This is an exploratory tour that includes fascinating, little-visited and non-touristic parts of Turkey. It’s part of our popular series of Off the Beaten Path tours.
We’ll arrive in Istanbul, rest a bit, then fly east to Adiyaman. This is the jumping off point for seeing the gigantic stone heads of the temple-tomb of Mount Nemrut and the stunning Gobekli Tepe archeological complex. Later we’ll visit the towns of Sanliurfa and Gaziantep, home of the world-class interactive Zeugma Mosaic Museum and the best baklava in Turkey! Here we can also watch skilled rug knotters make some of the most beautiful creations in Turkey…and maybe take one home!
After our time in the southeast, we’ll drive west to Konya and see an exquisite old wooden mosque on Beysehir Lake. Later we’ll drive to Usak, see more rug weavers, then visit the charming town of Bursa for a couple of days. On the route back to Istanbul, we’ll visit the famous tile-makers of Iznik. Finally it’s back to Istanbul for a relaxing free day to see more of the city – to re-visit special sites of the city, revel in a hamam scrub, or just chill.
In between we’ll learn about renowned regional cuisine and see some spectacular museums, textile workshops, and archeological sites. This is a perfect tour for those of you who are interested in everything – from textiles and archeology to Ottoman architecture and typical cuisine!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore spectacular UNESCO World Heritage archeological sites: Mount Nemrut, Goblekli Tepe, Sanliurfa, and more.
- See southeastern Turkey with charming little-visited towns.
- Sample and learn about authentic Turkish foods everywhere we travel
- Climb Mount Nemrut and see the 30-foot statues guarding Antioches’ tomb
- Marvel at the multi-million dollar Mosaic Museum, largest in the world, in Gaziantep
- See the ancient Eşrefoğlu Mosque, a wooden treasure from the 13th C. near the lake at Beysehir.
What’s Included in The Trip?
Details of Your Journey
Welcome to Istanbul!
We’ll fly into Istanbul, one of my favorite cities in the world! Turkish Airlines and others do this efficiently; we’ll send flight suggestions later.
Our pretty hotel is located in the heart of the historic section, two blocks from world-famous UNESCO-designated architectural and cultural treasures. Our excellent guide, Derya, will meet us in Istanbul and tell us about the ancient historic treasures such as the exquisite Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia, right
The Grand Bazaar is within easy walking distance to the hotel so we’ll familiarize ourselves with the pedestrian route to this shopping mecca of blown glass lamps, rugs, textiles, and jewelry.
Constructed in 1455, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Previously, merchants here were known for pushing a hard sale, but now the ambiance is friendly with jovial banter and little pressure. They have understood that tourists don’t like being force-fed little glasses of tea while they attempt to choose a rug!
UNESCO Heritage Sites
After two days of seeing the important Istanbul sights, we’ll fly east to Nevsehir. It’s the jumping off point for another UNESCO site, the amazing Cappadocia area with its dramatic eroded landscape.
We’ll explore the weird rock formations and valleys that make the area famous. The density of Cappadocia’s cave-houses, secret churches, and subterranean cities within the rock formations make it one of the world’s largest cave-dwelling complexes.
We’ll also visit a carpet gallery in Urgup to learn about local styles and weaving techniques, left. The talented carpet knotters will show us how they make the colorful masterpieces and you can take one home if you wish!
And in our cooking class in a nearby village home, we will learn to make delicious traditional dishes for our lunch.
Cappadocia
Here we’ll sleep peacefully in cozy rooms in our unique and delightful cave hotel. We can perhaps take a hot-air balloon ride (optional) if it’s not too windy. In Cappadocia you can soar over the amazing landscapes on the optional hot air balloon ride. (Sometimes the weather is too windy to fly, so we’ll hope for a calm day!) The balloons float safely and silently over the area for an unparalleled view of the unusual “fairy chimney” volcanic formations.
From Cappadocia to
Ancient Anatolia
Next we drive south to Mount Nemrut, the mausoleum of Antiochus I (69–34 B.C.). We’ll climb an easy but long pathway up to the stone mound. On one side there are five huge seated limestone statues, identified by their inscriptions as deities, flanked by a pair of guardian animal statues – a lion and an eagle.
Another incredible UNESCO site we’ll visit is Gobekli Tepe, composed of circles of huge T-shaped pillars hewn and arranged in circles by hunter-gatherers between 9,600 and 8,200 BCE.
