Compare Turkey Encompassed by Intrepid Travel vs The Best of Turkey: A Journey by Land and Gulet by Road Scholar

Day 1 Istanbul

Hosgeldiniz! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home. Meet your leader and fellow travellers at a 6 pm welcome meeting and after, maybe head out together to seek out some tasty Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe.

Day 2 Beypazari

Kickstart the day with a leisurely guided walk and discover some of Istanbul’s most revered sites. Visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque and learn more about its one-of-a-kind architecture, with its six minarets and 20,000 dazzling handmade Iznik tiles. Next, head to the ancient Hippodrome, with and marvel at the intriguing monuments, like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Later this morning, travel by private vehicle to the beautiful rural town of Beypazari. The town's historic houses and welcoming community reflects the essence of Turkish culture. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore the streets of this quaint town.

Day 3 Goreme

Spend your morning visiting the Living Museum of Beypazari, which offers re-enactments and interactive experiences that will serve you a deeper understanding of traditional Turkish folk culture. Afterward, drive onwards to Goreme in Cappadocia. Goreme lies in a beautifully diverse landscape of cones, needles and columns, fashioned by nature from the soft volcanic tuff rock. Its unique, honeycombed terrain consists of a network of caves, scooped out to make churches and dwellings, known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people in this region lived on the land, but in times of war, they took to living underground. With no activities planned for the rest of the day, you’re free to explore this intriguing town at your own pace.

Day 4 Goreme

This morning you have the option to take a hot air balloon flight, a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch on as the sun illuminates the skyline dotted with balloons. Even if you'd prefer not to take a flight, it's still worth waking up for this truly incredible sight. Later in the morning, head out to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex and Christian sanctuary of carved houses, churches and monasteries. The museum was one of the earliest centres for religious education and there are at least ten churches and chapels in the complex, dating between AD 900 and 1200. Enter the cave chapels and witness the exquisite colour of the biblical frescoes found within. The Dark Church has a particularly stunning interior, which you may choose to visit at an additional cost. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish - perhaps consider a sunset hike, ask your leader for the best places.

Day 5 Goreme

After breakfast this morning, take a walk through the surrounding valleys and discover the fascinating rock formations and fairy chimneys, as well as manmade cave chapels from early Christian times. Be warmly welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a local woman who will prepare a special home-cooked lunch for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and perhaps top off the meal with some local Turkish delight. Continue your explorations at the red river of Cappadocia – famous for its clay which is still used to make magnificent pieces of art. Meet a local potter and learn about this ancient craft and perhaps take the opportunity to purchase a hand-crafted souvenir. Continue your journey into the valleys of Cappadocia, stopping at Devrent Valley and Pasabag Valley. After a day of exploration, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 6 Konya

Spend your last morning in Cappadocia exploring the Underground City of Kaymakli – an ancient metropolis made up of subterranean labyrinths and dwellings. This afternoon, travel to the city of Konya, where the mystic Sufi practice of 'whirling' originates. On arrival, enjoy an orientation walk of the town followed by a guided tour of the Mevlana Museum, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into the history of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes.

Day 7 Antalya

This morning, drive across the magnificent Taurus Mountains to reach one of Turkey's true coastal gems, Antalya. Your leader will introduce you to the delights of the Old City with an orientation walk along its cobblestoned streets. Visit the clock tower, Hadrian’s Gate and the old Roman Harbour before venturing into the historical zone of Kaleici – an area within Antalya’s historic centre that’s protected from modern development. This area is home to relics of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman occupations. Afterwards, feel free to swim, relax and enjoy stellar views of the crystal blue Mediterranean.

Day 8 Kas

Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Antalya Museum, home to an excellent collection of Turkey’s archaeological treasures. The beautifully preserved statues in the Hall of Gods, Heracles now among them, are not to be missed. Continue to the seaside village of Kas – its whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea, as well as an ancient Greek theatre, make this a great place to explore on foot. If you feel like cooling off with a refreshing dip, why not head to one of the waterfront restaurants which often have their own private water access? When the sun goes down there’s the chance to explore the handicraft markets, where you can find beautiful handmade wares with a distinctly Turkish twist. For dinner this evening, make sure you sample the delicious, freshly-caught seafood.

