From Legends to History: Turkey's Legacy of Civilizations and Culture

17 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews  
84%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
The story of Turkey is a blend of cultures and people as beautifully complex as the mosaics left by the Byzantine. Join us and see for yourself what makes this country so unique.
From$4,849
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

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?

    The story of Turkey is a blend of cultures and people as beautifully complex as the mosaics left by the Byzantine. Join us and see for yourself what makes this country so unique.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAnkara
End CityIstanbul

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Photography
  • Holy Land

Destinations

  • Turkey

Attractions

  • Antalya
  • Cappadocia
  • Istanbul

Activities

  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrival, Registration & Welcome Meeting, Welcome Dinner Ankara

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 ...

Day 3 Anatolian Civilizations Museum, Mausoleum of Ataturk Ankara

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...

Day 4 Hattusas, Anatolian Steppes to Cappadocia Cappadocia

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...

Day 5 Goreme Open Air Museum, Fantastic Formations of Cappadocia Cappadocia

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...

Day 6 Visit Love Valley & Village of Sinasos Cappadocia

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 ...

Day 7 Silk Road From Cappadocia to Konya, Sultanhani Caravanserai Konya

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...

Day 8 The Magnificent Roman Theater of Aspendos, City of Perge Antalya

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...

Day 9 Lecture & Field Trip to Antalya Archeological Museum Antalya

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...

Day 10 Hierapolis, Natural Calcium Pools, Travertines of Pamukkale Pamukkale

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...

Day 11 Aphrodisias, City of Aphrodite Kusadasi

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....

Day 12 The Amazing City of Ephesus Kusadasi

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...

Day 13 Troy, the Fabled City of Homer Canakkale

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...

Day 14 Gallipoli National Park & the Anzac Cove Istanbul

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...

Day 15 Topkapi Palace, The Harem, Underground Cisterns. Istanbul

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...

Day 16 Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul

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 ...

Day 17 Program Concludes In Flight

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 ...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,849
Price per day$285
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

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.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Road Scholar Reviews & Ratings

4.4/5  Great
Excellent
233
Great
7
Average
2
Disappointing
8
Terrible
35
Write a Review

Other Road Scholar Reviews

B

Buyer Beware

Apr 2024

Written on

Don’t trust Road Scholar Tour Insurance!!!

Because I have Stage 4 cancer, I chose to spend the extra money for trip insurance in case my cancer recurred. When a scan showed that it had, I cancelled my trip. I...

M

Michael

Dec 2023

Written on

Not a good bicycle trip

Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, th...

M

Marsha

Nov 2023

Written on

Travel Section Incompetent, Unhelpful, and Won't correct error

I booked a tour to Italy for May 2024. I cancelled in Oct. for a lot of reasons. Before I enrolled, I asked if Road Scholar would book the flights so that on the las...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Road Scholar

preferred
View Profile

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.

What they’re known for
Popular global tours with a unique focus on educational experiences for mostly senior travelers.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 15
  • Number of Lunch: 14
  • Number of Dinner: 14
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
roadscholar-18696

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!