We’ll be sure to see Gaziantep, known for the best baklava in Turkey. The city of Gaziantep is also home to the world’s most modern, interactive mosaic museum. It features entire floor and wall mosaics rescued by frantic archeologists from submersal when a new dam basin was being filled.
Bursa and back to Istanbul
From the southeast, we’ll head west to the coast to visit archeological sites and carpet workshops. The pretty city of Bursa is home to the beautiful 14th-century Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) which features Seljuk-style arches and 20 domes. In Bursa, we’ll also see the Museum of Ottoman Costume, an exemplary private collection of outfits, accessories and jewelry displayed on rotating mannequins.
The next day in Istanbul is a free day – yours to explore the city, see something new, or return to a favorite place. Perhaps walk to the nearby hamam for a sudsy scrub down… or you might want to check out The Archeology Museum (an easy walk from our hotel) or the newly-renovated Yerebatan Cistern, underground right at the end of our street.
Some of our hotels…
Istanbul Hotel
A cozy Ottoman-era lodging with marble staircases. Located in historic Istanbul, it’s just a five-minute walk to the Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia, and a ten-minute walk to the Grand Bazaar. Known for the hundreds of colored glass lamps that hang from the ceilings and the excellent restaurant, the hotel has charming traditional decor and friendly, helpful staff.
Urgup Cave Hotel
Another cozy and friendly hotel, with spacious ‘cave’ rooms carved out of the volcanic tufa stone that forms Cappadocia. Set in a tiny, traditional village, the hotel is far from the tourist bustle of the area. It has a superb restaurant and a small dipping pool too. Be sure to ask to see the Byzantine-era rock-cut chapel at the top.
Additional Details & Experiences
The Grand Bazaar
The whole complex is huge and ancient (from Byzantine and Ottoman times), really a city unto itself with around 5000 stalls. You have to wander far into the little lanes and courtyards (called hans) to discover different areas with good cafes and more unusual merchandise. Explore and you’re sure to find some exciting treasures. Buying and selling are like a game…if you are not interested, no need to be rude, just smile and move on. Note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
Stunning Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Right on the walking route, before the main Grand Bazaar entrance at Çemberlitaş is the stunning Nuruosmaniye Mosque. Like many mosques, Nuruosmaniye was built as a complex consisting of the mosque itself and a madrasa (religious school), a soup kitchen, tombs, a public fountain, and a library. The elegantly patterned blue carpet was woven especially for this harmonious space. Although it appears quite sleek and modern, this beautiful mosque was finished in 1755.
Photos From Previous Adventures in Turkey
I have been on NINE of Cynthia’s trips: Turkey several times, Peru, Bolivia, Thailand, Laos, Morocco, Mali and most recently Bhutan. You might ask why I keep returning! It’s because on each trip I arrive home having had the most incredible time. Always I’ve met interesting people, stayed in small, boutique hotels and visited the usual tourist sites, but because of Cynthia’s ability to strike up hard and fast friendships with her guides and drivers, hotel keepers, shop keepers, and crafts people, we experience an in-depth appreciation for the countries’ history, culture and especially of textile arts and crafts.
Anne Duffey -Davis, CA
Your Trip Leaders
Derya Aydyn
Derya was born south of Istanbul in Bursa, and became a professional tour guide after four years of study and travel to historical and cultural sites. After years as an English-speaking guide in Turkey, she decided to work with tourists from Spain. To that end, she spent months in Antigua, Guatemala, at an intensive language school, and now Spanish travelers are lucky to know her. She readily agreed to do the interesting Behind the Scenes Adventure itinerary to little-known places. Nothing uptight about her; she is spontaneous and lots of fun! We always have a great time with Derya.
Cynthia Samaké
Cynthia began “Behind the Scenes Adventures” twenty-five years ago, to share with others the traditional textiles, festivals, and cuisine of far-flung countries. Since then, she has led small groups of textile fanatics and friends all over Turkey. Desiring new locations and new types of textiles, she discovered little-visited destinations and has branched out on these Off the Beaten Path tours. Remote and interesting UNESCO World Heritage sites are often highlights.
