Grand Anatolian

Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be greeted by an OTI representative and transferred to your select hotel. There will be a welcome briefing this afternoon. The remainder of the day is to be spent at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast you will be greeted in the lobby of your hotel to start your full day historical Istanbul tour. Sites visited today include the Hagia Sophia (built in the 6th century, once the largest Christian church in the world), Topkapi Palace (Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans with displays of priceless collections of artifacts, jewelry, and rare porcelain), the Blue Mosque (unique with its 6 minarets and famous for its blue Iznik tiles), the Hippodrome Square (where ancient chariot races were held), and then a visit to the world famous Grand Covered Bazaar. The remainder of the day is to be spent at your leisure. You may join an optional dinner with belly dancing tonight. Overnight in Istanbul.

This morning we will depart from Istanbul for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair before crossing the Dardanelles to Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale.

Today we will visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting for the Trojan War. Before arriving into Asclepion, we will enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional local village. We will continue to Pergamum to visit the ancient Medical Center in Asclepion and continue to Kusadasi for overnight.

After breakfast, we will depart for Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world. You will explore 2,000 year old marble streets, a theatre, the Library of Celsus, a gymnasium, and Hadrian's Temple. We will then take a short drive to see the stone cottage where it is believed the Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. We will continue to a regional rug production center to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. You may join an optional afternoon tour of Sirince. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Today we will drive through the lush seaside valleys to Pamukkale, famous for its limestone covered cascading thermal pools. We will also pay a visit to Hierapolis before retiring for the day to enjoy the thermal pools and spa facilities of your hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Today will begin with a morning drive to Antalya, arriving at mid-noon. We will visit the ancient Greek city of Perge, famous for its Temple of Artemis. Also located there is an acropolis dating back to the Bronze Age. It is also notable for being the home of the renowned ancient Greek mathematician, Apollonius. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the Mediterranean Coast. Overnight in Antalya.

Today is to be spent at your leisure enjoying this seaside resort destination. You can also choose to book an optional excursion to Phaselis, an ancient coastal city, or embark on a full day yacht cruise along the Turquoise Coast. Dinner is at a special local restaurant. Overnight in Antalya.

After breakfast we will depart for Konya with a visit to the stunning ancient theatre in Aspendos en-route. After a beautiful drive through the coastal mountain range we will arrive in Konya. We will visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana who was a Sufi philosopher. This was also the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, better known as the Whirling Dervishes. We will continue to the Karatay Koran School, an 800 year-old building, once a Selcuk Islamic theological seminary, which houses an outstanding collection of ceramics and tiles. Overnight in Konya.

This morning we depart for Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys and unique landscape. En-route we will visit a 13th century caravanserai. We will also pay a visit to the underground city of Saratli, one of the many underground settlements built for protection and religious reasons. Tonight, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy an optional Whirling Dervishes performance. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Today you have the opportunity to take an optional early morning hot air balloon excursion over volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys, and caves at sunrise. This ride is bound to be the highlight of your trip and is a must for any avid photographer. After breakfast, the group will visit Goreme, a historical region of Turkey, located among the rock formations. We will continue to Avanos, renowned for its high quality earthenware, as well as Pasabag and Red Valley. We will take part in a brief regional pottery workshop in a cave. Afternoon return to your hotel and overnight in Cappadocia.

This morning we depart for Ankara, Turkey's capital city, to enjoy an afternoon tour of the Ataturk Mausoleum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a historic caravanserai holding artifacts from up to 7500 years old including the most extensive and valuable collection of Hittite artifacts in the world. Overnight in Ankara.

After breakfast we will depart on a scenic drive to Istanbul. Arriving in the early afternoon, you may join an optional half-day Spice Market visit and Bosphorus Cruise enjoying the strait that separates Asia and Europe. Its shores are lined with fine neighbourhoods, Ottoman palaces, fortresses, old wooden villas, hotels, parks, gardens, restaurants, and cafes. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.

An escorted transfer will take you to Istanbul's airport for your flight home. End of services.