DAY 1
ARRIVE ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Arrive in Istanbul, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
HOTEL | ISTANBUL
DAY 2
ISTANBUL | HAGIA SOPHIA & PRIVATE BOSPHORUS CRUISE
Rise early for a private, before-hours opening of the Basilica Cistern, with its marble columns dating to the sixth century. Continue to the timeless Hagia Sophia, marveling at the structure’s imposing façade and towering vaulted ceilings. Delve into the distinctive Pera district and visit a coffeehouse, learning the story of this uniquely Turkish tradition. After lunch, embark on a private cruise of the Bosphorus.
HOTEL | ISTANBUL
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3
ISTANBUL | WONDERS OF TOPKAPI PALACE
Revel in the ornately decorated ceilings and spectacular tile work of Topkapi Palace, the one-time imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, and then view the ancient city walls, standing since the time of Constantine. Fly to Bodrum and check in to your hotel to relax before dinner.
HOTEL | BODRUM
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4
BODRUM | OLDEST SHIPWRECK & EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
Stop by the ancient Theater of Halicarnassus before visiting the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum in the Castle of St. Peter, which houses the oldest shipwreck ever discovered. Next, savor a Chef ’s Table cooking demonstration showcasing local dishes and an exploration of the local farmers market’s vibrant produce stalls. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
HOTEL | BODRUM
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5
IZMIR | TEMPLES OF ZEUS, APOLLO & ATHENA
Journey to Euromos to explore the ruined yet magnificent Temple of Zeus. Continue to Didyma to discover the Temple of Apollo, dating to at least 300 BC. Stop for lunch at a local seaside restaurant. Then, proceed to Priene for a walking tour at the age-old Temple of Athena before continuing to Izmir, where you enjoy dinner overlooking the sea.
HOTEL | EPHESUS
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
IZMIR | HISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG
Embark on a day trip to Ephesus, where Saint Paul once lived. Explore the renowned archaeological park and museum here before enjoying a special lunch in a nearby village. Return to Izmir for a leisurely evening.
HOTEL | EPHESUS
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7
CAPPADOCIA | FAIRY CHIMNEYS & FRESCOES
Fly via Istanbul to Kayseri and explore the nearby volcanic stone “fairy chimneys,” which also provide the setting for a refreshing Scenic Sundowner. Next, on an LTA-exclusive experience, enjoy private, after-hours access to the rock-carved churches of Goreme, and visit the Dark Church, before dining at your hotel.
HOTEL | CAPPADOCIA
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
CAPPADOCIA | THE ANCIENT ART OF WEAVING
This morning, enjoy an optional hot air balloon excursion over Cappadocia. Then, visit the Goreme Weavers Association on an engaging artisan visit. Next, sit down with a local family for lunch in their home. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating underground city at Kaymakli, which dates to as early as the eighth century BC and includes chapels, kitchens, air vents and living quarters carved out of volcanic rock.
HOTEL | CAPPADOCIA
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9
ISTANBUL | SEAT OF A MIGHTY EMPIRE
Today, fly back to Istanbul. This afternoon, visit Dolmabahce Palace, once a seat of Ottoman power, and see the collection of Ottoman royal barges, a hidden gem of the city.
HOTEL | ISTANBUL
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10
ISTANBUL | OTTOMAN ARCHITECTURE & THE GRAND BAZAAR
Explore Suleymaniye Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. After lunch at a local restaurant, stroll the fragrant spice market. Ride Like a Local on a public ferry across the Bosphorus to explore the food markets of the Asian side. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner.
HOTEL | ISTANBUL
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
DEPART ISTANBUL
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart.
Meals: Breakfast
