Turkey

9 Days / 8 Nights — Troy, Izmir, Antalya, Cappadocia, Ankara

A land where East meets West, Asia becomes Europe and you'll be immersed in the ancient civilization at Izmir, legendary Troy and the natural wonders of Cappodocia.

DAY 1 — Istanbul, Canakkale

After breakfast, depart for Canakkale via the Dardanelles. Lunch at a local restaurant on the way, and enjoy an afternoon excursion to Troy and visit to the ruins. Lodging: Hotel Manici Kasri

Note: Manici Kasri is a small, country-style hotel built of stone and timber in the village of Yesilyurt, which lies at the foot of Mount Ida on the west coast of Turkey. The hotel suites are decorated in different styles. Each room has a functional fireplace. Its restaurant is a gourmet's heaven. The chef uses only local produce including eggs, cheese, olives and honey.

DAY 2 — Kusadsi

Following breakfast, drive to Kusadsi via Pergamum. After a local lunch, you have a chance to explore this great ancient city. There will be visits to the ruins of Pergamum, the Acropolis and the Asclepium, followed by a drive to Kusadsi for dinner. Lodging: Hotel Kismet

DAY 3 — Bodrum

The next day, set out for Bodrum via Ephesus, which is unmatched by any archeological site in terms of sheer magnitude. Visit the House of The Virgin Mary, the ruins of Ephesus, the Archeological Museum, and the Basilical Museum and the Basilica of St. John. After a local lunch, continue to Bodrum. Lodging: Hotel Ada

Note: It's almost impossible to trumpet enough superlatives to describe this Relais and Châteaux property, which is a stunning display of understated elegance and superior taste. Fashioned like a stately country villa, the hotel was built at the top of Türkbükü using the elements of classic Ottoman design; incorporating hand-carved stonework, outdoor living spaces and thick, stone walls. The huge rooms are luxurious and rustic, with plush, candlelit bathrooms.

DAY 4 — Fethiye

More breathtaking scenery waits as we travel through the mountains and the pine forests. We stop en route at Dalyan, and then take a trip to Caunos, which in ancient times was a busy harbor town. Ancient Caunos has nearby beautiful Turtle beach on one side and a lake on the other. Lodging: ATA Park Hotel

DAY 5 — Antalya

You will be impressed by the striking blue and green colors while we drive on the coast of Mediterranean. You'll visit ancient Myra, the death place of Saint Nicholas, which became the object of pilgrimages with rock tombs overlooking the magnificent Roman Theatre. Stop in at St. Nicholas Church where, during the 4th Century, he served as bishop of this Mediterranean city. Overnight in Antalya. Lodging: Sheraton Voyager

DAY 6 — Antalya

Explore the ancient ruins of Perge, the finest example of a complete Roman city on the southern coast. Its stadium could accommodate 15,000 spectators. Then visit Aspendos, founded by Argive colonists, which is renowned throughout the world for its magnificent ancient amphitheatre. Lodging: Sheraton Voyager

DAY 7 — Cappadocia

In the morning, head for Cappadocia via Konya, capital of the Seljuk Empire. During the sightseeing tour of Konya, visit the Mausoleum and Museum of Mevlana, home of the famous Whirling Dervishes. Lunch in Konya or en route to Cappadocia. Lodging: Anatolian Houses

DAY 8 — Cappadocia

Spend the next full day exploring the brilliant landscape of Cappadocia, with its unique valleys and villages that seem like a lost world to the visitor. The region also is famous for its underground cities, such as Kaymakli, and other communities carved from caves and mountainsides. Lodging: Anatolian Houses

DAY 9 — Istanbul

On your final day, transfer to the Kayseri airport for the flight to Istanbul where the tour comes to a glorious end.

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