The Best of Turkey: A Journey by Land and Gulet

Overnight flight.

At the hotel.

After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation meeting. Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The time of our meeting will be based on arrival times of Road Scholars. In our meeting room at the hotel, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. The Group Leaders for our Road Scholar programs in Turkey serve as Study Leaders as well as managers of logistics. They are licensed and certified by the Ministry of Tourism for proficiency in Turkish history, culture, archeology, mythology, current affairs, and more. In addition to lectures and field trips, they will often give presentations on topics such as these during long transfers. Program-related travel and transfers will be via comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz buses. Meals will generally offer foods representative of their regions. Depending on the accommodations, some will be multi-course plated meals while others will be buffets with numerous choices. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

At the hotel.

We will set out on a walking field trip to the award-winning Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located steps away from the hotel. There, we will have a lecture by an expert from Bilkent University in Ankara who will lead our exploration. We will learn about ancient civilizations that flourished in Anatolia and talk about the unique artifacts on display, providing 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. It is especially renowned 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 BCE, 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.

At a local restaurant in the city.

Next, we will ride to Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938), who led the war for Turkish independence, the Turkish revolution, and founded the Turkish republic. Our Group Leader-Study Leader will provide background on modern Turkey and give us a deeper understanding of this revolutionary character who shaped the nation. We will see in this complex how his legacy lives on and he is very deeply revered all over Turkey. The mausoleum’s museum provides insight to the history of modern Turkey and the personality of Atatürk. We will then board the motorcoach and ride to Urgup in Cappadocia. The landscape of spectacular volcanic pillar formations is the “fairy land” of Turkey. Upon arrival, we will check in to our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will set out on the bus for a field trip to the Goreme Open Air Museum. This monastic center is comprised of caves and churches carved out of the soft volcanic rock of Cappadocia and decorated with frescoes and paintings. We will learn about the history of Christianity and monasticism in the area as well as the artistic and religious significance of frescos in these churches.

At a local restaurant founded by the local women's cooperative

We will ride to the workshop of a local artisan who specializes in pottery making, using the clay from the nearby Halys River. We will learn about this 5,000 year old craft and have an opportunity to work on the potter’s wheel. We will then attend a Whirling Dervish ceremony, performed by local Sufis at a restored caravansaray (ancient camel motel on the Silk Road) from the 13th century.

Dinner at the hotel

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will board the bus to explore the village of Sinasos that had a largely Greek population in Ottoman times. Once a busy seafood center, today it is a thriving town with a small university and elaborate houses built in the 19th century.

Lunch at the home of a local family

Our next field trip will be dedicated to seeing and learning more about Cappadocia’s gorges and valleys. We will explore an impressive underground city, carved out of the ground to provide shelter from the attacking armies. For those who would like to go further, there will be an opportunity for an elective hike with photo stops at some significant vantage points to get an overview of this magical landscape.

At the hotel

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel.

We will check out of the hotel, board the motorcoach, and ride west to Konya, following the ancient Silk Road on the central plateau of Turkey. We will stop to explore Sultanhani, a 13th century Seljuk caravanserai built to accommodate the caravans of trade. Sultanhani is the largest and best preserved of the existing caravanserais.

At a restaurant in Konya specializing in local dishes.

Upon arriving in Konya, we will walk to the Mevlana Museum that is also the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi — known as Mevlana Rumi — the Sufi mystic who founded the Whirling Dervish sect of Islam. We will learn about the mystic aspect of Sufism and hear some of Rumi’s beautiful poetry. Our Group Leader-Study Leader will discuss the principles of Sufism and enlighten us about their beliefs and rituals. We will also visit the workshop of a local felt master who specializes in making the special hats worn by the dervishes. This same master also will talk about Sufism and what it means to be a Sufi. Moving on, we will drive further south throuugh the Taurus Mountains to reach the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey. Late afternoon, we will check in to our hotel located on the coast of Antalya.

At the hotel

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will start our day with a visit to Perge, one of the largest and most important Greek/Roman cities on the Mediterranean Coast and learn about the citiy's architecture and its significance to arts and sciences. We will then drive on and arrive in Aspendos to enjoy a field trip to the stunning Roman theater, where our Group Leader will give us a detailed on-site presentation. The theater of Aspendos is among the best preserved ancient theaters in the world and is still used for performances today.

At a local restaurant in Aspendos

Afternoon free at leisure to enjoy Antalya or the facilities of the hotel.

At the hotel

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will set out on the bus for a field trip to the award-winning Antalya Archeological Museum, one of the largest archaeology museums in Turkey, featuring traces of ancient Lycia, Pamphylia, and Pisidia. There are 13 exhibition halls and an open air gallery, displaying more than 5,000 works of art that illuminate the history of the region. An archeologist from the local Akdeniz University will give us a lecture and lead our exploration.

At a restaurant en route to Fethiye

We will ride inland and south through lush valleys of the Taurus Mountains. We expect to arrive in Fethiye mid-afternoon and board our privately-chartered, Road Scholar exclusive gulet — a classic wooden yacht — for a four-night study cruise. Lifting anchor, we will go a short distance to spend the night in a quiet and pristine cove.

Aboard the gulet.

Each evening during the study cruise, we will gather with our Group Leader-Study Leader to learn about topics of interest and for Q&A.

