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Compare Odyssey at Sea: The Best of the Black Sea by Road Scholar vs Walking the Ancient Trails of Cappadocia - Premium Adventure by Exodus Travels

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Duration 12 days 9 days
Price From $ 4,199 $ 3,915
Price Per Day $ 350 $ 435
Highlights
  • Choose from two or more options of activity levels to find your perfect pace
  • Experience a six-night stay at the fabulous Nino Cave Suites hotel in the heart of Cappadocia
  • Enjoy a unique programme of walks and activities to discover the history, valleys, rock towers and cave dwellings of the region
  • Grab the chance to take a hot-air balloon ride over the fairytale Cappadocia landscape
  • Discover historic Istanbul, from centrally located hotels
Trip Style Small group tour Small group tour
Lodging Level Standard Standard
Physical Level
  • 3- Moderate
  • 3- Moderate
Travel Themes N/A
  • Hiking & Walking
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Istanbul
  • Cappadocia
  • Goreme
  • Istanbul
Flights & Transport No No
Activities N/A
  • Hiking
Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 10
  • Number of Lunch: 9
  • Number of Dinner: 10
All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners included. Typical meals: Breakfast: Typically, a selection of tea, coffee, bread, butter, jam, cheese, olives, cucumber, tomatoes and yoghurt. Lunch and dinner: A combination of set menus and buffet arrangements with several freshly cooked dishes. Kebabs are, of course, found everywhere. Most people find Turkish cuisine one of the most varied in the world and there is usually something to please everyone. Vegetarians will generally find themselves well catered for as many Turkish dishes are based on vegetables and dairy products. In Turkey, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home. Drinks are not included with meals (except breakfast) as a wide variety is normally available and this allows you greater choice. Mineral water, excellent fruit juices, beer and wine are generally readily available. Tea (usually taken in small glasses) is cheap, and so is Turkish coffee (strong, taken in small cups). European instant coffee and spirits can be more expensive.
Description Embark on an epic adventure aboard our first-ever floating campus, delving into the storied past of the Black Sea as you explore Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

The rock towers, caves and cultural history of Cappadocia are best discovered on foot. Following ancient volcanic eruptions, the region was covered with a blanket of soft ‘tufa’ rock that is easily eroded by wind and water. It has been inhabited for millennia, with many civilisations carving cave dwellings and churches into the towers and hillsides. In recent times, local entrepreneurs have used the same principle to create incredible, unique hotels, one of which is a highlight of our experience. Our programme of walks and activities will show you the best of the area, plus lesser-known routes and experiences. This trip is recommended to those who like exploring in style, and don’t settle with the ordinary.Explore the unique landscapes and cultures of Cappadocia on foot – from an extraordinary cave hotel 

Itinerary: Odyssey at Sea: The Best of the Black Sea

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Istanbul, Transfer to Port, Embark Aegean Odyssey Istanbul

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 1 mile including ship and port corridors and gangways.

Transfer from the airport to the Port of Istanbul. Meals aboard ship will begin with dinner; a light lunch will be available for those who arrive in time.

Embark the Aegean Odyssey. Complete boarding procedures, get your cabin, unpack, and freshen up. Then begin to explore this comfortable ship that will be our floating home. The ship’s courteous and friendly staff are scrupulous about hygiene and you will find numerous dispensers with hand sanitizer we are encouraged to use. Along with everyone on board, we will meet at muster stations when called for the ship’s safety drill. During succeeding evenings aboard ship, there will be activities to choose from such as a guest speaker, a performance by talented musicians, and opportunities for interaction with fellow Road Scholars. Please note that lecture times and dates may vary due to time in port. Check your briefing memo for the most up to date lecture schedule. There is also a well-stocked library with daily newspapers received via satellite. Most mornings will begin with a group stretch session. On each full day of the program, we will gather for an informal “port talk” about what’s ahead. Each evening, we’ll get a briefing memo in our cabins with highlights of the next day’s activities. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In most ports, we will have shuttle buses, or tender boats, running from/to the ship during the day for your convenience if you wish to explore independently. The extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities depends on personal choice. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to remain in port overnight.

