Classic Turkey

Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all called home. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 3 pm, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. After, head out with your group for a short orientation walk and join in a public cruise of the Bosphorus Strait for a fantastic view of the cityscape of Istanbul of its old and new, Europe and Asia.

You’ll depart Istanbul this morning, heading to Bolu. On the way, stop at Demirciler Village to visit a women-run coop restaurant. Learn their story of self-sufficiency, how they renovated an unused village school and transformed it into a countryside restaurant serving traditional, local food. Of course, you’ll also get to enjoy their excellent cooking, and the women will show you a few tricks to try at home! When you arrive in Bolu, get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader through the historic Old Town and around Yukari Tashan and Beyazit Mosque, full of well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Bolu is also famous for its fantastic Ottoman cuisine, so ask your leader for suggestions on where to grab some dinner tonight.

Today, you’ll head to Cappadocia – the city famed for its fairytale-like spires and sky full of hot air balloons. It’s a bit of a long travel day today, so make sure to have your favourite audio books on hand. When you arrive in the early afternoon, you’ll visit Kaymakli Underground City – a maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight layers beneath the earth’s surface and one of the largest underground settlements in the region! You’ll see the stables, kitchens and wineries that have been discovered underground, then sit down for Turkish tea while taking in the surreal panorama view of Cappadocia landscape at sunset. Enjoy a free evening. Maybe ask your leader for the best spots for dinner or get some rest for your early start tomorrow (if you’re taking on the highly recommended hot-air balloon ride!).

This morning, you have the option to take a hot-air balloon ride – a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch the sun illuminate the distinctive Cappadocian landscape. Even if you don’t opt to take the flight, it’s still worth waking up for the incredible sight of sunrise, with hot air balloons scattered across the brightening sky. Later in the morning, head out to the Goreme Open Air Museum – a monastic complex and Christian sanctuary of carved houses, churches and monasteries. The museum was one of the earliest centres for religious education and there are at least 10 churches and chapels in the complex, dating between AD900 and 1200. Enter the cave chapels and see the exquisite colours of the biblical frescoes. This afternoon, walk through one of the nearby valleys with your leader. It could be the Valley of Love where the fairy chimneys and their distinctive phallic shape will provide nothing if not an amusing afternoon. In the evening, you’ll be welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a local woman who will prepare a special homecooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your host and top off the meal with some local Turkish delight.

You’ll have a free morning today, so if you’ve not had the chance for a hot-air balloon flight, this is your chance. Then, drive to Konya, stopping at Catalhoyuk along the way. This settlement offers a window into the shift from nomadic life to settled communities 9000 years ago through its mudbrick homes, early wall paintings and evidence of plant and animal domestication. When arrive in Konya, the rest of the day is free. Maybe go see a dervish dance or visit The Mevlana Museum – home to 13th-century philosopher, poet and religious leader Rumi’s tomb.

Today, drive on to Pamukkale, best known for its mineral-rich thermal waters that flow spectacularly down a terraced hillside, nicknamed ‘cotton castle.’ Take a restorative dip in the hot springs and explore the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis – an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC. Your leader will bring history to life and guide you through the ancient temple, fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and impressive theatre. Tonight, you have a free evening to keep exploring Pamukkale at your own pace.

Today, make your way to Selcuk, your base for visiting Ephesus. Selcuk itself is culturally rich and retains many Turkish traditions. On the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill lie several historical buildings and you’ll see the Isa Bey Mosque – a beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk Turkish architecture – and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built over the supposed burial site of the saint. Follow your leader on an orientation walk, then enjoy a free afternoon.