14 days from Istanbul to Istanbul
Conquer your bucket list to walk in the footsteps of ancient Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans, and the Turks themselves. Begin your escorted tour of Turkey in the historic city of Istanbul. Soak in the history and diverse cultures along its tree-lined boulevards, and in its cafés, and sophisticated eateries. Continue your Turkish vacation with indelible sights and historic Byzantine monuments that evoke an era of innovation. Discover rock-carved chapels, fortifications, and monasteries from Ozkonak and Goreme to the stories of the Silk Road in Sultanhani. Feel your head spin with a visit to the Mevlana Monastery Museum where 13th-century Whirling Dervishes were founded by the mystic Persian poet Rumi. Hear the tales of Troy where Trojans marched, and a magnificent wooden horse remains a legend worldwide. And take in the countless natural wonders of Turkey with dramatic landscapes, breathtaking views, rose-hued rock formations, and the serene, pristine beaches of the “turquoise coast” on the Turkish Riviera. Raise a cup of Turkish coffee, soak in the Mediterranean Sea, and toast your timeless vacation in Turkey!
All This. Included
Special Features Included in this Tour:
• Guided sightseeing tour in Istanbul includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, [LF] Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar with a complimentary [LF] traditional Turkish coffee
• Visit to the Mausoleum of Ataturk and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara
• Guided visit to Ozkonak underground fortress city
• Visit to Goreme’s open-air museum, Pasabag Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Red Valley
• Visit to the Caravanserai at Sultanhani
• Visit to Karatay Medrese and Mevlana Monastery of the Dervishes in Konya
• Visit to the ancient city of Hieropolis
• Pamukkale travertine terraces and thermal water pools photo opportunity
• Guided walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus
• Visit the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery, and the Lone Pine Memorial
• Guided walk in Antalya Old Town plus stop at Upper Duden Falls
• Guided visit of the Asklepion, Pergamum
• Visit to the excavations of Troy and views of the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse.
• Orientation tour of Izmir