14 Days - Treasures of Ancient Turkey Tour

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Explore the highlights of Istanbul's historic peninsula. Visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, and the elegant Blue Mosque with its stunning blue Iznik tiles. Continue through the Hippodrome, where chariot races once took place during Roman and Byzantine times. Conclude at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.

Begin with a visit to the vibrant Spice Market and the beautifully decorated Rustem Pasha Mosque. Continue to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where you will visit significant World War I sites including ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair, and Lone Pine Cemetery. Cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry and arrive in Canakkale for the evening.

Visit the legendary city of Troy, where you'll see the replica of the famous Trojan Horse and explore the archaeological remains of this ancient city. Continue south to Pergamon, home to the ancient medical center known as the Asklepion. In the afternoon, travel to the coastal town of Kuşadası for dinner and overnight.

Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site in the hills near Ephesus. Explore the extraordinary ancient city of Ephesus — the colossal Greek Theatre, Marble Road, the beautifully preserved Celsus Library, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Also visit the Basilica of St. John, believed to be the burial site of the apostle.

Visit Aphrodisias, an ancient city dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite. Continue to Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Then discover Pamukkale's striking white calcium travertine terraces and explore Hierapolis with its impressive necropolis and Pluto's Gate. Relax at a spa hotel with mineral-rich thermally heated pools.

Step back in time at Çatalhöyük, one of the earliest known urban settlements (7400–6200 BC) with remarkably preserved wall paintings, reliefs, and religious shrines. Continue to Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the 13th-century Sufi mystic Rumi, with its exhibition of Whirling Dervish costumes, instruments, and illuminated manuscripts.

Discover Cappadocia's surreal volcanic rock formations and cave dwellings. Tour a fascinating underground city such as Derinkuyu or Ozkonak, where early Christians once sought refuge — subterranean complexes with ventilation shafts, kitchens, churches, and wineries. Continue to panoramic viewpoints at Uchisar and Ortahisar, and visit a traditional carpet workshop to witness centuries-old Anatolian weaving techniques.

Explore remote rock-cut monasteries, Magic Valley, and the ancient cave dwellings of Zelve Valley. See the striking fairy chimneys of Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) and the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum with its beautifully preserved frescoed cave churches. Visit Avanos, historically Cappadocia's pottery center by the Red River. Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the valleys.

Explore Gaziantep, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities and a gastronomic capital of Turkey. Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest mosaic museum in the world, and admire the world-famous 'Gypsy Girl' mosaic. Continue to Gaziantep Castle and stroll through historic bazaars where copper artisans, spice merchants, and sweet-makers keep centuries-old traditions alive.

Visit the monumental statues and tumulus of Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the best-preserved Roman bridge of Cendere, built in honor of Emperor Septimius Severus. Continue to Arsemia, the royal seat of the Commagene Kingdom, with its inscriptions and underground passageways. End the day driving to Şanlıurfa, the ancient city known as the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.

Visit Göbekli Tepe, the oldest known temple complex in the world (over 11,000 years old), and Karahan Tepe, a sister site revealing additional layers of Neolithic life. Continue to the ancient city of Harran with its famous beehive-shaped houses. Visit the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum with exceptional prehistoric and Mesopotamian artifacts, and Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish) associated with the story of Abraham.

Transfer to Şanlıurfa Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure.

After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul International Airport for your onward journey.