Constantinople and More: Turkey

Arrive Istanbul, Turkey

Welcome to Turkey. You are met on arrival in mystical Istanbul and taken directly to your luxury hotel with views of the Bosphorus.

Istanbul, romantically known as Constantinople, is a vast, historic city where the Europe and Asia continents meet. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure; your guide can assist you in choosing a restaurant or perhaps some nearby sites to explore on your own.

Istanbul

Spend today exploring the most important historic landmarks of Istanbul, one of the most inspiringly beautiful cities in the world. Visit the most famed masterpiece of Ottoman religious architecture, the Blue Mosque. Named for its impressive turquoise colored tiles, this Muslim complex is unique, being one of only two mosques in the world with six minarets. Next, explore the fabulous Topkapi Palace, the center of the Ottoman Empire in 1453, when the Ottoman Turks conquered this region. Your comprehensive tour of the palace includes the Harem with its walls of beautiful Iznik Tiles, and the Treasury filled with exquisite jewelry and gifts made to the Sultans.

Across from Blue Mosque, sits a massive structure with a gigantic 93-foot diameter dome - the Basilica of Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom), built by Justinian the Great during 6th century. Now a museum displaying Byzantine art and architecture, your guide gives you a personal tour through this massive structure filled with gold mosaics, Arabic calligraphy and thousands of years of history. Next, visit the Roman Hippodrome. Once the center of Byzantine life, it houses the impressive granite obelisk of Emperor Theodosius. Carved in Egypt in 1500 B.C., the obelisk is covered with hieroglyphs. Theodosius brought the obelisk to Constantinople in 390 A.D. and added military engravings of his likeness.

This evening enjoy a special dinner at one of Istanbul’s finest restaurants savoring the local delicacies and views of the Bosphorous. ​(B,D)

Istanbul

This morning, board a private boat for a scenic cruise on the River Bosphorus, the waterway that separates the European and Asian sides of the city. Cruise this beautiful river and admire the skyline of the city - adorned with domes and minarets of numerous edifices. View the Galata Tower, a former stronghold of Genoese merchants, and Dolmabahce Palace. Pass typical fishing villages, water-side wooden mansions, palaces of the Ottoman Sultans, and the 15th century fortress of Rumeli Hisar, built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror.

Back on land, explore the Nuru Osmaniye District, where the Genoese and Venetian merchants stored their inventory of brass, copper, rugs and tiles before they were loaded on the ships to sail to Italy. Today it is home to the famous Grand Bazaar. Build in 18th century as horse-stables for the Ottoman cavalry, today this labyrinth of streets and passages houses more than 4,000 shops. Stroll through and explore the plethora of wares for sale, including perfumes, local handicrafts, spices, native delicacies, beautifully colored fabrics, fine leather goods, jewelry, and stunning tapestries. ​(B)

Istanbul to Bodrum

This morning, fly to the resort city of Bodrum, on the shores of the Aegean Sea.

This afternoon, discover Bodrum’s Mediterranean architecture and historical monuments on a private tour. Visit medieval Peter’s Castle of Crusaders, an impressive castle, built by the Knights of Rhodes, set at the confluence of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. See the Mausoleum of King Mausoleus, and Bodrum Castle, which now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, home to artifacts dating as far back as the Bronze Age. ​(B)

Bodrum

This morning, board a Turkish gulet for a delightful day’s private sailing experience.

A Turkish gulet is an all wooden handcrafted motor sailing yacht equipped with 1 or 2 masts, built for cruising the Mediterranean Coast. Gulets were originally built and used by fishermen and sponge divers to transport their catch. The classic gulet has a rounded aft, low-to-the-water profile and roomy hull. Gulets are typically built of pine wood and styled with a pointed fore and round aft. The spacious aft deck is designed for dining and lounging in the shade of a sun awning and a forward deck invites with numerous sunbeds.

A delicious lunch is served on-board. Take the opportunity to take a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean. (B,L)

Bodrum to Kusadasai

Today, travel up the scenic coastline, stopping first at the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, one of three identical temples of the ancient Greek civilization. Next visit Miletus, the center of Classical Hellenistic civilization and Priene, where you can see precious ruins dating back to Hellenistic period.

Late afternoon arrive in the seaside town of Kusadasai, where you spend the night. ​(B)

Kusadasai to Cappadocia

This morning, discover the glorious past of Ephesus, the world’s best preserved Roman city, and the most important archaeological and historic city in Turkey. Walk along the Marble Road to view the imposing structures – the Temple of Hadrian, with its articulate façade, and the Library of Celsus, displaying the grandeur of the Roman Period. Among all the archaeological remains, the Great Theater of Ephesus bears major Biblical importance, as it was the scene of an uprising by a merchant named Demetrius against St. Paul. See one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis. The goddess’ enormous temple was rebuilt several times, and in its latest form, dates from the 3rd century B.C. This temple was the site of goddess worship well into the Christian era. Next visit the 4th century House of Virgin Mary, made entirely of stones, and a wonderful example of Roman architecture. The site includes a church, Mary’s house and grave.

In the afternoon, you are transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to Kayseri, via Istanbul. Upon arrival, you are met and then taken to Cappadocia, in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey. Enjoy the next two nights in this magical region, staying at a luxurious rock-carved cave hotel. ​(B)

Cappadocia

Arise early this morning for an unforgettable memory - a Hot Air Balloon ride over the nature-formed valleys of Cappadocia. Soar above the unique lunar-like landscape - formed by wind and weather eroding the rock mountains, leaving behind pillars, cones and the famous “Fairy Chimneys.”

Back on the ground, visit the Monastic Center of Goreme, the first Monastic center of Christianity; founded during 4th century, it is one of the earliest centers of monastic life. Tour the Monastic Center, an open-air museum, with well-preserved Byzantine rock churches, all decorated with 12th century frescoes. Next, walk through the valley of Zelve, filled with the incredible ‘”fairy chimneys,” volcanic rock pinnacles with pointed tops and large trunks. It is a town composed of hundreds of centuries-old rock-carved houses occupied until 1942.

The last stop of your afternoon touring is in Avanos, a town known for its earthenware potteries symbolizing the traditional character of the region.

This evening enjoy an enchanting presentation of Whirling Dervishes, entertaining and mystic philosophers who dance into a trance. This 13th century art form is mesmerizing. ​(B)

Cappadocia to Istanbul

This morning, tour the Gumusluk Monastery, then, descend below the earth’s surface into the Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement of caves. Early Christians carved out these subterranean complexes to avoid Arab invaders who swept across the plains of Anatolia from the 6th to the 9th century.

Mid-afternoon you are driven back to Kayseri for your flight back to Istanbul, where you are met upon arrival and taken to your luxurious hotel in a quiet neighborhood of Istanbul near the many shops for a relaxing evening at leisure. ​(B)

Depart Istanbul

Today you will head to the airport for your departing flight home or on to your next destination. ​(B)