Turkey Encompassed

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 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. After, consider heading out with your group to seek out some tasty Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe – try a borek (flaky pastry stuffed with fillings like potato, cheese or meat). Make sure to ask your local leader for all the best recommendations on where to eat.

Start the day with a leisurely guided walk and discover some of Istanbul’s most revered sites. Visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque and learn more about its one-of-a-kind architecture, with its six minarets and 20,000 dazzling handmade Iznik tiles. Next, head to the ancient Hippodrome and marvel at the intriguing monuments, like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column and German Fountain. Later this morning, travel by private vehicle to the beautiful rural town of Beypazari. The town's historic houses and welcoming community reflect the essence of Turkish culture. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore the streets of this quaint town.

Spend your morning visiting the Living Museum of Beypazari, which offers re-enactments and interactive experiences that will give you a deeper understanding of traditional Turkish folk culture. After, drive to Cappadocia, a beautifully diverse landscape of cones, needles and columns, naturally formed from the soft volcanic tuff rock. The unique, honeycombed terrain consists of a network of caves which have been hollowed out to make churches and dwellings, known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people in this region lived on the land, but in times of war, they took to living underground. With no activities planned for the rest of the day, you’re free to explore the intriguing towns at your own pace.

This morning, you have the option to take a hot air balloon flight – a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch as the sun illuminates the distinctive Cappadocia landscape. Even if you don’t opt to take a flight, it's still worth waking up for the truly incredible sight of the sunrise over this region. 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 ten churches and chapels in the complex, dating between AD900 and 1200. Enter the cave chapels and witness the exquisite colour of the biblical frescoes that lie within. The Dark Church has a particularly stunning interior, which you may choose to visit at an additional cost. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish – maybe go on a sunset hike (if you do, ask your leader for the best spots to do so!).

After breakfast this morning, take a walk through the surrounding valleys and discover the fascinating rock formations, fairy chimneys and human-made cave chapels from early Christian times. Be warmly welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a local woman who will prepare a special home-cooked lunch for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and top off the meal with some local Turkish delight. Continue your exploring at the red river of Cappadocia – famous for its clay which is still used to make magnificent pieces of art. Meet a local potter and learn about this ancient craft, then maybe take the opportunity to purchase a handcrafted souvenir. Continue your journey into the valleys of Cappadocia, stopping at Devrent Valley and Pasabag Valley. After a day of exploration, you’ll have free time for the rest of the evening.

Spend your last morning in Cappadocia exploring the Underground City of Ozkonak – an ancient metropolis made up of subterranean labyrinths and dwellings. This afternoon, travel to the city of Konya, where the Sufi practice of 'whirling' originates. When you arrive, you’ll go on an orientation walk of the town followed by a guided tour of the Mevlana Museum, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into the history of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes.

This morning, drive across the magnificent Taurus Mountains to reach one of Turkey's true coastal gems – Antalya. Your leader will introduce you to the delights of the Old City with an orientation walk along its cobblestone streets. Visit the clock tower, Hadrian’s Gate and the Roman Harbour before venturing into the historical zone of Kaleici – an area within Antalya’s historic centre that’s protected from modern development. This area is home to relics of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman occupations. Later, you’ll have some free time to swim, relax and enjoy stellar views of the Mediterranean Sea.