Check Trip Availability
Trip signups are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Please provide your details below and we’ll be in touch to confirm whether spaces are still available for this trip. If you need to get in contact, please email: info@btsadventures.com
Registration Information
- Dates: June 9 – 25, 2024
- Fly Home Date: June 26, 2024
- Deposit: $500
- Tour Cost: 17 Nights From $6,250
- Single Supplement: $725
For more information:
Phone: 707-939-8874
E-mail: info@btsadventures.com
Read: Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Plans
This Turkey tour begins and ends in Istanbul. You will fly into Istanbul’s big new airport, with the Airport Code IST, not SAW, the old airport. Turkish Airlines has direct flights from San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles, among other cities, and connects with partner airlines.
Visas
You will need a travel visa (called an E-visa or Electronic Visa) to enter Turkey. This is usually quite an easy process, applied and paid for online, then printed out at home. The Turkish authorities offer visas-on-arrival in the Arrivals/Immigration Hall. This service is usually very fast but most people prefer the assurance of an E-visa, procured ahead of time, online from home.
The latest visa info for Turkey will be sent closer to our departure time. Regulations and prices change often and vary with the citizenship of the traveler applying, so you’ll need the latest info.
What’s Included
- 17 nights accommodations in charming boutique hotels or modern hotels in big cities
- Excellent English-speaking, licensed, professional Turkish guide
- All meals – except 2 dinners
- All non-alcoholic beverages included with meals (tea, coffee, ayran (yoghurt drink), water, cherry juice (vişne), etc.
- Most meals are family-style; otherwise you may order your choice of dishes in restaurants. For family-style meals, Derya will order a varied choice so that you can taste many different dishes – and find your favorites.
- Interior flight(s)
- All ground transportation by private Sprinter van with excellent, professional driver
- Bottled water available in the van for road trips.
- Transportation from airport to hotel on official arrival date of June 9.
- Museum admissions visits to see the textiles and archeology of Turkey
- Cooking class and lunch in a private home
- Entrance to UNESCO sites on the itinerary
What’s Not Included
- Turkish visa fee (around $20-50 for U.S.)
- Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, weather permitting. Cost: around $200.
- Alcoholic beverges
- Departure airport transportation for flight home from Istanbul; the hotel in Istanbul will arrange vans.
- Airport transportation for early arrivals June 8 or earlier
- Guide and driver tips (suggested guidelines to come).
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What information will I receive after registering?
Once you sign up for a trip, we will e-mail a general itinerary, lists of Suggested Reading, what to take, cultural considerations, weather charts, etc.
How can I get a detailed itinerary for a tour?
A day-to-day itinerary will be sent once you sign up for a trip. If you need specific information about the flow of the trip and the pace of the specific activities, before committing to the trip, get in touch with your questions and we will be happy to fill you in.
What sort of clothing should I bring?
When you sign up for a tour, you’ll receive detailed lists of what to bring to your destination, as well as weather info, to more easily coordinate your wardrobe with the heat or cold.
We will also include suggestions for appropriate clothing for dressing in conservative countries. Basically you’ll need modest clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. Being well-dressed will show the locals that we respect them and their society.
Are laundry services available?
Most hotels have a laundry service and prefer that you don’t wash clothes in the bathroom sinks. If there is no laundry service, and you don’t want to wash your jeans and wait a day or two for them to dry, asking at the hotel desk is a good place to start.
Please note that it is considered demeaning to wash someone else’s underpants, so we ask that you wash your own underpants. Hang them to dry discreetly in the bathroom.
Are laundry services available?
Most hotels have a laundry service and prefer that you don’t wash clothes in the bathroom sinks. If there is no laundry service, and you don’t want to wash your jeans and wait a day or two for them to dry, asking at the hotel desk is a good place to start.
Please note that it is considered demeaning to wash someone else’s underpants, so we ask that you wash your own underpants. Hang them to dry discreetly in the bathroom.
Are laundry services available?
Most hotels have a laundry service and prefer that you don’t wash clothes in the bathroom sinks. If there is no laundry service, and you don’t want to wash your jeans and wait a day or two for them to dry, asking at the hotel desk is a good place to start.
Please note that it is considered demeaning to wash someone else’s underpants, so we ask that you wash your own underpants. Hang them to dry discreetly in the bathroom.
Do I need any vaccinations or immunizations?
This varies with each country. Make an appointment with your travel doctor and take your tour itinerary with you. Some areas of certain countries require malaria pills and others do not; same with Yellow Fever and others such as Cholera and Typhoid. He or she will have all the latest requirements at hand.
