Exploring Istanbul

During the next 3 days in Istanbul we will immerse ourselves fully with walking tours and visits to the ancient Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, a most impressive sight with it’s massive dome and 6 minarets, Hagia Sophia, the famous basilica which was constructed in the 6th century A.D. and is often described as the greatest work of Byzantine architecture, and of course, shop at the Grand Bazaar once or twice and the quieter Arasta Bazaar. Sipping tea in the garden of Yesil Ev will be a respite from the continuing bustle that is Istanbul. The Topkapi Palace Museum will take us back to the time of the Ottoman Sultans. The colorful Spice Markets will offer you more stunning photo opportunities. A walking tour of the culinary capital of Turkey, the Beyogul district which is enjoying a revival with many cafes, bars and bistros, will add to our Turkish culinary experiences. A short cruise is included on the Bosphorous and will culminate our time exploring Istanbul’s fascinating offerings.

Magical Cappadocia

We depart the bustle of Istanbul via air for the wonderland of Cappadocia, the land of the Fairy Chimneys deep in the heart of central Turkey; a place apart. Breathe the air here and soak in the spirit. All your Turkish flights in the country are included and will be arranged once we are in Turkey. Our fascinating and comfortable luxe boutique hotel is tucked into millennium old caves. Imagine!! It dates back to 5th and 6th centuries. Here we will also do some walking in the Rose Valley and exploring the countryside in this spectacular land. This landscape is Turkey’s most stunning natural wonder. Cappadocia is a place of unusual geographic formations sprinkled with green vineyards, orchards, and frescoed churches. You will visit underground cities of Kaymakli, Pasabag, and Zelve as well as Goerme’s Open Air Museum which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where you will experience the Whirling Dervishes one evening and visit the Avanos handcraft Center or perhaps take an optional hot air balloon ride.

Sirince

We will walk in The Rose Valley here before leaving for the coast. As hard as it may be, we will leave this area and fly the short distance to Izmir and onward for the drive to Kusadasi, an hour south. Kusadasi is an Aegean port where we will base to tour the infamous Ancient Ephesus, a site that is being meticulously restored and has the renowned Archaeology Museum. Ephesus is busy and, like Assisi in Italy, the street vendors are hustling selling their wares. Once past them, relish the ancient ground beneath your feet and touch civilizations that walked here long ago. We will take time to drive to the smaller village of Sirince, one of the most picturesque villages on the Aegean coast, and relish the local colors, perhaps sipping some wines or sampling Turkish pastry letting ourselves continue to absorb the essence of Turkey.

Ephesus

We will walk the sacred ground in Ephesus an ancient city of Greek and Roman origins.

Pamukkale

The Romans were well aware of therapeutic powers building the ancient city of Hierapolis close to the waters of Pamukkale which is now one of the country’s most popular thermal resorts. A spa town since Roman times, Pamukkale literally means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish and is one of Turkey’s most impressive natural wonders boasting a series of white travertine terraces formed by the high mineral content of the natural spring water that runs down the cliff and collects in warm pools on the terraces. The white travertines are a protected site but those who want to enjoy the thermal waters can do so in the nearby pool which is littered with fragments of ancient marble columns from the nearby ruins of Hierapolis.

Bodrum

We will drive approximately 2.5 hours to the sea and Bodrum for our finale with private room at the lovely five star SLH Maramar Bodrum overlooking the sea. We will continue touring and experience a full day sailing on a Turkish Gulet exploring the coast and perhaps snorkeling. We will begin to unwind a bit here, slowing the pace for our last few days prior to our return home from the wonder that is Turkey.