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Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1674700
A melting pot of cultures, Turkey is fascinating and exotic. A whirl of glorious contradictions, it is one of the oldest continually inhabited regions in the world and home to more than 40,000 ancient sites. History aside, this cosmopolitan nation has plenty of modern charms to entice today’s discerning traveler, from the chic boutiques of Istanbul to the yacht-filled bays of the Turquoise Coast. This journey takes in some of the country’s most impressive sights, including the Ottoman treasures of Istanbul, the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Cappadocia’s unique landscape. Throughout, you will stay in sumptuous hotels and benefit from the experience and wisdom of A&K’s knowledgeable guides.
9 nights | Call for pricing
1 Arrive Istanbul, Turkey
Straddling the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a city where ancient minarets rise alongside the modern bustle, connecting Europe and Asia. Here, spice-laden air mingles with the scent of roasted chestnuts; the call to prayer echoes through cobblestone streets; and vibrant energy emanates through historic bazaars.
The soft dawn light illuminates the Hagia Sophia’s majestic dome, while the Basilica Cistern offers cool, echoing depths, its forest of columns mirrored in still, dark waters. Beyond the old city’s core, weathered walls mark the passage of time, and the tranquil Eyüp Sultan Mosque attracts pilgrims to its sacred grounds. Later, the Galata and Karaköy districts buzz with activity. A ferry ride along the Bosphorus, with the skyline bathed in golden sunset light, leads to the lively market of Kadiköy.
Topkapi Palace, where power and mystery intertwine, safeguards tales of sultans and their courts. Its rooms gleam with treasures, while the Harem offers glimpses into a secluded world. Nearby, the archaeological museum exhibits artifacts from bygone eras. Just beyond, the archaeological museum displays relics from ages past. Baroque Dolmabahce Palace marks the country’s shift towards Western influences. Changing gears, a stroll through the Nisantasi district offers a taste of modern Istanbul and the chance to pop into stylish shops and cafes.
Suleymaniye Mosque marks the reign of Sultan Suleyman and the genius of its architect. Rustem Pasha Mosque, another jewel of the era, captivates with its Iznik tiles. The Spice Market then draws you in with its lively atmosphere and the alluring scents of local delicacies, while the vast Grand Bazaar immerses you in a world of commerce. As the day draws to a close, the Bosphorus offers a choice: relaxation or a cruise. This essential waterway, shaped by ancient geological forces, continues to be a vital link, its strategic importance woven into the city’s fabric.
Journey westward to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site etched in history by the World War I campaign of 1915–16. Anzac Cove elicits profound emotion, its carefully tended Commonwealth military cemeteries serving as poignant reminders. A car ferry across the Dardanelles brings you to Troy, where excavations began in the late 19th century. The legend of the Trojan War has resonated through the ages, cultivating notions of nobility, inspiring Alexander the Great and shaping Roman and medieval thought. The journey continues along the picturesque “rolling plains of Troy” to Yesilyurt on the slopes of Mt. Ida.
The ancient Greek and Roman center of Assos captivates with its Aegean and Lesvos views, impressive ancient walls, the Athena Temple (530 BC) and the charming fishing village of Behramkale below. Beyond olive groves and Aegean shores, Pergamon’s ruins await, revealing a singular city where art blossomed under the patronage of a wealthy kingdom. The Royal City, on a 1,000-foot-high hill, held monuments, a theater, temples, palaces and a 200,000-scroll library. The Asclepion, a medical complex where Galen worked, is another highlight. Your journey ends in the ancient Izmir. A city of Aegean breezes, bustling bazaars, a sparkling waterfront and ancient roots, it’s said to be Homer’s home.
A journey to Ephesus, the Eastern Mediterranean’s most intact classical city, uncovers a history spanning millennia. Discover its importance as a center for the cult of Cybele, renamed Artemis by the Ionians. A tour of the Terrace Houses reveals stunning mosaic floors and frescoed walls. The museum and Temple of Artemis also offer insights. For a taste of modern life, the lively farmer’s market in Selcuk is held on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
A flight to Kayseri transports you to Cappadocia. Millennia of volcanic activity — followed by erosion — sculpted a unique terrain of soft, porous tuff, a canvas for “fairy chimneys.” Expert carvers transformed these tuff valleys into cave dwellings, monasteries, chapels and entire underground villages. A visit includes the extraordinary rock-carved churches of Göreme, now an open-air museum filled with sacred art. Capping the day is a visit to the Dark Church, restored to its former glory.
Kaymakli reveals a mysterious “underground city,” a network of over 40 cellar villages explored via an illuminated trail. The extensive system of rock-carved tunnels, hallways, storage and sleeping cells, air shafts, and chapels descends over 130 feet. Later, Avanos, a town on the Red River renowned for its pottery, invites exploration. A workshop visit offers insights into this traditional craft, with opportunities for hands-on pottery making.
Depart Cappadocia.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
1760 Powers Ferry Rd. - Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30067
USA
770-952-8300
800-326-4971