Sights
- Istanbul (WHS)
- Blue Mosque
- Topkapı Palace and Harem
- Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent
- Yerebatan Cistern
- Hagia Sophia Church/Museum
- Old Town walking tour
- Grand Bazaar
- Chora Church
- City Walls walk
- Egyptian Spice Market
- New District walking tour
- Bosphorus cruise
- Istanbul Archeological Museum
- Ankara
- Anatolian Civilizations Museum
- Atatürk's Mausoleum
- Safranbolu (WHS)
- Göreme & Cappadocia (WHS)
- Kaymaklı underground city
- Caravanserai
- Mevlana Rumi Museum
- Pamukkale (WHS)
- Aphrodisias
- Ephesus
- Troy (WHS)
- Xanthos-Letoon (WHS)
Itinerary
Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul
We'll meet in the hotel at 3 p.m. to get acquainted and take an orientation walk through our neighborhood. Then we'll plunge into the heart of historic Istanbul by visiting the nearby exquisite Blue Mosque. We'll top off the day with an introduction to Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant. Walking: light.
The Ottoman City
Our exploration of Istanbul begins with a visit to the Ottoman Sultans' legendary Topkapı Palace and Harem. This afternoon we'll weave our way through the back streets of the Old Town, visiting the lively Grand Bazaar (the world's oldest shopping mall) and the 16th century Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent. We'll wrap up our afternoon by exploring the exotic and fragrant Egyptian Spice Market — where "Turkish delights" are much more than candy. Walking: strenuous.
Byzantine Constantinople
Today we'll focus on the time the city was known as Constantinople, the eastern capital of the Roman Empire. We'll visit the 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia church — for 1,000 years the grandest domed structure in the Western world — and the mysterious Underground Cistern from ancient Roman days. This afternoon we'll examine some of the world's finest Byzantine mosaics at the Chora Church and then explore the ancient city walls. Our day will end with a walk through the laundry, hookahs, and hollering vendors of the colorful Fener neighborhood on the Golden Horn. Walking: strenuous.
Contemporary Istanbul
We'll explore the cosmopolitan side of Istanbul today with a walking tour of the New District, with its silk shops, trendy boutiques and tea houses all along the pedestrian-packed İstiklal Street. We'll find our way back to the Old Town by way of the Galata Bridge, rubbing elbows with local fishermen as we cross the Golden Horn. Tonight you may want to rejuvenate yourself with an authentic Turkish bath. Walking: moderate.
The Bosphorus and a Taste of Asia
Today is devoted to the Bosphorus, the strait separating Europe and Asia. We'll take a scenic cruise on this busy waterway, seeing grand palaces, cozy neighborhoods and the bustling life of Istanbul. We'll disembark on Asia, in the Kadiköy district, and explore this colorful neighborhood before heading "back to Europe." Boat: 3 hrs. Walking: light.
Pieces of the Mosaic
This morning we'll dig a little deeper into Istanbul's past, with a visit to the world-class Istanbul Archaeological Museum. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy more of Istanbul's sights, its fascinating streets, and thriving neighborhoods. Tonight we'll meet for a final dinner together and toast this magnificent city. Walking: light.
Turkey
Welcome to Turkey
We'll meet in our Istanbul hotel at 3 p.m. for a "Welcome to Turkey" get-together. Tonight we'll take a stroll to visit the historic Blue Mosque and have our first taste of Turkish cuisine. Sleep in Istanbul (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Old Christian and Islamic Istanbul
During the next two days, we'll sightsee and sift through the many historic layers of Old Istanbul, including the Roman Hippodrome and cistern, the Byzantine Hagia Sophia Church, mosaic-covered Chora Church, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and Istanbul's legendary Grand Bazaar. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Istanbul and Night Train to Ankara
We'll continue to explore Istanbul today, beginning with the Ottoman Topkapı Palace and Harem, and then visit the heart of the new district, where you'll have free time and lunch on your own. Later, we'll have time to wander through the exotic sights and smells of the Egyptian Spice Market. After our scenic cruise up the Bosphorus Strait, we'll catch our night train to Ankara. We'll sleep on the overnight train (2 bunks per compartment, 1 night). Bus: 1 hr. Boat: 2 hrs. Train: 10 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Anatolian Ankara and Cappadocia
After breakfast on the train, we'll meet our bus and driver in Ankara, then tour the world-class Anatolian Civilizations Museum and Atatürk's Mausoleum. After lunch, we'll drive to the scenic and historic Cappadocia region, where we'll sleep in the village of Müstafapaşa (2 nights, group may be split between two B&Bs). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.
All Day to Explore Cappadocia
Surrounded by Cappadocia's other-worldly "fairy chimney" rock formations, we'll explore the countryside and visit an open-air museum where caves served as early Christian churches. This afternoon, we'll see a carpet-weaving demonstration and learn how this craft became so important to the Turkish economy. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Pottery and Countryside Charms
Weather permitting, we'll start the day with an optional hike through a Cappadocia valley. Non-hikers can spend the morning exploring the village of Müstafapaşa or visit the market in a nearby village. After a pottery demonstration and lunch, we'll visit the underground city of Kaymaklı. Later we'll drive to rural Güzelyurt, arriving in time for dinner at our hotel. Sleep in Güzelyurt (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Mosque Visit and a Caravanserai
This morning we'll meet with the local mosque's Imam (counterpart to a minister or rabbi) and have the opportunity to ask questions, or spend free time in town. After lunch, we'll drive to an old Silk Road caravanserai, before continuing on to Konya, where we'll sleep. Sleep in Konya (1 night). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Mevlana's Konya and Antalya
This morning we'll tour the museum associated with Mevlana Rumi, spiritual father of the Whirling Dervishes. We'll then enjoy lunch en route to the Mediterranean resort town of Antalya, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.
Mediterranean Boat Cruise
Weather permitting, we'll sail most of the day on the Mediterranean aboard our private boat, have lunch at sea — and perhaps a swim. We'll then rendezvous with our bus for the return trip to Antalya. Those who are interested may have free time later in the day to visit Antalya's impressive Archaeological Museum. Bus: 2 hrs. Boat: 4 hrs. Walking: light.
Wonderland of Pamukkale
En route to Pamukkale, we'll spend time at a local farmers' market. Once in Pamukkale, famous for its calcified cliffs and historic ruins, you'll have the opportunity to swim and soak in a natural spring pool amid Roman columns. Sleep in Pamukkale area (1 night). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Ancient Aphrodisias and Kuşadası
Today we'll drive to seaside Kuşadası. Along the way, we'll visit the ancient site of Aphrodisias for the impressive Ancient Greek sculptures and city ruins. Sleep in Kuşadası (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Roman City of Ephesus
Today we'll tour the remarkable ruins of the city of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul made quite a stir. Later, we'll say our goodbyes with a final "farewell dinner." Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
References
Rick Steves: Istanbul in 7 Days
Rick Steves: Turkey in 13 Days
Rick Steves: Village Turkey in 11 Days
Post-tour Turkey alternatives
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