Turkey: Istanbul to the Turquoise Coast

Poised at the crossroads between East and West, Turkey is graced with a stunning coastline; picturesque villages; and a unique cultural legacy shaped by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Our journey begins in enchanting Istanbul. Experience the otherworldly moonscape of Cappadocia, stroll through ancient Ephesus, and then soak up the rhythms of everyday life as you explore the Aegean coast from Izmir to Bodrum.

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Istanbul, Turkey

Depart on an overnight flight to Istanbul, the capital of three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. After time to get settled this afternoon, gather for a welcome dinner.
Divan Istanbul (D)

Day 3 — Istanbul

Delve into this fabulous city today. Visit the iconic Hagia Sofia, built as a church by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century and converted to a mosque some 900 years later. Here, beneath the minarets and buttresses added by the Ottomans, discover the hidden mosaics of the original Byzantine structure. Then venture into the ancient Underground Cistern, also known as the Sunken Palace, an important water source during the Byzantine era. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, known as the Blue Mosque for the blue Iznik tiles that line its interior. Continue to the Hippodrome, the site of coronations and chariot races. Then, meander through the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered marketplaces in the world.
Divan Istanbul (B,L)

Day 4 — Istanbul

Set out for the Topkapı Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for four centuries. After lunch, visit the Ottoman imperial Süleymaniye Mosque. Then, examine a vast array of artifacts at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. From there, explore Rüstem Pasha Mosque, a treasure trove of exquisite Iznik tiles, and visit the nearby spice market. Later, enjoy a sunset Bosporus cruise.
Divan Istanbul (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Istanbul/Kayseri/Cappadocia

Fly to Kayseri, and continue overland to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cappadocia. This surreal volcanic moonscape, whittled into unique formations by wind and rain over millions of years, is characterized by clusters of natural stone pillars and cones known as fairy chimneys. In the third century, Christians fleeing Roman persecution carved churches and entire villages into niches in the tuff stone. Enjoy a specially arranged lunch in a private home and later, take in a performance of whirling dervishes—mystical Sufi dancers who spin themselves into a spiritual trance. Following the performance, enjoy a rare opportunity to sit down with one of the dervishes for a conversation about his faith and practice.
Hotel CaveDeluxe (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Cappadocia

Rise before dawn for an optional hot-air balloon excursion over this unique landscape. Then tour the Göreme Open Air Museum, a vast monastic complex of frescoed medieval cave churches cut into the tuff. Visit the eight-story-deep underground city of Kaymakli, dating back to the era of the Hittites. This afternoon, drive to Pasabağ, formerly known as Monks’ Valley, to see some of the most diverse fairy chimneys up close. Visit a local pottery studio and later, set out on an easy hike through Cappadocia’s Red Valley.
Hotel CaveDeluxe (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Cappadocia/Izmir

Take advantage of a leisurely morning to explore on your own. Then transfer back to Kayseri for a flight to Izmir. Settle into our hotel overlooking the Kordon promenade on the Aegean Sea.
Swissôtel Grand Efes (B)

Day 8 — Ephesus/Sirince/Izmir

Spend the day in Ephesus, once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Explore one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities, from its Great Theater and Terrace Houses to its elaborate water systems and beautiful mosaics. Visit the house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have lived during her final years. Later, continue to Sirince, a lovely hillside village where Ottoman houses are nestled against a backdrop of vineyards and olive groves. Wander the cobblestoned lanes, stopping in at wineries to sample local vintages.
Swissôtel Grand Efes (B,L)

Day 9 — Izmir/Bodrum

Travel to Bodrum, a charming port town and an important center for underwater archaeology. Meet researchers at the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA), where numerous National Geographic grantees have based their studies— including current INA president Deborah Carlson and INA founder George Bass. On a tour of the conservation laboratory, get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the recent finds, and the conservation work being done to preserve ancient artifacts.
The Marmara Bodrum (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Bodrum

The Castle of St. Peter, a 15th-century crusader fortress, now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology—an impressive collection of relics excavated from ancient shipwrecks found along the Turkish coast. Visit new buildings dedicated to Bronze Age and “glass wreck” excavations supported by National Geographic. This afternoon, glide along the spectacular Aegean coast in a privately chartered gulet, a traditional wooden sailing yacht. Swim and snorkel or simply relax on deck, taking in the stunning views. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner in Bodrum.
The Marmara Bodrum (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Bodrum/U.S.

Transfer to the airport for your flights home.
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