(Itinerary subject to change)
DAY01: Wednesday, October 8th Arrival in Istanbul
Program: We will meet late in the afternoon for a walking tour to the Blue Mosque. With its massive central dome flanked by six slender minarets, it stands as the single most recognizable monument on the Istanbul skyline. The mosque’s immense interior, flooded with sunlight streaming through 260 windows, is decorated with more than 20,000 precious Iznik tiles detailing traditional flowers of Ottoman design. In fact, it is the deep blue glow of the tiles in sunlight that gives the building its name. We'll have a reception, cocktails, and discussion followed by a light dinner. (D)
DAY02: Thursday, October9th Istanbul
Program: Topkapi Palace Museum: Topkapi was the second palace built in Istanbul after the conquest. It was a residence for the Ottoman Sultans and includes a maze of opulent buildings which were at the center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. This palace, where the sultans and their courts and harem lived and governed, is now one of the world’s richest museums.After lunch, continue to Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia): This famous basilica was constructed in the 6th century A.D. It is often described as the greatest work of Byzantine architecture. Hippodrome: The ancient Hippodrome, an enormous public entertainment arena that once seated as many as 100,000 zealous fans witnessing chariot races, executions, and mock battles. Once the center of Byzantine civic life, it is still decorated by the Egyptian Obelisk and the Column of Constantine. Have time to rest before a late Welcome Dinner tonight at Woks Ziyade Fasil Restaurant. You will enjoy an authentic Turkish dinner of meze and music. (B,D)
DAY03: Friday October10 Istanbul
Program: Sultan Suleyman the Magnificant commissioned the Suleymaniye Mosque, built between 1550-1557and designed by the architect, Sinan. The Basilica Cistern , was constructed by Justinian in 532 to supply the Byzantine Palace primarily. It fell out of use with the Turkish conquest and is the largest of all Istanbul's ancient cisterns. The cistern was restored in 1980's and today walkways have been constructed right through the cistern and subdued illumination lends the place a suitably mysterious atmosphere. The Rustem Pasa Mosque is a smaller Ottoman mosque designed by Sinan for Grand Vizier Rustem Pasha. It was built from from 1561 to 1563 and is famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles set in beautiful floral and geometric designs. Next stop is the Arasta Bazaar where the shops overflow with treasures that beckon visitors to buy, buy, and buy. Arasta Bazaar is small, simple but savvy shoppers have discovered Arasta can yield many wonderful treasures as well as result in numerous memorable experiences involving the people who operate the shops. Then continue to Istanbul's Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, a treasure-house of beautiful objects from the Ottoman (14th to 20th centuries), Seljuk (11th to 13th centuries), and earlier periods beginning in the 8th century. Turkish carpets, illuminated Kur'ans, calligraphy (at which the Ottomans excelled), carved and inlaid wood, glass, porcelain and stone are well displayed. Turkish ethnographic exhibits—a fully-furnished nomads' tent, a 19th-century Ottoman parlor, and others—extend the collection beyond mere beautiful objects shown out of context. Finish the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar: The area of the Grand Bazaar was a trade center during the Byzantine period. Today, the atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar is very interesting and has consequently become a very popular place for visitors to explore a labyrinth of streets and passages housing eighteen entrances and more than 4,000 shops. (B,D)
DAY04: Saturday, October 11th Istanbul
Program: After crossing Golden Horn Bay, which separates the modern and historical parts of the city, we will visit the Spice Market which was built as part of the Yeni Cami complex and has since been an exciting covered market filled with the fragrant scent of spices from the Orient. Next, we will embark on a public boat and start our cruise of the Bosphorus Strait. This boat ride takes you past the late Ottoman Palaces, Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, as well as beautiful wooden mansions and modern villas of the 19th & 20th centuries which form this elegant section of the city. After lunch take a walk to the ruins of Yoros Castle, built by Genoese settlers in 1190. This location also presents unparalleled views of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus. We will return through picturesque seaside town of Kanlica famous for it’s authentic buildings and it’s yogurt. (B,L)
DAY05: Sunday, October 12th Istanbul/Kusadasi
Program: This morning after breakfast you will check out and transfer to Istanbul Airport where you will board your short flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, meet with your local guide and drive to lovely Sirince village where we will have a lunch and wine tasting. We will check-in at the Kismet Hotel, all 100 rooms have balconies, views of the sea and many amenities. (B,L,D)
DAY 06: Monday, October 13th Kusadasi – Ephesus sites
Program: Ephesus Ancient Site: As the capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus is still richly endowed with marble temples, mosaics and a 25,000-seat Great Theater. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and her enormous temple was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The House of the Virgin Mary: On Bulbul Dag (Nightingale Mountain) there is the House of the Virgin Mary where it's believed that she passed the last years of her life and died. After lunch, we will continue to the Ephesus Archeology Museum. Almost all of the exhibits are findings from Ephesus, the most spectacular being two life-size statutes of Artemis Ephesia, both of them dating from the middle Roman imperial era. (B,L,D)
DAY07: Tuesday,October 14th Kusadasi /Ankara/Cappadocia
Program: After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Izmir Airport for a short flight to Ankara. Ankara is the capital of Turkey. Called Angora by the Romans, Turkey’s capital still has its longhaired cats and goats, but is now the heart of the Turkish Republic. We’ll have time for lunch in Ankara and a visit to it’s well-known Museum of Antiquities. In the afternoon, drive 3 hours to Cappadocia, where we will check in at the Yunak House Hotel. After check-in, spend some time at leisure. (B,D)
DAY08: Wednesday, October15 Cappadocia
Program: Goreme: The open air museum of Goreme consist of steep cliffs and many hidden churches dating from the second half of the 9th Century and later. Uchisar Fortress: Uchisar is the name of a town and the fortress in the town. This 60 meter-high fortress was not built but carved out of a natural hill dominating the area with a breathtaking view of all the surrounding Cappadocia formations. Avanos Hand-craft Center: Avanos is a small town famous for its pottery and carpets. It is built along the banks of Kizilirmak (Halys) River, the longest river originating and ending within the borders of Turkey. At hand-craft center, you will be introduced to these regional crafts, learning all major aspects of carpet-weaving and pottery-making. At the end of the day, we will visit the Urgup Wine Factory for a tour and sampling. Return to the hotel in the early evening and have time at leisure. (B,D)
DAY09: Thursday, October16th Cappadocia
Program: The biblical realm of Cappadocia is a wonderland of unusual geographic formations sprinkled with green vineyards, fruit orchards and frescoed churches. Orozkonak Underground City: the least visited underground city, which is said to have housed 60,000 people at one time. Pasabag and Zelve: These nature sites are the perfect places to take photos of a remarkable landscape of tufa cones. Tonight, after dinner, we will attend a Sema (a Whirling Dervish demonstration). This rite, practiced by the Mevlana Sect is held at the Saruhan Caravanserai, an atmospheric venue. (B,L,D)
DAY10: Friday, October17th Cappadocia/Istanbul
After breakfast, we return to Istanbul from the Kayseri Airport. There will be free time this afternoon to visit some of the other museums in the area or have more time at the bazaars. This evening, enjoy a celebratory Farewell Dinner at the Sarnic Restaurant, housed in an underground cistern. (B,D)
DAY11: Saturday, October18th Istanbul/home
Transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight home. Alas, until we meet again! (B)