Aboard ship, enjoy your first dinner on board in the venue of your choice: the a la carte Marco Polo restaurant, open for dinner as well as lunch on full days at sea; and the Terrace Café with its extensive buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations including healthy choices. Both restaurants offer open-seating dining. All meals aboard ship — as well as afternoon tea and late night snacks — are included. Non-alcoholic beverages and select wines at dinner are included; other beverages are available for purchase upon request.

Day 3 Istanbul, Topkapi Palace, Archaeological Museum At Sea

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 5 miles including steps at Palace; no handrails; standing up to 2 hours at each site. Popular sites may be crowded at certain periods. NOTE: The “On Your Feet” activity level group will not be going to the harem apartments.

Orientation: We will gather in the morning, and the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. After the orientation session, we will step off the ship, walk to and board a motorcoach, and ride to the Topkapi Palace. Constructed from 1460-1478, it served as the residence of Ottoman sultans as well as their administrative and ceremonial center until the mid-19th century. A local expert will lead our exploration as we see aspects of the Imperial Treasury that holds riches of royal history including thrones, jeweled pendants and precious stones, sacred items from the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed, decorated weapons, and much more. We will also see parts of the harem apartments that originally contained more than 300 rooms including living quarters for the sultan and his family, bath houses, courtyards, dormitories for concubines, a hospital, laundry, mosques, and pavilions.

Next, we will visit the Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzesi, or Istanbul Archaeological Museums, complex. The museum was founded in 1875 by accomplished archaeologist, Osman Hamdi Bey, and is actually comprised of three different museums. Discover ancient treasures from the Assyrian, Hittite, Egyptian, Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Istanbul on our journey to Sinop.

In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — there are hot and cold dishes to choose from such as eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, fruits, breads, pastries, and a variety of healthy choices as well as milk, juice, coffee, tea, water. Meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations.

In a local restaurant.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 4 Free Time, Lectures at Sea At Sea

Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.

Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. We will gather for our first port talk in the late afternoon.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. We will continue our journey to Sinop.

In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 5 Sinop, Free Time At Sea

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Driving from the port through the city to the first stop could take 1/2 hour or so depending on traffic. Walking about 4 miles; mostly flat terrain, steps at mosque; no handrails; standing up to 2 hours. Popular sites may be crowded at certain periods. NOTE: This day may be operated in reverse for some groups. NOTE: The “On Your Feet” activity level group will not be visiting the ruins on Balatlar Kilisesi.

We will step off the ship and board a motorcoach for a field trip to medieval Sinop, a walled city perched on a promontory overlooking the Black Sea. Founded by colonists from the Aegean port of Miletus in the 800s BCE, Sinop became a major port thanks to its fine natural harbor. We will explore remnants of its medieval city walls; the Alaeddin Mosque dating from 1267 and its medrese (seminary); and the ruins on Balatlar Kilisesi, a Roman temple converted into a Byzantine church. The Greek philosopher Diogenes — one of the founders of Cynic Philosophy who carried around a lantern “looking for a good man” (and not finding one!) — was born in Sinop.

Free time. This may occur in the morning for some groups. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, or take advantage of this time for independent exploration. The ship is scheduled to leave Sinop on our journey to Odessa.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow.

In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 6 Free Time, Lectures at Sea At Sea

Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.

Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.

Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. At the end of the afternoon, we will gather for a port talk.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. We will continue our journey to Odessa.

In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 7 Odessa, Free Time Odessa

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Driving from the port through the city to the first stop could take 1/2 hour or so depending on traffic. Walking about 3 miles; mostly flat terrain, steps at Cathedral, no handrails, standing up to 2 hours. Popular sites may be crowded at certain periods. Elective walking during free time according to personal preference. NOTE: The “On Your Feet” activity level group will not be going to the Archaeological Museum.