Day 9 Kas

Today you’ll drive to Kekova where you’ll board a local boat and take a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful and picturesque islands, each with distinctive rock formations – keep your eyes peeled for the ancient houses submerged in the clear water. For lunch, enjoy a homemade Turkish meal onboard before arriving in the settlement of Ucagiz, a township of stone houses draped in colourful flowers. Explore this quaint township before continuing to cruise to beautiful protected inlets – perfect for a refreshing dip just off the boat. Return to Kas for the evening.

Day 10 Pamukkale

Today you'll drive to Pamukkale, best known for its mineral-rich thermal waters that flow spectacularly down a terraced hillside. Take a restorative dip in these thermal hot springs and explore the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis. The city was an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC. Your leader will bring history to life and guide you through an ancient temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. Tonight, you can enjoy a free evening in Pamukkale.

Day 11 Selcuk

It’s an early start this morning as you make your way to Selcuk, your base for visiting Ephesus. Selcuk itself is culturally rich and retains many Turkish traditions. On the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll see the Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built over the supposed burial site of the saint. On your way to Selcuk, drive past apple and peach orchards to the quaint village of Sirince, where charming red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all of the above! Arrive in Selcuk and take a leader-led orientation walk of the town before an evening at leisure.

Day 12 Selcuk

Today you'll visit Ephesus, one of Turkey's most important ancient sites. Explore this beautifully preserved classical city with your leader, who will bring its colourful 1500-year history to life. Watch in awe as the sophistication of this former metropolis reveals itself: it had running water, public toilets, a renowned medical institute, and Roman baths. The theatre is well-preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but the marvellous library might just be the highlight. Later you will stop for lunch at a family-run restaurant, where you’ll feast on gozleme – the famous and very popular Turkish pancake – made fresh before your eyes. The afternoon and evening is yours to explore.

Day 13 Canakkale

This morning, travel to the waterside town of Canakkale. On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk of this exciting university city perched on the Dardanelles. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. You might like to see the Trojan horse used in the film Troy in 2004, which was later gifted to the city. Canakkale has a great range of dining options – ask your leader for some recommendations. Afterwards, why not take a stroll along the waterfront and sample some dondurma, a type of Turkish ice-cream.

Day 14 Gallipoli / Istanbul

Today you’ll cross the Dardanelles and head to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of enormous significance to Australians and New Zealanders. Turkey's most westerly point may feel serene; however, this coastal point was once a major backdrop of the Great War. Visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove, then head up the hill to pay homage at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials. From the Ataturk Memorial you can look down on the blue waters of the Dardanelles and see them in a more sombre light, you'll also find the remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers around this area. After touring the former battlefields, head back to Istanbul where your journey began, arriving late afternoon or early evening. Perhaps join your fellow travellers for a group dinner to celebrate your journey.

Day 15 Istanbul

Your Intrepid trip comes to an end this morning. If you wish to spend some more time in Istanbul, we would be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
Evening: Overnight flight.

Day 2
Arrival, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Ankara D Divan Cukurhan Hotel
Activity note: Upon arrival in Ankara Airport, clear passport control, claim your bags, go through customs and the sliding doors and look for the Road Scholar sign.

Dinner: Welcome dinner in the hotel.

Evening: We will gather in our private meeting room at the hotel at 6:00PM where your group leader will greet you with a warm welcome and introduce everyone. We will review the up-to-date daily schedules, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Day 3
Anatolian Civilizations Museum, Mausoleum of Ataturk
Cappadocia B,L,D Yunak Evleri
Activity note: Walking up to ½ mile during excursions and at the Mausoleum of Ataturk

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Start your day with a lecture on the ancient civilizations of Anatolia with emphasis on Hittite & Phrygian cultures. Lecture will be delivered by Prof Thomas Zimmerman, head of the Department of Archeology at Bilkent University of Ankara. Continue to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, an award-winning Museum to have a general overview about the civilizations of Turkey. The Museum exhibits boast artifacts from the Paleolithic era and continue chronologically through the Neolithic, Early Bronze, Assyrian trading colonies, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. The Museum is renowned especially for its artifacts from the Neolithic site of Catalhoyuk. The collection includes Mother Goddess sculptures, wall paintings, clay figurines, stamps, earthenware containers, and agricultural tools made from bones. The most impressive parts of this exhibit are a hunting scene on plaster from the 7th millennium BC, a reproduction of a Çatalhoyuk room with wall-mounted bull heads, a Mother Goddess Kybele (later Cybele) sculpture, obsidian tools, wall paintings of the (now extinct) volcano Mount Hasan erupting, and wall paintings of a leopard.

