TURKEY: A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY ITINERARY:
DAYS 1-2: USA or Canada/Istanbul, Turkey
Depart on an overnight flight to Istanbul, where you are met
and transferred to your waterside hotel. Meet your Tour Director
and fellow travellers for welcome cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
DAY 3: Istanbul
Privately explore the sixth-century Hagia Sophia, one of the
most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture.
Visit the Basilica Cistern, originally built in 532 AD as the
water reservoir for the Imperial Palace, and the Hippodrome, a
colossal stadium that was once home to chariot rallies and horse
races. Following a private visit to the Museum of Turkish and
Islamic Arts, cruise along the Bosphorus. Tonight's welcome
dinner is at a seaside restaurant. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul
at the Bosphorus B L D
DAY 4: Istanbul
Topkapi Palace, the center of Ottoman government, opens its
doors just for you to explore its great halls and breathtaking
grounds. After lunch, visit the 19th-century Dolmabahçe Palace,
a fine example of Ottoman baroque, and if you choose to, join
your Tour Director for a stroll in the Pera district, the
present-day heart of Istanbul. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at
the Bosphorus B L
DAY 5: Istanbul/Cappadocia
Fly to Cappadocia to explore the mysterious rock-carved
churches at Goreme Open Air Museum and privately visit the Dark
Church. Dine tonight in a local restaurant. Anatolian Houses B L
D
DAY 6: Cappadocia
Take an optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia (cost
not included). Explore the ancient subterranean village at
Kaymakli, then join a local family in Ulasli for lunch in their
home. This afternoon, visit the potters of Avanos, who have
practiced their craft for more than 4,000 years. Anatolian
Houses B L D
DAY 7: Cappadocia/Konya
Follow the ancient Silk Road and cross the Central Anatolian
Plateau to visit the 13th-century caravansaray (inn) at
Agzikarahan. Continue to Konya for lunch and to see the Mosque
of Alaaddin Kaykoubat, and the 13th-century Mevlana Memorial and
Museum. The Whirling Dervishes privately perform the Sema for
you at your hotel, followed by dinner. Konya Rixos B L D
DAY 8: Konya/Aspendos/Perge/Belek
Travel across the Taurus Mountains to ancient Aspendos, home
to a well-preserved antique theater, and visit Perge. Continue
to Belek for dinner at your hotel's golf club. Kempinski Hotel
The Dome B L D
DAY 9: Belek/Antalya/Phaselis/Belek
This morning drive to Antalya to explore the Antalya
Museum's archaeological and ethnographical exhibits, then visit
the ancient seaport of Phaselis. After lunch, you have the
balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore on your
own. Kempinski Hotel The Dome B L
DAY 10: Belek/Aphrodisias/Kusadasi
Cross the Taurus Mountains to Aphrodisias, one of the
world's most complete and extraordinary excavations of an
ancient site. After a country lunch, continue through the
Meander Valley to the port city of Kusadasi. KoruMar Hotel De
Luxe B L
DAY 11: Kusadasi/Ephesus/Kusadasi
Explore ancient Ephesus, including the site of the Temple of
Diana, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World;
the theater; Library of Celcus; Public Baths; Arcadian Way and
the Marble Street. Later, meet with the rug-weavers association
at Camlik Village. Dine privately within the ruins of Ephesus,
accompanied by musicians from the Izmir Symphony Orchestra.
KoruMar Hotel De Luxe B L D
DAY 12: Kusadasi/Izmir/Istanbul
Fly back to Istanbul to privately view the Byzantine mosaics
and frescoes in the Chora Church Museum within the city's walls.
After a lunch of authentic Ottoman dishes, transfer to your
hotel located in the old town. Visit the Istanbul Archaeological
Museum, then attend a private hands-on workshop on traditional
Turkish arts at a 16th-century school. Four Seasons Hotel
Istanbul at Sultanahmet B L
DAY 13: Istanbul
Explore Istanbul's Suleymaniye Mosque, symbolizing Ottoman
glory, and the Rustem Pasha Mosque. Visit the Spice Bazaar and
the 3,500-stall Grand Covered Bazaar, where you have lunch in a
shopkeeper's restaurant. Join fellow travellers for a farewell
dinner this evening. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
B L D
DAY 14: Istanbul/USA or Canada
Transfer to the airport. B
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