Flight to Istanbul.

Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to the hotel. Point Barbaros Hotel 4*

Visit the Hagia Sophia. Then enjoy a boat ride on the Bosphorus, for the best views of Istanbul and access to most of its historical monuments. In the afternoon, explore the Pera district and the Istiklal pedestrian street. (B-L)

Visit Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans between the late 15th and the first half of the 19th century. In the afternoon, tour the emblematic Blue Mosque with its six minarets and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which played host to sporting events, political gatherings, and cultural activities during the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Free time at the Grand Bazaar. Return to the hotel. (B-L)

Travel to Çanakkale. In the afternoon, visit of the new Museum of Troy and the ancient city of Troy, the glorious home of King Priam in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. Iris Hotel 4* (B-L-D)

Travel to Pergamon. Tour the Sanctuary of Asklepios, a healing spa dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius. Travel on to Kusadasi. Proxima Hotel 4* (B-L-D)

Tour magnificent Ephesus, one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. Admire the Marble Road, the Agora, the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsius and the theatre. Then attend a short fashion show to learn about the leather industry in Turkey. In the afternoon, visit the House of the Virgin Mary and continue on to Pamukkale. Colossae Thermal & Spa Hotel 4* (B-L-D)

Tour Pamukkale, which means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, where the warm waters that have transformed the cliff trickle into limestone pools. Next, pay a visit Hierapolis. (B-D)

Travel to Konya. Visit the Museum of Mevlâna, a mystic poet and founder of the Order of the Whirling Dervishes. Bera Hotel 4* (B-L-D)

Travel to Cappadocia. Cross the valleys of Avcilar and Kiliçlar with their ancient troglodyte dwellings and fairy chimneys. Continue on to the charming village of Uçhisar. Enjoy an optional whirling dervish show ($). Dilek Kaya Hotel 4* (B-L-D)

Enjoy an optional hot air balloon ride in the morning ($). Visit Göreme Valley. Stop at a craft centre to admire the traditional Turkish carpets on display. In the afternoon, tour one of the region’s underground cities, where people took refuge in times of invasion—true labyrinths built over several floors. End your day in stunning Pasabag Valley. Optional activity: enjoy a folklore evening in a cave restaurant ($). (B-L-D)

Travel to Ankara, the Turkish capital since 1923. Visit the richly endowed Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its unique Hittite collections and pass by the Anitkabir Mausoleum, the resting place of the father of modern Turkey. Hotel Capital Plaza 4* (B-L-D)

Travel to Istanbul. Spend the afternoon as you please. Farewell dinner. Point Barbaros Hotel 4* (B-D)

Day at leisure. (B)

Transfer to the airport. Return flight to Montreal. (B)