Travel That Makes You Feel Alive

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Welcome to the Highlights of Turkey registration!

9/29/26 - 10/07/2026*

Pricing $1799.00 per person based on double occupancy, solo supplement $259

*You may choose to add an optional tour at the beginning and end of the trip, in Istanbul. The optional tours will require an additional night's stay at each end plus the tour price.

Dive deep into Turkey's most iconic treasures on this unforgettable eight-day adventure, packed with rich history, jaw-dropping landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. Wander through the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus, delve into the mysterious underground city of Kaymakli, and explore Cappadocia's surreal, otherworldly terrain. Top it all off with a cozy dinner with a local family for a true taste of Turkish hospitality. Starting and ending in the vibrant streets of Istanbul, this trip will leave you craving more of Turkey's magic.

Itinerary

Day 1 Istanbul

Arrive at any time, and meet your guide and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Head out for an optional group dinner and take a walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments lit up at night.

Book an optional pre-night and take a tour: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise.

Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise - 8h-10h

Go even deeper into Istanbul, discovering diverse and lesser-visited districts with your guide, and some of the best photography spots in the city! Today we will walk along the ancient Constantinople city walls; see Tekfur Palace(the Blaherne Palace) which has got thick walls adjacent to the landwalls ; stroll through the photogenic Fener (Greek) and Balat (Jewish) districts, known for their colorful wooden houses; enjoy lunch together; and cruise the Bosphorus Strait for stunning views of Ottoman palaces and the city skyline.

Please note: this is a full day (6+ hours) day excursion. Lunch is included. Your guide will collect you from the hotel lobby at 9am. Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and modest clothing/coverings for shoulders and upper legs for visiting religious sites.

Day 2 Istanbul/Çanakkale

Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale.

Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.

Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour:

Visit this moving and beautiful site, a great complement to any trip to Turkey, even for those not familiar with the Battle of Gallipoli. Tour the grounds to see ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Learn how the Turks fought off the numerically superior, but badly commanded, Allied forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later; this battle holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as both nations lost many soldiers.

It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.

Day 3 Çanakkale/Selçuk

Set off from Çanakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy.

See historic Troy, made famous by Homer’s “Iliad,” (and more recently by Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt). Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were found in in the mid-19th century. Imagine what a great city this must have been, while taking a tour of the remains. Don't miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.

Continue to Ayvalik and stop by the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft coop.

All products are made out of recycled goods and by making a purchase it will directly support the local women who work in the workshop and over time has contributed to over 500 women who have been part of the project.

Continue south to Selçuk for the next couple of nights.

Day 4 Selçuk/İzmir

Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Back in Selçuk, take part in a demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the city of Izmir for an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia.

Ephesus Visit:

Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times. Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, which dominates the view down Harbour Street. See the two-story library, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. Built in AD 125, it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.

Pide Demonstration and Lunch

Learn all about the preparation of pide, a savoury flatbread often affectionately referred to as "Turkish pizza." See how they are traditionally prepared by flattening wheat dough then topping with cheese, tomatoes and other ingredients before cooking in a hot oven. Enjoy the finished results for lunch.

Orientation Walk of Kemeralti Old Bazaar in Izmir

Set out on foot with your CEO on an orientation walk of the Kemeralti Old Bazaar, in Izmir. Wander amongst the traditional food stores before taking some free time in Izmir to explore.

Overnight Train (beds) Izmir – Konya

Curl up in shared, private sleeper cabins and catch a snooze en route to the next stop. (Note, for this one night you will be paired with a roommate if you have chosen the solo option.)

Day 5 Konya/Cappadocia

Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening.

Mevlana Museum

Visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. Learn more about the mystic Islamic sect known as the Whirling Dervishes.

Day 6 Cappadocia

Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city before some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family.

Kaymakli Underground City:

Visit the ancient and expansive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli Underground City. Thought to have been built between the 8th and 7th Century BC, Kaymakli was carved out of the rock and consists of nearly a hundred tunnels with vast amounts of storerooms, ventilation shafts and a church.

Free time...

Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your guide on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.

In the evening we will enjoy dinner with Local Family, seasonal homemade dishes, and talk with friendly hosts about life in rural Cappadocia.

Day 7 Cappadocia/Istanbul

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group.

For those interested I will organize a tour of Haggia Sophia. https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/ayasofya

This may require an extra night's stay in Instanbul.