Golden Circle

You are greeted upon landing in Istanbul and transferred to your hotel by a Key Tours representative. Afternoon is free.

Tour Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman sultans, the Hippodrome, site of chariot races, the Blue Mosque, famous for its colorful ceramics, and Saint Sophia, decorated with ancient frescoes. Enjoy the 3,000 shops in the Covered Bazaar. Stay overnight in Istanbul. (B,L)

A half-day tour of Dolmabahce Palace or a cruise on the Bosphorus, depending on weather conditions. Afternoon transfer to airport and board a short afternoon flight to the city of Antalya. (B,D)

Tour the unspoiled ruins of Perge and the intact, 15,000-person theater of Aspendos. Stay overnight in Antalya. (B,D)

Fly to Ankara to view Hittite artifacts at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, father of modern Turkey. Drive to Cappadocia, touring a 13th century caravan inn en route. Stay overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Tour Goreme’s rock chapels decorated with 6th century frescoes, Zelve’s cliff-side Byzantine monastic complex and Uchisar’s natural citadel. Stay overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Explore the eight-story underground city of Kaymakli where thousands of early Christians hid from persecutors. Drive to Ankara and board a short afternoon flight to Izmir. (B)

Drive to Ephesus, capital of Roman Asia Minor. Explore its Greco-Roman ruins. Nearby, visit the Virgin Mary’s stone cottage. Stay overnight in Izmir. (B,L)

Tour Pergamum’s ancient acropolis to view the Altar of Zeus among other treasures. Visit a Roman medical center, work site of the famous physician, Galen. Stay overnight in Izmir (B,L).