You'll get all this!
Starting in cosmopolitan Istanbul, in 11 days you'll experience the rich traditions and warm hospitality of Turkey's coastal towns and villages. You'll enjoy wine and olive oil tastings, village walks, farmers markets, visits with local artisans, and a day-long Aegean cruise — and you'll time-trip through Ancient Troy, Assos, Pergamum and Ephesus — ending in the charming seaside resort town of Bodrum.
- An extra-small group, limited to 20-24 people — less than half the size of most tour groups
- Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art and culture of Turkey come alive for you
- All tours and admissions — at no extra cost — covering at least 16 group sightseeing events • Blue Mosque tour • Vineyard visit and wine tasting • Gallipoli National Historic Park tour • Ancient Troy tour • Assos Temple of Athena tour • Olive oil tasting • Mount Olympos village walking tour • Ayvalık walking tour • Ancient Pergamum tour • Sardis ancient city tour • Farmers market visit • Old Town Izmir walking tour • Ephesus tour • Castle of St. Peter and Museum of Underwater Archaeology tour • Mausoleum of Halicarnassus tour • Day-long Aegean cruise (weather permitting)...and more
- All group transportation by bus and boat from Istanbul to Bodrum
- 10 nights accommodations in memorable, centrally-located hotels
- All breakfasts and half your dinners
- All tips for guides and driver
- Free stuff including Rick Steves' Istanbul guidebook, Village Turkey Sightseeing Guide, day pack, moneybelt and earplugs
- Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
- Optional single supplements — this tour has a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee
- Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken prior to 2012
- 50% discount on a consulting appointment with our in-house experts to assist with your pre- or post-tour travel plans
- Flexibility should you need to transfer, or cancel/interrupt your tour
- Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions Agreement for important details regarding everything listed above
Daily itinerary
Walking Key
- Light = 2-4 miles of mostly level walking throughout the day.
- Moderate = 2-6 miles walking throughout the day with some hills and stairs.
- Strenuous = 2-8 miles walking throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs and uneven terrain.
Day 1: Welcome to Turkey
We'll meet at 4 p.m. at our hotel in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district, and then take an orientation walk through our remarkable neighborhood. The highlight will be a tour — and an introduction to Islam — at the exquisite, 400-year-old Blue Mosque. Tonight we'll get acquainted with one another over dinner at a nearby restaurant. Sleep in Istanbul (1 night). No bus. Walking: light.
Day 2: Gallipoli and Vineyards
We'll say goodbye to Istanbul this morning, and drive west along the vineyards of Thrace, stopping to learn about and taste some of the region's most distinctive wines. We'll then continue on to the Gallipoli Peninsula, which allied troops tried to invade by sea during WWI. Due in part to the inspiring leadership of a junior Turkish officer — who later took the name "Atatürk" — the allies were forced to retreat; and a revitalized Turkey found its hero. We'll end this long day ferrying from Europe to Asia across the Dardanelles, and arrive at Aristotle's one-time hometown of Assos, where we'll eat dinner together and sleep (2 nights). Boat: ¾ hr. Bus: 8 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 3: Ancient Assos and Troy
Today we'll tour the ruins of Ancient Troy, mythical site of Homer's Iliad, Helen and the horse. Beyond the mythology, our tour will reveal the many layers of history that exist beneath our feet. We'll then drive to the village of Behramkele, where you'll have your afternoon free for lunch and wandering along the steep cobbled streets. We'll regroup for dinner together, then enjoy amazing sunset views from the Temple of Athena, a watchtower overlooking the Aegean for 2,500 years. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Day 4: Mountain Villages and Olive Oil
Our bus will take us high into the fresh air and pine forests of Mount Olympos country, where we'll enjoy a walking tour of a traditional mountain village, followed by a home-prepared lunch. On our scenic drive back down to the coast, we'll stop to learn about olive production and sample some delicious oil, followed by an orientation to the fishing town of Ayvalık, where you'll be free for dinner on your own tonight. Sleep in Ayvalık (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 5: Old Town Ayvalık
This morning we'll take a walking tour through the narrow backstreets of old Ayvalık, a charming outdoor museum of picturesque shuttered houses. The afternoon is free to wander through the colorful outdoor market, where local farmers and artisans sell their goods, or stroll along the palm-tree harbor front. Tonight we'll cross the bridge to Cunda Island, where you'll have your evening free for dinner. Bus: 1 hr. Walking: moderate.
