Turkey

Why Turkey

From ancient Ephesus to modern Istanbul and surreal Cappadocia, Turkey combines deep history with unforgettable landscapes and cuisine.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Ephesus & Terrace Houses: walk marble streets, the theater, and intact homes that illuminate daily life in the early centuries.
• Pergamum Acropolis: hilltop views with layers of Hellenistic and Roman history.
• Laodicea & Hierapolis (Pamukkale): historic letter context with travertine terraces nearby.
• Istanbul Old City: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar for vivid culture moments.
• Cappadocia: valleys, cave chapels, and optional sunrise balloons for a striking landscape.

Sub-Regions & Routes

-### Aegean: Historic Cities Corridor

• Base near Izmir for Ephesus (Kuşadası/Selçuk), Pergamum (Bergama), Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Hierapolis.

• Manageable coach days with a balanced schedule—teaching windows at key sites.

Istanbul

• Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi, and the historic peninsula.
• Evenings in the Grand Bazaar or along the Bosphorus for food and views.

Cappadocia

• Göreme Open‑Air Museum, valleys, and cave fresco art.
• Slower pacing with scenic walks; optional ballooning for those who want it.

Trip Length & Pacing

7 Days

• Arrive Istanbul; Old City highlights and Bosphorus evening.
• Fly or coach to Izmir; Ephesus full day (Terrace Houses and theater).
• Pergamum and Sardis day; local dinner.
• Laodicea & Hierapolis (Pamukkale) with time at terraces.
• Return to Izmir/Istanbul; flexible evening.
• Depart.

9 Days

• Adds deeper Istanbul time (Topkapi/Museum) and a lighter Aegean day for rest.
• Option to include Philadelphia or additional coastal stop, depending on pace.

12 Days

• Adds Cappadocia: valleys, cave chapels, and slower reflective blocks.
• Alternative: extended Seven Churches loop with more time in each site and a coastal day.

Best Time to Go

Spring and fall bring comfortable temps and steady crowds. Summers can be hot—especially inland and at exposed sites—while winters are cooler and variable. Major holidays and cruise schedules can shift foot traffic; reserve early for preferred timing.

Group Logistics

• Airports: IST for Istanbul; ADB (Izmir) for Aegean; ASR/NAV for Cappadocia region.
• Coach segments: Izmir ↔ Ephesus ~1 hr; Izmir ↔ Pergamum ~2 hrs; Izmir ↔ Pamukkale (Hierapolis) ~3–4 hrs.
• Lodging: 3–4★ hotels in walkable cores when feasible; cave‑style properties in Cappadocia are an option.
• Meals: hotel breakfasts/dinners; local lunches; dietary needs with notice.
• Walking level: moderate; ancient sites include stairs and uneven stone.

Extensions & Combos

• Greece: add a short Aegean cruise with Patmos/Ephesus day stops. See: Greece.
• Israel & Jordan: plan separate Holy Land legs or split trips. See: Israel, Jordan.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• How strenuous are site days? Moderate—ancient pavements and steps; we adjust pacing and provide coach access points.
• Are mosques included? If desired; modest dress is requested at some spaces.
• Do we need internal flights? For Cappadocia or Istanbul+Aegean combos, yes—this saves long coach days.
• When should we book? Spring/fall dates fill quickly; plan 9–12 months out for ideal pacing and availability.

Explore fundraising strategies in our travel commissions overview, or connect through the lead form.