Turkey is truly a land of contrasts, from the blending of east and west as Europe meets Asia in sophisticated Istanbul to people living in homes they’ve dug into the side of a bluff in the Göreme Valley, as you’ll learn on this latest of Tauck’s Turkey tours. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace tell stories from antiquity in Istanbul, magnificent Ephesus brings the Greeks and Romans into focus and the fanciful rock formations called the fairy chimneys have tales to tell about both ancient days and today. Glimpse modern daily life in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, and imagine it when surrounded by ruins of shops dating back to the Romans and beyond in Perge and Sardis. Gain insights into the mysticism of the Whirling Dervishes and learn to make Turkish Delights. Mingle with schoolchildren who want to practice their English and explore an underground refuge of the early Christians in a single day! Float over eerie landscapes in a hot air balloon and visit the private home of a successful businessman. Discover the contrasts for yourself on these intriguing Turkey tours.
Departures
12, 26 Jun; 28 Aug; 4, 11, 18, 25 Sep; 2, 9, 16 Oct 2012.
Inclusions
- A boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which runs through the heart of Istanbul
- Visits to the private home of an artist/businessman in Istanbul who shares his inside views on life in Turkey, and a traditional caravanserai (roadhouse inn) on the ancient Silk Road
- A hot air balloon flight over the “fairy chimneys” of Göreme, with breakfast afterward among the famous rock formations
- A performance by a company of Whirling Dervishes in the rock cave of an ancient monastery
- Private lecture on the status of women in contemporary Turkish society
- Visit to a family who lives in a modern “cave home” carved into a hillside in Capadoccia
- A private cooking class teaching the art of making Turkish coffee
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
- 27 meals (11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners); gratuities to local guides, taxes, service charges, admission fees and porterage