DAY 1 - Arrive at Istanbul Airport
-Our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
-Rest of the day free to rest and acclimate.

DAY 2 - Istanbul
Note: Every day your guide and driver will meet you after breakfast.
-Begin your day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sofia*, the massive 6th-century Byzantine cathedral turned 15th-century Ottoman mosque.
-Steps away lies Istanbul's iconic Blue Mosque* (1616 CE), named for its exquisite blue Iznik tiles.
-Next, tour the Ottomans' sprawling Topkapı Palace* (begun in 1465 CE) with its imperial diwan, harem, and museum of royal treasures.
-Pop over to Asia for lunch, and then enjoy a cruise up the Bosphorus.

DAY 3 - Istanbul
-Begin your day with a visit to the city's famous Basilica Cistern*, a 6th-century Byzantine marvel of civic engineering.
-Your guide will then take you on a tour of the Theodosian Walls* (5th century CE), the formidable defensive ring that kept the Eastern Roman capital impenetrable for almost 1,000 years.
-Next, experience the Chora Church/Keriye Mosque* (originally built in the 4th century CE) with its vibrant 14th-century frescoes that predate, and likely inspired, Italian Renaissance masters.
-That afternoon you'll fly to the Aegean jewel of Bodrum where your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

DAY 4 - Bodrum (Halicarnassus)
-Visit the ancient Bodrum Antique Theatre built originally by the Persians in the 4th century BCE.
-Next, see the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum with the world's oldest salvaged shipwreck.
-Enjoy a cooking demonstration of local dishes before visiting Bodrum's rich farmers market.

DAY 5 - Euromos - Ephesus - Izmir
-Begin your day at Euromos (Philippi), site of the Temple of Zeus Lepsinos (2nd century CE).
-Continue to the ruins of Priene with its Temple to Athena dedicated in 323 BCE to Alexander the Great.
-Marvel at the extensive Roman ruins at Ephesus*, former home of St. Paul, before continuing to the dynamic coastal city of Izmir.

DAY 6 - Izmir - Kayseri (Cappadocia)
-Fly from Izmir to Kayseri where your guide will greet you and transfer your luggage to your hotel.
-Tour the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia* with its volcanic "fairy chimneys."
-Visit the historic rock-carved Churches of Göreme* dating from the 4th century and embellished in the 11th century with some of the best Byzantine frescoes to be seen anywhere.
-Explore the beautifully restored frescoes at the 11th-century Dark Church, a former monastic compound with an impressive open-air museum.

DAY 7 - Kayseri
-This morning you'll have the opportunity to appreciate Cappadocia's otherworldly scenery from the vantage point of a hot air balloon, if desired.
-Visit the Göreme Weavers' Association to experience centuries-old living artistic traditions.
-Enjoy Turkey's famous hospitality as guests of honor in a local family's home for lunch.
-That afternoon descend into the widest of Cappadocia's 36 fascinating underground cities at Kaymaklı*. Built originally by the Phrygians in the 8th century BCE, Kaymaklı later became a refuge for Byzantines during wars with the Arabs between the 8th-11th centuries CE.

DAY 8 - Konya
-Travel to the historic city of Konya, former capital of the Turkish Seljuq Sultanate of Rum.
-Visit the 12th-century Alaeddin Mosque with its sweeping city views and tombs of the Seljuq Sultans.
-Appreciate Turkish ceramic arts at the Karatay Tile Museum.
-Next stop is the archeological dig at Çatalhöyük*, the largest Neolithic site ever uncovered and over 9,000 years old.
-Tour the 13th-century Mevlana Museum, one of the world's most important centers of Sufi mysticism with its shrine to the Persian poet, Rumi. That evening you'll witness Whirling Dervishes perform their ritual remembrance of God.

DAY 9 - Konya - Istanbul
-Return to Kayseri for your flight to Istanbul where you will be transferred to your hotel.
-Spend the afternoon exploring the opulent 19th-century Ottoman showplace of Dolmabahçe Palace.

DAY 10 - Istanbul
-Visit the 16th-century Süleymaniye Mosque*, built by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the pinnacle of Ottoman architecture.
-Shop til you drop in Istanbul's dizzyingly large and diverse Grand Bazaar*. Be forewarned, shiny things abound.
-Unwind in a 16th-century Hammam and savor a luxurious and relaxing Turkish bath before enjoying a farewell dinner the last night of your trip.

DAY 11 - Depart for Home
-We will transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight home.
Bon Voyage!

Note: A day or two of beachside bliss can easily be added to this itinerary as can a 6- or 10-day sail down the Turquoise Coast on a traditional Turkish yacht.

INCLUDED WITH ANTIQUE LANDS' CUSTOM JOURNEYS:

• Custom Itinerary to Your Specifications
• Select Luxury Accommodations (subject to location)
• Insider Access
• English-Speaking Expert Guides
• Private Car and Driver
• Personal Airport Reception & Private Transfers
• Full Daily Breakfast; Select Lunches & Dinners
• All Entrance Fees and Taxes
• 24/7 Direct Support