Aboard the gulet.

We will sail to Gemiler Island and explore. We will see the remains of several churches built between the fourth and sixth centuries as well a variety of associated buildings Archaeologists believe it was the location of the original tomb of Saint Nicholas. Gemiler — which 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 we will walk from the pirate-ship slips through a covered walkway to a basilica. There will be an elective opportunity for a hike to the summit of the island with stunning views. Those who wish to remain aboard the gulet to swim and relax are welcome to do so.

Aboard the gulet.

We will have a choice to 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. Those who wish to remain aboard the gulet to swim and relax are welcome to do so.

Aboard the gulet.

We will gather with our Group Leader-Study Leader to learn about topics of interest and for Q&A.

Aboard the gulet.

We will cruise to the cove called the Hamam, also known by locals as Cleopatra’s Bath because she supposedly had a bath built here thanks to the hot thermal waters in the cove. Cleopatra was here twice, once in 46 BCE and again in 32 BCE on her honeymoon with Marc Antony who was en route to Actium.

Aboard the gulet.

We will hike 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 has vivid features and ancient buildings including mausolea, agora foundations, statue remnants, Corinthian column sections, and inscribed pedestals from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Those who wish to remain aboard the gulet to swim and relax are welcome to do so.

Aboard the gulet.

At leisure.

Aboard the gulet.

We will cruise a short distance to Ekincik, another lovely cove on the Mediterranean. We’ll then step off the gulet and onto a small local boat to “put-put” through the reeds and the maze of the Dalyan River delta. We will see impressive Lycian rock tombs carved out of the hillside, built for the local kings and dignitaries. We will also explore the well-preserved Carian city of Kaunos.

On board the gulet

Returning to the gulet, the remainder of the afternoon will be free.

Aboard the gulet.

At leisure. Enjoy our last evening aboard the vessel. Prepare for disembarkation and transfer in the morning.

Aboard the gulet.

We will disembark the gulet in Ekincik, board our motorcoach, and drive north to Kusadasi near Ephesus. Our Group Leader-Study Leader will provide expert commentary as we go.

At a restaurant en route.

We will take a field trip to a weaving center near Selcuk and hear a presentation on the centuries old craft of hand-made Turkish carpets and silk production. We’ll also have an opportunity for a hands-on demonstration of carpet weaving. We’ll then ride to the hotel and check in before dinner.

At the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will board the bus with our Group Leader-Study Leader and ride to Ephesus where we’ll set out on a walking field trip to explore the mesmerizing ancient site that was the jewel of Greek-Roman cities and capital of Asia Minor. We will gain in-depth knowledge of this unforgettable ancient city that once had a population of 250,000. We will also visit the Terrace Houses, a museum within the ancient site where the rich and famous of Ephesus once lived. Excavations and restorations at the Terrace Houses have been partly sponsored by Road Scholar.

At a local restaurant.

Next, we will explore the Museum of Ephesus that houses stunning artifacts excavated here. We’ll then stop at the ruins of the Temple of Artemis — one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World — and learn about its fascinating story.

At the hotel.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer flight in the morning.

At the hotel.

We will check out of the hotel, ride to Izmir Airport, and board a flight to Istanbul.

On board the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul.

We will set out with our Group Leader-Study Leader on a field trip to explore Istanbul that will begin at 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. We will also walk through the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople and learn about the monuments that once adorned this huge structure. Next, we will check in to our hotel. After some time to freshen up, we will gather for a lecture by an architectural historian about the urban development of Istanbul.

At the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will spend the day exploring on foot due to traffic restrictions in the old city. For our first walking field trip, we’ll set out for Topkapi Palace, the seat of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years and a testimony to the power and wealth of the Ottoman Empire. We will also visit the amazing Treasury and the Harem to catch a glimpse of what daily life was like behind these closed doors.

At a restaurant in the Sultanahmet district of the old city.

We will walk to Taksim Square and stroll along vibrant and colorful Istiklal Avenue that demonstrates Turkey’s position between the East and the West and the forces that affect it.

On your own to enjoy the local fare of your choice. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will walk to the extraordinary Hagia Sophia, once the greatest church in Byzantium — built in 537 CE — and a great mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. We will learn about the unique architecture as we stand in awe at its size and dazzling beauty. We will then explore the Underground Cisterns, built in 532 CE by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian to store water for his city. We will then board a bus and ride along what were the ancient city walls of Constantinople and learn about their strength and history.

At a local restaurant located withjin the Spice Bazaar

We will explore the small but gem-like mosque of Rustem Pasha that will display the stunning masterpieces of Iznik tiles from 16th century. Next, we will walk to the Spice Bazaar — in Turkish, the “Egyptian” bazaar — constructed in 1663 and second in fame only to the Grand Bazaar. The scents and aromas will enliven our senses immediately. We will also explore the Grand Bazaar, a maze of 4,000 shops from the 15th century, literally the first shopping mall in history. We’ll then board a privately chartered boat and embark on a study cruise on the wonderful Bosphorus and see its lovely waterfront houses and palace. We’ll hear expert commentary as we go.

At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

At the hotel.

There will be group transfers from the hotel to Istanbul Airport, depending on flight departure times. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!