Signature: Turkey's Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia

Signature: Turkey's Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia

• Trip code: 481X023
• Dauer: 10
• Stil: National Geographic Signature

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.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

Group Size Notes

Max. 22, Avg. 16

Introduction

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

Meals Included

9 Frühstück, 6 Mittagessen, 8 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD65-85 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

von Istanbul

Transport

Private Vehicle, Walking, Jeep, Plane, Boat

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Istanbul
Dein Welcome-Moment: Byzantine Cistern Welcome Dinner, Istanbul
Signature Moment: Bodrum Museum Of Underwater Archaeology, Bodrum
Dein Foodie-Moment: Local Farm Visit, Bodrum
Dein Foodie-Moment: Bodrum Area Vineyard Visit, Bodrum
Signature Moment: Ephesus Guided Visit and Exclusive Dinner, Selcuk
Dein Foodie-Moment: Cooking Class and Lunch, Cappadocia. Arrival and Departure Transfer. Hagia Sophia including special access exclusive visits to hidden rooms. Istanbul
Private Evening Bosphorus Strait Cruise. Istanbul Walking tour. Istanbul Topkapi Palace Visit. Ancient site of Halicarnassus visit. Bodrum community enterprise village weaving workshop. Apollo Temple of Didyma Visit. Miletus Visit. Orientation Walk of Kemeralti Old Bazaar İzmir. Selçuk. Ankara Guided Tour. Visit to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Ankara. Private dinner at a Historic Mansion in the Ankara Castle District, Ankara. Stop at Hattuşa a UNESCO World Heritage Site guided visit of the ancient city. Cappadocia Göreme Open Air Museum Guided Tour. Tour of Derinkuyu Underground City. Cappadocia Gentle Jeep tour among the fairy chimneys around sunset. Cappadocia private farewell dinner hosted at the Güray Museum, Cappadocia. Internal flights. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

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

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Istanbul

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

Day 2 Istanbul

Istanbul reveals another layer of its history this morning, beginning with the Hagia Sophia and special access to hidden rooms rarely seen by the public. Continue to the ancient Hippodrome and its underground cistern before marveling at the iconic Blue Mosque. After a local lunch, choose to wander the labyrinthine stalls of the Grand Bazaar or enjoy a quiet afternoon at your leisure. As evening falls, board a private boat for a passage across the Bosphorus, watching the city's minarets and palaces flicker to life from the water before a sophisticated dinner served beside the shimmering strait

Day 3 Istanbul/Bodrum

Step into the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire with a private tour of Topkapı Palace. Accompanied by the Museum manager and the Expedition Expert, explore the ceremonial halls and opulent chambers that housed sultans for four centuries. This afternoon, fly south to the Aegean coast and the vibrant town of Bodrum. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely dinner, feeling the coastal breeze replace the energy of the city as you prepare to uncover the secrets of ancient maritime history and the turquoise coast

Day 4 Bodrum

Bodrum's ancient past and maritime secrets take centre stage today. Visit the Halicarnassus site before heading to the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum, located within the Castle of St. Peter, where we have private access to the research and conservation laboratories. Join a maritime archaeology specialist to learn about the preservation of the world's oldest known shipwreck. The afternoon shifts to the land, with a visit to a local farm, a community weaving workshop, and a wine tasting at a renowned vineyard as the sun softens over the vines

Day 5 Bodrum/İzmir

Take to the Turkish countryside on a scenic drive toward Izmir. Stop at Didim to stand before the monumental Temple of Apollo, once one of the largest sacred structures of the ancient world. Learn how this site functioned as a powerful oracle centre before enjoying lunch in town. Continue to Miletus to hear the legends of the Seven Sages. Upon arrival in Izmir—the ancient city of Smyrna—join your National Geographic Expedition Leader for a tour of the city’s layered civilizations. The evening is yours to explore the vibrant waterfront and local culinary scene at your own pace

Day 6 İzmir

The ancient city of Ephesus dominates the day, beginning with a visit to a community-focused initiative in Selçuk that highlights local handicrafts and supports women's empowerment. After a traditional lunch, a specialist lecturer leads an immersive exploration of this ancient city, once home to 200,000 people. As the crowds depart, the experience reaches its peak with a private dinner set against the iconic remains of the Library of Celsus — accompanied by live classical music under the stars

Day 7 İzmir/Ankara

A morning flight brings you to Ankara, Turkey's modern capital, where ancient and contemporary history sit side by side. Witness the changing of the guard at Anıtkabir before a private tour of the Anatolian Civilisation Museum, led by a historian who brings the region's ancient artefacts to life. After a free afternoon, the historic Ankara Castle district provides an intimate setting for an exclusive dinner in an Ottoman-era mansion — where layers of Roman and Byzantine history form the backdrop for an evening of refined local hospitality

Day 8 Ankara/Cappadocia

Transition from the urban landscape into the vast, spiritual heart of the Anatolian Plateau. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hattuşa, the legendary Bronze Age capital of the Hittite Empire. Embark on a guided exploration of the ruins before continuing your journey into the "alien" world of Cappadocia. Watch the terrain shift into a surreal patchwork of volcanic peaks and honeycombed hills. Upon arrival, travel straight to your hotel to settle in and enjoy a dinner of regional specialities, surrounded by the unique geology that has defined life in this region for millennia

Day 9 Cappadocia

Discover the subterranean secrets of Cappadocia at the Göreme Valley and the deep tunnels of the Derinkuyu Underground City. For lunch, join a local host for a cooking class, mastering the art of Anatolian cuisine before enjoying your creations. In the late afternoon, embark on a jeep drive through the valley, weaving amongst fairy chimneys as the landscape takes on the golden hues of sunset. Conclude your expedition with a private dinner at the Güray Museum. Enjoy a briefing from a museum official within these underground galleries before celebrating your journey with a menu inspired by ancient traditions

Day 10 Cappadocia/Istanbul

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Istanbul airport where your expedition concludes. Reflect on the memories made—from the silent laboratories of Bodrum to the echoing halls of Ephesus — as you connect with your onward flight home. Carry with you a deeper understanding of the empires that shaped this land and the enduring warmth of the Turkish people you met along the way

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Istanbul

Day 2 Istanbul

Day 3 Istanbul/Bodrum

Day 4 Bodrum

Day 5 Bodrum/İzmir

Day 6 İzmir

Day 7 İzmir/Ankara

Day 8 Ankara/Cappadocia

Day 9 Cappadocia

Day 10 Cappadocia/Istanbul