Day 1 Arrival in ISTANBUL - We welcome you at the airport, transfer to your hotel and give an orientation.

Day 2 ISTANBUL - BOLU - SAFRANBOLU - We go to Bolu, visit 14th century Ulu Mosque and the Archaeology & Ethnography Museum with Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman artifacts. Drive to mirror-like Lake Abant set in a lovely alpine surrounding and then to breathtaking Seven Lakes National Park. Next we visit Byzantine Castle at Eregli (Heraklea). Overnight in Safranbolu. (B,L,D)

Day 3 SAFRANBOLU - KASTAMONU - AMASYA - Today we see the outstanding traditional Ottoman architecture throughout Safranbolu including the Governor's House, many mosques and mansions. This hidden gem attracts artists, painters, photographers and adventurous travelers alike. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next we visit Kastamonu and Amasya. (B,L,D)

Day 4 AMASYA - SAMSUN - ORDU - This morning we visit King Mausoleum, Pontic Tombs and Hazeranlar Mansion. Next we go to Samsun to visit Ataturk Museum, 14th century Pazar Mosque, Archaeology Museum which has Bronze Age artifacts dating back over 6,500 years and an enormous Roman-Byzantine mosaic depicting Thetis and Achilles and the four seasons. We end the day at Ordu, noted for the survivors of ‘Xenophon’s Ten Thousand’. (B,L,D)

Day 5 ORDU - GIRESUN - TRABZON - Today we go to Giresun (ancient Cerasos), where the first cherry trees were exported thanks to Roman General Lucullus. See the ruins of a medireview castle with a view of the Big Island where the Amazon women warriors built Ares (war god) Temple. Overnight in Trabzon. (B,L,D)

Day 6 TRABZON - SUMELA MONASTERY - RIZE - Trabzon (Trebizond) was settled in 746 B.C. by Miletians, later it became the Comnene Empire capital and in 1461 fell under Ottoman rule. We visit St. Sophia, Boztepe Park where Irene Tower was erected by Empress of Trebizond in 1340 and Altindere Park where the astonishing 14th century Sumela Monastery clings onto a sheer rock wall 700 feet above the gorge. We end the day in Rize. (B,L,D)

Day 7 RIZE - AYDER PLATEAU - RIZE - We spend the day at the tea capital Rize and Ayder Plateau. If there ever was a "green dream", we are in it along with streams, falls, about 20 unique flowers to the area and crisp air. We enjoy the relaxing environs; coastline, mountains and plateaus dotted with traditional villages and plateau houses blending in with nature. Mingle with the locals, try the local Anzer Honey, go for a walk or indulge yourself in thermal springs.(B,L,D)

Day 8 RIZE - TRABZON - ISTANBUL - Today we drive to Trabzon then fly to Istanbul. Transferto hotel, orientation and rest of day at leisure. (B).

Day 9 ISTANBUL - Today we visit Blue Mosque built in 1616 with Iznik tiles and stained glass. Adjacent is the site of the Hippodrome with the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II. Next we admire Saint Sophia, built during the reign of emperor Justinian in 535. Afterwards we tour the Ottoman Empire's Topkapi Palace, walk through its rooms full of exquisite art and view its priceless treasures and we visit the dazzling Grand Bazaar which houses many artisans and is a shopper's paradise with over 4,000 shops. Later we see Suleyman the Magnificent Mosque, stop to enjoy Golden Horn. (B,L)

Day 10 Departure or Extension - Transfer to airport for the trip back home or if arrangements are made we go on another tour or a yacht cruise or a holiday resort. (B)