DAY 1

Welcome to Turkey. You are met on arrival in Istanbul, and then taken to your hotel in this incredible 13th century city.

Ritz Carlton Hotel, Istanbul

DAY 2

Spend today exploring the landmarks of this city that was Constantinople. Visit fabulous Topkapi Palace, made the center of the Ottoman Empire in 1453 AD, when the Ottoman Turks conquered it. Tour the Basilica of Saint Sophia, built by Justinian the Great during the 6th century ‐ it is a massive structure with a gigantic 93‐foot diameter dome. It is now a museum displaying Byzantine art and architecture. A highlight of your tour is a visit to one of the most famed masterpieces of Ottoman religious architecture, the Blue Mosque. Named for its impressive Turquoise colored tiles, this Muslim complex is unique, being one of only two mosques in the world with six minarets. Your sightseeing also includes visits to the once‐palace Museum of Turkish Arts and the Military Museum of Istanbul, with its vast collection of weaponry. (B)

Ritz Carlton Hotel, Istanbul

DAY 3

Today, explore the Spice Market with its enchanting profusions of aromatic spices imported from around the world. Next, board a boat for a private cruise on the waters of the Bosphorus. From your cruise boat, you can admire the historical mansions, palaces and skyline of the city ‐ adorned with domes and minarets of numerous edifices. You dock on the northern shore to visit Lady Sadberk’s Family Home, now a private museum with a unique collection of historical‐archeological items from Asia Minor. 

This afternoon wander through the Grand Bazaar with its incredible collections of jewelry, antiques and Oriental rug shops. (B)

Ritz Carlton Hotel, Istanbul

DAY 4

Today fly to Gaziantep, in the land of Upper Mesopotamia. You are met upon arrival, and taken to your hotel. (B)

Dedeman Hotel, Gaziantep

DAY 5

This morning tour the Archaeological Museum of Gaziantep to see its extensive collection of ancient Roman mosaics. Next, depart on your drive to Antakya, ‘Biblical Antioch.’ 

After lunch, visit the Grotto of St. Peter, the cave where the Apostles gathered to name themselves as “Christians,” meaning “Followers of Christ.” 

Continue your afternoon touring by driving up Mount Silpius, to overlook Antioch from its Medieval Fortress. (B)

Liwan Hotel, Antakya

DAY 6

This morning visit the Archaeological Museum of Antioch, and then depart for Adana, the fourth largest city of Turkey. En route stop at Bakras Castle, one of the most photographed medieval castles in the Middle East. Resting atop a hill, Bakras Castle overlooks a traditional Turkish village where you can enjoy a morning coffee with the locals. Drive over the Amon Mountains, through the fertile valleys surrounding Dortyol, to reach Tarsus, the hometown of St. Paul. 

After lunch, visit the Well of St. Paul, believed to be the site of the ancient home of the great saint. Next, visit the Sabanci Mosque of Adana, the other of the two mosques in the world with six minarets. (B)

Hilton Hotel, Adana

DAY 7

This morning depart for Cappadocia, driving over the scenic Taurus Mountains through the passage known in the Bible as Cilician Gates. En route stop to tour Gumusluk Monastery, where from the Middle Ages to the 15th century devout Christians learned to become monks. View the monastery’s collection of Byzantine Art frescoes. Continue to the Kaymakli Underground City, to see the troglodytic combination of caves carved under the ground to protect the inhabitants from the Arabic invasions of 7th century. 

Arrive in Cappadocia by late afternoon. (B)

Museum Hotel, Cappadocia

DAY 8

Cappadocia was one of the earliest centers of Christian Monastic life and was home to hundreds of teaching churches through the 16th century. Today tour the Goreme Monastic Center to view some of the best‐preserved Byzantine rock churches, all decorated with 12th century frescoes. See the Pasabag, vertical rock formations that had been hermit dwellings. Visit a weaving school where the local women have been making rugs for centuries, to observe and learn their weaving techniques and process, and to see completed samples of this authentic Turkish folk art. End your day of sightseeing by viewing the valleys and the famous hilltop rock fortress at Uchisar, which resembles a castle embroidered with cave dwellings. 

Tonight, enjoy an enchanting presentation of Whirling Dervishes, the mystic philosophers of the 13th century. (B)

Museum Hotel, Cappadocia

DAY 9

Today depart Cappadocia for a fascinating drive through the steppes of Anatolia, before arriving at Bogazkoy in time for a lunch break. 

Continue your drive, arriving early this afternoon in Hattusa, Capital of Hittite Civilization. Sharing the title of supreme power with Egyptians through second millennia BC, the Hittites created a superior culture, enveloping the cultures they had conquered. See evidence of this in the archaeological displays you view at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations of Ankara. Tour through the ancient capital of Hattusa, and then Yazilikaya, an open‐air sanctuary displaying reliefs of Gods and Goddesses of the Hittite pantheon. 

Drive on to Ankara for an overnight stay. (B)

Hilton Hotel, Ankara

DAY 10

Ankara, now the Capital of Modern Turkey, started as a settlement in the third millennia BC. This morning visit the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, to discover the archeological findings that belong to the Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and other early civilizations. 

This afternoon you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or onward to your next destination. (B)

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey

Located at the crossroads of two continents—Europe and Asia—The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul is a practice in culture, hospitality and luxury. Featuring exceptional accommodations, world-class cuisine, a nurturing spa and impeccable service, this Istanbul luxury hotel’s amenities and services provide an unforgettable retreat in the heart of one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul hotel in Taksim Square stands in the center of this fascinating, flavorful city, epitomizing its welcoming spirit and the harmonic convergence between East and West, and past and present.

