What You Can Expect

Enjoy an incredible 7-day tour through beautiful Western Turkey, and discover the treasures and fascinating sights of this remarkable country. From the splendors of Istanbul's Blue Mosque and the iconic Hagia Sophia, to the famed site of great battle of Troy, uncover Turkey's captivating history and its unique and enthralling culture.

Arrive in Istanbul where you will meet your tour guide and be directly transferred to your hotel in the city. Spend the day in leisure, acclimatizing yourself to the bustling city and preparing for the exciting tour.

Begin the day in the heart of Istanbul with visits to the stunning Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) and to the 6th-century architectural marvel of the Hagia Sophia. Continue on to the Hippodrome to see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Fountain of Wilhelm II, and then stroll through the vibrant bustle of the exotic Grand Bazaar, the world's largest "souk." End the day with a visit to the legendary Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman Sultans, whose opulent rooms exhibit Chinese porcelain, ancient weaponry, calligraphy, and other treasures.

Depart in the morning to Gallipoli, stopping en route in Eceabat for lunch. Spend the day exploring the site of the famed WWI battlefield and visit the Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, the Ariburnu Cemetery, the Anzac Commemoration Site, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly Cemetery, "The Nek," and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Afterwards, proceed to Canakkale, where you will spend the night.

After breakfast in Canakkale, tour the archaeological site of the city of Troy, legendary home of "Helen of Troy" and the fabled "Trojan Horse". Then proceed to the city of Pergamon, one of the centers of the Hellenistic and Roman civilizations. Visit Pergamon's stunning Acropolis, and then continue to Kusadasi for the night.

En route to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, visit the impressive Isa Bey Mosque. Upon arriving in Ephesus, begin a walking tour along its marble streets, passing by the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. End the walk at the Great Theater, and relax and enjoy a buffet lunch at a local Turkish restaurant. After lunch, visit a carpet cooperative to observe how the exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven, and continue on to the shrine of Mother Mary, the Ephesus Archeological Museum, as well as the Temple Of Artemis (Diana), the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Before returning to Kusadasi, stop in at a fashion show in a well-known leather outlet.

Enjoy a morning drive from Kusadasi to Pamukkale to visit the area's famed healing thermal and mineral baths and the amazing, snow-white petrified waterfalls. After lunch, visit Hierapolis and discover the magnificently preserved Necropolis, main street, and gates. Continue on to Istanbul, where you will spend the night.

Enjoy some free time in Istanbul until you are transferred to the airport for your homeward flight. Or opt to continue your vacation with another escorted tour package.

What's Included

• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
• Accommodation at 4-star hotels
• Meals as specified in itinerary
• Transportation in non-smoking, air-conditioned mini/midi bus
• Services of a professional English-speaking escort/guide
• Entrance fees to the sites visited, per itinerary
• Hotel taxes and services charges

What's Not Included

• Gratuities to tour staff
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, taxis, etc.)
• Beverages (except for those served with breakfast)
• Meals not specified on itinerary
• Visa fees
• Flights