Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Turkey

You'll meet your guides and group in our Istanbul hotel at 5 p.m. for a "Welcome to Turkey" get-together and short orientation. Then we'll enjoy our first taste of Turkish cuisine together at a nearby restaurant. Sleep in Istanbul (1 night). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Gallipoli and Vineyards

This morning we'll leave Istanbul and drive west along the vineyards of Thrace, learning about and tasting some of the region's most distinctive wines. We'll then continue on to Gallipoli, where we'll learn about the fierce World War I battle that changed the course of history. We'll end our day ferrying from Europe to Asia across the Dardanelles, settling into the ancient harbor village of Assos, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 6.5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 3: Ancient Assos and Troy

Today we'll visit the ruins of ancient Troy, mythical site of Homer's Iliad, Helen and the horse. This afternoon we'll take a history walk through Assos, where Aristotle taught and where two saints met each other: Paul and Luke. We'll finish the day with amazing views from the Temple of Athena, a watchtower overlooking the Aegean for 2,500 years. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: Mountain Villages and Olive Oil

Our bus will take us high up into Mount Olympos country, where we'll enjoy a village walking tour and a home-prepared lunch. On our scenic drive down to the seaside town of Ayvalik, we'll meet a family at their olive farm and sample their delicious oil. Sleep in Ayvalik (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 5: Ayvalik and a Little Sailing

This morning we'll take a walking tour through the narrow streets of old Ayvalik. Then (weather permitting) we'll board our private boat to explore the archipelago. Bring your swimsuit! Bus: 1 hr. Boat: 4 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 6: Pergamum and Weaving

On our way south, we'll visit the ancient city of Pergamum, perched high atop its Acropolis. This afternoon we'll visit a local village where Turkish carpets are painstakingly woven by hand. We'll end the day with a stroll along Izmir's sunset-friendly waterfront. Sleep in Izmir (1 night). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 7: Traditional Market Day

We'll begin our day with a visit to the craggy site of ancient Sardis, where the idea of coins first caught on. Then we'll dive into the colorful market in nearby Ödemis, where more than a thousand farmers and artisans beckon, cajole and sell their wares. This evening we'll have dinner on our own in the seaside resort town of Bodrum. Sleep in or near Bodrum (3 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 8: Shipwrecks and Wonders

This morning we'll explore Bodrum's harbor-side Castle of St. Peter. Built by crusader knights, the castle today is home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. We'll tour its outstanding collection of artifacts reclaimed from the sea, including a reconstructed sunken Roman ship. In the afternoon we'll wander to a wonder of the ancient world: the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 9: Day-Long Boat Cruise

Let's set sail for the Aegean (weather permitting) aboard our private boat. We'll get an up-close look at the little islands scattered across the sea, eat a tasty lunch on board, and take a swim off the stern. Tonight we'll dry off and enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate our time in Turkey together. No bus. Boat: 6 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 10: Tour Over After Breakfast

The Bodrum airport has frequent flights to Istanbul and easy international connections. There is also a daily ferryboat to the Greek island of Kos. Whatever your final destination, your guide will help you get on the right track. Güle güle!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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