Embark on an adventure through Turkey that’ll get you closer than you ever thought possible. Let the sights and smells of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar whisk you into the past, immersing you in the city’s rich history and traditions showcased by iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Moving inland, let the dramatic rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia take your imagination to ancient times and distant kingdoms as you explore on foot or by bicycle. Lose yourself in the history of the ancient Greeks and Romans with visits to Ephesus and Pinare before heading to Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast for hikes along the Lycian Way and a boat ride to see cliff-side rock tombs along the Dalyan River. Overflowing with delicious food, stunning landscapes and deep cultural traditions, Turkey will stay with you long after you return home.
Hotels (13 nts).
13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 5 dinners
Allow USD180-235 for meals not included.
Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Istanbul: Where Asia and Europe Meet: Visions of ancient kingdoms, whirling dirvishes and exotic food float through your head as you touch down in Istanbul. Take in the hustle and bustle of the city and catch glimpses of the spires of some of the city's many mosques en route to the hotel. Welcome to Istanbul, and to Turkey, and we invite you to let the sights, sounds, flavours and history ignite your imagination as you embark on this thrilling adventure.
Istanbul: Iconic Landmarks and Ancient Traditions: Often the best way to discover a city is on foot, and this certainly rings true in Istanbul. Visit some of the iconic highlights of the old city to fully appreciate the rich history and complex mingling of cultures that have shaped the city over the millennia. Feast on delectable local street food and try cookies from one of the city's oldest bakeries before taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the Grand Bazaar.
Cappadocia: Fairy Chimneys and Kaymakli Underground City: Leaving Istanbul behind, you'll head firmly onto the Asian continent to the surreal, wind-sculpted landscapes of the Cappadocia region. Step into ancient history with a visit to the tunnels and storerooms of the vast Kaymakli underground city complex. Settle into your cave hotel, carved right out of the rocky landscape.
Cappadocia: Your OMG Day: Immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia by exploring either on foot or by e-bike. See the fairy chimneys up close and imagine how the wind and elements have shaped the earth and impacted human settlements throughout the ages until modern times. Observe churches cut out of the rocks and hilltop structures with commanding views of the surroundings. You'll learn of the human experience in this region by having dinner and tea in a local family home for a one-of-a-kind cultural exchange.
?irince: Ancient Ephesus: Be transported back in time as you explore the vast ancient city of Ephesus, walking through the site to its northern gate. You'll see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, where expert excavation makes it easy to imagine it in all its glory. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary and explore the area around the Greek Orthodox Church, stopping for a drink from the refreshing natural spring water.
?irince: Village Walk to the Coast: Lace up your walking shoes today as you descend an ancient trail from village to village through olive orchards and past ancient sites with sweeping views toward the ocean. Pass through the neighborhood of Notion, where the Greek mathematician Pythagoras lived and taught before taking the afternoon to explore nearby Sel?uk.
Bodrum: Ancient Sites and Turkish Countryside: Delve deep into Turkey's history as you wander through ancient temples and ruins dating back thousands of years. The massive columns and sheer size of these complexes will spark the imagination into how these places once were in their heyday. Sip tea from a local tea house and enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing south to the Bodrum Peninsula, jutting out into the Aegean Sea.
Bodrum: Castle and Coastline: Sitting at a strategic position on the water, Bodrum has been an important marine and shipping hub for the region over the thousands of years that people have lived there. You'll discover parts of this history firsthand as you wander through the castle and some of the city's other historical sites. Venture out to the end of the Bodrum Peninsula for a delicious lunch of local specialties with great views across the sea and coastline.
Dalyan: Along the Dalyan River: Swap the bus for a boat as you drift down the Dalyan River for another day of adventure. Feel the warmth of the bubbling natural mud pools and let your skin soak in all of those rejuvenating minerals before taking a refreshing rinse in the river or lake. Meander further downriver to the sprawling ancient site of Kaunos and cruise right up to your hotel for a relaxing evening by the pool or gazing across the river at the rock tombs.