Turkish Express Small Group Vacation

Upon arrival in Izmir, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. Meet your group and tour director in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (D)

Today, join an optional tour of the ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world, and explore the 2,000-year old marble streets, a theater, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium, and Hadrian's Temple. Take a short drive to see the Virgin Mary's stone cottage. Continue to a regional rug production center to have firsthand experience of this unique art form. Overnight in Izmir. (B,D)

This morning, visit a leather fashion showroom, then drive to Pamukkale which means "Cotton Castle", describing the white lime cascades formed by hot mineral springs. Explore the white travertine terraces and the ancient spa city of Hierapolis. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D)

Morning drive to Fethiye. Take a walking tour of Telmessos Ancient Theater and the lively Fish Market. Dinner and overnight in Fethiye. (B,D)

Free day to relax or join the optional boat cruise along the turquoise coast with swim stops at secluded bays and islands. Overnight in Fethiye. (B)

Scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast to Antalya. Orientation walk through the Old Harbor and Kaleiçi district. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Antalya. (B,D)

Optional excursion to Perge and Aspendos, with its remarkably preserved Roman theater. Afternoon free in Antalya. Overnight in Antalya. (B)

Early departure for Cappadocia, famous for it's "moon-like" landscapes. En route, visit a 13th century caravanserai. Pay a visit to the underground city of Saratli. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Start your day with an optional early morning hot air balloon ride, floating over Cappadocia’s extraordinary landscape and enjoying panoramic views of its fairy chimneys, volcanic valleys, caves, and lunar-like terrain at sunrise—a truly unforgettable experience. Later, join an optional half-day tour to explore the region’s highlights, including the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open-Air Museum, the pottery town of Avanos, Devrent (Imagination) Valley, and the stunning Red Valley. Participate in a hands-on pottery workshop, where you can try your skills at this ancient craft. In the evening, you may choose to witness a mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes ceremony, immersing yourself in the spiritual traditions of the region. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Drive to Ankara, passing the striking Salt Lake along the way. Upon arrival, visit Anitkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. Overnight in Ankara. (B) 

Return to Istanbul and depart on an optional Bosphorus cruise, sailing along the strait that separates Europe and Asia. Admire the shores lined with elegant neighborhoods, Ottoman palaces, fortresses, historic wooden villas, hotels, parks, and waterfront cafés and restaurants. Continue to the vibrant Spice Market to explore its colorful stalls and aromatic treasures. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,D) 

Today, enjoy a full-day guided tour of Istanbul, exploring its most iconic landmarks. Visit Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century Byzantine masterpiece later converted to a mosque and now a museum, renowned for its architectural grandeur. Walk through the historic Hippodrome, once the center of social and sporting life in Constantinople, and marvel at the Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue Iznik tiles. Optional entrance is available to Topkapi Palace Museum, the opulent residence of the Ottoman Sultans (Harem excluded). End the day at the lively Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market. In the evening, join an optional Turkish dinner with a belly dancing show. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)  

After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to the airport for your international departure. (B)