Depart USA on your international flight. (Note: Those making their own arrangements will start with EOX on Day 2.)

Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel.* (D)

*(Transfer included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure.)

Encounter the Church of the Holy Savior. This once Greek orthodox church is one of the most significant Christian churches in Istanbul. Visit Dolmabahce, with its fusion of Rococo themes and Middle-Eastern influences. Built in the mid-19th century, it was the Ottoman Empire's way of competing with its European neighbors. Today it still claims the prize for the largest Bohemian chandelier in the world! From the palace, make your way to the Grand Bazaar. Its atmosphere surges with energy. Any Turkish good you could possibly want to buy can be found within the maze of stalls – Turkish coffee, rugs, lamps, jewelry, spices, and so much more! Then board your short flight to Cappadocia! (B)

Cappadocia's desert-like fairy tale land reflects an amalgamation of faith stories. Learn about its spiritual ancestry and how Christianity thrived as you soak in the exhilarating terrain. Start the day's adventure with a visit to the Monastic Center of Goreme. Founded by St. Basil as the first Monastic Center of Christianity, it functions as an open-air museum. Take in the well-preserved rock-hewn churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes. Traverse the valleys of Zelve, a town of cave homes occupied until 1942. Pigeon Valley and Ortahisar hold breathtaking photo opportunities. See how artisans of Turkey weave their poetic rugs when you visit a local shop. Get to know the locals, how they work and live.  Then on to Avanos, a city established by the Hittites, possibly as early as 2,000 BC. (B)

Today's the day for maximizing that stunning Cappadocian landscape. Hop onto your hot air balloon and get ready for an unforgettable experience! The memories will make the early wake-up call more than worth it! Glide in tranquility while your balloon floats over the colorful valleys and remarkable rock formations.  After your balloon ride, the fun continues. Explore Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement composed of troglodytic cave dwellings, where early Christians sought refuge from invaders. Imagine the strength of their faith that enabled them to persevere through such hard times. Then visit Soganli Village, one of the most authentic examples of early monastic life. Discover Sinassos, once a summer resort town for wealthy fishermen of Istanbul. Stroll through its streets, lined with stone houses, accented with intriguing architectural adornments. (B)

Board your second short domestic flight, this time to Izmir, Homer's hometown and the third biggest city in Turkey! (B)

Delve into Turkey's inner Aegean region with a visit to Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Founded during the Hellenistic period as a control point for trading routes, it later became home to Roman temples. Its spectacular thermal pools cascade down the cliffside like magical clouds. In fact, the Turkish people have dubbed the site "Pamukkale," which means "cotton castle." Take your time discovering the many wonders - the colossal Necropolis, Roman-style amphitheaters, Cleopatra's Pool, and more. (B)

Explore Bodrum and the Crusaders' Castle of St. Peter's. The English Tower was once a feast-hall for the knights of St. John. Enjoy the quaint museums. Continue your sightseeing to the Mausoleum of King Mausoleus. Bodrum was once the capital of the kingdom of Caria, with King Mausoleus as her ruler. His tomb was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, there are still fragments of the famed mausoleum that display this marvelous monument's former glory. Then board your private gulet and get settled in for almost a week at sea exploring Turkey.  (B)

Your six dreamy days in the Gulf of Gökova will envelop you in gleaming sunshine, crystal clear waters, warm hospitality, and exceptional natural beauty. Sail to Orak Island, the perfect place for a swim. Discover nature hikes and amazing diving opportunities. In Çökertme, stop for some delicious food at the local restaurants. Küfre Bay, Çamaltý, Gökaðaç, Karaaðaç Harbour, Longoz Bay, Uzun Harbour, and Cleopatra's Island are just some of the exotic locations you'll visit. Release that inner kid! Hike enchanting pine forests, go spearfishing, sponge collecting, make sandcastles, or snorkel in these paradisical lands. You'll also visit Yalýköyü, Akarca, Çatal, where remarkable history lies waiting to be found. At the end of the blue cruise, you would have had the chance to relax on the shores of Yalý Çiftlik, float in the turquoise waters of Cape Pabuç, and much more. Get away from the everyday. Find rest and adventure in your beautiful blue Turkish gulet! 

Return home with life-changing memories.*

*(Transfer to airport included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure. Those not providing this information may have to make their own transfer arrangements to return to the airport.)