Lunch: In a restaurant in the old city.

Afternoon: A visit to the Mausoleum of Ataturk will provide a good background to modern Turkey and enable you to get a deeper understanding of this revolutionary character that shaped modern Turkey. The mausoleum's museum provides insight to the history of modern Turkey and the personality of Atatürk. Later on, depart for Urgup, Cappadocia, a landscape of spectacular volcanic pillar formations.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Magical formations of Cappadocia
Cappadocia B,L Yunak Evleri
Activity note: Walking in uneven terrain, for up to 1 mile. Sturdy walking shoes highly recommended. Some caves/churches require crouching to enter.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: There will be an optional hot air balloon flight this morning for those interested in discovering this unique geography from the air. Ballooning is a sunrise activity but you will return to the hotel for breakfast and join the excursions during the rest of the day. This morning we shall visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic center comprised of caves carved out of the soft volcanic rock of Cappadocia and decorated with frescoes and paintings. You will learn about the history of Christianity and monasticism in the area and discover the artistic and religious significance of frescos in these churches.

Lunch: At a local restaurant carved out of rock that was once home to the hosting family.

Afternoon: We will visit the workshop of a local artisan that specializes in pottery making, using the clay from the nearby Halys River. You will learn about this 5,000 year old craft and have your chance to work on the potter's wheel. Before going back to the hotel, we will attend a Whirling Dervish ceremony, performed by local Sufis at a restored caravansaray (ancient camel motel on the Silk Road) from 13th century.

Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Cappadocia, Miracle of Nature
Cappadocia B,D Yunak Evleri
Activity note: An optional hike through the formations of Cappadocia will be offered to those interested. Good walking shoes are a must.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will visit and explore the village of Sinasos. This village had a largely Greek population in Ottoman times. Today it is a thriving town with a small university lots to see and do nearby.

Lunch: Lunch on your own

Afternoon: This afternoon will be dedicated to more exploration in the gorges and valleys of Cappadocia. We will visit an impressive underground city, carved out of the ground to provide shelter from the attacking armies. There will be a short optional hike and various photo stops at some important vantage points to get an overview of this magical landscape?

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant in Avanos, located on the southern bank of the river Halys.

Evening: On your own

Day 6
The Silk Road and Sufism
Konya B,L,D Hich Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Drive west to Konya, on the central plateau of Turkey, following the . ancient Silk Road. We wll visit Sultanhani, a 13th century Seljuk caravanserai built on the Silk Road to accommodate the caravans of trade. Sultanhani is the largest and best preserved of the existing caravanserais.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Konya, specializing in local dishes from the area.

Afternoon: Once in Konya, we will visit the Museum/Mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, founder of the Whirling Dervish sect of Islam. You will learn about the mystic aspect of Sufism and hear some beautiful poetry by Rumi. Your group leader will discuss the principles of Sufism with the group and enlighten you about their beliefs and rituals.

Dinner: At the hotel

Evening: At leisure

Day 7
The Magnificent Roman Theater of Aspendos, City of Perge
Antalya B,L,D Akra Barut Hotel
Activity note: Walking at ancient Greek/Roman sites up to ½ mile. Occasional uneven pavement at ancient sites.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will depart Konya after breakfast and head south towards the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey by crossing the impressive Taurus Mountains.

Lunch: In a restaurant en route.

Afternoon: This afternoon, you will visit the stunning theater of Aspendos and your group leader will give you a detailed on-site lecture about Roman theaters. You will also visit Perge, an important city of the Roman province of Pamphylia and wonder at its impressive Hellenistic city gates.

