Tour Description
Discover the timeless beauty of Türkiye on this immersive 19-day small group tour, from the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia. “Gems of Türkiye” is a handcrafted cultural journey designed for curious travelers who seek more than just sightseeing.
On this unforgettable trip, you’ll cruise along the Bosphorus, walk the marble roads of Ephesus, float above Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, and explore ancient Lycian tombs by boat. You’ll taste regional cuisine, join a hands-on Turkish cooking class, relax in boutique hotels, and connect with artisans keeping centuries-old traditions alive.
This is your chance to explore Türkiye’s greatest treasures—its cities, its landscapes, and its soul—through local encounters, meaningful experiences, and expert guidance. Whether you’re wandering through bustling bazaars, swimming in the Mediterranean, or watching the Whirling Dervishes in a 13th-century caravansarai, this tour offers you a rich and unforgettable cultural tapestry.
About the Leaders
Julie Roller
Julie has a Master’s degree in geology and has worked in many fields over the years. She was the onboard geologist for Special Expedition EcoTours in Baja California and Alaska, and the director of Elderhostel, now called Road Scholar, in northern Arizona, where she created and led educational tours to the Grand Canyon, and Navajo & Hopi reservations for Elderhostelers from around the world. She has been to Turkey 14 times since 2008 and, along with John, has traveled from one end of Turkey to the other and seen much of the country. She currently owns a small import business with Turkish towels, textiles and jewelry.
John O’Neill
John O’Neill and Julie Roller are from Santa Cruz, California. John was a Peace Corps volunteer in the Sultanate of Oman from 1977-79, where he taught English and became proficient in the Arabic language and has also traveled in East Africa. He has a master’s degree in International Studies. He taught English to students from around the world for the past 39 years in California colleges and he's now retired. He has been to Turkey 17 times since summer 2005 and in those trips has spent over a year in the country. One of John’s passions is the study of comparative mythology, and he adds this dimension to our explorations of the ancient and modern cultures of this region.
Itinerary
Day 1
June 1, Monday
Arrival in Istanbul (D) Welcome to Türkiye! Upon arrival at Istanbul International Airport, you will be greeted by our local team and transferred to your hotel, located in the heart of the Old City—Sultanahmet. After check-in and some time to relax, we’ll gather for a warm and intimate welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Meet your tour guide and fellow travelers over delicious Turkish cuisine as we introduce you to the journey ahead. Overnight: Celal Sultan Hotel, Istanbul
Day 2
June 2, Tuesday
Bosphorus Cruise & Historical Gems (B) We begin our exploration with a short walk down to Eminönü Port, where we’ll board a private yacht for a morning cruise along the iconic Bosphorus Strait. As we sail between Europe and Asia, admire the palaces, mosques, and mansions lining the shores—Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress among them. Returning to land, we visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, a hidden architectural gem famous for its dazzling blue Iznik tiles. After lunch nearby, we head to the vibrant Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where the air is fragrant with cinnamon, saffron, and sumac. Optionally, hop on the tram to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With over 3,000 shops, it’s a paradise for those who love bargaining and craftsmanship. Tip: You may visit Hagia Sophia in the evening on your own—outside of prayer times. Originally a Byzantine cathedral and now a functioning mosque, this 6th-century marvel is one of Türkiye’s most iconic landmarks. Overnight: Istanbul
Day 3
June 3, Wednesday
Palaces, Mosques & Cooking Class (B, D) Today we dive deeper into Istanbul’s imperial past. We begin with the Underground Cistern, a hauntingly beautiful Byzantine structure supported by hundreds of ancient columns. We then cross Sultanahmet Square to explore the Topkapı Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Explore its sprawling courtyards, imperial treasures, and sacred relics. Next, we visit the Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and more than 20,000 handmade blue tiles. Step out into the historic Hippodrome, where chariot races once entertained Constantinople. In the late afternoon, we meet at the hotel and walk to a local kitchen studio for an interactive Turkish cooking class. Our chef will guide you through preparing traditional dishes, followed by dinner together with local wine. Overnight: Istanbul
Day 4
June 4, Thursday
Istanbul’s Cultural Crossroads (B) Our morning begins at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, home to a vast collection of sculptures, sarcophagi, and historical treasures from across Anatolia. Afterwards, we cross the Golden Horn to Pera & Beyoğlu for a walking tour of İstiklal Street, Istanbul’s cultural artery. Discover European-era architecture, charming arcades, antique shops, churches, and Ottoman-era hans. Visit the St. Anthony of Padua Church, the largest Roman Catholic church in Istanbul. We finish our walk at the Galata Tower, once part of the Genoese fortifications with a panoramic view of the city. Evening at leisure—explore modern Istanbul, try a rooftop bar, or relax in a hammam. Overnight: Istanbul
Day 5
June 5, Friday
Day 6
June 6, Saturday
Day 7
June 7, Sunday
Day 8
June 8, Monday
Day 9
June 9, Tuesday
Day 10
June 10, Wednesday
Day 11
June 11, Thursday
Day 12
June 12, Friday
Day 13
June 13, Saturday
Day 14
June 14, Sunday
Day 15
June 15, Monday
Day 16
June 16, Tuesday
Day 17
June 17, Wednesday
Day 18
June 18, Thursday
Day 19
June 19, Friday
Julie Roller
John O’Neill
Price Details
Popular
Price Includes:
18 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected boutique or 4-star hotels with daily breakfast (B).
Airport transfers on arrival and departure days in Istanbul.
All land transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
Public transport during walking tours (eg. Istanbul)
Domestic flights:
Istanbul to Izmir
Cappadocia to Istanbul
Professional English-speaking guide throughout the trip.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary:
18 breakfasts (B)
3 dinners (D) including:
Welcome dinner in Istanbul
Cooking class dinner
Farewell dinner in Istanbul
2 lunches (L) during boat excursions in Dalyan and Kas
Private boat tours in:
Istanbul (Bosphorus)
Dalyan (Lycian tombs & Turtle Beach)
Kas (gulet cruise to Kekova, Simena, etc.)
All entrance fees to museums, historical sites, and national parks mentioned in the itinerary.
Whirling Dervish ceremony entrance in Cappadocia.
Cooking class experience with dinner and local wine in Istanbul.
All guided tours, including:
Istanbul (Bosphorus cruise, Topkapi, Grand Bazaar, etc.)
Ephesus & Aphrodisias
Cappadocia (underground cities, valleys, Göreme, Uchisar, etc.)
Antalya Museum & Perge
Konya (Mevlana Museum, Çatalhöyük)
Tips for hotel porters and included restaurant staff.
Bottled water on the bus daily.
Price does not Include:
International airfare to/from Turkey.
Optional activity: Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia (rough cost is €250 per person)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary (i.e., most lunches and some dinners).
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs.
Alcoholic or soft beverages unless specifically included (e.g., cooking class wine).
Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Gratuities for guide and driver (at guest’s discretion).
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