Merhaba! Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) and take included transportation to your hotel in Istanbul, a fascinating city built on two continents, divided by the Bosphorus Strait.
Throughout its history, Istanbul has been called home by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Tonight, it will be your home.
Enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, exclusive to this Over30Experiences itinerary. Begin to settle into your new surroundings while getting to know your new friends.
Today you will get the chance to learn about the rich history and culture of Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul.
Take in the city by foot as you visit iconic locations such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque while your Trip Leader shares their insider knowledge of the city.
Wrap up your day in Istanbul with an optional night out on the town.
Catch a morning flight to Cappadocia, then head straight to the Goreme Open Air Museum, an incredible complex of churches cut into volcanic rock.
After visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site, you will be welcomed into a local’s home to enjoy a home-cooked lunch with your new travel friends.
After learning more about the locals’ way of life, check out a local eatery and get to know the neighborhood.
Rise before the sun to take an optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, or opt to catch a bit more shut-eye before the day ahead.
Get your blood pumping with a hike through the canyon of Cappadocia. After, learn how to make pottery, taught by local craftsmen.
Tour several of the 36 underground cities located in this region, where people lived below ground, living their lives in total secrecy starting in the 8th century. Close out your day at a local winery to taste some award-winning wines of the Cappadocia region.
After breakfast, take an included flight from Cappadocia to Izmir, then drive to your next destination: Selcuk.
Explore your new surroundings on foot with your Trip Leader before enjoying some free time to visit local museums and mosques or go for a swim at a nearby beach.
Finish out your night with a group dinner at a local restaurant and swap stories of the activities you chose to do earlier in the day.
Begin your day with a trip to one of Europe’s most intact ancient cities, Ephesus.
Explore the city with your Trip Leader as they share facts about this city’s history that dates back to the 11th century!
Continue your morning with a visit to Sultankoy Carpet Village, where you will learn all about the traditional art of carpet weaving.
The rest of the day is yours for the making! Be sure to ask your Trip Leader for suggestions on optional activities or restaurants to check out.
Did someone say beach day?! After breakfast, head to the coastal town of Bodrum and get ready for some fun in the sun.
Choose to relax in the sand, go for a dip in the sea, or take in the local art scene and visit some galleries.
Once you are done exploring for the day, wrap your day up by trying some local dishes at a restaurant in town.
After breakfast, it’s time to board your private sailboat! Spend your morning island hopping with ample opportunities to go swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing.
Enjoy lunch right on the boat as you take in your last full day in Turkey with your new friends.
Return to land and enjoy a final group dinner as you look back on the last eight days exploring all that Turkey has to offer.
On the final day of our adventure, wake up early to soak in the last morning in Turkey together.
Say goodbye to your new friends and depart at any time of the day with instructions from your Trip Leader on how to take taxis, buses, or local transportation to the airport.
Ask your Trip Leader for suggestions if you choose to spend more time in Bodrum or other regions of Turkey.
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