Arrival in Istanbul. Meeting at the international arrivals hall. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 09:30 to visit the most important sites of Istanbul. Everything can be done on foot: Hippodrome Square (Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, German Fountain, Column of Constantine), Topkapi Palace built in the 15th century which served as the residence of the first sultans of the empire, Sultan Ahmed Mosque known as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Grand Bazaar with its bright displays of local handicrafts and souvenirs. Overnight in Istanbul. FULL BOARD.

Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 09:00. After a 15-minute walk we reach the Spice Bazaar. Bosphorus cruise separating Europe and Asia with views of palaces, neighborhoods and bridges connecting the continents. Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, Camlica Hill and the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque on the Asian side. The Bosphorus tour (1h–1h30) is optional. Drive to Ankara (about 5 hours). Overnight in Ankara.

Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 08:00. Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, voted the best museum in the world in 1997 among 68 museums. Lunch in Ankara before heading to Cappadocia (about 4 hours). On the way visit the Salt Lake, the second saltiest lake in the world. Overnight in Cappadocia. FULL BOARD.

Optional hot air balloon flight (05:00–08:00). Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 09:30. Visit Devrent Valley where rock formations resemble different animals. Continue to Pasabag (Fairy Chimneys Valley). Walk through Avanos, famous for pottery. After taking photos in Cavusin village visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 with numerous Byzantine rock churches. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 09:30. Visit the underground city (Ozkonak or another similar one such as Kaymakli) where early Christians hid from their enemies. The viewpoint of Göreme village offers one of the best views of Cappadocia. We will also see the panorama of Uchisar Fortress where it is possible to ride camels. Afterwards we visit a local handicraft center where carpets are woven by hand. We will see Love Valley and discover volcanic stones used to create various objects and jewelry. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 08:00 and drive to Pamukkale (about 7 hours). On the way it is possible to visit a well-preserved and restored Seljuk caravanserai from the 13th century. Lunch on the route. Arrival in the evening and overnight in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale. FULL BOARD.

Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 08:00. Walk through the travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. The thermal terraces of Pamukkale are one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. The name Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle”, inspired by the beauty of its white and turquoise colors. Drive to Kusadasi (about 3 hours). Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist and the Ancient City of Ephesus, an important religious, cultural and commercial center of Asia Minor in antiquity. Visit a leather center where a fashion show is presented. Overnight in Kusadasi. FULL BOARD.

Transfer to Istanbul Airport to take the flight. For guests who wish to travel to Greece, transfer to the cruise port. End of services.