Treasures of Anatolia

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Ankara, crossing the spectacular mountains of Bolu along the route. Arrive and enjoy a panoramic tour of Ankara, the Turkish capital and a modern and cosmopolitan city steeped in history and ancient culture. Later, pay a visit to Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Inaugurated in 1953, it is dedicated to the founder of Modern Turkey. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Ankara.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Cappadocia, famed for its unique geological formations, passing by the spectacular Salt Lake along the way. Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to start enjoying the landscapes of this magical region, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. If you want to contemplate an unforgettable sunset, we recommend our Optional Safari and Sunset tour* through the valleys of the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.

* Optional Jeep Safari and Sunset in Cappadocia: Immerse yourself in the Cappadocia landscape and enjoy a magical and exciting sunset as you tour through the deep valleys and extraordinary geography in a 4X4 jeep. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Why not start the day with an unforgettable optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia*. Mid-morning, discover the fascinating region of Cappadocia, whose landscape was formed by the erosion of soft layers of lava and ash from ancient volcanic eruptions over 3 million years ago! Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, an incredible Byzantine monastic complex with beautiful frescoes. Next, explore the Valleys of Avcilar, Pasabagi and Güvercinlik, where the so-called "Fairy Chimneys" are located. End the day with a visit to local carpet workshops. . Afterwards you can enjoy the optional visit to Kaimakli, the subway city** or an authentic Turkish night in Cappadocia.*** Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

* Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight: Float over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique viewpoint on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight. Enjoy panoramic sunrise views and celebrate with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a personalized flight certificate. Minimum age limit for children: 6 years old.

Note: The optional hot air balloon flight depends on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot take place, it will be refunded upon return.

** Optional Visit to Kaimakli, the Underground City: Visit the incredible Kaymakli, a maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth 20 km from the city of Nevsehir. Believed to have been built in the Hittite period, the widest of the underground cities in the region.

*** Optional Turkish Night in Cappadocia: A fun evening filled with typical dances from the different regions in Turkey, including the famous belly dance. Enjoy this colorful event and the party atmosphere as you take in the traditions of the area! Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) during the show.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart early this morning to Pamukkale. Famed for its unique geological features, take a tour through the ancient Hellenistic city of Hierapolis before exploring the Cotton Castle, a natural wonder of white waterfalls, stalactites and natural pools. Formed over the centuries by the passing of mineral-rich water from nearby hot springs, explore the natural pools and otherworldly landscape, the perfect spot to practice your photography skills! As the day draws to a close, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Delve deeper into the history of this land today, as you head to the Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, once the capital of Asia Minor and one of the best-preserved cities remaining from this period. Discover the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Trajan, the Theatre and the Library of Celsus. Afterwards, pay a visit to an important site of pilgrimage at the House of the Virgin Mary. This is believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent the final years of her life. Afterwards, head north to the city of Izmir or Kusadasi, depending on the confirmed hotel. Izmir is known for its expansive archaeological sites and is situated on the beautiful Aegean coast. Dinner and transfer to your hotel.

Please note: During the summer months (May to November) accommodation may be in the city of Kusadasi instead of Izmir, but the order of the itinerary will remain the same.

Breakfast at the hotel. The first stop of the day is the ancient city of Pergamon, one of the most important cultural, commercial and medical centres of antiquity. Here, visit the Asclepion, the most prestigious hospital in the ancient world and once home to the famous Greek physician and philosopher, Galen! See the old sleeping tunnels, the patient's theatre, the swimming pools, and the courtyard, lined with Ionic columns for a unique insight into the science and medical practices of the Ancient Greek world! Another exciting highlight awaits as you continue to the archaeological site of Troy, one of the most legendary cities in all of history! Immortalized in Homer's Iliad, discover the ruins of this incredible place and relive the famous saga of the siege of Troy. Afterwards, continue to Canakkale. Spread across both sides of the Dardanelles Strait, this historic city is home to excellent museums and many fascinating sights related to its strategic location on the Dardanelles Strait. Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay in Canakkale.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Bursa this morning, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, the city's sometimes known as 'Green Bursa'. Here, pay a visit to the spectacular Ulucamii Mosque, Kozahan Silk Bazaar and the Green Tomb the mausoleum of the fifth Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed I. After exploring Bursa, continue north to Topçular to cross the Gulf of Izmit by ferry or by the Osmangazi Bridge (crossing choice decision based on operational reasons). After crossing the Gulf continue by road to Istanbul. Arrive, get settled at the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.