9 Day Highlights of Turkey

DAY 3: Hagia Sofia, Spice Bazaar and Bosporus Cruise

Our exploration of Istanbul commences at Hagia Sophia, a marvel of the Byzantine era. Constructed under Emperor Justinian in AD 537, this monumental structure, famed for its magnificent dome, served as a Christian church for nearly a millennium until it was converted to Islam by Mehmet the Conqueror. Initially proclaimed a museum by Kemal Atatürk in 1934, it was reinstated as a functioning mosque in 2020. Designed to reflect heaven on earth, its interior boasts breathtaking Byzantine mosaics and unique features, which our Tour Leader will highlight as we delve into its history.

Next, we'll journey to Misir Carsisi, the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul's charming marketplaces. After immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the stalls, we'll stroll to the pier and board a private boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosporus Strait, separating Europe and Asia.

Lunch: Enjoy a meal at your leisure. Consider embracing a true Turkish culinary experience, with recommendations from your Tour Leader.

DAY 4: Fly to Cappadocia

This morning, we'll embark on a flight to Cappadocia (flight times subject to variation based on schedules). Over countless millennia, the gentle erosion by rain and wind has sculpted the soft white volcanic rock, known as tufa, into a surreal landscape of towering cones, pillars, pinnacles, and fairy chimneys, some reaching heights of over a hundred feet.

Our first destination in Cappadocia is one of the extraordinary underground cities scattered across the local terrain. Originating during the Hittite era, these multi-level complexes were constructed as remarkably fortified communities, featuring heavy millstone doors that could be rolled into place for security. While around three dozen of these underground cities are believed to exist in the region, only a handful have been excavated. In the underground city, we'll explore a selection of numerous rooms, designed to accommodate thousands of residents for extended periods, up to three months. Venturing through the narrow, sloping passages, we'll discover kitchens with enamel food storage, water cisterns, stables, and living quarters nestled at the deepest levels, all well-ventilated by expansive air shafts.

Following our exploration, we'll head to some picturesque spots in Cappadocia for photo opportunities. Possible stops could include viewpoints overlooking the iconic fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations. We'll take time to capture the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia, known for its surreal beauty and unique geological formations.

Later in the day, we'll continue our cultural journey with a visit to Avanos, a charming town known for its pottery craftsmanship. In Avanos, we'll visit a pottery shop, where local craftsmen will demonstrate their skills and share insights into this ancient craft.

This schedule ensures that we smoothly transition from traveling to sightseeing, allowing us ample time to experience both the underground wonders of Cappadocia and the stunning natural landscapes it has to offer before settling in at the hotel for the evening.

DAY 5: Cappadocia

This morning, early birds are invited to soar over Cappadocia with an optional two-hour hot-air balloon ride. Following breakfast at the hotel, we'll set off to explore the vast valleys of Cappadocia. Our first destination is Goreme, where we'll venture into an open-air museum to uncover the fascinating human and religious history of the region. Here, we'll marvel at Christian churches intricately carved into the soft rock, some dating back to the 3rd century.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

Later in the day, we'll also visit a rug-weaving cooperative, where local artisans will offer insights into the various aspects of this traditional Turkish craft.

Before dinner, those interested in experiencing a Whirling Dervish ritual ceremony will have the opportunity to join the optional Whirling Dervish sema.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

DAY 6: Drive to Konya

This morning, we'll depart for Konya. Along the way, we'll make a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, an ancient resting place used by caravans during the Seljuk Turks' era.

After our visit, we'll continue our journey to Konya, where we'll enjoy lunch.

In Konya, we'll explore the famous Whirling Dervish Museum, which was once the original whirling dervish complex and also houses the Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi’s Mausoleum. We'll also take some time to explore the city center.

Finally, we'll check into our hotel and unwind after a day of exploration.

DAY 7: Drive to Pamukkale

Today, we'll embark on a journey to Pamukkale, with an intriguing stop en route at Eflatun Pinari, a Hittite monument that serves as a fountain and still flows with water today. As we traverse through Turkey's picturesque lake region, renowned for its orchards and quaint agricultural towns, we'll be treated to scenic views along the way. For lunch, we'll indulge in the specialties of a local restaurant, perhaps sampling their renowned poppy seed yogurt with honey.

In the early afternoon, we'll arrive in Pamukkale, famously known as the "Cotton Castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale is renowned for its stunning travertine terraces, formed by the calcium-rich thermal waters that flow down the mountainside. These natural terraces, with their milky-white appearance, have been shaped over thousands of years by the mineral deposits left behind by the flowing water.

We'll have the opportunity to explore these surreal terraces, walking barefoot through the warm, mineral-rich waters that cascade down the slopes. It's a truly unique and mesmerizing experience, offering both relaxation and a chance to marvel at the wonders of nature.

In addition to the travertine terraces, Pamukkale is also home to the ancient Roman ruins of Hierapolis. Here, we'll discover the well-preserved remains of this once-great city, including its vast necropolis, which is one of the largest in the ancient world.

After a day filled with exploration and wonder, we'll return to our hotel for a well-deserved dinner.

DAY 8: Drive to Kusadasi

Today marks the final leg of our journey as we embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Kusadasi, our ultimate destination. The route will take us through the ancient Meander Valley, tracing the gentle curves of the Meander River. Along the way, we'll be treated to views of citrus, olive, and fig orchards that dot this fertile valley. Notably, this region is geologically active, offering hot springs that contribute to thermal energy generation.

Our plan is to pause for lunch in the charming town of Selcuk, where we'll return the following day for our visit to Ephesus. After a leisurely meal, we'll continue our journey with a short drive to our hotel in Kusadasi.

For those eager to squeeze in some last-minute souvenir shopping or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, Kusadasi's town center awaits exploration. Later in the evening, we'll reconvene for dinner at the hotel.

DAY 9: Visit Ephesus

Today, get ready to step back in time as we visit Ephesus, one of the world's biggest and best-preserved ancient cities. It's like a history buff's dream come true, with wide marble streets that were practically made for strutting, flanked by columns and temples that would give any modern architect a run for their money. We're talking serious old-school glam here!

Ephesus used to be home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While it's not standing anymore, it was said to be so massive that it would make even today's skyscrapers blush!

We'll be checking out all the top spots, like the Library of Celsus, where they really knew how to make an entrance with those fancy statues, and the Great Theater, where St. Paul once took the stage to drop some truth bombs on the Ephesians. Plus, we might even luck out with our small group size and get VIP access to some off-the-beaten-path areas. Who knows what treasures we'll uncover there?

And hey, no trip to Ephesus is complete without a visit to the Ephesus Museum, where you can get up close and personal with some seriously cool marble and bronze statues. It's like stepping into a history book, but way cooler!

But wait, there's more! Lunch is at a local joint, and the afternoon is yours to explore however you fancy.

We'll wrap up the day with a Farewell Dinner at a nearby restaurant. Then, feel free to hit the hay early or paint the town red—your call! Tomorrow, we'll bid adieu to this ancient wonderland and head back to the real world.