Dinner: At the hotel

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Award Winning Museum of Antalya and Embarkation on Gulet
Turquoise Coast Cruise B,L,D Exclusively Chartered Gulet (yacht)
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the award winning Museum of Antalya. This museum is one of Turkey's largest museums and includes 13 exhibition halls and an open air gallery, displaying over 5,000 works of art which illuminate the history of the Mediterranean and Pamphylia regions in Turkey. Later on depart Antalya heading inland then south through the lush valleys of the Taurus Mountains. Arrive in Gocek in mid afternoon to embark on our privately chartered exclusive gulet.

Lunch: In a restaurant en route to Gocek

Afternoon: Embark on our gulet in Gocek for the four-night cruise along the coast. Lift anchor and cruise a short distance to spend the night in a quiet and pristine cove.

Dinner: Aboard the gulet.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Gemiler, Island of St. Nicholas
Turquoise Coast Cruise B,D Exclusively Chartered Gulet (yacht)
Activity note: Optional hike up to the summit of the island on uneven terrain

Breakfast: Aboard the gulet.

Morning: Cruise to Gemiler Island. On the island are the remains of several churches built between the fourth and sixth centuries AD, along with a variety of associated buildings. Archaeologists believe it was the location of the original tomb of Saint Nicholas. Gemiler (means ships in Turkish) is noteworthy because its north shore is lined with galliot and other ancient ship parking slips. Once home to Lycian and Byzantine pirates, there are remains of an entire village and it is possible to walk from the pirate-ship slips through a covered walkway to a basilica. Gemiler Island is a great setting to swim and snorkel, and an equally splendid spot to take in a hilltop sunset.

Lunch: On board the gulet

Afternoon: Relax aboard the gulet or choose either a hike to the top of the island to explore its ruins, or to Kayakoy, a now-abandoned village used during the "Exchange of Citizens" between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s. There, learn more about the history of the village and talk to some locals from a nearby village that was inhabited by Turks sent from Greece.

Dinner: Aboard the gulet.

Evening: At leisure. Opportunity to discuss various subjects/topics about Turkey with your group leader.

Day 10
Lonely Ruins of Lydae
Turquoise Coast Cruise B,L,D Exclusively Chartered Gulet (yacht)
Activity note: Walking on uneven terrain during hike

Breakfast: Aboard the gulet.

Morning: Cruise for a few hours to the cove called the Hamam, also called by the locals Cleopatra's Bath where Cleopatra supposedly had a bath built due to the hot thermal waters in the cove. Cleopatra who gave her name to the Bay was here twice, once in 46 BC and again in 32 BC on her honeymoon with Marc Antony who was en route to Actium.

Lunch: On board the gulet

Afternoon: Enjoy a 1 hr optional hike to walk up to the ruins of Lydae, not accessible by car as there is no road to this ancient site. Off the beaten path and rarely visited, Lydae features many vivid bits of ancient buildings including mausolea, agora foundations, statue remnants, Corinthian column sections and inscribed pedestals from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Dinner: Aboard the gulet.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Rock Tombs, Kaunos and Loggerhead Turtles
Turquoise Coast Cruise B,L,D Exclusively Chartered Gulet (yacht)
Activity note: Additional boat ride on a locally chartered vessel to cruise the Dalyan Delta and to visit Kaunos.

Breakfast: Aboard the gulet.

Morning: Cruise a short distance to Ekincik, another lovely cove on the Mediterranean. We transfer to a local small boat to put-put through the reeds and the maze of the Dalyan River delta. We will see the impressive Lycian rock tombs carved out of the hillside, built for the local kings and dignitaries. You will also visit the well preserved Carian city of Kaunos.

Lunch: Aboard the gulet.

Afternoon: For the interested people, there will be an optional hike back from Kaunos back to Ekincik. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and swimming. The nearby Iztuzu Beach is a 3 mile long beach near Dalyan. The beach is a narrow spit of land, which forms a natural barrier between the fresh water delta of the Dalyan river and the Mediterranean. It is one of the main breeding grounds for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean and is therefore often referred to as "Turtle Beach". (The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red list of endangered animals. For this reason the beach has had a protected status since 1988. The greatest threat to the survival of the loggerhead sea turtle is on these sandy beaches where its life begins. This has triggered an international conservation effort that began in the 1990s. The effort to protect loggerhead sea turtle eggs and to assure a safe breeding ground for this endangered species has made international headlines. This issue is one of the most critical items on Turkey's environmental agenda.

