Turkey's glories span the millennia, from ancient Greek cities to dazzling Roman remains, and from Byzantine treasures to harmonious displays of disparate religious influence. Troy, Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia; each destination excels in offering new impressions and lingering memories. Cultural and architectural narratives take you across the country, where old-world charm intertwines with Mediterranean beaches and luxury yacht cruising.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Instabul - Welcome to Turkey
Turkey's land promises ancient glories and expressions of history. Many empires have ruled and many leaders have influenced a country that straddles the East and West. Roman, Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine, Christianity, Islam; with so many narratives to explore it's fitting to start in Istanbul. Rather than merely juxtapose disparate influences, the city captures the harmony of past and present. Sixth century relics stand beside cute modern cafes, the call to prayer resonantly drifts across palaces and churches, and it's sometimes hard to decide which direction to focus the eyes. The country's glories are everywhere and this first day is free so you can gently explore at your own pace. There will be a welcome briefing at the hotel where you'll meet the guide and driver for your trip.
What's Included:
Day 2
Instanbul - The Glories of the City
Day 3
Canakkale - Gallipoli War History and Overnight Stay
Day 4
Kusadasi - The Ancient Cities of Troy and Pergamum
Day 5
Evocative Ruins in Ephesus and Beaches in Kusadasi
Day 6
Pamukkale - The Famous Lime Terraces of Pamukkale and Spa Indulgence
Day 7
Antalya - Relaxing on the Mediterranean Coastline
Day 8
Antalya - Luxury Yacht Cruising on the Mediterranean
Day 9
Konya - Whirling Dervishes and More Traditions
Day 10
Cappadocia - Underground Cities and Fairytale Landscapes
Day 11
Cappadocia - Ballooning Above the City and Exploring Rock Churches
Day 12
Ankara - Cultural Narratives
Day 13
Instanbul - Cruising the Bosphorus and the Spices of Istanbul
Day 14
Departure
Trip Highlights
- Soak up the sensual brilliance of Istanbul, a city bursting with unique culture and famous old architecture
- Seek out some of the planet's most evocative ancient cities, like the ruins of Troy, remarkable Ephesus, and many memoirs to Greek and Roman empires
- Golden sand beaches and a luxury Mediterranean yacht cruise provide a change of pace, revealing another side to the glories of Turkey
- Discover the staggered lime terraces of Pamukkale and spend an afternoon in therapeutic thermal pools
- Experience the birthplace of the Whirling Dervishes in Konya, a tradition that continues to amaze visitors
- Soak up Cappadocia's bizarre landscape of volcanic chimneys and caves; float above it all in a hot air balloon, delve down below into the underground cities, and discover beautiful churches sculpted into the rock
- Discover unique surprises like 13th century caravansaries, spice markets, and Greco Roman relics standing on isolated hilltops
Detailed Description
Turkey's land bursts with poignant stories; the wooden horse of Troy, underground cities of Cappadocia, Whirling Dervishes in Konya, the white lime cascades of Pamukkale, 4,000 years of sultans, empires, and glories. It's virtually unrivaled as an architectural and historical destination, the landscape imbued with hundreds of unique disparate influences. Every day on this handcrafted itinerary is different. From the Greeks to the Romans to the Ottoman times, there's always a new sense of culture and tradition to explore. That's supplemented by Turkey's modern expressions of luxury; golden sand Mediterranean beaches, sailing on a private yacht, salubrious thermal spas, and hot air ballooning. Over two weeks you'll see ancient cities come alive, explore famous cultures, and discover an endearing atmosphere that's present throughout.
Your vacation to Turkey starts and ends in Istanbul, where mosques, cathedrals, and palaces, provide the first glimpses of an opulent history. Bazaars and markets offer labyrinthine journeys into spices and antiques, while a gentle Bosphorus cruise takes you along the Europe Asia divide. On days three and four, World War history mixes with the 4,000 year old remains of Troy and the beaches of Kusadasi. After the vast Greek ruins of Ephesus you indulge in the therapeutic spas and whitewashed thermal baths of Pamukkale. Turkey's destinations are like a jigsaw puzzle of chronicles and each day includes a variety of sights and attractions. For example, in between the renowned wonders, Hierapolis and Perge provide further immersions in ancient empires as you journey east through Turkey.
Change the pace by relaxing on the Mediterranean coastline and soaking up the summer sunshine. An afternoon on the beach is followed by a luxury private yacht cruise on day eight, the sapphire waters twinkling beside deserted sand. Turkey's traditions maintain their place in the 21st century, epitomized by the Whirling Dervishes of Konya and the cute villages of Cappadocia. To understand their brilliance you must explore their past; vast underground cities, remains of the Silk Road, churches carved into caves and covered in vibrant frescos. Amongst many highlights here, you'll enjoy a Whirling Dervishes performance in Konya and a hot air balloon ride above the volcanic chimneys of Cappadocia. There's time to fast forward to modern Turkey in Ankara before you fly back to Istanbul for the final day of your vacation.
Starting Price
$18,200 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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