Itinerary
12 nights

DAY 1, Friday, Oct. 12
Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to hotel where a light lunch buffet will be served. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax from your flight or explore Istanbul. Dinner in an enjoyable setting. Overnight in Istanbul. (L,D)

DAY 2, Saturday, Oct. 13
Full day of touring within Istanbul, exploring the many sites that make this ancient city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia so fascinating. Dinner boat cruise on the Bosphorus, weather permitting. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L,D)

DAY 3, Sunday, Oct. 14
Full day of touring within Istanbul continues, including a visit to the Turkish Islamic Art Museum. We will also visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Dinner tonight will be independent, giving you the opportunity to explore the many dining options in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L)

DAY 4, Monday, Oct. 15
Following breakfast, we depart to the airport for a morning flight to Kayseri, from where you then drive to Cappadocia, a region of unusual landscapes integrated with a distinctive architecture of troglodyte housing. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, Tuesday, Oct. 16
We continue exploring the region of Cappadocia, including a visit to a village known for rug weaving. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, Wednesday, Oct. 17 Following breakfast, we depart westwards towards the central Anatolia region with stops on the way, including a visit to a town where the restoration of antique rugs has been a mainstay of the economy. We eventually reach Konya by mid to late afternoon. Afternoon visit to the Mevlana Museum. Dinner and overnight in Konya.(B,L,D)

DAY 7, Thursday, Oct. 18
Morning departure through the lake region and the beautiful scenery of the Taurus mountains, with stops for lunch and sightseeing along the way. Late afternoon arrival in Denizli. Dinner and overnight in Denizli.. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, Friday, Oct. 19
Morning visit to Pamukkale, the salt encrusted falls, after which you drive westward through Aphrodisias, the ruins of which are only second to Ephesus in their expansiveness. Lunch will be en route. Mid to late afternoon arrival in Seljuk, a town in the western portion of Turkey. Dinner and overnight in Seljuk. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, Saturday, Oct. 20
Today we start with a visit to Ephesus, the most expansive of ruins in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Following Ephesus, we visit what is believed to be the house of Mary, the mother of Jesus. You then drive to the coast where you can explore the character of a coastal town. You are on your own for lunch in Kusadasi, where you can choose among the many nice locations available for either indoor or outdoor dining. Dinner and overnight in Seljuk. (B,D)

DAY 10, Sunday, Oct. 21
Drive north in the morning stopping in Pergamum (Bergama), another of of Turkey's ancient cities and one that was a producer of rugs during much of the 18th, 19th and 20th century. The day's touring continues with a drive to Assos, a coastal town that remains relatively undeveloped, where we will see the ruins. Dinner and overnight in Assos. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, Monday, Oct. 22
Today we continue our ride northwards, with our first stop being Troy, the site of the Trojan Way. After touring Troy, we continue on to Canakkale. Lunch will be in the Canakkale region, followed by our continued drive to Bursa. Once you arrive in Bursa, you will begin touring this ancient city. The late afternoon will be free for you to explore the town on your own. Dinner and overnight in Bursa. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, Tuesday, Oct. 23
This morning we depart Bursa for the drive along the Marmara with a late morning arrival in Istanbul. Once we arrive in Istanbul, you will be on your own for lunch, as well as having time to explore more of Istanbul's historic sites, wander the covered bazaar at leisure, visit museums or simply wander through the city. Our farewell dinner will be in a festive setting. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)

DAY 13, Wednesday, Oct. 24
Following breakfast, we depart for the airport for our return flight to the US. (B)

___

COST: $2,495.

includes:

• Price is based on double occupancy in deluxe/first class hotels. ($295. single supplement applies).
• All touring, entrance fees, baggage handling and all meals, as noted on itinerary.
• Air fare is additional.

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