Sunrise in Anatolia (The Peninsula of Land that constitutes the Asian portion of Turkey) April 21 to May 1, 2024 Bordered by the Black Sea to the North, the Aegean Sea to the West, and the Mediterranean Sea to the South, Anatolia is the Gateway to the Continent of Asia to the East. Depart from your International Gateway City in the USA Day 1: Istanbul Arrive evening in Istanbul. Straddling the Bosporus Straight, Istanbul is the only City in the World that exists on two Continents, Europe, and Asia. After your arrival at Istanbul Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy free time for leisure and exploration before dinner. Overnight in Istanbul. Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham, Mercure West Hotel, Dosso Dossi Golden Horn or similar. Meals: Welcome dinner Day 2: Istanbul After breakfast, you will visit the spectacular architectural marvel, Hagia Sophia Mosque (“Holy Wisdom '' in Latin), which was originally built as a Christian Basilica nearly 1,500 years ago. Visit the Hippodrome, remains of the sporting stadium of the Byzantine Empire, and the majestic Blue Mosque. This standing testament to Ottoman architecture was constructed between 1609 and 1617 and gets its name from its iconic Blue Iznik tiles. It is the largest fully functioning mosque in Turkey today. We will visit the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered bazaar with 4,000 shops, and Topkapi Palace including the Imperial Treasury Gardens, Sultan’s Kitchen, and Sacred Relics (the Harem section is not included in this tour). Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Day 3: Istanbul to Cappadocia After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a direct flight to Cappadocia, which is about 1 hour. Upon arrival, visit the Ozkonak Underground City and Avanos Town, which is famous for its red pottery. You will be transferred to your hotel to enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Cappadocia. Hotel: Suhan Cappadocia, Ramada Hotel Cappadocia or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 4: Cappadocia Join us for an early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride for a magnificent view of the valleys. After breakfast, see the scenic Devrent and Pasabagi Valleys, dotted with fairy chimney rocks. The cave churches of Goreme Open Air Museum, and Uchisar Castle Panorama will give you an amazing panoramic view over the region. Also, you will visit the Rug Weaving Center and Gemstone Gallery before heading back for a Belly Dancing Dinner Show in a Cave. Second night in Cappadocia. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 5: Cappadocia - Konya (3 hours) & Pamukkale (4 hours) We will depart early after breakfast for Pamukkale. Along the way, stop at Sultanhan Caravanserai, built in the 13th century as one of the safe trading post and way stations on the Silk Road, then the Mevlâna Museum, with its fluted turquoise dome, home to the tomb of Celaleddin Rumi (later known as Mevlâna), who we must thank for giving the world the Whirling Dervishes. After lunch, transfer to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight stay. Hotel: Adempira Thermal Hotel or Hierapark Thermal Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 6: Hierapolis - Laodicea After breakfast, visit the ancient City of Hierapolis, and see the famous travertine of Pamukkale. Then you will visit Cleopatra’s Antique pool. It is believed that she maintained her beauty from bathing in the thermal waters. Next, take an enjoyable drive to Laodicea located in the Lycus River Valley of Western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East. Then return to your hotel for a day of rest and rejuvenation in their thermal baths and spa. Take in the beautiful vistas and complete the day with a relaxing Turkish dinner. Meals: Breakfast Lunch, and Dinner Day 7: Pamukkale – Ephesus – Smyrna/Izmir After breakfast, drive to Ephesus, the most influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. There you will explore some of the best-preserved theaters, fountains, and buildings in the world. Finally, visit the Basilica of St. John the Apostle. Before your drive to Izmir, we will visit one of the most prominent leather goods factories in the region. Hotel: Best Western Premier, La Blanca Hotel, Ramada by Wyndham or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 8: Izmir/Smyrna – Thyatira – Sardis - Philadelphia After breakfast, drive to Saint Polycarp Church in Smyrna. Then proceed to Thyatira, criticized for its tolerance of the immoral “prophetess” Jezebel. During the Roman Era, it was the center of the purple cloth trade. After lunch, we travel to Sardis, located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor. End the day with a visit to ancient Philadelphia, which was known for its variety of temples and worship centers. Overnight stay in Izmir. Hotel: Best Western Premier, La Blanca Hotel, Ramada by Wyndham or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 9: Izmir – Pergamon – Nicea/Iznik – Istanbul After breakfast, we drive to the ruins of Pergamon. Here you will see the Acropolis, Greek & Roman Temples and the large ancient theater built into the steep hillside. After lunch along the way, you will see the remains of Constantine’s palace now covered by water at the shore of lake Iznik in Nicea. It was here in this palace that the First Ancient Church Council convened in 325 A.D. to produce the Nicene Creed. Next, you will visit the Church of Saint Sophia, where the Seventh Church Council convened in 787 A.D. Finally, we will continue to Istanbul for our last night. Hotel: Mercure West Hotel, Crown Plaza, La Quinta by Wyndham or similar. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Day 10: Istanbul After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight. What’s Included: Private Transfers with Tour Hosts and Guides in Modern Air-conditioned Deluxe Vehicles. Consecutive two-night stays in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Izmir. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia and Dinner Show in a Cave. Entrance fees, meals and all excursions listed. Farewell Dinner at a Local Restaurant. What’s not included: International Air & Travel Insurance. Thermal Spa Treatments Pamukkale. Extra meals & beverages. Personal expenses. Tipping Guides, Hosts, and Drivers. Price on this program including Air is $3,875