Timeless Turkey

Begin your journey with an overnight flight from Toronto to Istanbul with a connection (or direct flight).

Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, you will be met by our representative, assisted through formalities and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast, you will visit the Hagia Sophia Church, the architectural glory of the 6th century, the Byzantine basilica, the Blue Mosque, the imperial mosque famous for its six minarets and interior tiles. Continue to visit the Topkapi Palace, once the great residence of Ottoman Sultans, now a world famous museum. Explore the Grand Bazaar housing over 4000 shops. Overnight at your hotel. (B)

After breakfast, depart for Ankara where you’ll visit Mausoleum of Ataturk and its Museum. This is the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. Depart for Cappadocia. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake, arrive in Cappadocia for an overnight stay.

** Upgrade to flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia

In the morning after breakfast, begin sightseeing of Kaymakli in Cappadocia, an underground city built by Christians fleeing persecution. Visit Goreme, the largest open Air Museum where you will see 10th century churches cut out of soft rock with its most spectacular paintings of the region. Continue to the natural fortress in Uchisar. Overnight at your hotel. (BL)

Morning: optional hot air balloon ride

After breakfast, drive towards Konya. En route, visit the elegantly designed rest-stop for travelers, the Sultan Han Caravanserai, built by Sultan Alaettin Keykubad in 1229. Continue to the Mausoleum of Mevlana, master of the whirling dervishes known for their hypnotic movements. Drive to Pamukkale for overnight. (BD)

After breakfast, you will visit the unique cotton Fortress, the white calcium cascade with its therapeutic thermal pools. Drive to Hierapolis to visit the Roman and Christian remains and the first modern spa centers of the ancient world. Continue to Izmir and overnight at your hotel. (BD)

Drive to the Ancient City of Ephesus, where you will see the marble streets, Antique Theater, Arcadian Way, a roman bath, Celcus Library, and the Basilica of St. Joseph. Enjoy a drive through Sirince Village. The village offers a Turk-Greek experience while visiting restored Orthodox churches and local shops featuring handcrafts (including olive oil). Visit cafes nestled in this quaint village and purchase incredible homemade wines. Return to Izmir and overnight at your hotel. (BLD)

After breakfast, drive to Bergama and visit the famous Acropolis of the ancient city and the Ancient Medical Center Asklepion. Continue your drive to the fabled city of Troy, famed in Homeric legend – site of the Trojan horse. Overnight in Canakkale at your hotel. (BD)

In the morning, depart towards Gallipoli embarking on ferry for a relaxing ride across the Dardanelle. Visit Anzac Cove and the Lone pine cemetery. Continue to Istanbul and overnight at your hotel. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Toronto with a connection.