The Experience
Visit the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, explore Topkapi Palace, fly to Cappadocia to see its “fairy chimneys,” take a private boat ride on the Aegean and witness the spiritual Whirling Dervish dance. Day 1: ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul | Meals: D
Day 2: ISTANBUL / Hagia Sophia and City Walls
Visit the Basilica Cistern and the extraordinary Hagia Sophia. View the city walls that turned back Attila the Hun. Tour Chora Church (now a museum) and, later, walk the district of Pera to see its beautiful buildings from many eras, and then visit a local coffeehouse and learn how coffee changed world culture.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul | Meals: B L
Day 3: ISTANBUL / Palace Splendors
Explore Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace. Enjoy the option to ferry across the Bosphorus at sunset. Go to Kadikoy, to roam its public market.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul | Meals: B L
Day 4: ISTANBUL / Sinan’s Magnificent Legacy
Explore the dazzling Suleymaniye Mosque, created by master architect Sinan. Time permitting, stop by the Vefa Boza, a local culinary landmark. Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque and taste the city best baklava amid the mingled aromas of the Spice Bazaar. Continue to Istanbul,™s fabled Grand Covered Bazaar, a world unto itself. Hop a tram and then ride a funicular to Taksim.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul | Meals: B
Day 5: CAPPADOCIA / Fairy Chimneys and Dervish Dances
Fly to Cappadocia to tour buildings carved from fairy chimneys., Explore Goreme Open Air Museum and privately visit the Dark Church. Tour a potter,™s workshop and, later, attend a Whirling Dervish presentation for an energetic Spiritual Connection.
Yunak Evleri | Meals: B L D
Day 6: CAPPADOCIA / An Underground City
Enjoy the early-morning option to go hot air ballooning. Visit the underground city at Kaymakli. Enjoy lunch with a local family. Visit the Goreme Village Weavers Association for a lecture on rug weaving in Turkey.
Yunak Evleri | Meals: B L
Day 7: ANKARA / The Silk Road and Ataturk
Drive to Ankara, tracing the ancient Silk Road and visit a caravansaray. In Ankara, tour the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and stroll the Old Citadel. Visit the Memorial of Ataturk, revered reformer of Turkey.
Lugal, Ankara | Meals: B L D
Day 8: IZMIR / Sojourn on the Aegean
Fly to Izmir and visit a local winery. Enjoy a country lunch and the region,™s famous olive oil. Time permitting, stop by Clazomanae to see the world,™s oldest olive oil press. Embark on a boat ride on the Aegean Sea.
Swissôtel Grand Efes | Meals: B L D
Day 9: SARDIS & TIRE / A Kingdom,™s Currency
Explore Sardis and see the site of its mint. Behold the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, and then journey to Tire and visit the local farmer’s market. Taste local treats: kofte for lunch and tea at a kiraathane (tea house).
Swissôtel Grand Efes | Meals: B L
Day 10: EPHESUS / Wonders of the Ages
Journey to the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus. Visit the Temple of Diana and the recently excavated Terrace Houses to view (by special permission) their mosaic floors and frescoed walls. Eat lunch at a country restaurant and meet the local couple that created a success story from their own kitchen. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner.
Swissôtel Grand Efes | Meals: B L D
Day 11: DEPART IZMIR
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart.
Meals: B