Signature: Turkey's Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia

BM-52681

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10 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

1 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Ends

Istanbul, Turkey

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Highlights

Descend into a 4th-century underground reservoir for a welcome feast among marble columns at a Byzantine cistern dinner.

Enjoy a private dinner by the Library of Celsus at Ephesus.

Join a museum historian for a private exploration of Turkey’s ancient civilizations at the Anatolian Museum.

Gain special access to research laboratories to learn the secrets of maritime history at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Traverse the "alien" landscape of Cappadocia by jeep as the sun sets over the fairy chimneys

Itinerary

Few places on earth hold as many historical and cultural layers as Turkey. From the Byzantine depths of Istanbul and the sun-bleached ruins of Ephesus to the surreal volcanic landscape of Cappadocia, this expedition moves through millennia of empire, artistry, and culture — unlocking rare access to the sites and stories that shaped the ancient world.

day 1Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul. Your expedition begins in a city that spans two continents and three millennia of history. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, descend a stone staircase into the golden-lit depths of the Binbirdirek Cistern, a 4th-century Byzantine marvel. Amongst a forest of marble columns, join your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a private welcome dinner. Savour traditional dishes and fine wine in this hidden underground world, feeling the vastness of history embrace you as you toast the start of your Turkish odyssey.

Meal

Dinner

Accomodation

The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul (or similar)

Transport

Arrival Transfer

Included Activities

Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Byzantine Cistern Welcome Dinner Duration : 2.0 hr

day 2Istanbul

day 3Istanbul/Bodrum

day 4Bodrum

day 5Bodrum/İzmir

day 6İzmir

day 7İzmir/Ankara

day 8Ankara/Cappadocia

day 9Cappadocia

day 10Cappadocia/Istanbul

What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Meals

9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
Note: Allow USD65-85 for meals not included.

Transport

Private Vehicle, Walking, Jeep, Plane, BoatAll transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

Included activities

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, IstanbulYour Welcome Moment: Byzantine Cistern Welcome Dinner, IstanbulSignature Moment: Bodrum Museum Of Underwater Archaeology, BodrumYour Foodie Moment: Local Farm Visit, BodrumYour Foodie Moment: Bodrum Area Vineyard Visit, BodrumSignature Moment: Ephesus Guided Visit and Exclusive Dinner, SelcukYour Foodie Moment: Cooking Class and Lunch, CappadociaArrival and Departure TransferHagia Sophia including special access exclusive visits to hidden roomsIstanbulPrivate Evening Bosphorus Strait CruiseIstanbul Walking tourIstanbul Topkapi Palace VisitAncient site of Halicarnassus visitBodrum community enterprise village weaving workshopApollo Temple of Didyma VisitMiletus VisitOrientation Walk of Kemeralti Old Bazaar İzmirSelçukAnkara Guided TourVisit to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, AnkaraPrivate dinner at a Historic Mansion in the Ankara Castle District, AnkaraStop at Hattuşa a UNESCO World Heritage Site guided visit of the ancient cityCappadocia Göreme Open Air Museum Guided TourTour of Derinkuyu Underground CityCappadocia Gentle Jeep tour among the fairy chimneys around sunsetCappadocia private farewell dinner hosted at the Güray Museum, CappadociaInternal flightsEngaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert ThroughoutPorterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehiclesTips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader

What's Excluded

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Good to Know

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Visa

Other Practical Information

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Signature: Turkey's Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia

Highlights