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

Day 2 ANKARA - HITTITE SITES (BOGAZKOY - ALACAHOYUK) - ANKARA - We drive from Ankara to Yazilikaya to see the "open air sanctuary" with its bas-reliefs. The deciphered Hittite hieroglyphic and cuneiform tablets archived history and laws in an Indo-European language. We proceed to Hattusas, the capital of Hittites. We examine the Lion’s Gate, King’s Tomb, Citadel, Tunnel, Grand Temple and pre-Hittite site Alacahoyuk, over 7,000 years old. Return to Ankara. (B,L)

Day 3 ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA - We start the day by visiting the 15th century buildings that now house the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. We view the outstanding collection of artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic Age and from the earliest known human community, Catal Hoyuk, 9,000 years ago. Afterwards we drive by the Salt Lake to the 13th century Seljukian Agzikarahan Caravanserai, an inn used by traveling merchants on the silk and spice road. We end the day at Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

Day 4 CAPPADOCIA - Today we visit one of the most unusual sites in the world, the open-air museums of Cappadocia. We explore rock-carved churches, monasteries, Christian frescoes from the 7th-13th centuries, Uchisar's citadel, cities carved into the fairy chimney like landscape, valley of Zelve, Avanos known for its famous handmade pottery and Underground City of Kaymakli that goes down to a depth over 300 feet. (B,L,D)

Day 5 CAPPADOCIA - KONYA - This morning we go to the 13th century Sultanhani Caravanserai. Next we go to Turkey’s oldest city Konya, the capital of the Seljuk Empire who brought with them new artistic elements from the Asia: tall gateways with ornamental stalactites, ogival archways, ceramic tiling. Visit Aladdin and Ulu Mosques. Konya is home to the world famous Whirling Dervishes. Its founder, Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, lived in the 13th century, was a mystic, poet and humanist philosopher. We visit Mevlana Museum where he is buried. Overnight in Konya. (B,L,D)

Day 6 KONYA - PAMUKKALE (HIERAPOLIS) - We go to "Cotton Castle" where we see tiers of white limestone cascading down the hillside. Near the waterfalls are the ruins of the Hierapolis, a Roman city. It has a Byzantine church, ruins of Apollo Temple, Nymphaion (a 4th century fountain) and a Necropolis with more than 1,000 cut stone sarcophagi and tombs. Overnight in Pamukkale. (B,L,D)

Day 7 PAMUKKALE - APHRODISIAS - KUSADASI - In the morning we visit Laodicea and its recently excavated church and theater. Then we go to Aphrodisias, the city dedicated to goddess Aphrodite (Venus). We visit the antiquity museum, the well preserved Stadium, Agora and Roman Baths. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B,L,D)


Day 8 KUSADASI - EPHESUS - IZMIR - We drive to Seljuk and visit Ephesus, the most important and best preserved antique city. Here we walk on its marble paved roads and see the ruins: Celsus Library, Great Theater, Roman Baths, Agoras, fountains and temples including one of the "Seven Wonders of the World", Temple of Artemis. Later we visit the last House of Virgin Mary and Basilica of St. John. Overnight in Izmir. (B,L,D)

Day 9 IZMIR - PERGAMUM - BURSA - Today we go to Pergamum, an important city of antiquity. The first parchment and envelope were invented here. Explore the remnants: Acropolis famous for its library, the world's steepest theater, Athena, Dionysos, Trajan Temples and figure of Nike. Later visit the first full service health clinic, Asklepion where Galen taught and Red Basilica. End the day at Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. (B,L)

Day 10 BURSA - ISTANBUL - We visit the elaborate interior of Green Mosque, the impressive 20 dome Ulu Mosque and Koza Bazaar where exceptional quality silk products are sold. We go to Istanbul, visit St. Chora to see the finest Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. We view precious Ottoman arts and crafts at the Turkish Islamic Arts Museum. (B,L)

Day 11 ISTANBUL - Today we visit the six minaret Blue Mosque built in 1616 with Iznik tiles and stained glass. Adjacent is the site of the Hippodrome where 100,000 spectators came to see the chariot races. Next we admire the bigges Byzantine Basilica, Saint Sophia, built in 535. Afterwards we tour the Ottoman Empire's Topkapi Palace, walk through its rooms full of exquisite art and view its priceless treasures. Finally, we visit Grand Bazaar which houses many artisans and is a shopper's paradise with the most stores under one roof, over 4,000 shops. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L)

Day 12 Departure or Extension - After breakfast we transfer to the 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)