course (of history)
##### Day 1: Departure, fly to Istanbul
#### Day 2: Arrive in Istanbul and check into your hotel. If time permits, relax and explore the nearby attractions.
#### Day 3: Istanbul Tour
- **A.M.**: Visit the historic architectural wonder of St. Sophia Cathedral, once used as a church and a mosque.
- **Late morning**: Explore the Underwater Palace, one of the most fascinating ancient underground reservoirs in Istanbul.
- **P.M.**: Continue exploring the district of Sultan Ahmad, including the Blue Mosque and Topkapa Palace.
- **Evening**: Enjoy a Bosphorus Channel Dinner Cruise with city views.
#### Day 4: From Istanbul to Ankara
- **A.M.**: Travel to Ankara, the capital of Turkey.
- **P.M.**: Visit to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
- **Evening**: Savoring authentic Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant.
#### Day 5: From Ankara to Cappadocia
- **A.M.**: Drive to Cappadocia, famous for its unique geological landscape.
- **P.M.**: Visit to the Gremmel Open Air Museum and viewing of the Rock Churches.
- **Evening**: Participate in a traditional Turkish night with a folklore show and a belly dance performance.
#### Day 6: Cappadocia
- **Early morning**: hot air balloon ride over the Fairy Chimneys at sunrise (optional).
- **P.M.**: Exploration of the underground cities of Drinkuyu or Kaimakli.
- **Evening**: Relax in a local café or attend a pottery workshop in Avanos.
#### Day 7: From Cappadocia to Konya
- **A.M.**: Departure for Konya.
- **P.M.**: Visit to the Mevlana Museum, House of the Rotary Dancers.
- **Evening**: Watch the spinning dancers perform (offered on Thursdays).
#### Day 8: From Konya to Cotton Towers
- **A.M.**: Travel to Fort Cotton, famous for its white terraces formed by mineral-rich hot spring water.
- **Afternoon**: Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and swim in the thermal pools.
- **Evening**: Overnight in Fort Cotton.
#### Day 9: Travel to the beautiful seaside city of Fethiye
- **P.M.**: Charter a yacht and explore the beautiful bays and islands.
- **Evening**: Enjoy seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
#### Day 10: From Fethiye to Kusadasi via paragliding
- **AM**: Experience paragliding in Oludeniz, one of the best paragliding locations in the world (optional).
- **P.M.**: Travel to Kusadasi.
- **Evening**: Explore the vibrant nightlife of Kusadasi and enjoy a traditional Turkish bath to soothe the fatigue of traveling (optional).
- **Evening**: Dinner in Kusadasi with a view of the Aegean Sea.
#### Day 11: Trip to Ephesus
- **A.M.**: Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Temple of Artemis. Witness the house where the Virgin Mary lived in her later years.
- **Evening**: Dinner in Kusadasi with a view of the Aegean Sea.
#### Day 12: Depart Izmir and fly to Athens via Istanbul. Check in to your hotel in Athens.
#### Day 13: In the morning visit the Acropolis of Athens. Fly to Santorini in the early afternoon. Stay at the beautiful white boutique hotel on the cliffs. Enjoy the sunset over Oia.
#### Day 14: Visit the island of Santorini and admire the ancient community overlooking the Aegean Sea. Enjoy the time in Fira. Relax in the afternoon and enjoy another beautiful sunset overlooking the sea from your hotel. Enjoy a romantic Greek dinner.
#### Day 15: Check out of the hotel by 11am and head to the airport to fly back to Athens. Shop in the busy old town of Plaka. Enjoy a dinner set up next to the Acropolis with spectacular views.
#### Day 16: Return.