Travel to Turkey: Highlights of Turkey

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Highlights of Turkey

			DAYS: 9 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $3195 per person HIGHLIGHTS: Istanbul Cappadocia Ephesus Village homestay ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges Homestay MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Travel to Turkey's three most important cultural and political centers: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus. We set out on this best tour of Turkey exloringing Istanbul on foot and by boat among outdoor markets, artisan workshops, and epicurean restaurants. Stay in well-appointed Ottoman-style hotels, a boutique cave accommodation, and in a renovated, historic residential hotel where we experience village life in the Aegean highlands.  We tour Ephesus and spend several days meandering through the dramatic landscapes and underground cities of Cappadocia. Join scheduled small group departures or special family trips, or design a private Turkey vacation or honeymoon in Turkey for as few as two people any time of year. We recommend adding a day in Istanbul and a few days on the coast. You are received as guests by our Turkish guides who share their personal insights into history and everyday life.

All our cultural tours to Turkey begin riding a commuter ferry to a local restaurant on the Bosphorus.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE ISTANBUL
Arrive and transfer to our hotel. Our guide will escort us on an afternoon stroll through the historic Sultanahmet District to stretch our legs after the long flight. We walk to a local restaurant for an introduction to authentic Turkish cuisine. It has a commanding view overlooking the Golden Horn, Galata Tower, the ferries and bridges of the Bosphorus and the distinctive Istanbul skyline of mosques and minarets. Overnight Sultanhan Hotel (or similar), a former Ottoman government building converted to a hotel of lofty ceilings, ethnographic Oriental etchings and a genuine historic ambiance. [D]

DAY 2 :  ISTANBUL TOUR WALKING THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
We spend the day with our specialist guide exploring Istanbul's Sultanahmet District including visits to Aya Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cisterns, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, the spice market and the Grand Bazaar. As the sun sets, we hop on a commuter ferry joining local Istanbulis' returning home from work. Crossing the Bospherous we are exactly where Europe and Asia meet. On both sides of the historic waterway are lavish palaces, restored antique homes and various embassies; all indicative of the city's centuries of international commerce and political prominence. This evening we enjoy dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant with a creative menu. Overnight Sultanhan Hotel (or similar). [BLD]

Optional Cappadocia tours include hot air balloon, horseback riding, mountain biking and Turkish bath.

DAY 3 :  CAPPADOCIA
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Kayseri and short drive to Cappadocia (1.5 hrs). After check-in to our cave hotel we begin our exploration of this wondrous landscape of fairytale geological formations featuring more than 1000 early Christian rock carved churches with frescoes. The region is also famous for its local artisans and craftsmanship such as onyx carving, carpet making, pottery and local wines. Overnight Elkep Evi, a beautiful boutique cave hotel with spectacular views of the valley. [BLD]

Note: Optional schedule for day 3: Ask about flights via Ankara to visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilization which houses an impressive display of Hittite treasures, and the Mausoleum of Ataturk the father of modern Turkey. From Ankara we then drive to Urgup (4 hours). There is an additional cost for this option.

DAY 4 :  CAPPADOCIA-UCHISAR CASTLE AND GOREME
We spend two full days exploring Cappadocia with our expert guide walking, hiking and by private vehicle. The itinerary is flexible with options based on individual interests and abilities of participants. Today our tour of Cappadocia includes Uchisar Castle, a natural rock formation of former residences carved out of the soft tuft, and the Goreme Open-air Museum with its fine examples of Christian rock carved churches with frescoes. We visit a local carpet-weaving co-op for a demonstration and lecture about this very proud art of Turks, where we also have an opportunity to purchase and ship a piece. Overnight Elkep Evi (or similar), a beautiful boutique cave hotel with spectacular views of the valley. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  CAPPADOCIA-VILLAGES & UNDERGROUND CITIES
Today our Cappadocia tour takes us meandering through rock dwellings and hidden churches of these remote valleys, walking short distances or hiking for several hours on moderately undulating trails. We visit the village of Avanos to enjoy local fruits and wines, and other towns specializing in various handicrafts including pottery, onyx stone, doll making, carpet weaving, jewelry, winemaking, and copper crafting. At the world-famous master potter's workshop of Chez Galip, we learn about pottery-making, the origin of the potter's wheel invented in Anatolia, and have a chance to throw our own pots. Later, we descend into the honeycombed Kaymakli or Derinkuyu underground cities where the people of Cappadocia could escape from marauding invaders and survive in tunnels and caverns for 6 months, 150 feet down. Overnight at the Elkep Evi (or similar), a restored boutique cave hotel. [BLD]

	Local villagers invite us into their homes to share their hospitality and artisan skills cooking, weaving, pottery and felt-making.

DAY 6 :  IZMIR AND SIRINCE VILLAGE
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir. We visit the Ephesus Museum then drive up into the hills to Sirince Village and check in to our beautiful historic hotel. Sirince is a picturesque rural settlement overlooking verdant vineyards and olive groves that sweep down to the sea.  A walk through the town reveals exquisite architecture, tea gardens, vibrant cottage industries and local handicraft shops. Enjoy the ambiance of rural village life on one of our best tours of Turkey. Overnight at Nisanyan Evleri or Gullu Konaklari village guest houses. [BLD]

DAY 7 :  EPHESUS AND TIRE VILLAGE
Today we rise early and spend the morning exploring the ancient site of Ephesus, one of the most impressive ruins of the ancient world. Ephesus is truly unforgettable. From these Greco-Roman and early Christian remains we travel forward in time to the secluded medieval village of Tire. Wandering the quiet streets it is entirely natural for the proud artisans to invite us into their homes to share their hospitality, and we learn of their now unique traditional skills. Tires craftsmen have a very special claim; they employ techniques that have been almost universally lost over the centuries. Only in Tire have these skills been preserved for posterity, passed from father to son intact. Overnight at Nisanyan Evleri or Gullu Konaklari village guest houses. [BLD]

	Farewell dinner overlooking the Golden Horn.

DAY 8 :  ISTANBUL
Transfer to Kayseri airport (1 hr) for a morning flight to Istanbul. Transfer to hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to further explore the city or revisit sites of interest. (Optional half-day guided tour of Istanbul is available, based on time available and your interests.) Overnight Sultanhan Hotel (or similar). [B]

DAY 9 :  DEPART
Extend your stay or transfer to the airport for outbound flight. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Kurt Kutay 1(800)345-4453 C o n t a c t Adrian Chalker 1(800)345-4453