14D13N Turkish Delight (QT)

Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner

East meets West ISTANBUL A full day guided sightseeing includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Enjoy [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at an historical coffee roaster. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history

Heart of Turkey ISTANBUL [LF] Visit the underground Basilica Cistern. ANKARA Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk. (B,D) 277 mi / 445 km LOCAL FAVOURITE HISTORIC SPOT The Basilica Cistern, also known locally as "the sunken palace," is the underground cistern built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the then city of Constantinople. An incredible structure with 336 pillars holding up a magnificent vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It can be classed as an early example of recycling as the builders made use of stone structures from earlier temples - one of the most famous "recycled stones", that can still be seen, is the upside down head of Medusa.

Going Underground ANKARA Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations OZKONAK [LF] Guided visit of the underground city. CAPPADOCIA Free-time this evening. (B,D) 217 mi / 350 km LOCAL FAVOURITE ARCHITECTURAL FEATS In 1972 a local farmer was curious as to why the excess crop water disappeared so fast - it was the start of the discovery of Ozkonak underground city. Carved into the volcanic rock around the 4th century BC, this city was formed of 10 levels and built to protect about 60 000 people from religious persecution and war. To ensure they could all survive for up to 3 months the city had its own ventilation system, water supply and moving stone doors with a hot oil defence system. Any attackers trying to enter the city would be stopped in their tracks by the hot oil being poured over their heads!

Rock of Ages GOREME Visit the open-air museum to see the rock-cut chapels and monasteries. PASABAG VALLEY See the earth pillars in the middle of a vineyard. PIGEON VALLEY Enjoy views of this distinctive landscape. RED VALLEY Admire the beautiful valley with its rose-hued rock. Later stop to take photos of Uchisar Castle. (B,D) 16 mi / 25 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDER Set on a high dry plateau in Central Turkey, the surreal landscape of Cappadocia looks like it comes straight from a Hollywood sci fi movie. Instead lava, volcanic ash and natural erosion caused by wind and rain have been forming it for millions of years - sculpting the famous fairy chimneys, the pigeon houses, the tabletop mountains and the badlands with the weaving rock formations

The Silk Road SULTANHANI Visit the Caravanserai, an historic stopover on the Silk Road. KONYA Visit Karatay Medrese and Mevlana Monastery of the Dervishes which is now a museum. (B,D) 149 mi / 240 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT MUSIC & MEDITATION Originating from Sufis, a mystical branch of Islam, Whirling Dervishes date back to the 13th century when they were founded by the mystic Persian poet Rumi, the Mevlana Monastery Museum was one of their original lodges. Instantly recognisable in their white gowns, they spin around with their right hand reaching for heaven. A form of active meditation this ritual allows them to abandon their ego, listen to music and focus on God

Pearl of the Mediterranean ANTALYA - Stop at Upper Duden Falls and guided walk of the Old Town. (B) 168 mi / 270 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Founded by the Greeks, and later an important Roman port, Antalya today is a popular resort, the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, known for its sunny weather, stunning coastline and beaches, and crystal blue waters from which it gains the nickname the "Turquoise Coast." There are also plenty of cultural sites to visit such as Hadrians Gate and the Old Town.

An Architectural Love Duel ANTALYA Free day to explore on your own. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE The day is yours to do as you choose - discover more of Antalya, have a lazy day on the coast or why not take advantage of an excursion to Aspendos to see some fantastic examples of Roman architecture. Legend says it was founded by refugees from Troy and that two of its most prominent structures were built by two love rivals. The King announced that he who built the structure most useful to Aspendos could marry his daughter. One built the aqueduct and the other the theatre, both are still standing today. Whilst the aqueduct was the most useful, the King was amazed that from the back of the theatre he could hear the architect whisper, "You should let your daughter marry me," and he did.

The Cotton Castle PAMUKKALE - Visit the ancient city of Hieropolis founded as a thermal resort around 190 BC. See the stunning travertine terraces with the thermal water pools. (B,D) 149 mi / 240 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDER When the mineral rich thermal waters that flowed down the valley side, cooled, and hardened, a series of bright white travertine terraces were formed, each containing a thermal pool. This incredible sight gave the area its name - Pamukkale "Cotton Castle." The Romans also took advantage of the thermal springs and founded the spa town of Hieropolis close by

Ancient Civilization Preserved EPHESUS Follow your Guide for a walk through the ancient ruins and the archaeological museum. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. IZMIR Orientation tour upon arrival (B,L) 186 mi / 300 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOTS Ephesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It was the second biggest city of the Roman Empire and today it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean

Elevated Views IZMIR Free day to explore on your own. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Considered one of Turkey's hidden gems, Izmir is a cultural hub located on the Aegean Sea. It offers lots of cultural and historical sites to visit such as the Agora, the Hisar Mosque, the clock tower and Konak Square. Take a ride up the historical elevator to its terrace for a stunning view of the city and the coastline, do some shopping at the Bazaar or try out some of the local seafood specialities

A Gift Horse & A God of Healing PERGAMUM Guided visit of the Asklepion, a shrine to the Greek God of medicine. TROY Guided visit of the excavations and see the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse that commemorates the Trojan War. (B,D) 211 mi / 340 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HEALING THE BODY & THE SOUL Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of serenity and history. The sick approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a path that started their journey to health determined according to what dreams the patience experienced and which also included theatre shows. All of this was done in the belief that healing was a sacred art and that people's souls needed to be mended as well as their bodies.

Bravery on the Beach GALLIPOLI Visit the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial before crossing the Dardanelless by ferry. ISTANBUL Free time this afternoon. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 230 mi / 370 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & HERITAGE Visit the moving and inspirational sites, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)