooking the Bosphorus and discover its 500-year history.

Visit the impressive 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace on the edge of the Bosphorus. Then, capture a view of the palace as you cruise along the winding strait separating Europe and Asia.

Days 4 & 5 Cappadocia

Fly to Kayseri and begin exploring Cappadocia with its interesting lunar-like display of spectacular pillars, cones and “fairy chimneys” in varying hues and sizes. Early inhabitants carved homes, churches and monasteries into the soft rock, many of which you can still see today. Visit the outdoor museum of Goreme and admire exquisite examples of rock churches and monasteries richly decorated with colorful frescoes. Explore the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest underground settlements in the region whose tunnels are still used today as storage areas, stables and cellars.

Days 6 & 7 Antalya

Take a flight to picturesque Antalya, situated on the Mediterranean coast. The city has been inhabited since at least the 2nd century BCE when Attalos II selected it as a naval base for his powerful fleet. Discover the three Pamphylian cities, Side, Perge and Aspendos, all rich with amazing historical remains, including a 15,000-seat theatre that is still in use today. Catch a glimpse of the rich history of the region at the Antalya Archaeological Museum.

Days 8 & 9 Kalkan & Fethíye

Drive to the historic town of Kalkan on the beautiful Lycian Coast and see its famous white-washed houses descending to the sea. Continue on to the splendid ruins of Xanthos and Letoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Fethíye, visit the museum, which houses a rich collection of artifacts from the area. See the Hellenistic theatre and other ruins from the Old City of Telmessos upon which Fethíye was built.

Days 10 & 11 Bodrum

Visit the famous yachting harbor of Gocek. In Bodrum, explore the 15th-century Crusader castle that overlooks the harbor and is home to an excellent Underwater Archaeology Museum. Stop at the site of the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Day 12 Aphrodisias & Pamukkale

Drive to Aphrodisias, named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Visit the well-preserved stadium, the Agora and the theatre. Continue on to the natural spa of Pamukkale and settle into your selected hotel.

Day 13 Pamukkale & Hierapolis

Explore the sprawling ancient ruins of Hierapolis, positioned for the natural hot springs of Pamukkale. Then, relax in the gleaming white limestone pools of warm water and take in the terrific view of the valley below. Stop for a view of the “cotton castle” from below on your way to the airport and your flight to Istanbul. En route to the hotel, visit the famous 15th-century Grand Covered Bazaar for last-minute shopping.

Day 14 Istanbul & Homeward Bound

Bid farewell to the fascinating country of Turkey and board your flight home.