On
this popular tour, visit romantic Istanbul, the rocky
volcanic cones of Cappadocia, the capital, Ankara and
the turquoise waters off Bodrum. Begin in Istanbul. Stay
at the Hotel, an historic building steps from the city's
main attractions. During flexible touring with your own
guide, visit sights such as the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque,
Topkapi Palace and the beautiful tiles in its Harem, ancient
underground cisterns, and Istanbul's Spice Market. Shop
for carpets and kilim, jewelry, glass, textiles and antiques
at the Grand Bazaar. Cruise the Bosphorus, the waterway
separating old Istanbul from new, Europe from Asia. During
leisure time, relax at local cafes, sample street food,
and enjoy your luxurious hotel.
Next,
fly inland to Cappadocia to view ancient frescoes and
cave dwellings, and climb through the narrow corridors
of vast subterranean cities. In Turkey's capital, Ankara,
see the colorful homes in the old quarter, visit the
Ataturk Mausoleum and the acclaimed Museum of Anatolian
Civilizations. Continue to Bodrum, an ancient harbor
town now popular as an upscale summer getaway. Over
three days, explore the town's attractions, such as
whitewashed neighborhoods, a Roman amphitheatre, the
Castle of St. Peter and the remains of the Mausoleum
at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World. Stay at Bodrum's finest hotel, the hilltop Marmara
Bodrum, with breathtaking views of the harbor far below.
Finally, fly back to Istanbul and stay two nights in
a room with a view of the Bosphorus.
