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Welcome to Istanbul, a city rich in history and culture. After a complimentary transfer from the airport to your hotel, join your group for a welcome meeting at 1 pm. Embark on a guided tour of the Old City, visiting historical treasures like the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome, and the Million. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at a stylish restaurant with panoramic views of the Bosphorus.

After an early breakfast, we drive to Çanakkale, a charming port city on the shores of the Dardanelles. After lunch, we head to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of historical significance and remembrance. Tour the former battlefields, explore the remnants of trenches, and visit the memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Spend the evening at your leisure in Çanakkale.

Today we drive to Selcuk, stopping en route in Troy. Explore the ancient city walls and take a photo with a replica Trojan horse. Upon arrival in Selcuk, join your leader for an orientation walk around the town. Visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, the ancient aqueducts, and the 14th-century Isabey Mosque.

Today, we visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean. Stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony and marvel at the amphitheatre, gymnasium, baths, and the restored Library of Celsus. Later, we drive to the quaint village of Sirence, where we visit a local wine house for a tasting of locally produced fruit wines. In the evening, join a local chef for a Turkish cooking class and enjoy a delicious dinner.

After breakfast, we travel to the town of Pamukkale, known for its incredible travertine terraces. Explore the magical natural phenomenon created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, an important Roman bath centre, and enjoy a free evening in Pamukkale.

Today, we journey to the coast, stopping en route at the ghost village of Kayakoy. Explore the abandoned streets of this once-thriving village, then continue to Kas. Begin exploring this holiday town on a walking tour, discovering the remains of Lycian tombs, white-washed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea, and an ancient theatre. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy this easy-going town.

Set off for a magical boat cruise around the islands with a local family. Cruise to their home village of Ucagiz, then to the village of Simena. On board, enjoy a range of freshly prepared local dishes. Sail from large bays to protected inlets where you can cool off with a swim in turquoise waters. Return to Kas for an evening at your leisure.

Wake up in beautiful Antalya and start your day with a guided visit through the Antalya Museum. Then travel to the lesser-known treasure – the archaeological site of Sagalassos. Enjoy a guided visit through agoras, a Roman bath complex, a decorated fountain, and a theatre. In the afternoon, return to Antalya and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Say goodbye to Antalya and take a morning drive to Konya, an ancient city where the Sufi practice of 'whirling' was born. On arrival, discover the mystic resting place of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi at the small museum dedicated to his life and work. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city.

Depart from Konya and travel to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get to know your new otherworldly surroundings. Check in to your unique cave hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Start the day with an optional hot air balloon ride over the ethereal Cappadocian landscape. After breakfast, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum and see the incredible houses, churches, and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face. In the afternoon, go on a short walk through the cheekily named 'Love Valley'. Later, unwind with an optional Turkish bath.

Take a morning walk to see the fascinating rock formations of the Kizilcukur valley. After lunch, head toward the red river of Avanos and descend to Ozkonak to explore an underground city dating back to 400 BC. In the evening, you'll be warmly welcomed into the cave home of a local woman who will prepare a special home-cooked dinner for your group.

This morning, you will be transported to Athens' port at Piraeus and board a ferry bound for Paros, a beautiful and relaxed island with a layered history. In the afternoon, get to know Paros during an island tour with a local guide. Start off in Parikia, the island's main town, where you will visit the Ekatontapiliani church. After your tour, enjoy an evening at leisure.

This morning, say goodbye to Paros and catch a short ferry to Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands. Take some time to settle in, then regroup in the late afternoon to discover the wonders of the town with the guidance of your leader. Pay a visit to the Portara, a giant marble doorway and the only remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo from 530 BC. This evening, enjoy an included dinner and learn about the wonderful regional specialties of the island.

In the morning, embark on a hike along Santorini's legendary caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. In the afternoon, sip your way around the island during visits to two wonderful family-run wineries, where you will learn about the history of wine production and taste the different varieties yourself.