Classical Turkey
May 20, September 23, 2010 and April 17, 2011
Starting at $2,199
A vibrant country that boasts an extraordinary blend of ancient and new, Turkey straddles both Europe and Asia. Discover Istanbul's many treasures, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Topkapi Palace, then continue to unravel layers of history as you journey to Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pergamon, and Troy. Throughout your classical adventure, Turkey's thriving modern people welcomes visitors with genuine warmth and hospitality.
Day 1 — Depart the U.S.
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey.
Day 2 — Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, once called Constantinople. Minarets and domes fill the skyline of this city which straddles two continents. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception before enjoying a local Turkish dinner.
Day 3 — Istanbul
Explore the Old City on a full-day tour featuring the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets; Hagia Sophia, the epitome of Byzantine architecture and once the largest church in Christendom; Topkapi Palace; and the Grand Bazaar, Turkey’s largest covered market.
Day 4 — Cappodocia and Kaymakli
After a morning flight, arrive in Cappadocia. Its landscape is composed of soft volcanic stone that wind and rain have sculpted into fantastic clusters of multicolored spires and pinnacles. Visit the underground city of Kaymakli. Later, watch local artisans demonstrate the art of silk and wool carpet weaving at a family-owned carpet making facility.
Day 5 — Cappadocia
Travel the mystical landscape of Cappadocia with its “fairy chimneys,” hillside villages, and rock-hewn churches. In the Goreme Valley, visit the Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the famed Rock Chapels are decorated with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 6th century.
Day 6 — Konya
Your journey brings you to Konya, former capital of the Seljuk Empire. Visit the Mevlana Museum with its impressive collection of ancient books and historical artifacts belonging to Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi, the 13th-century founder of the Whirling Dervishes. Then, depart for Antalya, the Turkish Riviera.
Day 7 — Antalya, Perge, Aspendos
This morning, visit the ruins of Perge, a Hittite city which dates back to 1,500 B.C. Then, visit the nearby ruins of Aspendos, including its Roman amphitheater. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 8 — Pumakkale and Kusadasi
Today, wind along the mountain roads to the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Hierapolis Museum, located in several restored chambers of Roman Baths, which exhibits amazing archaeological finds. Finish your day’s journey in the seaside resort town of Kusadasi.
Day 9 — Ephesus
Awe-inspiring ruins await you at Ephesus, an important city of the ancient world and the Roman capital of Asia, where both St. John and St. Paul came to preach. Walk down the marble avenue and see the Library of Celsus, the great theatre, baths, and temples, including the Temple of Hadrian. Continue to St. John’s Basilica, a magnificent church built on what is believed to be the burial site of St. John.
Day 10 — Pergamon and Cannakale
Discover two of the most important ancient sites in Turkey. Pergamon was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Middle East. Located below the acropolis, the Asclepion was the healing center of Pergamon, where people came for “holistic” treatment by the ancient physician Claudius Galen, who gained fame as a surgeon to the gladiators.
Day 11 — Ancient City of Troy
Visit the legendary city of Troy, the UNESCO World Heritage site which was destroyed by “the face which launched a thousand ships” during the Trojan War. Later, travel across the Dardenelles, a narrow strait that brings you back into Europe. Visit the World War I battlefields of the Gallipoli peninsula, where one of Turkey’s greatest modern military victories took place. Return this evening to Istanbul, joining your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Day 12 — Istanbul and Tour Concludes
This morning your journey through Turkey comes to an end, leaving you with a glittering mosaic of memories.
Tour Highlights:
Learn from expert local historians, a food history scholar, and an archaeologist who will enhance your understanding of how Turkey's position as a crossroads of cultures shaped the country's unique character.
Discover the social, cultural, and religious impacts of Turkey’s role as the seat
of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires.
Learn from a food history scholar in Istanbul how the Ottoman Empire and the diverse cultures of this fascinating city have combined to create a unique cuisine.
Explore the fascinating story of Turkey’s archaeological finds with a local historian in Kusadasi.
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