Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Turkey

You'll meet your guide and the rest of your group in our Istanbul hotel at 3 p.m. for a "Welcome to Turkey" get-together. Tonight we'll take a stroll to visit the historic Blue Mosque and have our first taste of Turkish cuisine. Sleep in Istanbul (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Old Christian and Islamic Istanbul

During the next two days, we'll sightsee and sift through the many historic layers of Old Istanbul, including the Roman Hippodrome and cistern, the Byzantine Hagia Sophia Church, mosaic-covered Chora Church, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and Istanbul's legendary Grand Bazaar. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Istanbul and Night Train to Ankara

We'll continue to explore Istanbul today, beginning with the Ottoman Topkapı Palace and Harem, and then visit the heart of the new district, where you'll have free time and lunch on your own. Later, we'll have time to wander through the exotic sights and smells of the Egyptian Spice Market. After our scenic cruise up the Bosphorus Strait, we'll catch our night train to Ankara. We'll sleep on the overnight train (2 bunks per compartment, 1 night). Bus: 1 hr. Boat: 2 hrs. Train: 10 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: Anatolian Ankara and Cappadocia

After breakfast on the train, we'll meet our bus and driver in Ankara, then tour the world-class Anatolian Civilizations Museum and Atatürk's Mausoleum. After lunch, we'll drive to the scenic and historic Cappadocia region, where we'll sleep in the village of Mustafapasa (2 nights, group may be split between two B&Bs). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 5: All Day to Explore Cappadocia

Surrounded by Cappadocia's other-worldly "fairy chimney" rock formations, we'll explore the countryside and visit an open-air museum where caves served as early Christian churches. This afternoon, we'll see a carpet-weaving demonstration and learn how this craft became so important to the Turkish economy. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6: Pottery and Countryside Charms

Weather permitting, we'll start the day with an optional hike through a Cappadocia valley. Non-hikers can spend the morning exploring the village of Mustafapasa, catch up on their journal, or have a lazy morning at their B&B. After a pottery demonstration and lunch, we'll visit the underground city of Kaymaklı. Later we'll drive to rural Güzelyurt, arriving in time for dinner at our hotel. Sleep in Güzelyurt (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 7: Mosque Visit and a Caravanserai

This morning we'll meet with the local mosque's imam (counterpart to a minister or rabbi) and have an opportunity to ask questions, or spend free time in town. After lunch, we'll drive to an old Silk Road caravanserai, before continuing on to Konya, where we'll sleep. Sleep in Konya (1 night). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: Mevlana's Konya and Antalya

This morning we'll tour sights associated with Mevlana Rumi, spiritual father of the Whirling Dervishes. We'll then enjoy lunch en route to the Mediterranean resort town of Antalya, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 9: Mediterranean Boat Cruise

Weather permitting, we'll sail most of the day on the Mediterranean aboard our private boat, have lunch at sea — and perhaps a swim. We'll then rendezvous with our bus for the return trip to Antalya. Those who are interested may have free time later in the day to visit Antalya's impressive Archaeological Museum. Bus: 2 hrs. Boat: 4 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 10: Wonderland of Pamukkale

En route to Pamukkale, we'll spend time at a local farmers' market. Once in Pamukkale, famous for its calcified cliffs and historic ruins, you'll have the opportunity to swim and soak in a natural spring pool amid Roman columns. Sleep in Pamukkale area (1 night). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 11: Ancient Aphrodisias and Kusadasi

Today we'll drive to seaside Kuşadası. Along the way, we'll visit the ancient site of Aphrodisias for the impressive ancient Greek sculptures and city ruins. Sleep in Kuşadası (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 12: Roman City of Ephesus

Today we'll tour the remarkable ruins of the city of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul made quite a stir. Later, we'll say our goodbyes with a final "farewell dinner." Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 13: Tour Over After Breakfast

You can hop a ferry to the Greek island of Samos (where you'll find easy plane/boat connections to other islands and Athens), or take a bus to nearby Izmir for a quick flight back to Istanbul and home. Happy travels!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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