You will begin your journey with a flight from Germany to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul, where you will spend the next three nights.

After breakfast, an exploration tour of Istanbul's old city begins. Situated on the Bosphorus, it offers a wealth of cultural highlights. The first stop is the Hippodrome Square, once home to the Byzantine chariot racing track – a center of power in bygone eras. Several monuments adorn the square, and from here you have a special view of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, widely known as the Blue Mosque, whose six minarets represent an outstanding example of Ottoman architecture. Upon entering, you can take in the impressive interior and the reverential atmosphere of this mosque. Next, you continue your exploration and visit the Hagia Sophia. This building, once constructed as the largest Christian church, is now a mosque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It represents both Christian and Islamic history in one place. After a lunch break, you'll delve further into the past and enter the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Its treasuries and courtyards offer a glimpse into the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. From here, you'll have a view of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Golden Horn. Your guide will recount the history and reign of this great empire. In the evening, you will enjoy a communal dinner with the tour group at a local restaurant, providing an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.

Today you'll stroll into the colorful, vibrant world of the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling labyrinth of countless shops displaying all kinds of goods – perfect for souvenirs and other treasures. The route continues through the old town to the Spice Bazaar, where the vibrant colors and exotic aromas will immerse you in the oriental atmosphere. There, you'll be invited to sample various specialties such as Turkish delight, dried fruits, and coffee. If a particular snack catches your eye, you can stock up on it there – and for those with a bigger appetite, small restaurants near the bazaar offer opportunities for a leisurely lunch break. In the afternoon, a boat trip on the Bosphorus is on the agenda. The trip will show you the unique scenery of Istanbul with its magnificent buildings and the vibrant waterfront areas between Europe and Asia.

After leaving Istanbul, the journey continues south across the Sea of Marmara. During the drive, you'll enjoy views of rolling hills and olive groves. You'll reach Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, nestled at the foot of the Uludağ Mountains and rich in mosques and bazaars. In the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll visit the Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), where impressive calligraphy adorns the walls. Lunch will be at a local restaurant where you'll be served the regional specialty, Iskender kebab. Afterward, you'll stroll through the Koza Han, a historic caravanserai and former center of the silk trade. The journey then continues through rolling, agricultural countryside to Çanakkale, with frequent glimpses of the sea. Upon your arrival in the evening, you can take a walk along the turquoise waters. You will spend one night in Çanakkale.

The route leads along the Dardanelles Strait and the Aegean coast, offering spectacular views of the sea and the mountainous landscape. The first stop is the famous ruins of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you'll discover iconic landmarks such as the Trojan Horse and Schliemann's Trench. Afterwards, you'll travel to Assos and visit the ruins of the Temple of Athena, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. At the viewpoint, you can enjoy the view of the Aegean Sea and the Greek island of Lesbos. Afterwards, you'll stop at the Olive Oil Museum, where you'll learn everything there is to know about one of Anatolia's oldest products and even have the opportunity to taste the oil. Your guide will even buy a bottle for a later picnic. In the evening, you'll reach the Ayvalik region, where you'll spend the night.

Today you'll visit the Acropolis of Pergamon – an outstanding cultural highlight from antiquity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you'll admire the remains of the library, theater, and temples, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. A visit to the famous Altar of Zeus is a must; relics of this site are now housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. The journey continues through fertile landscapes to Sardis, the former capital of the Lydian kingdom and home of the legendary King Croesus, considered the epitome of wealth. Even the first money in human history was minted here. After the sightseeing, you'll continue your journey through the countryside in the afternoon to the lively coastal town of Kusadasi on the Aegean Sea. You can spend the evening there as you wish, perhaps with a stroll along the waterfront. You will stay three nights in Kusadasi.

Today, another cultural highlight awaits you: You'll visit Ephesus, one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities and one of the most important archaeological sites from the Greco-Roman era. The guided tour lasts approximately two and a half hours and will take you, among other things, to the ruins of the once monumental Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After an individual lunch break amidst the impressive archaeological setting, the journey continues to the picturesque village of Şirince. Nestled in the mountains, the village is characterized by steep alleyways, houses inspired by Greek architecture, and a vibrant, colorful atmosphere. Here, you'll first explore the village on a walking tour before sampling various regional wines at a local wine bar and gaining diverse insights into the local winemaking tradition.