Odessa was compared to Paris as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe in the early 19th century. We will set out by coach to explore the highlights of Odessa with either our Group Leader or a local expert for an overview of Prymorsky Boulevard, lined with 19th-century gas lamps, majestic trees, and aristocratic palaces, and ride past Catherine Square and the Potemkin Steps. Next, we’ll visit the Transfiguration Cathedral, Odessa’s largest church. The original edifice dating from 1794 was expanded throughout the 19th century, only to be destroyed by the Soviets in 1936. Rebuilding commenced in 1999, and was completed in 2003. We will then move on to the Archaeological Museum. This is the oldest museum in the Ukraine, established in 1825. The museum’s permanent collection houses around 170,000 exhibits, and was declared a national treasure in 2008. We will return to port after our field trip where you are welcome to enjoy free time aboard ship or stay ashore and explore independently.

Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship or take advantage of the shuttle bus available for independent exploration.

This evening, you may take in a performance at the Opera House or spend some time at leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to remain in port overnight.

In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Day 8 Free Time, Nerubaiskoe, Odessa Catacombs, Shustov Museum At Sea

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Driving from the port through the city and environs to the first stop could take an hour or so depending on traffic. Walking about 4 miles; mostly flat terrain; at catacombs, 90 steps with handrails; standing up to 2 hours; at Factory Museum, 68 steps with handrails up/down. NOTE: For some groups the activities on this day may run in reverse, and times will be staggered so some may take place in the afternoon.

Our motorcoach will leave the city center and take us through the countryside. We will pass small villages, farms, and gardens in the environs of Odessa on our way to the village of Nerubaiskoe that was first settled by Ukrainian Cossacks as a fortress. With a local expert, we will enter the labyrinthine underground interior of the famed catacombs, stretching more than 1,600 feet (500 meters). The catacombs were first made to provide the city with limestone. During World War II, they were an underground fort of the Soviet army. We will visit the command post and learn about the defense of the catacombs at the local museum. On our way back to Odessa, we will stop to visit the Shustov Cognac Winery Museum. The factory was founded in 2002. Nowadays it is modern enterprise producing one of the best cognacs in Ukraine. We will learn about the production process, the history of cognac making, and have a tasting. We will return to port after the field trip where you are welcome to enjoy free time aboard ship or stay ashore and explore independently.

Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship or take advantage of the shuttle bus available for independent exploration. We will gather aboard ship for a port talk at the end of the afternoon.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Odessa on our journey to Constanta.

In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 9 Constanta, National Archaeology Museum, Winery, Free Time At Sea

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down; driving from the port through the city to the first stop could take 1/2 hour or so depending on traffic. Walking about 2 miles; mostly flat terrain, steps with handrails; standing up to 2 hours. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal preference.

After stepping off the ship, we will board a motorcoach and ride to the National Museum of History and Archaeology in Constanta. The museum boasts a marvelous collection of prehistoric, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Medieval artifacts, including the famous statue of Fortuna Goddess and Pontos God. We will then travel through the vineyards of the Romanian countryside to a local winery. We’ll sample some of the region’s popular wines and enjoy a performance of traditional Romanian folk music before returning to the ship.

Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship or take advantage of the shuttle bus available for independent exploration. We will gather aboard ship for a port talk at the end of the afternoon.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Constanta on our journey to Varna.

In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 10 Varna, Museum of Archaeology, Rock Monastery, Free Time At Sea

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving from the port through the city to the first stop could take 1/2 hour or so depending on traffic. Walking about 2 miles, mostly flat terrain, steps with handrails, standing up to 2 hours. At Monastery, walking about 2 miles roundtrip, 150 steps with handrails up/down. Free time activities according to personal preference. NOTE: The “On Your Feet” activity level group will not visit the Rock Monastery, and instead will visit the Roman Baths.

