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| Sep 01 to Sep 13 |
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| Sep 06 to Sep 18 |
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| Sep 15 to Sep 27 |
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| Sep 20 to Oct 02 |
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| Sep 22 to Oct 04 |
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| Sep 29 to Oct 11 |
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| Oct 04 to Oct 16 |
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| Oct 06 to Oct 18 |
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| Oct 11 to Oct 23 |
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| Oct 13 to Oct 25 |
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Walking Key
Light = Two to four miles of mostly level walking.
Moderate = Four to six miles and/or up and down hills and/or some stairs.
Strenuous = Six to ten miles, lots of stairs, uneven terrain.
Best of Turkey in 13 Days
$2,195 + air • 24-28 people • Begins in Istanbul and ends in Kusadasi
Combining the convenience of European travel with the rich traditions of the Middle East, this is our most exotic tour.
Our Turkish guides have a gift for making their Muslim heritage and love of Turkey come alive, expertly opening cultural doors for you that independent travelers will never know existed.
You'll walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, discuss religion with a Muslim scholar in a mosque, run laps in an ancient stadium, sail the pristine Mediterranean, and savor the best of Turkish cuisine.
If you're looking for travel delights — and a broader perspective — you've found it in the Best of Turkey.
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Your day-by-day itinerary
Day 0: Depart USA
Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.
Day 1: Welcome to Turkey
You'll meet your guide and the rest of your group in our Istanbul hotel at 4 p.m. for a "Welcome to Turkey" get-together. Tonight we'll take a stroll to visit the historic Blue Mosque and have our first taste of Turkish cuisine. Sleep in Istanbul (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Day 2: Old Christian and Islamic Istanbul
During the next two days, we'll sightsee and sift through the many historic layers of Old Istanbul, including the Roman Hippodrome and cistern, the Byzantine Hagia Sophia ("Aya Sofia") Basilica and mosaic-covered Chora Church, the Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts, and Istanbul's legendary Grand Bazaar. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 3: Istanbul and Night Train to Ankara
We'll continue to explore Istanbul today, beginning with the Ottoman Topkapi Palace and Harem, and then visit the heart of the new district, where you'll have free time and lunch on your own. Later, we'll have time to wander through the exotic sights and smells of the Egyptian Spice Market. After our scenic cruise up the Bosphorus Strait, we'll catch our night train to Ankara. We'll sleep on the overnight train (2 bunks per compartment, 1 night). Bus: 1 hr., Train: 10 hrs.Walking: strenuous.
Day 4: Anatolian Ankara and Cappadocia
After breakfast on the train, we'll meet our bus and driver in Ankara, then tour the world-class Anatolian Civilizations Museum and Atatürk's Mausoleum. After lunch, we'll drive to the scenic and historic Cappadocia region, where we'll sleep in the village of Mustafapasa (2 nights, group may be split between two B&Bs). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 5: All Day to Explore Cappadocia
Surrounded by Cappadocia's other-worldly "fairy chimney" rock formations, we'll explore the countryside and visit an open-air museum where caves served as early Christian churches. This afternoon, we'll see a carpet-weaving demonstration, and learn how this craft became so important to the Turkish economy. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 6: Pottery and Countryside Charms
After a pottery demonstration and lunch, we'll visit the underground city of Kaymakli. Later we'll drive to rural Güzelyurt, arriving in time for dinner at our hotel. Sleep in Güzelyurt (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 7: Mosque Visit and a Caravanserai
This morning we'll meet with the local mosque's imam (counterpart to a minister or rabbi) and have an opportunity to ask questions, or spend free time in town. After lunch in Güzelyurt, we'll drive to an old Silk Road caravanserai, before continuing on to Konya, where we'll sleep. Sleep in Konya (1 night). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 8: Mevlana's Konya and Antalya
This morning we'll tour sights associated with Mevlana Rumi, spiritual father of the Whirling Dervishes. We'll then enjoy lunch en route to the Mediterranean resort town of Antalya, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 9: Mediterranean Boat Cruise
Weather permitting, we'll sail most of the day on the Mediterranean aboard our private boat, have lunch at sea — and perhaps a swim. We'll then rendezvous with our bus for the return trip to Antalya. Those who are interested will have free time later in the day to visit Antalya's impressive Archaeological Museum. Bus: 1 hr. Walking: light.
Day 10: Wonderland of Pamukkale
En route to Pamukkale, we'll spend time at a local farmers' market. Once in Pamukkale, famous for its calcified cliffs and historic ruins, you'll have the opportunity to swim and soak in a natural spring pool amid Roman columns. Sleep in Pamukkale area (1 night). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Day 11: Ancient Aphrodisias and Kusadasi
Today we'll drive to seaside Kusadasi. Along the way, we'll visit the ancient site of Aphrodisias for the impressive ancient Greek sculptures and city ruins. Sleep in Kusadasi (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 12: Roman City of Ephesus
Today we'll tour the remarkable ruins of the city of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul made quite a stir. Later, we'll say our goodbyes with a final "farewell dinner." Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Day 13: Tour over after breakfast
You can hop a ferry to the Greek island of Samos (where you'll find easy plane/boat connections to other islands and Athens), or take a bus to nearby Izmir for a quick flight back to Istanbul and home. Happy travels!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
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Recommended reading and viewing list for this tour
Favorite tour memories from a recent alum:
"There were many highlights, but certainly the days spent in the smaller village towns of Cappadocia were unforgettable. Especially walking through the village of Mustafapasha and being invited by a local into his garden, and having lunch at the modest home of a village woman (and her mother) in another small village, and having the chance to talk to these wonderful, warm people, with our guide translating."
— Paul in Palm Desert , CA
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