Asia Minor – home of the mighty Hittites, Ionian Greeks, Eastern Roman and Ottoman Empires. It is the confluence of ancient empires and cultures where “Wonders of the World” were erected, markets enriched Kings Midas whose touch turned everything into gold, and Croesus first minted coins. Great shrines of ancient gods and goddesses lay hand in hand with those of Christ and his Apostles. These sites and wonderful experiences are waiting for us on a journey through Turkey.

This itinerary is a starter pack for Turkey with some major “Silk Road” cities, regional food experiences, interactions with local people, and shopping in underground caves. Istanbul will get us warmed up to the history of civilizations with mosques and markets. Next, Cappadocia will fascinate us with a unique landscape, and finally, Ephesus will make us feel like a Roman as we walk down its marble streets.

Days 1-3
Days 1-3
Istanbul
Day One - After arriving in Istanbul, explore the Istiklal/ Beyoglu area (where our hotel is located) with your guide and try to get rid of jet lag. Welcome dinner in a nearby neighborhood.

Day Two - Your guide will meet you at the hotel for an Istanbul Highlights tour. We head to the Old Town to see the Hagia Sophia Mosque which used to be one of the greatest Christian Orthodox cathedrals, then visit Topkapı Palace (the earliest and most oriental Ottoman family residence) followed by a visit to the recently renovated Underground Cistern dating back to the Roman period.

Day Three - Following a morning at your leisure, explore the Grand Bazaar and surrounding markets marveling at the many historical and contemporary experiences in the area. From here we visit and taste our way through the Spice Market. Then we catch the ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul where we hang out with students, artists, and ex-pats and have dinner at one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.
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Days 4-6
Days 4-6
Cappadocia
Day Four - Easy morning to enjoy your last hours in Istanbul. Then it’s time to get going for our flight to Cappadocia. Dinner at Old Greek House after the orientation walk in our village.

Day Five - This morning is a great time to visit the early Christian Monastery of Goreme. Many places to stop and examine the unique geography, such as the town of Uchisar / Pigeons Valley. Optional hot air balloon ride (very early morning launch)

Day Six - Today we go underground. This morning we will drive to one of the underground cities of Kaymaklı. Followed by a scenic drive with viewpoint stops along the way to Avanos. Lunch in Avanos. Walk along the Red River and visit local craft production such as pottery or carpet weaving.
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Day 7-8
Day 7-8
Ephesus
Day Seven - Morning flight to Izmir. Enjoy lunch at a local winery on our way to the hill town village of Sirince. Stop at Ephesus Museum on the way to prepare for our full-day exploration of Ephesus tomorrow. Check into our lodgings in Sirince and have a short orientation walk.

Day Eight - Full-day tour of Ancient Ephesus, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she spent the last days of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, located by the Castle of Selcuk, a famous pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. Enjoy authentic local Turkish cuisine for our last meal together.
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Days 1-3

Istanbul

Day One - After arriving in Istanbul, explore the Istiklal/ Beyoglu area (where our hotel is located) with your guide and try to get rid of jet lag. Welcome dinner in a nearby neighborhood.

Day Two - Your guide will meet you at the hotel for an Istanbul Highlights tour. We head to the Old Town to see the Hagia Sophia Mosque which used to be one of the greatest Christian Orthodox cathedrals, then visit Topkapı Palace (the earliest and most oriental Ottoman family residence) followed by a visit to the recently renovated Underground Cistern dating back to the Roman period.

Day Three - Following a morning at your leisure, explore the Grand Bazaar and surrounding markets marveling at the many historical and contemporary experiences in the area. From here we visit and taste our way through the Spice Market. Then we catch the ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul where we hang out with students, artists, and ex-pats and have dinner at one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.

This was my first tour with Adventures with Sarah, which was inspired by watching the 2024 Olympics in Paris. I had been twice before, with a stay in the ‘90s with family, and thought I was done. I has never seen Paris at Christmas, and was eager to see the city at its finest after the preparations for the Olympics. As the trip neared, it was announced the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral would occur the week prior to our visit. The city was beautiful, the Cathedral was breathtaking and a true miracle of reconstruction. The hotel location and accommodations were excellent. The itinerary allowed ample free time and some flexibility in the Christmas markets visited. Sarah’s son Lucca led the tour with some assistance from Sarah. He and Sarah both provided insights from the architectural and city planning perspectives of Paris that were interesting to learn about, and they are both just enjoyable to be with. I enjoyed meeting everyone on our tour, and the group size was perfect. The trip left me wanting to see more of Paris, which I did not expect. Hopefully, I will be able to support Sarah and her company by traveling with them again.

By Mary Jane H for StayCation Paris Christmas 2024 on Jan 01, 2025

From the perfectly located boutique hotel to the carefully curated itinerary this trip was an absolute dream for my first trip to Paris. There was a just right blend of group activities vs free time (with Sarah and Lucca providing expert advice and suggestions based on our individual "free time" interests). Our merry band of travelers arrived as strangers, but left as friends.

By Victoria M for StayCation Paris Christmas 2024 on Dec 30, 2024

What a trip. First, the location and charm of our accommodations were perfect. Breakfasts were plentiful: pain au chocolat, cheeses, omelettes, fresh fruit. And coffee and bakery in the afternoons. A luncheon cruise on the Seine. Walking tour of medieval Paris with a hilarious guide. A Christmas concert in a magnificent church. Shopping at markets for fresh ingredients for cooking lessons and savoring the sea bass in pastry and chocolate yule logs. These were just some of the highlights of the careful planning of Sarah and Lukka. Lovely.

By Julie K for StayCation Paris Christmas 2024 on Dec 30, 2024

AWS provided the best, cozy, centrally located accommodations and a solid introduction to Paris: food, metro, museums, a history-oriented walk, and Christmas markets! We were so fortunate in being able to visit Notre Dame shortly after it re-opened. We ate very well. We even visited the country-side, or at least a small city with a Flemish Christmas market. What is not to love? When I return to Paris, I will come with the knowledge of places I really want to re-visit or explore for the first time. I may choose a somewhat quieter time – if there is such a time! Thanks, AWS.

By Debra S for StayCation Paris Christmas 2024 on Dec 27, 2024

Thoroughly enjoyed traveling through Jordan with Muhammad. A great mix of experiences, exploring history, culture, and natural wonders as well.

By Melissa M for Jordan November 2024 on Nov 21, 2024

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Turkey in a Tea Cup

Turkey in a Tea Cup

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