4th Day… We begin the day with an early morning flight to Kayseri, a central Anatolian city 100 km from Urgup, a charming town in the heart of Cappadocia. We spend the day exploring the surreal landscape of volcanic tuff sculpted by time and the elements, including fairy chimneys, troglodyte dwellings, sweeping vistas and the picturesque towns of Ortahisar and Uchisar. Overnight in Urgup

5th Day… After breakfast, we visit the Open Air Museum, which is home to literally dozens of rock-carved monasteries and churches adorned with brilliant Byzantine frescoes. We stop at numerous spots to admire the view and take photographs. Lunch at a local restaurant, then we visit rock formations in Pasabag, Zelve's deserted monastery complex, scenic Rose Valley and the pottery-making village of Avanos. Return to hotel. Overnight in Urgup

6th Day... After breakfast, we drive to Derinkuyu, a rock-cut city extending eight floors underground, then visit a 13th century Ottoman Caravanserai. We continue west across the Central Anatolian plains to Ankara, where we catch a connecting one-hour flight to Izmir (ancient Smyrna). Transfer to our hotel for dinner. Overnight in Izmir

7th Day... After breakfast, we drive through lush olive groves on the way to the extensive ruins of Bergama (Pergamum), including the Acropolis, the Bergama Museum and the Asceplion, an ancient Greek and Roman medical center that also has a theater, library and temples. We have lunch at a local restaurant before drive back through Izmir (Smyrna) to Kusadasi, a resort town on the Aegean. Overnight in Kusadasi

(Total airline ticket costs: approximately US$ 255)