What You Can Expect

See the highlights of southwest Turkey on a glorious 9-day tour from Istanbul. Take in the remains of ancient empires at sites such as Ephesus and Hierapolis, marvel at the remarkable work of Mother Nature at the “Cotton Castles” of Pamukkale and the “Fairy Chimneys” of Cappadocia.

Arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome briefing will be held.

Full day tour to include: Topkapi Palace (excluding harem), Hip- podrome, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Optional: Dinner with belly dancing entertainment.

This morning Optional tour of St. Sophia and Bosphorus cruise. Depart for the capital city of Ankara for overnight.

Morning departure to view Hittite artifacts at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, father of modern Turkey. Visit the underground city of Sarhatli. Drive to Cappadocia, touring a 13th century caravan inn en route. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and join an optional Whirling Dervishes performance. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Early Morning Optional: Hot Air Balloon Tour. Experience of floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves with the sunrise of Cappadocia. After breakfast, visit Goreme, Avanos, Pasabagi, Red Valley, and have a brief regional pottery workshop in a cave. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. Visit the underground city of Sarhatli.

Drive to Pamukkale. En route we visit the famous mausoleum of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana. Dinner and overnight at Pamukkale.

Drive to Pamukkale. En route we visit the famous mausoleum of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana. Dinner and overnight at Pamukkale.

Today is the day to pay an early morning visit to the unique Cotton Fortress, the white calcium cascades, and also pay a visit to one of the first modern spa centers of the ancient world, Hierapolis. Then we drive to Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Full day tour of the famous ruins of Ephesus and St. Mary’s Cottage. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi Afternoon Optional: tour of Sardis or Sirince.

Return transfer to pier.

This program can also be combined with Louis Cruise Line 7 day Greek Island Cruise program to and from Istanbul.

What's Included

• 4 Nights Accommodation
• Deluxe coach on all tours and transfers
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Personal travel agent
• Bosphorus Cruise by boat
• Meals mentioned by the itinerary
• Entrance fees mentioned by the itinerary
• Carpark, Gasoline, Highway & Bridge fees
• Services charges & local taxes

What's Not Included

• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• International flight tickets