Arrive at the Istanbul airport and transfer to the hotel. Point Hotel Barbaros 4* or similar

Visit Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, which served as a residence for prestigious guests such as Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. Then, stop at Çamlica Hill, the highest point on the Asian coast with its magnificent view of the Bosphorus and the old town. Lunch. In the afternoon, stroll through the Beyoğlu district, formerly known as Pera, with its countless shopping streets. (B-L)

After breakfast, enter the historic heart of Istanbul. Visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets, blue tilework, Byzantine hippodrome. Continue with a photo stop at Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine art that has successively served as a church, a mosque, a museum, and, since 2020, a mosque once more. After lunch, discover the sumptuous Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of the Ottoman sultans. At the end of the day, free time to explore the Egyptian Market, Istanbul’s largest spice market. (B-L)

In the morning, visit the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world, with its countless colourful stalls, lively atmosphere, and traditional handicrafts. Optional: Bosphorus river cruise to admire Istanbul from the water. ($) Have lunch before departing for Ankara, Türkiye’s capital and second-largest city. Crowne Plaza Ankara Hotel 4* or similar (B-L-D)

After breakfast, visit the imposing Anitkabir Mausoleum, the tomb of the founder and first president of modern Türkiye. Venture on to Cappadocia, a semi-arid region where the striking salt-water Lake Tuz awaits. Have lunch on the way. Explore one of the many Byzantine underground cities, a marvel of engineering that served as a refuge during the various wars between the 7th and 10th centuries. Burcu Kaya Hotel 4* or similar (B-L-D)

Spend the whole day exploring Cappadocia, one of the most unique natural sites in the world and the cradle of Christianity. Visit the Göreme open-air museum, an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site featuring multiple rock-cut churches adorned with Byzantine frescoes. Explore Avcilar and Pigeon valleys, where dozens of “fairy chimneys” (natural rock formations with human and animal shapes) rise from the ground. In the afternoon, stop at a local jewelry shop and a traditional carpet weaving centre. (B-L-D)

After lunch, depart for Konya via the famous Silk Road, lined with the remains of many caravanserais. Discover the sublime landscapes of the Central Anatolian plateau. Stop for a photo opp in front of a Seljuk caravanserai. Continue to Pamukkale. In the afternoon, visit the natural site of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the famous “Cotton Castle,” a natural cliff formation stained a dazzling white by runoff from hot springs rich in limestone salt. Colossae Thermal & Spa Hotel 4* or similar (B-L-D)

After breakfast, head to Ephesus. Spend the day exploring the Temple of Artemis, the most famous ancient site in all of Türkiye, featuring Curetes Street, the legendary Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, and a magnificent theatre that could accommodate 24,000 spectators. Have lunch in Izmir. Kaya Prestige Hotel 4* or similar (B-L-D)

Set off for the mythical city of Troy. Have lunch before going to the Museum of Troy. Then, explore the legendary ancient city, whose rich and mysterious history spans nearly 3,400 years and nine levels of occupation. Not to be missed: The reconstruction of the iconic Trojan Horse located at the entrance to the site. Iris Hotel 4* or similar (B-L-D)

After breakfast, cross the Dardanelles Strait and continue to Istanbul. Dinner on the way and return to Istanbul in the late afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure. Hotel Point Barbaros 4* or similar (B-L)

Transfer to the Istanbul airport. (B)