Pick up from city-center hotels between 12:00-13:00. Depart for Ankara (450 km) by deluxe coach, crossing the intercontinental bridge in Istanbul. Arrive in Ankara and enjoy dinner at the hotel. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2: Ankara – Salt Lake – Cappadocia / Tuesday Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before visiting Ankara’s Anatolian Civilizations Museum, which displays artifacts from various ancient cultures, and the Ataturk Mausoleum, dedicated to Turkey’s founder. Depart for Cappadocia (290 km) with a stop at an underground city built by early Christians for protection, featuring stables, common rooms, and family spaces. Arrive in Cappadocia and check into your hotel for the night. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Day 3: Cappadocia / Wednesday Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a full day of exploring Cappadocia's highlights. Discover the stunning fairy chimneys and the unique Goreme Valley with its cave churches and 10th-11th century paintings. Visit the troglodyte village of Uçhisar and take in the spectacular views from Avcilar. Explore the curious rock formations in Devrent Valley and visit artisan workshops specializing in carpets and onyx-stone jewelry. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Day 4: Cappadocia- Pamukkale / Thursday After breakfast, depart for Pamukkale (610 km). Stop en route to visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai, a medieval Seljuk inn. Continue to Pamukkale and enjoy free time to explore the 'Cotton Castle,' renowned for its unique limestone hot springs and travertine waterfalls. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Pamukkale. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Day 5: Pamukkale – Ephesus – İzmir / Friday After breakfast, depart for Selçuk-Ephesus (200 km). Visit the Ephesus archaeological site, including the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, House of Love, Library of Celsus, Agora, Marble Street, and the grand Theater. Explore the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final residence. Stop at a leather production center before continuing to İzmir (~85 km), Turkey’s third-largest city. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at the hotel in İzmir. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Day 6: İzmir - Pergamon – Troy – Çanakkale / Saturday After breakfast, depart for Pergamo (110 km), now Bergama. Explore the ruins of Asclepion, a major ancient hospital known for its therapeutic center. Continue to Troy (~190 km) to visit the famed archaeological site associated with Homer's Iliad. Proceed to Çanakkale (~25 km) for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Day 7: Çanakkale – Gallipoli – Anzac Cove – Istanbul / Sunday After breakfast, cross the Dardanelles Strait by car ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Explore the poignant WWI battlefields, including Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, and the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Visit the Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, Turkish and Allied trenches, 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Return to Istanbul (no accommodation provided). Meals: Breakfast.
