Turkey: Coastlines & Cappadocia

This two-week itinerary starts in Istanbul with time spent among the palaces and the shimmering domes of the Blue Mosque. After the city, the tour heads to Cappadocia, where bizarre underground cities and tall, cone-shaped fairy chimneys form part of a landscape unlike much else in Europe. The schedule includes a visit to the open-air museum of Göreme, and there is a chance to hear about centuries-old pottery and carpet weaving.

Further south lie the bright white travertine terraces and thermal pools of Pamukkale, as well as the ruins of Hierapolis. On the Aegean coast, the ancient Roman city of Ephesus and the legendary site of Troy open a window into Turkey’s layered past. The journey also includes time on the Mediterranean coast in Antalya, with an afternoon boat trip included, offering waterside views in a different context. Travel mainly relies on private bus and occasional public transport, with a group leader to handle arrangements but local guides providing historical insights at key sites.

Accommodations vary from simple hotels to hostels, reflecting the trip’s moderate pace and informal style. Meals include most breakfasts and an introductory group dinner, with plenty of opportunities to try local dishes at markets and restaurants noted by your group leader. Be prepared for early starts, occasional overnight travel, and the lively pace of a group tour across one of Europe’s more complex countries.