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zTraditions of Turkey

12 days

Never more than 16 guests.

Small Group Discoveries for our World Travelers…

+ Cross the Bosphorus to Asian Istanbul to explore a colorful market and enjoy lunch in a one-of-a-kind restaurant famed for its wonderful Anatolian cuisine.
+ Experience genuine Turkish hospitality as you sit down to a congenial meal with a village family.
+ Visit the medieval mausoleum where the Whirling Dervish order was born and attend a haunting performance.
+ Thrill to a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia.
+ Join Mehmet, a lifelong resident, to explore rarely-trodden valleys of Cappadocia, venturing deep into scenic areas where other visitors would wander lost!
+ Includes 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites c

Show all itinerary details

Day
1

Welcome to Istanbul

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the 5-star Divan Hotel. This evening, you’ll dine at a traditional Turkish restaurant on the Bosphorus.  Meals D

Day
2

Wonders of Istanbul

Take a step back to the early days of Christianity at the Hagia Sofia and see the Roman Hippodrome. Visit the Blue Mosque and discover the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace. End your day at the bustling Grand Bazaar. Meals B+L

Day
3

Istanbul... where Europe and Asia meet

Cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city and explore an exotic market with tastings of local specialties. At a nearby restaurant, you’ll dine on delicious regional cuisine. Cruise the Bosphorus calling upon villages in both Europe and Asia and then visit the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace. Meals B+L

Day
4

Discover Troy and travel to Assos

A scenic drive via Cannakale brings you to the archaeological site of Troy for a guided tour. Continue to the Kervansaray Hotel in Assos. Meals B+D

Day
5

Ancient Pergamum + Izmir

Explore the ruins of Pergamum and dine with a village family in Bergama. Continue to the 5-star Swissotel Grand Efes in Izmir. Meals B+L+D

Day
6

Excursion to Ephesus

Thrill to the renowned archaeological site of Ephesus, one of the most important cities of the ancient world. Enjoy lunch in medieval Sirince and visit the House of the Virgin Mary and Basilica of St. John. Meals B+L+D

Day
7

A scenic drive to Pamukkale

Discover two significant sites of antiquity, Aphrodisias and Hierapolis, before traveling on the Pam Thermal Hotel. Meals B+L+D

Day
8

Overland to Konya

Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana; built in the 13th century, this is the birthplace of the Whirling Dervish order. Continue to the deluxe Dedeman Konya Hotel. Meals B+D

Day
9

Kaymakli Underground City

Descend into the underground city of Kaymakli for a guided tour through this remarkable subterranean network of tunnels, storage areas, stables and living quarters. Carved centuries ago, they were used by early inhabitants, including Byzantine-era Christians, as protection from the weather as well as invading armies. Continue to the Gamirasu Hotel, situated in a monastic retreat from the Byzantine era. 

Day
10

Cappadocia from above and below

This morning’s hot air balloon ride is the best way to take in the landscapes of Cappadocia. Then join Mehmet, an engaging lifelong resident, for our special walking tour. With his intimate knowledge of the region, you’ll discover little-known facts and facets as you explore remote valleys. Then tour the 1,000 year-old painted cave-churches of the Goreme Open Air Museum and see skilled artisans at work in the village of Avanos. Later, sample the unheralded wines of Turkey and thrill to a performance by the Whirling Dervishes. Meals B

Day
11

Back to Istanbul

Fly to Istanbul and transfer once again to the Divan Hotel. Meals B

Day
12

Bid farewell

We’ll take you to the airport today for your departure flight.  Meals B

Private Tour Add-Ons

Prague

Our 4-day FreeStyle Travel package with a choice of fine hotels, daily breakfast, chauffeured airport transfers, and in-depth private car sightseeing with our experienced resident guide at your side.

Warsaw

Our 4-day FreeStyle Travel package features a choice of fine city-center hotels, daily breakfast, chauffeured airport transfers and in-depth sightseeing with your own personal car, driver and guide.

Budapest

Our 4-day FreeStyle Travel package includes a choice of fine hotels, daily breakfast, chauffeured airport transfers and city sightseeing with your own personal car, driver and guide

Turkey MapSearch

Prices are per person, land only. Add extra nights.

Family + Friends

Travel is one of  life's most rewarding experiences, perhaps even more so when it's shared with those you love! Take advantage of our Family & Friends offer and Save $100 per person anytime you book 4 or more people on the same A+R program.

Prices are per person, land only. Add extra nights.

Pay-In-Full

Save $1,000 per couple + $500 solo on all of our Small Group, Small Ship and Private Journeys when you book and pay-in-full within 7 days of booking and prior to the final payment date listed in our published terms and conditions. Book by December 31, 2024 for travel any time in 2025 or 2026.


 

Family + Friends

Travel is one of  life's most rewarding experiences, perhaps even more so when it's shared with those you love! Take advantage of our Family & Friends offer and Save $100 per person anytime you book 4 or more people on the same A+R program.

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