Join us for an extraordinary journey through Türkiye with renowned guide Şerif Yenen, exploring thousands of years of history from Ephesus and Pamukkale to Cappadocia, Mount Nemrut, Göbekli Tepe, and beyond. Stay in beautiful boutique hotels, experience incredible landscapes, fascinating archaeological sites, local culture and cuisine, and discover Türkiye through the stories and expertise of one of the country's most celebrated guides. This is Türkiye the Cultured Travel way: epic experiences, spectacular places, and an awesome small group to share it all with.

We at Cultured Travel have had the privilege of working with Şerif Yenen for more than seven years, and believe us when we tell you that experiencing Türkiye with Şerif is something very special.

Şerif is one of Türkiye’s most respected and recognized guides, as well as an author, travel expert, international lecturer and educator. He wrote Turkish Odyssey, described as the first guidebook to Türkiye written in English by a Turk, along with numerous other guidebooks. His work has even been used as recommended reading and textbooks at universities.

His reputation extends far beyond the travel industry. Over the years, Şerif has been trusted to personally guide an impressive list of guests, including Pope Benedict XVI, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. George Friedman, Matt Lauer and Lester Holt.

But here’s one of our favorite things about traveling with him: be prepared for other guides around the country to recognize Şerif and come up asking to have their picture taken with him! We’ve watched it happen, and it tells you everything you need to know about the respect he has earned within his own profession.

As impressive as his résumé is, that’s not why we love working with him. Şerif has an incredible ability to take thousands of years of complicated history and turn it into stories that make the places around you come alive. He’s knowledgeable, fascinating, funny, and deeply passionate about sharing his country.

There are many ways to visit Türkiye. Getting to experience it alongside Şerif is a privilege, and one of the things that makes this particular journey so extraordinary.

For more information about him, visit his website http://serifyenen.com/

Our Türkiye journey has been designed to include an extraordinary amount while still providing flexibility where it makes sense.

When registering, you will see a base tour package price of $6,795 per person. You will then select your preferred room category for our first stay at the Magnaura Palace Hotel in Istanbul as an add on to your package.

Why structure it this way? The Magnaura Palace is a wonderful small boutique hotel in the heart of historic Istanbul, and unlike the other hotels on our journey, it offers several different room types at different price points. Rather than choosing for you, we decided to let you choose the room and price point that works best for you.

The least expensive option brings the total tour price to approximately $6,970 per person, double occupancy. Please note that there are only eight Standard Rooms available, and upgraded room categories will increase the total price accordingly.

An Exceptional Value

This is not a typical tour of Türkiye.

Over the course of our journey, we will experience some of the most extraordinary historic and archaeological sites in the world, including Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis and Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Mount Nemrut, Şanlıurfa, Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe.

We will stay in carefully selected boutique and upscale hotels, travel by private vehicle, enjoy daily breakfasts and eight included dinners, have admissions to the sites specified throughout our itinerary, experience a Whirling Dervish ritual, and have a Cultured Travel tour director accompanying the group throughout the journey.

But perhaps the greatest value of this trip is something that can't simply be priced: we will experience Türkiye with Şerif Yenen.

Şerif is an internationally recognized Turkish guide, author and lecturer whose expertise has made him a trusted authority on Turkish history, culture and travel. His guiding services have been sought out by everyone from Pope Benedict XVI to Oprah Winfrey, and we have the privilege of having him guide our small group through his country.

Could you visit Türkiye for less? Of course. But this journey isn't designed to be the least expensive way to see Türkiye. It is designed to be an exceptional way to experience it.

At a starting price of $6,970 per person, double occupancy, we believe the depth of the itinerary, quality of the accommodations, extensive inclusions, small group experience and extraordinary level of guiding make this trip an incredible value.

Easy Monthly Payments

You also don't need to pay the entire tour price at once. After your initial deposit, your remaining balance will be divided into monthly payments through July 2027, making it easier to budget for your adventure over time.

Choose your room. Reserve your place. Then start counting down the months until Türkiye!