We will leave the ship by motorcoach and ride to the Varna Museum of Archaeology to explore with either our Group Leader or a local expert. Human habitation in the region dates back to the Early Paleolithic age — about 100,000 BCE! The most treasured elements of its collection were excavated from a nearby necropolis that is considered one of the foremost sites in pre-history studies. The so-called Varna Gold, the oldest such discovery in the world, has been estimated to be more than 6,000 years old. Next, we will ride to the Aladzha Monastery, carved out of the rock, where a local expert will lead our exploration. Hermit monks lived here during the 13th and 14th centuries, and it is today a place of mystery and legends. The Roman baths of ancient Odessos are the largest on the Balkan Peninsula, and the fourth largest in Europe. Explore the ruins of the function halls and discover the heating system used to warm the water. We will return to port after the field trip where you are welcome to enjoy free time aboard ship or stay ashore and explore independently.

Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship or take advantage of the shuttle bus available for independent exploration. We will gather aboard ship for a port talk at the end of the afternoon.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Varna on our journey to Istanbul.

In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 11 Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 1 mile including ship and port corridors and gangways; further walking of about 2 miles; steps at church and mosque; standing up to 2 hours.

We will set out by motorcoach for field trips beginning with Hagia Sophia — Holy Wisdom — one of the world’s great historical and architectural wonders. Moving on, we will visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque for what were originally richly hued blue tiles decorating its interior. It was constructed from 1609-1616 facing Hagia Sophia. Still an active mosque, it is the only one in Istanbul with six minarets where a Muezzin calls the faithful to prayer five times each day. Beneath its multiple domes, there are more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles, some 260 stained glass windows, and verses from the Qu’ran displayed in calligraphic art.

Next, we will ride to a chartered boat for a cruise on the Bosphorus. A local expert will provide commentary as we view palaces, yalis (waterfront mansions), and fortresses along its shores before returning to the ship.

At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning. The ship is scheduled to remain in port overnight.

In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

At a local restaurant.

Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during your final dinner on board.

Day 12 Disembarkation, Transfer to Airport, Program Concludes In Flight

Disembarkation begins as early as 2:00 a.m. or earlier depending on local schedules. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

We will complete disembarkation procedures. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Itinerary: Walking the Ancient Trails of Cappadocia - Premium Adventure

Day 1 Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. Today you arrive in Istanbul, one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities in the world. We have no activities scheduled for today, so you are free to arrive anytime. Premium accommodation: Kent Hotel, Istanbul (four-star)

Day 2 Morning calligraphy lesson; fly to Kayseri

We start our Turkish experience with a calligraphy lesson, where we learn the secrets of creating rich patterns on handmade marble paper and experience the sensuous flow of Ottoman calligraphy in the company of our highly skilled artist-craftsperson. Participation enables the school to generate the funds to continue supporting the retention of this ancient skill. For lunch, we have arranged a fabulous introduction to Turkish food, with a meal of Ottoman cuisine at the centrally located Matbah restaurant, which also has excellent views of Istanbul. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our 1hr 15min flight to Kayseri. Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)

Day 3 Visit to the Goreme Open-Air Museum; walk through the colourful Rose Valley

Our first day in Cappadocia we start with a gentle climb up through the tunnels of Uchisar rock for a striking panoramic view, then continue to the extraordinary Goreme Open-Air Museum to see painted churches and troglodytic monastic dwellings. This afternoon, we drive to the rabbit warren-like village of old Cavusin and walk through the colourful Rose Valley, which is home to rock-cut churches, viewpoints, and stunning vistas to end at Sunset Point. Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)

Day 4 Tour of Pigeon Valley; explore the cellars at Kaymakli Underground City; cooking class experience