Day 6: Pergamum and Weaving
On our way south, we'll tour the ancient city of Pergamum. Perched high atop its Acropolis, Pergamum's Ancient Theater and Temple of Trajan are two of the most beautifully-situated ruins in the ancient world. This afternoon we'll take a walking tour through one of the mountain "weaving villages", where we'll see Turkish carpets being woven by hand in the weavers' homes. We'll return to the coast early this evening and have dinner together. Sleep in Izmir (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Day 7: Ancient Sardis
We'll begin our day with a tour of the craggy site of Ancient Sardis, a great trading center where the idea of coins first caught on. After free time for lunch back in Izmir, we'll explore the remnants of old Izmir (before the disastrous fire of 1922) and the stroll the waterfront promenade. You'll have free time for dinner on your own this evening. Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 8: Ephesus
Our travel thrill today is a chance to tour the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the wealthiest cities in Ancient Greece. It also played a role in the formation of the early Christian Church, drawing the attention of the Apostle Paul. We'll take an extensive walking tour along the still-paved streets and remarkable ruins of Ephesus, including the dramatically-restored façade of its Library of Celsus. This afternoon we'll drive to the seaside resort town of Bodrum, where we'll sleep (3 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Day 9: Day-Long Boat Cruise
Let's set sail on the Aegean (weather permitting) aboard a private boat. We'll get a look at the little islands around Bodrum, explore coves and inlets along the peninsula, eat a tasty lunch, and take a swim or two off the stern. Later you'll have free time to admire the yachts in the harbor, the local ice cream, or indulge in a Turkish Bath. Boat: 6½ hrs. No bus. Walking: light.
Day 10: Shipwrecks and Wonders
This morning we'll explore Bodrum's harbor-side Castle of St. Peter. Built by crusader knights, who were adept at recycling bits of Greek and Roman temples, the castle today is home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. We'll tour its outstanding collection of artifacts reclaimed from the sea, including a reconstructed sunken Roman ship. In the afternoon we'll wander to a wonder of the ancient world, touring the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Tonight we'll enjoy a farewell dinner, celebrating our time in Turkey together and toasting to new friends. Serefe! No bus. Walking: moderate.
Day 11: Tour Over After Breakfast
The Bodrum airport has frequent flights to Istanbul and easy international connections. There is also a daily ferry to the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes. Whatever your final destination, your guide will help you get on the right track. Güle güle!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
Rick Steves tours are physically active!
This is an integral, essential part of the "back door" experience. On our Village Turkey in 11 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily...
- Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (several blocks possible) and up stairways to reach your hotel; then up several flights of stairs to reach your room.
- Be on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, both inside museums and outdoors in all weather conditions (hot sun, rain, etc.).
- Sleep with no (or weak) air conditioning and street noise in some hotels.
- After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.
- Travel on a bus without a toilet.
Pre Tour
Getting ready for your Rick Steves' tour can be overwhelming, so we've put together some specific information on what you should know about this tour before you go. You'll also find more general information about "Getting Ready for Your Tour" on our Tour FAQ.
Sightseeing On Your Own
If you arrive in Turkey before your tour begins, spending time in Istanbul is a logical choice. Here are sightseeing suggestions for Istanbul's classic sights: Hagia Sofia; Topkapı Palace; Grand Bazaar; and/or the Egyptian Spice Market. For details, please see Rick Steves' Istanbul guidebook.
Transportation
There is more than one way to get to and from your tour. We recommend talking to your travel agent about "open jaws" airline tickets (flying into and out of different cities). It's easiest to fly into Istanbul and home from Bodrum. Departures from Bodrum may require a connection and an overnight stay in Istanbul. You may save money by purchasing this airline ticket prior to leaving home if your flight dates and plans are finalized. You can check schedules and purchase tickets at Turkish Airlines (www.thy.com/en-INT), Atlas Jet (www.atlasjet.com), and Onur Air (www.onurair.com.tr/onurair) or have your travel agent check for the best options. If your plans are not finalized, you will also have opportunities to purchase this airline ticket at a travel agency in Turkey. For links to helpful rail and air websites, go to www.ricksteves.com/plan/links and look under "Transportation."
