Treasures of Turkey Istanbul, Ancient Ephesus & Cappadocia - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- Taste your way around Istanbul’s Golden Horn district and Spice Market.
- Savor organic wines at a vineyard on the Dardanelles Strait.
- Learn family recipes during a hands-on cooking class at a restaurant in Cappadocia.
- Cruise the Dalyan River to the Aegean Coast.
- Explore the towering rock formations of Cappadocia.
- Experience a transcendent Whirling Dervishes ceremony.
- Visit Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul’s Golden Horn (UNESCO) district.
- Cruise the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia.
- Walk through the ruins of Ancient Ephesus in the footsteps of Paul the Apostle.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
You’re on your way to Turkey, a country straddling two continents (Europe and Asia) and brimming with rich culture, diverse people, and sublime landscapes. From the vast Greek and Roman archeological sites dotting the countryside to the modern day cultural and histori...
Welcome to Istanbul, the bridge between East and West, and a hub of intermingling cultures, complex history, and legendary architecture. Settle in to your hotel for the next three nights, and then meet your fellow travelers at a welcome briefing before taking the rest of the evening to relax as you please.
Today, sample some of Istanbul’s most iconic sites, which connect Greek-Roman heritage with Ottoman-Islamic Art. First, the 17th-century Blue Mosque with its impressive domes and minarets, followed by Hippodrome, the former sporting and social center of the Roman Empi...
Explore Turkey’s culinary heritage as you taste your way around Istanbul’s Golden Horn district during a walking to that includes a visit to the city’s famous Spice Market and multiple tastings of Turkish specialties sampled from local street vendors. This afternoon, ...
Early this morning, leave the bustle of Istanbul behind and enjoy a scenic ride along the sparkling Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles Strait as you make your full-day transfer to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Learn about the many conflicts these waters witnessed over...
Another long but rewarding day of travel begins with a transfer to the countryside of Pergamon, where you’ll learn about the traditional Turkish craft of carpet weaving, from silkworm cultivation to spinning, dyeing, and patterning techniques. This afternoon, visit th...
This morning, your in-depth tour of Ancient Ephesus (UNESCO) takes you to the Terrace Houses for a walking tour of these impressive residential villas. See the imposing Library of Celsus, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, and walk the paths that Paul the Apostle onc...
Start the day by learning about the folklore of the nazar boncuk (evil eye) at a workshop where these traditional talismans are crafted using a process passed down through generations. Next, continue your journey inland to Pamukkale (UNESCO) to visit the famous Cotton...
Today, return to the coast after a full-morning transfer to the quaint riverbank town of Dalyan. In the early afternoon, tour the ruins of Ancient Kaunos before checking in to your hotel for the next two nights — a small, family run bed & breakfast with simple acc...
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before setting off for a relaxing boat trip along the river that connects Dalyan to the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the unique environment as you pass through the marshland that is home to birds, fish, and turtles. Take in views o...
Prepare for a full day of travel, beginning early and following the path of the ancient Silk Road trading route that once led from China all the way to Istanbul. The first leg of the journey takes you to the region of Isparta where the landscape and climate have prove...
Begin the morning in Konya with a visit to the Mevlâna Museum, the world center of the Whirling Dervishes. Next, visit Sultanhani Caravanserai, one of the largest surviving caravanserai along the Silk Road. After viewing the soaring vaults of this fortified road stop,...
Get an early start with an optional balloon ride**** that takes you soaring above the “fairy chimneys” and rock dwellings dotting the hills and valleys below you. After reconvening with your fellow travelers, immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s lunar landscape. Visit Gör...
Start the day with a countryside walk in Love Valley, famous for its conspicuous rock formations. Follow the winding path among the fairy chimneys and contemplate the otherworldly view. Then, visit a pottery workshop and learn how locals make use of the area’s natural...
Head to the airport in Kayseri this morning for a short flight back to Istanbul. After a drive back to the city, stop at the colorful Grand Bazaar. This intricate complex of covered streets and shops has been in operation for over 600 years and is one of the largest a...
Your exploration of Turkey comes to a close today. Reflect on an unforgettable trip as you make your way to the airport for your flight home.
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Great itenerary both cultural and spectacular scenery
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It was a wonderful trip and experience!
It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
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