Eight days. The route opens in Istanbul with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and Topkapı. It crosses to Troy and Alexandria Troas, then the seven churches, and inland by the Sultanhanı caravanserai to Cappadocia. A balloon flight is sometimes offered locally. It is not part of the base journey.
Hotels are arranged for the nights below. Names and class are confirmed in your proposal, not here. Meals that are included are listed in that same proposal.
The route
- 1
Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapı, Hagia Sophia. Overnight in Istanbul.
- 2
Troy and Alexandria Troas, then the coast at Ayvalık. Overnight in Ayvalık or Akçay.
- 3
Pergamon, the Red Basilica and Thyatira. Overnight in Izmir.
- 4
Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Hierapolis and the terraces. Overnight in Pamukkale.
- 5
Ephesus, the house remembered for Mary, Smyrna, then the road toward Cappadocia by Sultanhanı.
- 6
Göreme, Uçhisar, a valley of dovecotes, an underground city, Devrent and Paşabağ. Overnight in Cappadocia.
- 7
Flight to Istanbul. The Bosphorus, Chora, and the Grand Bazaar if the hours allow. Overnight in Istanbul.
- 8
Departure from Istanbul.
Day by day
-
Day
1
Overnight · Istanbul
B
L
D
- Arrive at Istanbul International Airport
- Meet and greet with the local guide at the airport
- Departure for the city tour
- Visit the Blue Mosque, photo stop at the Hippodrome
- Visit Topkapi Palace
- Visit the St. Sophia Museum
-
Day
2
Overnight · Ayvalık or Akçay
B
L
D
- Departure to Çanakkale · 360 km, 5.5 hr
- Visit Troy Ancient City
- Departure for Troia · 35 km, 45 min
- Visit Alexandria of Troas
- Departure to Ayvalık · 140 km, 2.5 hr
-
Day
3
Overnight · İzmir
B
L
D
- Departure to Bergama · 66 km, 1 hr
- Visit the Acropolis of Pergamon
- Visit Thyateira
- Visit the Red Basilica
- Departure to İzmir · 110 km, 2.5 hr
-
Day
4
Overnight · İzmir
B
L
D
- Departure for Ephesus · 20 km, 30 min
- Visit Ephesus Ancient City
- Visit the leather factory and enjoy the fashion show
- Visit the Virgin Mary House
- Departure to İzmir · 80 km, 1.5 hr
- Visit Smyrna: St. Polycarp Church
-
Day
5
Overnight · Pamukkale
B
L
D
- Departure to Sardes · 120 km, 2 hr
- Visit Sardes
- Departure to Philadelphia · 90 km, 1.5 hr
- Visit Philadelphia
- Departure for Pamukkale · 87 km, 1.5 hr
- Visit Laodicea
- Visit the Hierapolis ancient city ruins and the Cotton Castle
-
Day
6
Overnight · Cappadocia
B
L
D
- Departure to Cappadocia · 500 km, 8 hr
- On the way, visit the Sultanhanı Caravanserai
-
Day
7
Overnight · Cappadocia
B
L
D
- Optional: hot air balloon tour
- Departure for the Cappadocia tour
- Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum
- Photo stop at Uçhisar Castle
- Visit Pigeon Valley
- Visit the Underground City
- Visit Devrent Valley and Paşabağ Valley
- Pottery, carpet and Turkish jewellery workshops
- Optional: Turkish night show
-
Day
8
B
L
D
- Departure to Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport
- Fly to Istanbul
- Bosphorus cruise with a private yacht
- Visit the Kariye Museum
- Visit the Grand Bazaar
- Free until departure
- Transfer to Istanbul International Airport