A rural visit to a farm may require extra precautions, for example. We will send you the links to the CDC.gov information pages for your specific destination so that you can ask questions.
You should be current on all your typical childhood and international travel shots such as Polio and Tetanus. Some countries now demand proof of vaccination against COVID. Behind the Scenes Adventures requires you to have had two COVID vaccinations. We recommend you have a booster as well.
How much physical activity is involved during the trip?
Each trip has different activity levels that will be fully explained in the specific tour material. But no activities or events are mandatory, and you are always welcome to sit at the bottom of the stairs to a temple or wait in the van while others ascend or visit a particular place. Walking sticks are fine to bring if they help you. We cannot accept wheelchairs or walkers.
For most tours, you’ll need to be able to walk the distance of 4-5 city blocks on your own, with sturdy shoes. Please note that sidewalks in many countries are full of big holes and broken cement chunks, with bits of re-bar sticking out, and you must constantly be alert to these dangers. In urban areas where distances are greater, the group will take taxis and/or get help from local assistants. If you need a personal taxi or additional special aid, that will be at your expense.
What will the weather be like?
Our Turkey trips are planned for temperate weather with little or no rain, in April-May and September-October. Average daytime temperatures are usually in the 70s and nights can be cooler, in the 50s. With global warming, it is much harder to predict but we will send weather charts with your pre-departure info.
Meals & Accommodations
What sort of hotels will we be staying in?
The hotels we will be staying in are charming and traditional whenever possible. For instance, two Ottoman-era homes with marble staircases were joined to form our charming Istanbul hotel. Occasionally we stay in a modern hotel if no boutique hotels are available.
Before we depart, we will send you a list of all hotels with contact information in case someone at home needs to contact you.
What sort of food will we be eating?
Turkish food is fresh and delicious, usually featuring locally grown, organic ingredients. Breakfast often consists of many different foods: yogurt, dried fruits such as apricots and raisins, walnuts and almonds, dates, olives, and tomatoes. Fresh breads of different varieties and menemen, a scrambled egg dish with tomatoes and peppers, are both common breakfast specialties too.
Each region has its own specialties, often varieties of char-grilled meats served with grilled vegetables with a big scoop of yogurt. On the coast lots of fresh fish and seafood is served, although it is often prohibitively expensive — and further inland beef or lamb are served with rice. Chicken (tavuk) kebabs are popular everywhere, served with grilled vegetables.
Desserts are everywhere, with crispy baklava being a national specialty. It’s made from very thin layers of pastry called yufka, and pistachios or walnuts, soaked in a honey syrup.
Will I be able to accommodate my dietary needs?
If you have any special dietary, health, or nutrition issues, restrictions, etc, there is no guarantee that Behind the Scenes Adventures will be able to accommodate your special diets in foreign countries. Please contact us before departure, and bring sufficient alternative foods. Travelers with severe peanut allergies cannot be accepted. Vegan diets are possible but with much less variety than at home. Vegetarian diets are often fairly easy to accommodate, but also with less variety than what is available at home.
Turkish food is rarely spicy but you can always ask for no hot peppers.
Flights & Travel
Will I need a visa for connecting countries?
It is very rare to need a visa for a connection if you stay in the Transit area. This will be regulated by the connecting country and the airline will send information as to this requirement.
What are the requirements for my passport to be valid?
Your passport needs to have one blank page for your visa, although, with an E-Visa, you will have just a piece of paper to show, and don’t need room for anything except Immigration stamps in your passport.
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes! Cynthia, an assistant or a driver will meet you with a sign with your name and/or Behind the Scenes Adventures. They will have your flight schedule and know you will need time to pick up your luggage. Wait for them in the terminal, right outside the Arrivals area, and don’t go with any other drivers that don’t have your name on a placard.
What is the best airline to fly to the country?
Turkish Airlines is very good and has many flights daily into Istanbul from the USA and Europe. Several reputable European and American airlines such as United, Delta, Lufthansa and others fly into Istanbul from JFK and other cities. Direct flights on Turkish from JFK, SFO or LAX are much easier, especially nowadays with Covid testing.
What will we use for transportation?
We use a Mercedes high-top Sprinter for interior transportation. We will also fly on one or two interior/domestic flights, still on Turkish Airlines.