Dinner: Aboard the gulet.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Hands-On Experience, Lecture on Turkish Carpets
Kusadasi/Ephesus B,L,D La Vista Boutique Hotel
Breakfast: Aboard the gulet.

Morning: Disembark the gulet in Ekincik following breakfast. Drive north to Selcuk, near Ephesus.

Lunch: At a local carpet weaving center

Afternoon: Hear a lecture on the centuries old craft of hand-made Turkish carpets and silk production at a local carpet center. Opportunity for a hands-on trial of carpet weaving. During this in-depth visit with the women weavers, share tea and coffee and learn about their lives, families and work.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure

Day 13
Ephesus, the Jewel of Asia Minor
Kusadasi/Ephesus B,L,D La Vista Boutique Hotel
Activity note: Walking up to 1 mile on uneven terrain in the ancient city of Ephesus. Climbing a few stairs will be necessary to visit the unique Terrace Houses.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Begin with a lecture on the Graffiti of Ephesus delivered by a British professor of antiquities. Discover the ruins of Ephesus, the jewel of Greek-Roman cities and capital of Asia Minor. Explore the Terrace Houses, once inhabited by the wealthy Ephesians.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Ephesus to see the wonderful artifacts uncovered at the excavations from Ephesus. Also stop at the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel

Evening: At leisure.

Day 14
Introduction to Istanbul, the Imperial City
Istanbul B,L,D Armada Hotel Istanbul
Activity note: Some walking in the old city of Istanbul during the orientation

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to Izmir Airport to take a morning flight to Istanbul.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Istanbul upon arrival.

Afternoon: Enjoy an orientation tour of the old city, including a visit to the famous Blue Mosque, one of the most important landmarks of the city, dating back to 1616. The Blue Mosque soars above the old city with its 6 minarets and is a testimony to the golden age of Ottoman architecture. Walk through the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople and learn about the monuments that once adorned this huge structure.

Dinner: At the hotel's restaurant

Evening: On your own

Day 15
Jewels of Istanbul
Istanbul B,L,D Armada Hotel Istanbul
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, once the seat of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years and a great testimony to the power and wealth of the Ottoman Empire. You will also be able to visit the amazing Treasury and the intriguing Harem and catch a glimpse of daily life behind closed doors.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Sultanahmet

Afternoon: Continue to Taksim Square for a stroll on vibrant and colorful Istiklal Avenue, which demonstrates Turkey's position between the East and the West and the forces that affect it. This pedestrian street is always young and dynamic.

Dinner: On your own to explore the local fare

Evening: At leisure.

Day 16
From the Palace to the Bazaar
Istanbul B,L,D Armada Hotel Istanbul
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: This morning you will start your day with a field trip to the breathtaking Church of Hagia Sophia. You will learn about the architecture of this unique 1,500 year old building and awe at its size and glamour. Continue to visit the Underground Cisterns, built in 532 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in order to store water for his city. You will then drive along the ancient City Walls of Istanbul and learn about their strength and history.

Lunch: At a local restaurant serving Ottoman food straight from the court of the Sultans.

Afternoon: A visit to Kariye (Chora) Museum will reveal the most exquisite examples Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, dating to pre-Renaissance. Later on in the afternoon, the small but gem-like mosque of Rustem Pasha will demonstrate the stunning masterpieces of Iznik tiles from 16th century. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the Spice Bazaar that immediately captures visitors with its exotic aromas and the Grand Bazaar, a maze of 3,000 shops from the 15th century, literally the first shopping mall in history. End the day and the program with a cruise on the Bosphorus, on a privately chartered boat and enjoy the palaces, mansions, yalis, fortresses built along the shores of the Bosphorus.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance to the hotel

Evening: At leisure.

Day 17
Program Concludes
Istanbul B
Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: There will be group transfers from the hotel to Istanbul Airport, depending on the departure times of flights. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please be in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network, where you can share memories, pictures, and comments. Best wishes for all your journeys.