To kick off this tour on the right foot, the expectation is that everyone will arrive in Istanbul on Saturday, September 25th to rest, acclimate to the time change, and explore! We will be staying at our favorite hotel in the best location in the entire city!

You will have today free to catch up with old friends, meet new friends, sleep in, go shopping, or do whatever else your heart desires in this fantastic city at the crossroads of the world!

We will depart the beautiful Magnaura Palace hotel at 5AM in preparation for our 8AM flight to Izmir where our adventure begins!

After arriving in Izmir, we will:

- Explore the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus

- Visit the serene House of the Virgin Mary

- Tour the historic Basilica of St. John

- Enjoy an overnight stay in beautiful Kusadasi at Korumar Hotel De Luxe.

Drive to the breathtaking destination of Pamukkale.

- Stop at the remarkable ancient site of Aphrodisias en route, known for its well-preserved ruins and beautiful marble structures.

- Visit the stunning terraces of Pamukkale, with their striking white travertine pools, and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, filled with fascinating history and ruins.

- Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in Pamukkale at the comfortable Hierapark Hotel, where you can unwind and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Embark on a scenic drive to Konya.

• Explore the fascinating Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this spiritual site.

• Afterward, continue your journey to the enchanting region of Cappadocia

• Stop at the historic Sultanhan Caravansary, a testament to the Silk Road's vibrant past.

• Finally, enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in Cappadocia at the Yunak Evleri Hotel.

• Explore the enchanting region of Cappadocia, known for its unique landscapes and rich history:

• Discover the stunning valleys, ancient churches, fascinating museums, and an intriguing underground city that showcases the region's remarkable past.

• In the evening, attend a mesmerizing Whirling Dervish Ritual at Sarıhan at 6:30PM, where you can witness the spiritual dance that embodies the beauty of Sufi tradition.

• Enjoy a breathtaking optional hot-air balloon flight in the morning, where you will soar above the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, taking in panoramic views of fairy chimneys and unique rock formations bathed in the golden light of dawn.

• Hike through the picturesque valleys of Cappadocia, where you will encounter the region's natural beauty and diverse flora, while following trails that lead to hidden gems and stunning vistas.

• Engage in further exploration of Cappadocia, delving deeper into its rich history and culture.

• Depart from Cappadocia and drive to Gaziantep.

• Upon arrival, visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to stunning ancient mosaics that tell stories of the past.

• Explore a portion of Gaziantep’s historic center, taking in the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere, depending on your arrival time.

• Enjoy an overnight stay in Gaziantep.

• Depart from Gaziantep for Adıyaman, enjoying the scenic journey through beautiful landscapes.

• Continue your adventure to the majestic Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that promises breathtaking views.

• Visit the monumental sanctuary and colossal statues dedicated to King Antiochus I, marveling at their grandeur and historical significance.

• See the impressive East and West Terraces, where you can take in stunning panoramas and appreciate the ancient artistry.

• Enjoy an overnight stay in the Adıyaman region, soaking in the local culture and hospitality.

Embark on a scenic drive to Şanlıurfa.

- Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the fascinating exhibits at the Archaeological Museum in Şanlıurfa, showcasing artifacts that tell the story of ancient civilizations.

- Next, visit the revered Prophet Abraham’s Cave and Pool, a serene site steeped in religious significance and surrounded by tranquil beauty, providing a perfect atmosphere for reflection and exploration.

-Explore the historic bazaar area, time permitting.

Visit the fascinating ancient sites of Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, where you can marvel at some of the oldest known temples in the world, rich in history and archaeological significance.

- If time permits, take a delightful detour to explore the charming town of Harran, renowned for its unique beehive-shaped houses and vibrant cultural heritage.

- Board your flight to Istanbul at 8:25PM

- Arrive at the Istanbul Airport (IST) at 10:35PM

- Overnight at or near the Istanbul Airport in preparation for departures the following day

Today, we will depart and head back home or onward to the next adventure with our hearts and cameras full.