Today, you will meet your private guide at the lobby of your hotel and start your exploration with a stroll through the famed Hippodrome Square which was once the sporting and social center of Constantinople that hosted the chariot races until the Middle Ages. The Roman Hippodrome of the glorious past displays today the famous Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column dating back to the 5^th century BC. Istanbul boasts its monumental shrines of different faiths and the Blue Mosque is probably one of the most famed masterpieces of Ottoman religious architecture. Standing in great prestige with its six minarets and perfect proportioned dome, it is named after its Turquoise colored tiles made of quartz minerals. Ottoman Sultans

preferred to pray in this timeless shrine due to its incomparable beauty until when the empire collapsed after World War I. You will continue touring with the magnificent home of the Ottoman Sultans; Topkapi Palace! Located on the very cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace was built as the center of administration of the Ottoman Empire when the city was conquered by Ottoman Turks in 1453 AD. Afterward, you will reach the inner courtyard to visit the Treasury that displays exclusive examples of jewelry and accessories which were dressed by the Sultans or were given as gifts to ambassadors. Afterward, you will carry on to the Basilica of Saint Sophia, one of the largest Christian shrines ever built-in history. Continue on to the Underground Cistern known by the locals as the Sunken Cistern. The impressive structure built in the 6^th century with 336 columns erected upwards underneath the streets running through the Old City to constitute ample space to store water, is now operating as a venue for cultural activities besides attracting visitors as a unique museum. Later in the afternoon, you will find yourself drifting through one of the earliest shopping malls

ever built-in history, Grand Bazaar maintains its charm and volume of business to the modern-day with its indoor and outdoor sections. Istanbul has been the center of commerce and trade between the Orient and the Occident even before the arrival of the Ottomans. Nuru Osmaniye District (Glamour of the Ottomans) was where the Genoese and Venetian merchants had their warehouses where they store their inventory of brass, copper, rugs, and tiles before they were loaded on the ships to sail to Venice and Genoa. Today, Nuru Osmaniye District is where you can find the most reputable stores with wide collections of jewelry, antiques, and oriental rugs. Breathe in the vivacious atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar with a sip of Turkish coffee while checking the exciting variety of handcrafted souvenirs. At the end of your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight at JW Marriott Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul

Today’s exploration will continue with Dolmabahce Palace! The Turkish nation takes special pride in this exceptionally majestic edifice which was built in the mid-19th century by the commandment of Sultan Abdul Mecit I, a true art lover with high taste. Armenian architect was Sarkis Balyan who signed many other impressive buildings of 19^th century Istanbul. Maintaining its authentic interior décor composed of French Baccarat and Czech Bohemian Crystals, Hereke Rugs, and European furniture, Dolmabahce Palace can very well be named as the Turkish version of Versailles Palace. During the 19^th century, Ottoman Empire was staggering both politically and economically and was considered by the European states as a rather weak neighbor. So as to prove to the European states that the Ottoman Empire was still as prestigious and strong as the European countries, Dolmabahce Palace was built with extreme luxury for the period. Conquered by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 AD, Constantinople was appointed as the new Capital of the flourishing Ottoman Empire. Settled on both the Asian and European shores of the Bosphorus and maintaining a strategically important location on the ancient known world, Istanbul played a major role in the transformation of the Ottoman Kingdom into an Empire that lasted for five centuries to follow. Leaving Dolmabahce Palace, you will explore the bustling atmosphere of the Spice Market, dating back to the 17^th century, but still the most popular bazaar visited by locals to shop for fresh ingredients to spice up the dishes prepared in the kitchens of Istanbul. Wandering through the aisles of the market led by the enchanting smells, you will find an opportunity to blend with the locals and will be greeted by eager merchants competing to show you their eye-dazzling displays of a selection of spices brought from different parts of the world. You will then head to Taksim Square, one of the busiest spots in Istanbul, to take a closer look at and comprehend the social diversity of the city. You will walk through Istiklal Avenue where you will enjoy the view of the 18-19th century buildings of art Nuovo and eclectic architecture that currently serve a variety of purposes such as hosting art galleries, restaurants, or diplomatic centers and that reflect the cultural profundity and richness of Istanbul. You may explore the local bazaars hidden by the side streets on the boulevard to catch the tradesman amongst the fast pace of their daily activities. Constantinople was a bustling city in the 1800s that was connected to the major cities of Europe by the famous railroad transporting nobles, merchants, writers, and adventurers, all with a single interest in common; the desire to explore the Life of the Orient. During your tour of the district of Beyoglu (Pera), you will perceive the dominating European feel of Istanbul as the once-terminating point of Orient Express. The non-Muslim community in Pera formed a more occidental style of life that reflected what was lived in London, Paris, and Venice at the time. Passage Des Fleurs and Passage d’Europe stand out among the major venues where one can distinguish the joy and nostalgia expressed by their authentic ambiance of them. Your stroll will finally bring you to Galata, the neighborhood that hosted non-Muslim European communities migrating to Istanbul during the 18th and 19th centuries to profit from the capitulations granted by the Ottoman Sultanate. You will have the opportunity to watch the skyline of Istanbul from the very peak of the 13th century Galata Tower that was built by the Genoese merchants to look out for their ships arriving with their loads of goods brought for the markets of this cosmopolitan city. From a dungeon to a fire tower, Galata Tower served various purposes throughout history and today it is indisputably the best viewpoint to capture the panoramic view of the Old City of Istanbul.

