From Legends to History: Turkey's Legacy of Civilizations and Culture
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Overview
Highlights
- I like to spend much of the day exploring
- Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
- Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Ankara Airport, clear passport control, claim your bags, go through customs and the sliding doors and look for the Road Scholar sign.
We will gather in our private meeting room at the hotel at 6:00PM where your group leader will greet you with a ...
Walking up to 1 mile during excursions and at the Mausoleum of Ataturk
We will start our day with a visit to the award winning Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located steps away from the hotel. The tour of the museum will be led by Prof Thomas Zimmerman, head...
Walking up to 1 mile on occasionally uneven terrain during the visit to Hattusas. Climbing a flight of stairs might be required at the cave hotel in Cappadocia, depending on the location of room.
We depart from Ankara and head east to Hattusas. Hattusas is the c...
Walking in uneven terrain, for up to 1 mile. Sturdy walking shoes highly recommended. Some caves/churches require crouching to enter.
There will be an optional hot air balloon flight this morning for those interested in discovering this unique geography from the...
An optional hike through the formations of Cappadocia will be offered to those interested. Good walking shoes are a must.
We will visit and explore the village of Sinasos. This village had a largely Greek population in Ottoman times. Today it is a thriving town ...
Leisurely day spent on the bus.
Drive west to Konya, on the central plateau of Turkey, following the ancient Silk Road. We will visit Sultanhani, a 13th century Seljuk caravanserai, an ancient "camel motel" built on the Silk Road to accommodate the caravans of t...
Walking at ancient Greek/Roman sites up to ½ mile. Occasional uneven pavement at ancient sites.
We will depart Konya after breakfast and head south towards the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey by crossing the impressive Taurus Mountains.
This afternoon, you w...
Standing for varying periods during the tour of the Museum. Streets of the old town can be steep towards the harbor.
This morning you will visit the award winning Antalya Archeological Museum. An archeologist from the local Akdeniz University will give a lecture...
Walking on uneven terrain at the ancient site of Hierapolis. Extreme caution should be shown while walking on the cascades and travertines of Pamukkale. (Slippery!)
Depart Antalya and head inland driving north through lush countryside towards Pamukkale.
Ar...
Uneven terrain at the ancient site of Aphrodisias. Walking up to 1 mile.
Depart Pamukkale after breakfast and drive along the Meander River. This morning you will visit the splendid Aphrodisias, the Greek Roman city dedicated to Greek goddess of Love, Aphrodite....
Walking up to 2 miles on the ancient streets of Ephesus. Visiting the Terrace Houses section of Ephesus requires climbing several sets of stairs through different sections of the museum.
Start your day by exploring the mesmerizing ancient site of Ephesus. Your e...
Walking ½ mile on uneven terrain during visit of Troy
We will depart early from Kusadasi and drive north along the Aegean Sea. We will drive through Izmir (ancient Smyrna), the third largest city of Turkey, also known as the Pearl of the Aegean.
We will dr...
Leisurely day spent on the coach.
We will depart early from Canakkale and take the ferry across the Dardanelles, from Asia to Europe. We will stop at the Gallipoli National Park and see the Anzac Cove to remember the tragic campaign launched by the Allied Forces...
Walking up to 3 miles in the old city of Istanbul, occasionally on cobblestone streets. Good walking shoes are recommended. The whole day will be spent on foot due to the traffic restrictions in the old city.
Start your day with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, on...
Walking up to 2 miles on the streets and bazaars of Istanbul.
This morning you will start your day with a field trip to the breathtaking Church of Hagia Sophia. You will learn about the architecture of this unique 1,500 year old building and awe at its size and ...
There will be group transfers from the hotel to Istanbul Airport, depending on the departure times of flights. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please be ...
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:
Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:
--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.
--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.
--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.
--Excellent value.
Explore Your Mind and the World:
There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.
Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Our Most Popular Tours:
Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.
Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.
Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.
National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.
Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.
Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.
Why Road Scholar?
You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."
Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.
Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.
Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.
Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.
You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."
We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.
Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.
Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.
Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.
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Logistics
- Number of Breakfast: 15
- Number of Lunch: 14
- Number of Dinner: 14
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