Highlights of Turkey (Exodus)

Day 1  Istanbul  
Make your own way to the start hotel and check in. There is no sightseeing planned today (an orientation walk is included on your return to Istanbul on Day 14).

Day 2  Istanbul to Çanakkale  
There’s a welcome meeting at 9am. Then we depart for the Gallipoli peninsula, the site of many significant battles during the First World War. We then cross the Dardanelles Strait, arriving in the city of Çanakkale in the late afternoon.

Day 3  Çanakkale to Ayvalik
Visit the ancient city of Troy. Then head to the Aegean coastal town of Ayvalik.

Day 4  Ayvalik to Selcuk
After breakfast, we depart for the ancient Greek city and Unesco World Heritage site of Pergamo. Then we continue to the charming town of Selcuk, where the evening will be free for you to rest or explore at leisure.

Day 5  Selcuk  
This morning, we visit the ancient site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and a great example of Greco-Roman architecture. After the Ephesus visit, we head to Selçuk and visit Isa Bey Mosque and St John’s Basilica. There will also be free time. We return to Selçuk for the evening.

Day 6  Selcuk to Pamukkale
We drive to Pamukkale today, also known as Cotton Castle. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties and are great place for a relaxing dip. Close by are the ruins of Hierapolis, which became an important Roman bath centre. We spend the afternoon discovering the travertines and ancient city.

Day 7  Pamukkale to Kaş
We depart Pamukkale this morning and travel to the seaside town of Kaş. On the way, we stop at Xanthos, the capital city of the Lycian Federation and arguably the most important city throughout Lycian history. After a guided visit, we continue on the road to Kaş.

Day 8  Kaş
Today is a free day to relax or take advantage of the many activities available on the Turquoise Coast in and around Kaş.

Day 9  Kaş to Antalya
This morning, we depart for Antalya, one of the most popular beach resorts in Turkey. Arriving in the early afternoon, we visit the Kaleiçi (the historic city centre). You may also want to visit the Antalya Museum this afternoon, which as a wonderful collection of sculptures from the Roman period or the ancient city ruins of Phaselis.

Day 10  Antalya to Konya  
This morning, we visit the ancient city of Perge, birthplace of the Greek mathematician Appollonius of Perga. Then we travel to Aspendos, home to the best-preserved theatre of the ancient world. After exploring the ancient site, we continue to Konya, known as Iconium in Roman times.  
 
Day 11  Konya to Cappadocia  
This morning we visit the Mevlana Museum, the former home of the Whirling Dervishes and the location of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi’s tomb. We continue to the fascinating Cappadocia region. This afternoon, we visit the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai. Our last stop of the day is the breath-taking Ihlara Valley on the slopes of Mount Hasan.  

Day 12  Cappadocia
Early in the morning, you have the option to experience a memorable hot-air balloon ride over the otherworldly fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. After breakfast, we visit the Unesco World Heritage-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum. We also visit one of the fascinating underground cities in Cappadocia.

Day 13  Cappadocia to Istanbul
This morning, we say goodbye to Cappadocia and take a flight to where it all began: Istanbul. On arrival, you may wish to join your leader for a trip across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of this enthralling city.  

Day 14  Istanbul  
The morning is free. In the afternoon, you may have free time or you can take an orientation walk around this culture- and history-rich city.  

Day 15  Istanbul
Our adventure ends after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore this enchanting city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.