DISCOVER Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya

Depart on an overnight flight to Istanbul and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel near Taksim Square in the center of modern Istanbul. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in and explore the area on your own.

Begin the day at splendid Topkapi, the palace of Ottoman sultans for 400 years and a trove of historic treasures and lore. Then delve into the bustling Spice Bazaar, a fragrant 17th-century pavilion where merchants sell all manner of spices, nuts, dried fruits, and confections. After time for lunch on your own, take a private cruise on the Bosporus, the strait that links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, separating Europe from Asia. During an afternoon at leisure, consider a walk along the pedestrian Istiklal Street, lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and late Ottoman-era buildings. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant near Taksim Square. (B,D)

The treasures of Old Istanbul reveal themselves today, beginning with the Grand Bazaar where you’ll immerse yourself in the colorful chaos of this sprawling hub of trade and craftsmanship that began as a small warehouse in the 1400s. At the Hippodrome, now marked by a 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk, picture ancient Romans hosting horseraces, sporting events, and gladiator games. Venture into the magnificent Blue Mosque, clad in more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and flanked by six graceful minarets. Explore the legendary Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century church that was one of Christendom’s most important sites before becoming a mosque in the 15th century. Then descend into the underground Roman cisterns to find mesmerizing marble-columned chambers fed by aqueducts and used as a water source in antiquity. You’ll stop for lunch together in the old city and have the remainder of the day to delve back into the bazaar or explore another facet of Istanbul. (B,L)

A morning flight brings you to Cappadocia, a World Heritage site where volcanic landscapes appear whipped into fantastical, meringue-like formations. Centuries ago, many rock towers and “fairy chimneys” here were hollowed out to create enchanting hidden cities filled with churches and cave dwellings. Set out for the underground city of Kaymakli, a warren of tunnels reaching four stories deep that provided a safe haven for Turks during times of war and conflict. In Pasabag, encounter clusters of whimsical fairy chimneys, then take part in a hands-on pottery workshop in Avanos, a town known for its pottery tradition stretching back thousands of years. Check in to your cave hotel, where you’ll meet up for dinner together this evening. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a full day immersed in the magic of Cappadocia. In Gorëme Valley, meander through an open-air museum of rock-hewn churches, chapels, and monasteries, viewing murals that date to the eighth century. Later, meet with local artisans at a carpetmaking workshop to observe how this iconic Turkish handicraft has been made for generations. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Uchisar, a rock-cut village dominated by a hilltop castle carved from a pinnacle of stone. Return to the hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. (B,L)

A morning flight brings you to Antalya, a historic resort town on the Turquoise Coast. Head into the hills just outside town to discover the once-thriving Greco-Roman city of Perge, which reached its pinnacle during the era of Alexander the Great. On a tour of its intriguing ruins, meander through an ancient shopping arcade and see the remarkably preserved 12,000-seat stadium as well as a 15,000-seat theater. Return to Antalya for dinner together. (B,D)

Venture into Kaleiçi, Antalya’s charming old city, and meander narrow lanes past Ottoman-era houses and historic mosques to the 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Gate. In the heart of Antalya, visit the Necropolis Museum, which incorporates a massive third-century BC necropolis that was unearthed in 2008. See artifacts discovered at the site, and follow suspended catwalks just above the archaeological dig for a closer look. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town and its beaches at your own pace. Celebrate your Turkish adventures at a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)