Signature Turkey

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Istanbul, Turkey

Arrive in Istanbul, former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, where you are met and driven to your hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (Gold) or Divan Istanbul (Silver)

Day 2: Istanbul

Begin your day with visits to the sixth-century Basilica Cistern and the timeless Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Discover Topkapi Palace, the headquarters for the Turks who ruled most of the Mediterranean and Western Orient. Stroll through the Pera District, the modern-day heart of Istanbul. Later, embark on a private cruise along the Bosphorus.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (Gold) or Divan Istanbul (Silver)   |   Meals: B

Day 3: Istanbul/Cappadocia

Board a flight to Nevşehir, an area more popularly known as Cappadocia. This unique landscape consists of soft volcanic rock (called tuff) sculpted into astonishing shapes by wind and erosion. Explore the mysterious rock-carved churches at the Göreme Open Air Museum.

The Museum Hotel (Gold) or Argos in Cappadocia (Silver)   |   Meals: B

Day 4: Cappadocia

You may take an optional hot air balloon ride over the tuff-filled landscape. Explore the ancient subterranean village at Kaymakli and then visit the potters of Avanos, who use clay from the banks of the Kizilirmak (Red River) and ancient techniques.

The Museum Hotel (Gold) or Argos in Cappadocia (Silver)   |   Meals: B

Day 5: Cappadocia/Izmir (Kusadasi)

Fly to Izmir, a city with the charm of an Aegean settlement, and see the restored Agora, the market of ancient Smyrna. Then stroll through Kemeralti bazaar.

Swissôtel Grand Efes (Gold) or KoruMar Hotel De Luxe (Silver)   |   Meals: B

Day 6: Izmir/Ephesus/Izmir (Kusadasi)

Explore the remains of the great Ionian city of Ephesus, with access to the breathtaking Terrace Houses (provided excavation work is not taking place). Unmatched as an archaeological site, the sheer size and grandeur of the ruins make this the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. After lunch, visit the rug weavers’ association at Camlik village to learn about this fine Turkish art passed down from generation to generation.

Swissôtel Grand Efes (Gold) or KoruMar Hotel De Luxe (Silver)   |   Meals: B

Day 7: Izmir/Bodrum

Stop at the Ionian temple of Euromos. Continue to Bodrum’s fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed in a former castle and containing many artifacts salvaged from area shipwrecks.

The Marmara Bodrum   |   Meals: B

Day 8: Bodrum/Istanbul

Fly to Istanbul and view the City Walls, constructed by Theodosius II just in time to turn back Atila the Hun. The Chora Church is located just inside and is known for its rich Byzantine interior wall decorations.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski (Gold) or Park Hyatt Istanbul - Maçka Palas (Silver)   |   Meals: B

Day 9: Istanbul

Frank Lloyd Wright considered Sinan the “master builder of all time.” Explore the remnants of the “age of Sinan” in Istanbul’s mosques and bazaars, including Suleymaniye Mosque (subject to completion of restoration works). Visit Sinan’s wonderful Rustem Pasha Mosque, known for its outstanding Iznik tiles. Continue to the Spice Bazaar and wander the 3,500-stall Grand Bazaar, a monument to the “Rise of Istanbul,” the great master plan of the Turks for the rejuvenation and reanimation of an old imperial capital.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski (Gold) or Park Hyatt Istanbul - Maçka Palas (Silver)   |   Meals: B

Day 10: Depart Istanbul

Board your homebound flight.

Meals: B