DAY ONE.  WELCOME TO ISTANBUL, TURKEY Cosmopolitan Istanbul is one of the world’s most interesting cities. Straddling two continents, Istanbul is both Middle Eastern and European. Our hotel is located near Taksim Square and central to Istiklal Cad, a pedestrian shopping street. As you walk the streets you’ll see a diverse population where Islamic women with scarves walk beside young women in mini-skirts. In the evening the group gathers for a welcome cocktail and dinner.
Accommodations: Istanbul LaresPark Hotel

DAY TWO.  ISTANBUL Mostly on foot, we visit the historic Roman Hippodrome (featuring an Egyptian obelisk dating from the 4th century) and the magnificent Blue Mosque, famous throughout the world for its epic proportions and beauty. Across the street we compare its rival, St. Sophia once the largest church in Christendom dating from the 6th century. We conclude our day’s exploration at the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years.
Accommodations: Istanbul LaresPark Hotel

DAY THREE.  BOSPHOROUS STRAIT AND CAPPADOCIA We begin by thrilling our senses in the famous Egyptian spice market before embarking on a leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Riding on these famous waters, we appreciate their profound impact on the history and politics of Istanbul. Along the way we enjoy lunch with fine views of the surrounding countryside. Late in the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Kayseri. Later in the day we arrive in Cappadocia and check into our hotel.

Near the ancient village of Urgup, is a luxurious hotel carved into a mountain cliff, the Yunak Evleri. This hotel includes cave houses, rooms dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, and a 19th century Greek Mansion. Yunak Evleri is an inspiring hotel– an ideal base for exploring Cappadocia’s elaborate underground cities, hidden cavernous churches, and enchanting rock terrain.
Accommodations: Yunak Everli

DAY FOUR  .THE FANCIFUL “FAIRY CHIMNEYS” OF CAPPADOCIA Today we explore the volcanic “moonscape” valleys that surround Cappadocia, a true natural wonder. The Goreme and Urgup valleys feature secret dwellings carved out by early Christians. Rock-hewn churches are richly decorated with natural dyed frescoes. Fantastic towering “fairy chimneys” were formed from eroded volcanic deposits. They may remind you of something from Dr. Seuss.

Later in the afternoon we attend a brief lecture and exposition of Turkish carpets at one of the workshops of the region and see the traditional handmade ceramics and tiles.
Accommodations: Yunak Everli

DAY FIVE.  HIKING IN CAPPADOCIA The wind and water sculpted formations may remind you of Bryce Canyon in Utah or the Badlands of the Dakotas. What better way to experience this area than by hiking through the valleys and to the top of some of the hills. Other options include shopping, balloon rides, mountain biking, or just relaxing on the hotel terraces.
Accommodations: Yunak Everli

DAY SIX.  KUSADASI, ALONG THE AEGEAN In the morning, we fly from Kayseri to Izmir. From the Izmir airport we drive south to the Aegean Sea through farms and vineyards. The Hotel Kismet sits on a peninsula that overlooks the sea. This distinguished hotel has hosted US presidents, European royalty, and the Hollywood jet-set. Take a walk into the town for some shopping, enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace, or lounge by the pool.
Accommodations: Hotel Kismet

DAY SEVEN.  EPHESUS In the morning we’ll visit Ephesus, one of the most famous ruins in Turkey. Ancient Ephesus was a great trading and religious city, a center for the cult of Cybele, the Anatolian fertility goddess. Late the Romans took over and made it a provincial capital. Ephesus was renowned for its wealth and beauty before it was pillage by Gothic invaders in AD 262, With our guide, we’ll walk through the site and hear about its over 2,000 years of history.
Accommodations: Hotel Kismet

DAY EIGHT.  FAREWELL. You can transfer to the Izmir airport or extend your stay on the Aegean Coast. Or extend your vacation with some time in the Greek Isles. For $315, we can arrange a flight back to Istanbul, a transfer from the airport, and the night at the Larspark Hotel (four star). Contact us to help you make arrangements. Farewell.