We set off on foot along the scenic Pigeon Valley trail, walking downhill from Uchisar to Goreme. Pigeon Valley is named after the many dove cotes carved into the dwellings. From Goreme, we drive to Kaymakli to explore the cellars, stables and houses of this underground city, before continuing to the beautiful Soganli Valley for a taste of lesser-known Cappadocia. For lunch, we visit a local family for a cooking experience. Discover regional home-cooked food in a shared experience. The leader will be on hand to help with translations and demonstrations. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon. Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)

Day 5 Optional balloon ride; walk through White Valley; discover Love Valley; afternoon at leisure

This morning is our chance to take part in the most iconic activity in Cappadocia – an early morning hot-air balloon ride. We have pre-booked slots for each group member, but to allow for possible weather-related delays or even cancellations, we will arrange final confirmation and payment through your leader for those who wish to take part. It's an early start and a short transfer, but the ride lasts for approximately 1h 15min, and ends with a cold glass of champagne. After a late breakfast, we continue our programme for the day, with a walk through the White Valley. It is a little more challenging than the other hikes, but it is one of our favourites. From Uchisar, we descend into a valley of smooth snow-white rock faces and follow an uneven riverbed along the valley floor before entering Love Valley, which offers archetypal Cappadocia views and fairy chimneys. The original name of this valley was Valley of the Vines, but it’s not hard to work out why it has been nicknamed Love Valley. After lunch, the afternoon will be at leisure. Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)

Day 6 Visit the former monastic complex of Zelve; explore Sword and Red valleys; Jeep safari; late afternoon Whirling Dervishes performance

After breakfast we explore the former monastic complex of Zelve, then drive to Pasabagi – one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia We drive to Goreme to begin our hike through the Sword and Red valleys to the rock-hewn Kizlar Kalesi monastery. The path takes us through more jaw-dropping scenery, past the giant shards of rock that give Sword Valley its name, and on to the richly coloured rock formations that make Red Valley so remarkable. After lunch, we take a Jeep safari and go a little further afield to hidden corners as the drivers take you through narrow canyons and to viewpoints. In the late afternoon, we visit the historic Saruhan Caravanserai to see the Sema Ritual performed by Whirling Dervishes. This traditional performance has a deep cultural significance in Turkey and is a spectacular, spiritual and often-moving experience. The evening is free to make your own choice of dinner venue. Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)

Day 7 Day tour to Ihlara Valley; visit Avanos

After breakfast, we start our day tour to Ihlara Valley and one of the prettiest trails in Cappadocia. At 8.5mi (14km) long and up to 394ft (120m) deep, it is the largest historically inhabited canyon in the world. Ihlara has hundreds of churches and shelters made by the easy excavation of the rocks surrounding the valley plus the classic fairy chimneys. We finish with a visit to Selime Cathedral when we exit the valley. The last stop today is Avanos, the Cappadocia town established by the Hittites on the banks of Halys River. Making use of the red clay obtained from the shores, the Hittites created outstanding examples of pottery ware and used potters’ wheels as early as the second millennia BCE. We visit the studio of a local potter-artist and enjoy an interactive presentation on how to create masterpieces of pottery and ceramics. In the evening, we have a farewell-to-Cappadocia dinner at Elai restaurant, near the stone-carved Uçhisar Castle, where all the tables overlook the green valleys. Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)

Day 8 Fly to Istanbul; optional Turkish bath experience

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. We arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our central hotel. There will be an option for a Turkish bath experience at the luxurious 16th-century Hurrem Sultan Hamam. If you wish to explore the more classic sights of Istanbul, our leader will offer walking maps and suggestions, or can help you book guided experiences. In the evening, we enjoy our last group dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, revered for its traditional southeastern kebabs: it is the place to go for this much-loved Turkish dish. The popular restaurant is situated in the historic Eminönü district (West of Sultanahmet) and offers stunning views over the Golden Horn. Premium accommodation: Kent Hotel, Istanbul (four-star)

Day 9 End Istanbul

After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and start our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore magnificent Istanbul, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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