If you are going to the Greek Islands after the tour, you may want to fly home from Athens and here are a few things to consider: the ferry schedules can vary and weather delays and strikes are not uncommon, especially in the shoulder season. Prepare to be flexible. Please wait until you get to Bodrum during the tour to purchase your ferry tickets. Your guide will explain how to obtain these ferry tickets. If you have time constraints, a flight may be preferable to the ferry for your journey to Athens from the Greek Islands.
For more post-tour transportation information, please visit our Turkey guides' special website at www.srmtravel.com.
Prior to your tour departure, you will receive detailed directions on how to get from the airport to your first tour hotel, as well as contact information for your first and last hotels in case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations.
If you need more information about additional European travel or for specific questions about your tour, contact the Tour Department at 425/608-4217 or email tour@ricksteves.com.
Weather
Turkey is usually mild and sunny in the spring and fall, although cooler temperatures and rain are always possible. Summers are usually quite hot. Whenever you go, the weather is very manageable with smart packing.
For more specific weather information, see www.weatherbase.com or www.weather.com.
Packing
While it is important to pack light, there are two items we'd like you to consider including when packing for this tour. In Turkish mosques, women are expected to cover their heads with scarves. You may want to bring one with or purchase one in Istanbul. Also, this tour has several opportunities for swimming. You may wish to pack a swimsuit and perhaps a lightweight microfiber towel.
For ideas on what to pack, check Rick's Packing List and our Women's Packing List.
Tour Guide Raves
Mert Taner
"Mert is an exceptional guide, so knowledgeable and capable! An archaeologist who is an ex-Marine and now a professional tour guide...you can't miss with that combination. He was attentive to each of our abilities and needs, so skillful in arranging outings/transportation/meals and cheerful throughout. This was our 7th Rick Steves tour and all the guides have been good. Some have been very good and a few have been stellar like Mert."
— Theresa in Petaluma, CA
Favorite tour memories from recent alums:
"This tour had many high points. Some of my favorites included the village stop where we learned about the process of the handmade wool rugs. The work those ladies do is amazing! Another highlight was Bodrum with the tour of the Castle of St. Peter. Our guide was the museum curator and he made the castle and the artifacts of shipwrecks come alive. Both boat cruises were also highlights. Sailing and swimming in the Aegean can't be beat! This was a wonderful introduction to Turkey and its rich history."
— Betsy in Seattle, WA
"The ruins at Troy, Temple of Athena, Pergamum, Sardis and Bodrum each exceeded my expectations and left me fascinated and primed to learn more. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology at Bodrum Castle was also an unexpected treat!"
— Mark in Lake Oswego, OR
"Watching the sun set at the Temple of Athena in Assos was amazing. Visiting Troy, Sardis and Bodrum were also incredible."
— Emily in Pullman, WA
To see more comments on Rick Steves' tours, read through our tour member feedback.
Videos & More
This region is rich in history, art and culture. To help you get the most from your trip, we've put together this collection of travel resources from Rick's TV shows, radio interviews and articles, as well as recommended books, films and music.
Watch
Rick Steves' TV Clips & Shows
(For more Rick Steves' TV clips on this region, visit Rick on YouTube.)
Films
- Topkapı (1964)
- From Russia with Love (1963)
- Gallipoli (1991)
- Hamam (1997)
- Distant (2004)
Listen
Rick Steves' Radio Interviews
(For more radio interviews on this region, see Rick's Audio Europe™ files for iPod, PC & MP3.)
Rick Steves Audio Europe™
Music
- Classical: Elif Savas
- Traditional/folk: Latif Bolat, Omar Faruk Tekbilek
- Pop/rock: Moğollar, Soner Arica
Read
Rick Steves' Articles
(For more articles on this region, see Rick's Best Destinations.)
Books: Non-Fiction
- Rick Steves' Istanbul
- Atatürk: The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey — Andrew Mango
- The Turks Today — Andrew Mango
- Gallipoli: The Turkish Story — Kevin Fewster, Vecihi Basarin, and Hatice Basarin
- Turkish Reflections: A Biography of a Place — Mary Lee Settle Kinross
- Portrait of a Turkish Family — Irfan Orga
Books: Fiction
- Birds Without Wings — Louis de Bernières
- Memed, My Hawk — Yashar Kemal
- The White Castle; Snow; My Name is Red — Orhan Pamuk
- Savarona — J. Patrick Hart
- The Iliad — Homer
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Discount for tour alums
Free Tour DVD & Catalog
Tour Weather
