The morning brings the effervescent energy of the city back to life. The gentle melody of the call to prayer is captivating. You can hear Turkish coffee percolating; the scent is rich and chocolaty. After breakfast your guide meets you at the hotel and you are ready to see the iconic sites of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia is a former Byzantine church built in the 6th century. The central dome is both elegant and imposing. The main grounds stretch over 230 feet and the dome reaches a height of 102 feet tall.

Semi-domes create large archways at either end of the gallery and help support the weight of the main cupola. Light shimmers off of the marble surfaces. Roundels are decorated with Islamic calligraphy that date back to the 19th century. This is a site where religions converge. The cathedral became a mosque in the 15th century until it was transformed into a museum in the 1930s. You can find Byzantine mosaics in the upper floor of the South Gallery. You also have a commanding view of the nave. Continue to Topkapi Palace to see the opulence of Ottoman sultans.

The palace was the center of the empire’s power for over 620 years, beginning in the 15th century. You can see the walls looking over the Bosphorus. The treasury is filled with jewels and the pavilions are wonderfully lavish. The Imperial Council Chamber is found near the Second Court. The gold grill on the high wall funneled the conversation of council members to the Sultan which allowed him to eavesdrop. The adornments are endless, from crystal chandeliers to golden gilded walls. Each detail speaks to the style and culture of the historic empire.

The sky is brushed with the gentle pink and elegant purple of sunrise. You watch the early morning balloons rise into the colorful sky. They decorate the sunrise with an extra colorful glow. The rocky peaks of town continue to twist into the air. The hillside collects the light until the day has begun. After breakfast you are transferred to the airport and arrive in the coastal city of Izmir. A quick ride has you in Kusadasi, a resort city on the Aegean Sea. The water is sapphire and calm. An ancient roadside inn, known as a caravanserai, looks like a fortress, surrounded by the 15th century city walls.

On the hill you can see the outline of a statue of Ataturk, Turkey’s first president. Small boats wade in the harbor and their masts sway. The city wraps around the bay’s landscape. The scent of fresh seafood fills the air. Fresh prawns are grilled to perfection and flavored with a squeeze of lemon. Pigeon Island stands at the end of the bay and contains the castle. The walls encase much of the small outcrop of land. A single tower watches over the sea. As the day continues you can relax in the soothing sun, the warm sand, and the refreshing Aegean at Kusadasi.

The city of Ephesus is an example of great ancient civilizations in the synthesis of architecture and culture. After breakfast your private guide will escort you to the historic complex and tour you through the variety of standing wonders. The Temple of Artemis was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although the temple no longer stands you are able to grasp the magnitude of the structure by the single column that remains. The pillar stands over 52 feet tall and was once part of a collection of 36. The Celsus Library was recreated in its historic image. It was constructed in the 2nd century AD and held more than 12,000 scrolls.

Nine steps lead up to the platform and the library’s main entrance. There are two stories supported by four pairs of pillars. The niches on the lower level hold statues that symbolize the virtues: knowledge, intelligence, valor, and wisdom. The longer you explore the city the more of its secrets are revealed. The marble arches of Hadrian’s Temple continue to decorate the skyline. The surrounding mountains make the city feel as though natural ramparts protect it. The hills are lush and bring a natural splendor to the historic wonder. In the evening you return to Kusadasi and listen to the gentle waves push against the shore.

After breakfast you will fly from Izmir to Istanbul and return to the familiar rush of the city’s streets. The day is yours to enjoy the city at large. Venture out from the Blue Mosque’s shadow to the antique and vintage shops of Cihangir. The historic buildings are colorful and charming. A shop displays a gramophone in its window. The narrow alleys are filled with the contemporary life that adds flavor to the historic city. Visit Mandabatmz to indulge in the traditional taste of a Turkish coffee. The oval sign shows a bull dancing on a coffee cup. Tables line the alley walls. Your final full day in Turkey has you enjoying the various neighborhoods like a local.

The morning settles over Istanbul and the rambunctious energy returns to the streets. At Van Kahvalti Evi the regional specialties fill the neighborhood with captivating aromas. The wooden furniture creates an inviting ambiance. The kavut is roasted wheat flour blended with honey and walnuts. The historic neighborhood of Balat rises along the Golden Horn. Laundry hangs between buildings and children kick a soccer ball around the cobblestone streets. Your private transfer takes you to the airport. Every memory of your time in Turkey is a great one, and every image of Turkey brings another memory.