8 Nights of essential Turkish highlights including Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus

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.

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.

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.

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.