This 10-day Turkish vacation takes you to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir, and Ephesus to explore the nation’s classical wonders and fascinating landscape. It features first-class accommodations and small group tours.
Your journey begins in Istanbul, the Turkish capital, the only national capital that straddles two continents. Known as Constantinople during antiquity, Istanbul has long been one of the world’s centres of art and cultural influence. A classical tour of the city will showcase some of its many highlights from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras. Start at Hippodrome Square to see where chariots used to race for massive crowds, before visiting the religious and cultural monuments of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Close out your tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, where you can journey through colourful corridors of markets to barter for all sorts of goods. You’ll have another day at leisure to explore on your own. Visit the Basilica Cistern, a magnificently restored ancient waterworks, or hop between cafes and restaurants to enjoy Turkish favourites from coffee to shawarma
Connect by air to Cappadocia, the fairy tale region of rock chimneys and caves that resembles the surface of the moon. A tour through the region will showcase its breathtaking landscape. You’ll visit Devrent (Imaginary Valley) to see its rock formations, Pasabag, known as the Valley of the Monks, where mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and rock dwellings abound. Swing by Uchisar Rock-Castle, a fortification carved into the rock that offers excellent views of the valley, and finally the village of Avanos, where you can buy some traditional pottery. You’ll have another day in Cappadocia to continue exploring the landscape. If you really want a magical experience, book a hot air balloon ride above the valley.
Continue on to your final destination, Izmir. One day, you’ll journey to nearby Ephesus to trace the history of early Christianity. Visit the House of the Virgin, where the Virgin Mary apparently spent her later years, before visiting Ephesus to follow in the footsteps of St. Paul and see the ruins of Roman temples, libraries, theatres, and baths. In the afternoon, swing by the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You’ll have another day at leisure to explore the Greek-Roman city of Izmir on your own. Head up Mount Kadifekale to see the ruins of an ancient citadel or steal away a few quiet hours along Kara Lake.
At the end of your journey, you’ll connect back to Istanbul and return home.