Today you have time to completely relax on the Aegean Sea. You can stroll along the promenade, lie on the beach with a book, or enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea. A leisurely walk through Kusadasi and a typical Turkish coffee in a café are also excellent options. Alternatively, an optional excursion is offered where you can visit the ancient cities of Priene, Didyma, and Miletus. The tour takes you in the footsteps of important philosophers and thinkers who were active in the history of these places.

You drive past the fertile Meander Plain and reach the fascinating ruined city of Afrodisias, famous for its well-preserved relics such as the theater, stadium, temples, and aqueduct. Above all, the marble work and its former importance for sculpture distinguish this place, which is presumably named after the goddess Aphrodite and testifies to ancient cults of love and fertility. Afterwards, you'll visit Pamukkale, famous for its white travertine terraces – a landscape formed by mineral-rich springs that looks like it's made of "snow". There, you can walk barefoot across the terraces, bathe in the warm water, and enjoy the view. The necropolis of Hierapolis, one of the most important ancient burial sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also on the itinerary. In the late afternoon, you can relax at the thermal hotel near Pamukkale and use the hotel's own thermal baths.

Today you'll travel across Central Anatolia, past beautiful lakes, and visit the Esrefoglu Mosque in Beysehir. This building is a masterpiece of 13th-century Seljuk wooden architecture and impresses with its finely carved details and elaborate decorations. The tour then continues to Konya, the former capital of the Seljuks and a spiritual center. The Mevlana Monastery, the center of the Dervish order founded by a Persian mystic, is particularly impressive. A stroll through the city will immerse you in Konya's unique atmosphere.

To begin, you'll visit a local market in Konya, where your guide will buy treats for a picnic. Afterwards, the journey continues along the historic Silk Road towards Cappadocia, where you can admire relics of former caravanserais such as Sultan Hanı – a remarkably well-preserved structure with an ornately designed 13th-century portal. In the afternoon you'll reach the verdant Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia, famous for its Byzantine cave churches and as the "Grand Canyon of Turkey." You'll hike along the Melendiz River under shady trees and stop for a picnic at a scenic spot, enjoying local specialties and olive oil. In the evening, you can expect local cuisine in the small, family-run hotel, where you will stay for two nights.

Those who rise early can optionally take a hot air balloon ride over the spectacular tuff-formed landscape of Cappadocia. After breakfast, a full day of activities begins with a visit to Uchisar, home to a tuff castle offering magnificent views of the region. The route continues to the artists' village of Avanos on the Red River, a center of pottery. You'll visit a carpet weaving workshop and a pottery studio, receive explanations of traditional crafts, and even have the opportunity to try your hand at them. For lunch, you'll enjoy the famous regional specialty "Testi Kebab"—a dish where meat and vegetables are cooked in a clay pot. After some free time to explore Avanos, we continue to the mysterious Avcilar Valley – an area with bizarre rock formations that you can admire on a walk. Optionally, you can end the day with a Sema ceremony of the whirling dervishes in an old caravanserai near Avanos.

In the morning, you bid farewell to Cappadocia and travel on to the ruins of Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Empire, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. Numerous city walls, temples, and cuneiform tablets tell the story of one of Anatolia's oldest civilizations. Next, you'll reach Ankara, the Turkish capital and the final stop on your journey. There, you'll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which offers an overview of 10,000 years of history and is widely regarded as one of the most important museums in the world. You will spend two nights in Ankara.

In contrast to the previous days, today you will focus on the more recent history of Turkey. You will visit the monumental mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, and gain fascinating insights into his life. A city walk will allow you to experience the dynamic blend of history and modern life. The afternoon is free for you to relax in a café or pick up some last-minute souvenirs. In the evening, the group will gather for a celebratory farewell at a rooftop bar high above Ankara, where you can toast to the experiences of the trip.

After two weeks full of impressions and encounters, you will be taken to the airport and begin your return flight to Germany.