Bathed in Ottoman-inspired splendor that pays homage to the rich historical traditions of Turkey, this stunning Bosphorus hotel features 244 well-appointed guest rooms, including 23 suites and 57 Ritz-Carlton Club Level rooms, exceptional restaurant and bars offering delectable experiences, Laveda Spa featuring indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, authentic Turkish Hamam, fitness center and nine treatment rooms including two Couple Suites as well as outdoor Spa during summer months.

Dedeman Hotel
Gaziantep, Turkey

The 5-star Dedeman Gaziantep Hotel and Convention Center is now at your service in Gaziantep, the largest city in the southeastern region of Anatolia and the 6th biggest city in Turkey.

The Dedeman boasts top service, Life&Style Welness-SPA, night clubs, a decent crowd and the fancy La Luna Restaurant, 27 suites and 186 rooms in total, a 1000 person Ball Room, 250 person conference room and 8 workshop rooms.

The Gaziantep Dedeman is seen as an enhancer in the business world, as it has all the necessary needs for someone traveling on business, or simply for someone who needs to relax. Amenities include dry cleaning, laundry, ironing, parking, babysitting, doctor, currency exchange, car parking, hair dresser, tailor, gift shops, drugstore, internet access, lostra/shoe shine, and secretarial services.

Liwan Hotel
Antakya, Turkey

The Liwan Hotel is a unique hotel located in the city centre of Antakya and 190 km from Adana Airport. Antakya, the biblical city of Antioch, lies on the Asi River (Orontes) on a fertile plain surrounded by grand mountains. The city was the center of Christianity and had been visited by St.Barnabas, St.Paul and St.Peter. The city was also famous as a center of artistic, scientific and commercial activities. Do not miss to visit the Antakya Museum which houses one of the richest collections of Roman mosaics in the world.

What was first built as a home to Syrians first president is now an artistically renovated hotel designed for pleasure. Liwan Hotel offers a charming and cozy atmosphere with all the benefits of service that pays attention to detail. The front desk is open 24 hours. You can enjoy a drink at the bar or a meal in the open-roof restaurant. To get a taste of what life was like 100 years ago, take a walk to a nearby restaurant that serves traditional, spicy south-eastern cuisines. Liwan Hotel is also a walking distance away from many attractions. Visit one of the many famous archeological museums, mosques and churches nearby or stroll to the many shops selling locally made silks, soaps and cafés.

Hilton Hotel, Adana
Adana, Turkey

With Seyhan River views, the Adana HiltonSA hotel is just 5 minutes' drive from Adana Airport. Unwind in the health club or cool off in one of the two pools.

Try international and Turkish cuisine in the Adana HiltonSA hotel's Chibo Restaurant, dine on the terrace at the Spice Market Restaurant or enjoy the late-night Zeytini Bar.

Enjoy a Turkish bath or spinning class in the health club at the Adana HiltonSA hotel. Try the gym, tennis courts or the indoor and outdoor pools. Visit Adana attractions like Mavi Su Aqualand waterpark or Sabanci Mosque.

Five minutes from Adana Sakirpasa Airport, the Adana HiltonSA hotel has 17 meeting rooms for 8-1000, an Executive Lounge and a business center with wireless internet access. All rooms have high-speed internet access. Step up to a Deluxe Room for a river view or choose an Executive Room for Executive Lounge access.

Museum Hotel
Cappadocia, Turkey

Museum Hotel of which restoration was initiated by Omer Tosun, the chairman of Indigo Tourism, became operational after inaugurated by Erkan Mumcu, the tourism minister then, in 2002.

Museum Hotel, established in a beautiful area of Uchisar, came into existence after the restoration of old ruins, paying utmost attention to the preservation of their originality. Due to its unique location all the rooms, restaurant and terraces overlook the unique panorama of Cappadocia. The Museum Hotel which has aimed to serve its distinguished guests in the best way is the sole preference of the majority of prominent guests visiting Cappadocia.

Because of incomparable location, all rooms, restaurant and terraces have a grand view of amazing Cappadocia, Avanos, Goreme, Guvercinlik Vadisi (Pigeon Valley) and Kizil Vadi (Red Valley), the important sights of Cappadocia which can be viewed from above. From the beginning, Museum Hotel has provided the best special services to its guests and is the choice hotel for guests in Cappadocia.

Today, all the rooms, restaurant, reception office and exterior areas of the Museum Hotel are decorated with various valuable antiquities registered at the Museum of Nevsehir.

Hilton Hotel, Ankara
Ankara, Turkey

Look out over Ankara’s city center from the Ankara HiltonSA hotel’s sundeck. After a dip in the indoor pool or a gym workout, unwind in the Jacuzzi or Turkish hammam. Enjoy local and international cuisine in the Greenhouse Restaurant. Do business in the Executive Lounge or one of 10 meeting rooms for 2-750.

Relax to live music in the Lotus Bar and Lounge or dance the night away at Murphy’s Dance Bar. Relax in one of 2 single-sex saunas. Visit the Citadel of Ankara and the Temple of Augustus, both 4.5 miles away, or walk 2 blocks to the shops and cafés of Tunali Hilmi Street.

Just 21 miles from Esenboga Airport, the Ankara HiltonSA hotel has an Executive Lounge, business center and 10 meeting rooms for 2-750, most with wireless internet access. From Hilton Rooms to Suites, all hotel rooms have high-speed internet access. Executive Rooms offer Executive Lounge access.

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