Depart from selected port of departure in USA. Overnight flights to Istanbul, no hotel accommodation. Meals are on your own, or provided by the airline(s).

Welcome to Turkey!! Breakfast will either be provided by the airline before your arrival, or it will be on your own upon arrival. When you arrive at ISTANBUL airport, our assistant will be waiting with a Ruaj Ministry sign at the exit door of the international terminal. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore Istanbul on your own or relax at the hotel. Transfer to your hotel. Accommodation in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Sultanahmet district to explore the Old Peninsula of Istanbul. We begin with the Blue Mosque to admire its six minarets and the thousands of Iznik tiles inside the building. It is one of the best examples of classical Ottoman architecture. Afterward, we visit the splendid Hagia Sophia Basilica from the 6th century, which was the largest church of the Byzantine era. Lunch at a local and delicious restaurant. We continue to Topkapi Palace, the of Uicial residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, famous for its excellent collections of weapons, jewels, porcelains, and relics (Harem section with an additional ticket). In the afternoon, we visit the Roman Hippodrome Square, where we find the Egyptian obelisk, the German fountain, the Column of Constantine, and the Serpentine Column. At the end of the day, we have free time in the Grand Bazaar. Accommodation in Istanbul.

Breakfast and departure in the morning towards Ankara, passing through the Bolu mountains. In Ankara, visit the Atatürk Mausoleum. This mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of modern Turkey, Atatürk, was inaugurated in 1953. It is a marble structure with 40-ton columns, accessible via a long street lined with lions, ending in a vast square. After the tour transfer to Cappadocia to begin your journey to the magical and surprising region of Cappadocia, where its distinctive layers of volcanic lava shape an incredible and unique landscape and history. On the way to Cappadocia, we will visit the salt lake, then transfer to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation in Cappadocia.

Optional early morning hot air balloon ride is available for a spectacular view of the region. (Optional experiences will be an additional cost. Registration and payment for optional experiences will be done once the tour group is finalized – typically within 60 days prior to departure.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure towards this fantastic region with its spectacular fairy chimneys, unique in the world, formed by lava from the Erciyes and Hasan volcanoes over 3 million years ago. We start the day with a visit to the Derbent Valley (Valley of Imagination), known for its curious natural rock formations and fairy chimneys shaped like a camel, a hat, and more. Next, we’ll explore the Avcilar and Güvercinlik valleys, which offer spectacular views of the so-called Fairy Chimneys. We will proceed to the Göreme Panorama, where we’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the Fairy Chimneys and the entire Göreme valley. Lunch at a local restaurant during the visit. We will then continue with a visit to the Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), where we will see fairy chimneys carved into the shapes of churches. During the excursion, we’ll have the chance to visit typical workshops for carpets, onyx, and turquoise, where you can Uind unique local handicrafts.  Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, visit Thyatira, known for its early Christian significance. Then continue to Pergamon, an important cultural and political center of the ancient world. Explore the Acropolis, dramatically situated on a hilltop, and see remains of temples, libraries, and theaters. Return to Izmir in the evening for dinner. Accommodation in Izmir.

Return to Turkey by ferry and continue to Miletus, an ancient Ionian city known for its large theater and historical importance in philosophy and science. After the visit, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul, or late-night transfer to the airport for departure flights to USA (depending on flight itinerary).

*For those joining the extension to the Greek Isles Cruise, this is when the extension itinerary will begin.

For those NOT joining the extension, you will be traveling home to the USA.

For those who ARE joining the extension, see the itinerary below for extension details.

Spots for the extension are limited. If you plan to join the extension, we strongly encourage you to register as soon as possible, as availability cannot be guaranteed later.

How to Register for the Extension:

• Complete your main tour registration.
• On the first page of the tour registration form, check the box indicating that you would like to participate in the extension.
• Complete all required tour registration steps and submit your registration along with the required deposit.
• After your tour registration is submitted, you will receive a separate email inviting you to register for the extension. (This email is only sent to travelers who selected the extension during tour registration.)
• Open the email, click the registration link, enter the password provided, and complete the extension registration form.
• During the extension registration process, select your preferred room type based on current availability.
• Submit your extension registration.

Important: Room types are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and each category has limited availability. If you have a preferred room type, we recommend completing your extension registration as soon as possible.

Once your extension registration has been completed, our team will send you a confirmation email verifying your spot on the extension.

Pricing for the full 5 day/4 night extension will be based on your chosen room type.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Each category has limited availability and can sell out at any time! Please complete the extension registration as quickly as possible if you have a preferred room type for the cruise.

Category I/A: $1,495 per person

• Occupancy: Double
• Description: Inside stateroom with no window, further from amenities.

Category I/B: $1,595 per person

• Occupancy: Double
• Description: Inside stateroom with no window, closer to amenities.

Category I/C: $1,695 per person

• Occupancy: Double
• Description: Inside stateroom with no window, closest to amenities.

Category X/BO: $1,795 per person

• Occupancy: Double
• Description: Oceanview cabin with partially obstructed views.

Category X/B: $1,895 per person

• Occupancy: Double
• Description: Oceanview cabin with unobstructed views.

Children (2–9 years): $995 per child with two full-paying adults (max 2 children per room)

Single Supplement (no roommate): +100% of cruise fare: This means you will need to pay the full second fare for the room, as there is no single supplement discount allowed on the cruise.

Triple occupancy is possible, but not guaranteed. Please speak with one of our team members if you are needing triple occupancy for this extension.

DAY 1 (JUNE 16): Kusadasi, Turkey / Ephesus, Turkey / Patmos, Greece

Depart from the port of Kusadasi and begin your journey through the Aegean Sea. Before departure, enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Continue to the Greek island of Patmos, known for its picturesque harbor, charming streets, and significant biblical history.

DAY 2 (JUNE 17): Rhodes, Greece

Arrive in Rhodes, one of Greece’s most historic and beautiful islands. Explore its scenic waterfront, medieval atmosphere, and vibrant local culture while enjoying time to stroll through its charming streets and public squares.

DAY 3 (JUNE 18): Heraklion, Crete / Santorini, Greece

Begin the day in Heraklion, the capital of Crete, where visitors can experience the island’s rich history, coastal scenery, and lively character. Later, sail to Santorini, famous for its dramatic cliffs, stunning sea views, whitewashed buildings, and unforgettable sunsets overlooking the Aegean Sea.

DAY 4 (JUNE 19): Lavrion / Mykonos, Greece

Visit Lavrion, a historic coastal town on the Greek mainland that serves as a gateway to the region’s ancient heritage and beautiful seaside landscapes. Continue to Mykonos, one of the most iconic islands in the Greek Isles, known for its picturesque harbor, winding streets, traditional architecture, and vibrant island atmosphere.

DAY 5 (JUNE 20): Kusadasi, Turkey / Return Flights to the United States

Return to the port of Kusadasi, bringing your Greek Isles adventure to a close. After disembarkation, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the United States, taking with you lasting memories of the beautiful islands, historic sites, and breathtaking scenery of the Aegean region.

TRAVEL DAY (JUNE 21): Return Flights to the United States

Some return flight itineraries will be overnight, meaning June 21st will be a travel day as well. This will depend on your return flight schedule.