Overnight at JW Marriott Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the Domestic Terminal of Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia. Cappadocia will thrill you with its unique landscapes formed by erosions of winds and water. Today’s inactive volcanoes of Erciyes and Hasan used to be active thousands of years ago and erupted continuously covering the region with a blanket of tuff that gets eroded so easily due to its soft character. Cappadocia has been occupied by various civilizations including Hittites, Greeks, Romans, and Turks living in rock dwellings for centuries. Your expedition will continue with the Monastic Center of Goreme. Goreme was founded by St. Basil as the first Monastic Center of Christianity during the 4^th century. This morning you will have an extensive tour of the Monastic Center that functions as an open-air museum, having very well-preserved rock-hewn churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes. Then, you will be enjoying walking through the valleys of Zelve that was a town composed of hundreds of rock-carved houses occupied until 1942. In Cappadocia, different religions coexisted in harmony for thousands of years and one can see churches and mosques facing each other built into the rock cliffs! During the Byzantine period, Cappadocia had hundreds of Christian hermits living in their private hermitages as well as the monastic centers where Christianity was institutionalized. You will then appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the Pigeon Valley. While you continue to Ortahisar where you can have photography opportunities of gorgeous valleys, you will stop at the Three Beauties, the iconic rock formations that locals have created many legends about, and enjoy taking pictures of the fairy chimneys and valleys with rustic colors. At the end of your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight at Tafoni Houses Cave Hotel, Cappadocia.

Today’s exploration will start with Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement composed of troglodytic cave dwellings, where early Christians lived protecting themselves from invaders. Once you start hearing your guide, you will be impressed by the self-discipline of the ancient people living in the underground cities under such difficult conditions. You will move on to Soganli Village to see one of the early centers of monastic life and the most authentic dwellings that reflect the exclusivity of the region’s natural character.   Afterward, you will explore Sinassos to visit its well-preserved houses and rock-carved Byzantine churches. The town was a summer resort town for the rich fishermen of Istanbul. At the end of your tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Today, you will be transferred to Kizilcukur Valley to enjoy the beautiful sunset by sipping your regional wine.

Overnight at Tafoni Houses Cave Hotel, Cappadocia.

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your domestic flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Izmir is the hometown of Homer and the third biggest city of Turkey possessing a rich historical background dating back to 3000 BC. Upon arrival in Izmir, you will board your luxury vehicle to head to Selcuk, the small town that was the very first settlement of Ephesus that was founded by the Greek colonists as early as 11^th century BC and remained inland due to the silting of the port of Ephesus. You will have your first stop at the remains of Temple of Artemis that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was built in 6^th century BC and was known to have been the very first building ever-built entirely of marble. It had 127 Ionic pillars with the famous Ionic proportion and was rebuilt by Alexander the Great right after he took over the control of the city from the Persians. When you continue a little further, you will reach the timeless city of Ephesus where history and archaeology will offer you their majesty with incredible richness. Ephesus was the Capital of the Province of Asia Minor famed for its flavorsome market during the Roman Era and was, therefore, the scene of many political intrigues while commanding an immense wealth due to its port and its trading activities. A city with such importance, authority and prosperity had prestigious buildings that have been able to survive up to today in a wonderful state of preservation. At the end of your tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight at Korumar Deluxe Hotel, Kusadasi.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bodrum which is a charming resort town with its harmonious Mediterranean architecture and historical monuments. Your exploration will start with the site of King Mausoleus. During the 4th century BC, Bodrum was the Capital of the Kingdom of Caria having King Mausoleus as her ruler. The king was so full of his ego that he got such a tomb built for himself that got to be known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. His life wasn’t enough to see the accomplishment of the project, and it was her sister, who at the same time was her wife, who concluded the construction process. The Mausoleum experienced many earthquakes and was raised to the ground and eventually became building material for the Knights of St. John who built the Crusaders’ Castle at the port of Bodrum. Today there are still fragments of the famed Mausoleum and mural relieves which will display you the high taste of architecture of this marvelous monument. Afterward, you will stroll through the Crusaders’ Castle of St. Peter’s, and explore the English Tower that is decorated as feast-hall of the knights of St. John who were once the masters of this gigantic edifice. Inside the castle, there are individual small museums displaying attractive works of archaeology such as the skull of the Carian Princess and relics of underwater archaeology. During the 4^th century BC, Bodrum was the Capital of the Kingdom of Caria having King Mausoleum as her ruler. The king was so full of his ego that he got such a tomb built for himself that got to be known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. His life wasn’t enough to see the accomplishment of the project and it was her sister, who at the same time was her wife, who concluded the construction process. The Mausoleum experienced many earthquakes and was raised to the ground and eventually became building material for the Knights of St. John who built the Crusaders’ Castle at the port of Bodrum. Today there are still fragments of the famed Mausoleum and mural relieves which will display you the high taste of architecture of this marvelous monument. You will enjoy your lunch at Kocadon Fish Restaurant (lunch expenses are guests’ own discreet). After lunch, you will explore the lively Bodrum market and streets before transferring to your hotel.

Overnight at The Marmara Hotel, Bodrum.

Day at leisure.

Overnight at The Marmara Hotel, Bodrum.

Day at leisure.

Overnight at The Marmara Hotel, Bodrum.

Today, you will be transferred to Bodrum Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will self-connect your international flight back to home.