HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKEY (16 DAYS)

This comprehensive tour of Turkey appeals to history buffs and beach lovers alike. Visit the great city of Istanbul, the underground cave cities of Cappadocia, charming seaside Antalya, the white mineral pools of Pamukkale, the impressive ruins of Ephesus, Aphrodisias and Kekova Island, and the turquoise waters and yacht harbors of Bodrum. Begin in Istanbul and stay at the hotel, a centrally located building. During flexible touring with your guide, visit sights such as the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the beautiful tiles in its Harem, ancient underground cisterns, and Istanbul's Spice Market. Take a cruise on the Bosphorus, the waterway separating old Istanbul from new, Europe from Asia. During free time, shop for carpets and kilim, jewelry, glass, textiles and antiques at the Grand Bazaar. Next, fly inland to Cappadocia. View ancient frescoes and cave dwellings, and climb through the narrow corridors of vast subterranean cities. From there, drive to Konya and see the imposing green-tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana, the mystic founder of the Sufi sect (Whirling Dervishes). Spend three nights in Antalya at a hotel overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean and take day excursions to the ruins of the ancient cities of Termessos, Perge and Aspendos. Also visit the Lycian tombs of Myra and take a boat expedition to Kekova Island to view the spectacular underwater ruins of an ancient city submerged during an earthquake. Continue to Pamukkale and spend a day enjoying the mineral pools and visiting ruins of this very old thermal spa. Tour Aphrodisias en route to Bodrum, a Mediterranean town of whitewashed homes perched on a hillside over the sea. Explore the town's attractions, including a Roman amphitheatre, the Castle of St. Peter, and the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Spend one afternoon on a gullet, sailing the waters of the Aegean Sea. Relax at Bodrum's nice hotel. Next, travel to Izmir, the base for visiting the Greek and Roman ruins of Dydima, Miletus, Priene, Pergamon and Ephesus, the former terminus of the Royal Road to Babylon. Finally, fly back to Istanbul for a night in a room with a view of the Bosphorus. Itinerary Overview Day 1 Arrive Istanbul Arrival transfer to Hotel for three-night stay. Afternoon Istanbul tour Day 2 Istanbul Full-day city touring Day 3 Istanbul Full-day city touring, including Bosphorus cruise Day 4 Istanbul - Cappadocia Transfer and flight to Cappadocia. Afternoon touring of underground cities and caves Day 5 Cappadocia Continue touring around Cappadocia Day 6 Cappadocia - Konya - Antalya Drive to Antalya for three-night stay. Visit Konya en route Day 7 Antalya Full day touring to Termessos, Perge and Aspendos Day 8 Antalya Full day flexible touring to Myra, Kekova Island and Kale Day 9 Antalya - Pamukkale Drive to Pamukkale. Afternoon city touring Day 10 Pamukkale - Bodrum Drive to Bodrum for two nights. Tour Aphrodisias en route Day 11 Bodrum Morning private city touring. Afternoon sailing excursion on gulet. Day 12 Bodrum - Izmir Drive to Izmir with touring en route (Didyma, Miletus, Priene) Day 13 Izmir & Ephesus Full-day excursion to Ephesus Day 14 Izmir & Pergamon Full-day excursion to Pergamon Day 15 Izmir - Istanbul Transfer and flight to Istanbul for overnight Day 16 Depart Turkey Airport transfer