Turkey

Jun 6 Sun Arrive Izmir Airport

Our representative will meet you at Izmir Airport with a “GSM - TUTKU” sign. Transfer to Hotel in Izmir. 17:30-21:00 Lectures. Dinner and overnight. (D)

Jun 7 Mon Ephesus – Pamukkale (B,L,D)

Jun 8 Tue Colossae – Laodicea – Pamukkale (B,L,D)

Jun 9 Wed Hierapolis – Tripolis – Pamukkale (B,L,D)

Jun 10 Thu Philadelphia, Sardis, and Smyrna – Izmir (B,L,D)

Jun 11 Fri Pergamum - Thyatira – Izmir (B,L,D)

Jun 12 Sat Izmir - Cappadocia

Transfer to Izmir Airport for PC3190 06:35 /07:55 flight to Kayseri. Drive to Cappadocia.Visit Avanos Pottery making village,Onyx Factory, the monastic Zelve Valley and the local wine factory. Overnight. (B,D)

Jun 13 Sun Cappadocia

Optional Hot Air Balloon Trip in early morning. Goreme Open Air Museum with painted Rock Churches, Underground City of Kaymaklı, the Citadel of Uchisar.Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Jun 14 Mon Cappadocia

Visit Soganli Village and mosteries, and Ihlara Valley with painted rock churches. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Jun 15 Tue Cappadocia - Hattusas

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart from Cappadocia and drive toward Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. On the way, we will enjoy the changing landscapes of central Anatolia. Upon arrival in Hattusa (Boğazkale), we begin our exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site. Our visits include:Lion Gate ,King’s Gate,The Great Temple ,The Royal Citadel (Büyükkale) – offering panoramic views of the ancient city.After our guided tour, we continue to Yazılıkaya Open-Air Sanctuary, the sacred rock sanctuary with reliefs of Hittite gods and goddesses.We then check into our hotel in the Hattusa area. Dinner and overnight in Hattusa. (B,D)

June 16 Wed Hattusas

After breakfast, we continue our in-depth exploration of the Hittite civilization.Today’s visits include: Yazılıkaya Sanctuary, Lower City remains and city wallsof Hattusa,Boğazkale Museum, displaying important Hittite artifacts and cuneiform tablets. We will have time to walk through the archaeological landscape, allowing guests to fully appreciate the scale and significance of the Hittite capital.After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is free for rest, photography, or a short walk in the village of Boğazkale. Dinner and overnight in Hattusa. (B,D)

June 17 Thu Hattusas - Ankara

After breakfast, we depart from Hattusa and drive to Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel.In the afternoon, we enjoy a brief orientation tour of Ankara, passing by important government buildings and modern districts, offering an introduction to Turkey’s contemporary capital.The remainder of the day is free for rest or individual exploration.Dinner and overnight in Ankara. (B,D)

June 18 Fri Ankara

After breakfast, we begin our full-day cultural tour of Ankara. Our first visit is to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, one of Turkey’s most important museums, displaying remarkable collections from the Paleolithic period through the Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, and Roman civilizations.We then continue to Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey. Here we visit the ceremonial plaza, the mausoleum hall, and the museum dedicated to Atatürk’s life and legacy.After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is free for personal time, shopping, or relaxation.Dinner and overnight in Ankara. (B,D)

June 19 Sat Transfer to Ankara Airport – Fly back to Chicago (B)

• Domestic flight from Izmir to Kayseri
• 3 Nights at Kordon Cankaya Hotel in Izmir
• 3 Nights at Doga Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale
• 3 Nights at Barcelo Hotel in Cappadocia
• 2 Nights at Grand Ser Hotel near Hattusas
• 2 Nights at Raddison Blu Hotel in Ankara
• Daily breakfast at the hotels
• 13 Dinners
• 5 Lunches
• English speaking Licensed Tour Guide
• All Entry fees to the sites and museums
• Service charges and local taxes
• TUTKU travel bag, maps, t-shirt
• Tips to Tour Guides 
• Bus Drivers

• Turkish Visa fee to be obtained online before arrival www.evisa.gov.tr (No visa needed for US and EU Citizens)
• Travel and health insurance, all kind of insurances
• All meals not specified in the program.