Turkey: A Journey Through History

Arrive in Istanbul, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.

This morning, enjoy a private, before-hours visit to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, home to a vast array of manuscripts, miniatures, ceramics, glassware, and antique Turkish carpets. Continue to the timeless Hagia Sophia, marveling at the structure’s imposing façade and towering, vaulted ceilings. Next, explore the Istanbul Archaeological Museum Complex, which features three museums – Museum of Classical Archaeology, Museum of Ancient Orient and Tile Museum - in a single park. Cross over the Golden Horn and delve into the distinctive Pera district for lunch and visit a coffeehouse, learning the story of this uniquely Turkish tradition. In the afternoon, embark on a private cruise of the Bosphorus. Later this evening, gather with your fellow guests for a welcome dinner.

Begin your day with a private opening visit to the Cistern of Theodosius, built by Roman Emperor Theodosius II between 428 and 443 to store water supplied by the Valens Aqueduct. Next, revel in the ornately decorated ceilings and spectacular tile work of Topkapi Palace, the one-time imperial residence of Ottoman sultans. It was from here that the Turks ruled most of the Mediterranean and Western Orient. This afternoon, fly to Bodrum and check in to your hotel to relax before dinner.

Stop by the ancient Theater of Halicarnassus before visiting the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum in the Castle of St. Peter, which houses the oldest shipwreck ever discovered. Meet with the Institute’s head curator for a behind-the-scenes visit to the laboratories where the research is conducted. Next, savor a Chef ’s Table cooking demonstration showcasing local dishes and an exploration of the local farmers market’s vibrant produce stalls. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Journey to Euromos to explore the ruined yet magnificent Temple of Zeus. Continue to Didyma to discover the Temple of Apollo, dating to at least 300 BC. Stop for lunch at a local seaside restaurant. Then, proceed to Priene for a walking tour at the age-old Temple of Athena before continuing to Izmir, where you enjoy dinner overlooking the sea.

Embark on a day trip to Ephesus, where Saint Paul once lived. Explore the renowned archaeological park and museum here before enjoying a special lunch in a nearby village. Return to Izmir for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Fly via Istanbul to Kayseri to explore the nearby volcanic stone “fairy chimneys.” View frescoes at the rock-carved churches of Goreme, and visit the restored Dark Church, during a private evening opening at this stunning open-air museum.

This morning, enjoy an optional hot air balloon excursion over Cappadocia. Then, visit the Goreme Weavers Association on an engaging artisan visit. Next, sit down with a local family for lunch in their home. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating underground city at Kaymakli, which dates to as early as the eighth century BC and includes chapels, kitchens, air vents and living quarters carved out of volcanic rock. Afterward, return to your hotel for a refreshing Scenic Sundowner and bonfire experience.

Today, fly back to Istanbul. This afternoon, visit Dolmabahce Palace, once a seat of Ottoman power, and see the collection of Ottoman royal barges, a hidden gem of the city.

Explore Suleymaniye Mosque and Istanbul’s fabled Grand Bazaar, meeting local craftspeople along the way. After lunch at a local restaurant, stroll the fragrant stalls of the spice market. Tonight, gather with your fellow guests for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart.