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Turkey
Uncover the various layers of Turkey, from Neolithic settlements to current politics, traveling from Ankara to Istanbul by way of Ephesus and the Turkish Riviera.
Overview
An awe-inspiring journey
Our Turkey program is one of Travel/Study’s most popular—and for good reason. We visit Turkey’s most important cities, Ankara and Istanbul, taking in their richest and most extraordinary archaeological treasures and age-old architectural masterpieces. We wander about the dramatic, other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia and we explore incredible Byzantine, Hittite, Roman and Ottoman sites.
The very best part of this exceptional program is our five-day cruise along the Turquoise Coast aboard luxurious, privately chartered gület sailboats—an incomparable coastal cruise that’s a delightful combination of hidden coves and hilltop ancient ruins.
Dates
May 25–June 11, 2024Duration
18 daysPrice
From $10,695 per person
Trip size
36 participantsMinimum age
18 yearsFaculty leader
A different kind of classroom
With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.
Ed Steidle
Stanford Continuing Studies
A lecturer on the arts and literatures of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Ed has focused his research on the cultures of antiquity and the medieval world across Eurasia, and on the comparative aspects of their history, literature and art.
“Ed is an expert in his field and a lecturer who brings humor and excitement to his presentations.”
—Ellen Loucks, ’74
Itinerary
Ancient cities, archaeological sites and dramatic Cappadocia
Begin in Turkey’s capital and most cosmopolitan city, then venture to the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia. Traveling through Konya, head to Antalya on the Mediterranean coast for visits to two important archaeological sites before boarding gulet sailboats for a five-night journey along the coast. Conclude our trip with an exploration of Ephesus and four nights in Istanbul.
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Ankara, Turkey
Arrive in Ankara, Turkey and enjoy an evening welcome reception with fellow travelers.
Accommodations:Hilton Hotel
Ankara
Kick off our journey at Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which houses a rich collection of artifacts from various archaeological sites around the country. Our exploration grants us a window into the Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian and Urartian civilizations. This afternoon, we visit modern Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, who was the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder and President of the Republic of Turkey.
Accommodations:Hilton Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAnkara / Cappadocia
We depart Ankara this morning for our drive southeast to surrealistic Cappadocia, created centuries ago as volcanic ash hardened into tufa and then eroded into fantastic cones, spires and caves—sculpted by millennia of rain and wind. Our first stop is the Kaymakli Underground City and the natural rock “castle,” Uchisar Fortress. Tonight we enjoy a whirling dervish performance at a 13th-century caravanserai that still bears traces of Seljuk architecture.
Accommodations:Exedra Cave Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerCappadocia
Explore some of the hundreds of cave churches in the region and wander the extensive Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site where exquisite Byzantine and medieval frescoes are on display. After lunch explore one of the earliest monastic settlements in the area at the Zelve Open-Air Museum then visit Pasabagi, which has some of the best examples of Cappadocia’s famous “fairy chimneys.”
Accommodations:Exedra Cave Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerCappadocia / Konya
Depart Cappadocia today for Konya, where the philosopher Celaleddin Rumi founded the mystical sect of the whirling dervishes in the 14th century. We travel along the road once traversed by the Crusaders, stopping at the 13th-century caravanserai of Sultanhani. Upon arrival in Konya, visit the Mevlana Museum to pay respects at Rumi’s tomb and view the museum’s collection of beautiful books. This afternoon, venture to Catalhoyuk, a Neolithic site first discovered in the late 1950s. Since 1993 an international team of archaeologists, led by Stanford professor Ian Hodder, has been conducting new excavations and research to shed light on the people who inhabited the site.
Accommodations:Ramada Konya
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerKonya / Perge and Aspendos / Antalya
Today’s five-hour journey to Antalya takes us over the scenic Taurus Mountain range. Along the way, visit Aspendos and Perge, two of Turkey’s most impressive archaeological sites. After lunch, continue to Antalya, a beautiful resort town founded in 158 B.C.E. around a natural harbor on the Mediterranean Sea.
Accommodations:Akra Hotel Lara
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerTermessos
This morning enjoy both history and nature with a hike through ancient Termessos, a Pisidian city perched dramatically on a mountaintop. In the afternoon, we head to the Archaeological Museum to see impressive Greco-Roman statues from some of the sites in Perge and Aspendos. Return to Antalya for an evening at leisure.
Accommodations:Akra Hotel Lara
Included meals: Breakfast and lunchAntalya / Fethiye
Depart Antalya for the Turquoise Coast, reveling in the glorious mountain vistas and dramatic coastal views during our drive. Stop along the way at the archaeological complex of Xanthos, which was once the capital of Lycia. Upon arrival in Fethiye, board our private gülets, enjoying dinner as we cruise to a nearby cove to anchor overnight.
Accommodations:Gülets
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner- to
Sailing the Turquoise Coast
For the next four days, cruise from cove to cover along Turkey’s spectacular Mediterranean coastline. Swim and kayak in the clear blue waters, and take daily shore excursions to see remnants of Byzantine churches, hike to hilltop Roman ruins and meander the streets of quaint seaside villages.
Accommodations:Gülets
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Knidos / Bodrum
Arrive at the site of Knidos where Praxiteles’ statue of Aphrodite once stood. After a final lunch on board, disembark our gulets in Bodrum Visit the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, monumental tomb of the Anatolian king Mausolus, built by his widow Artemisia and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Accommodations:The Marmara Bodrum
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerEphesus / Izmir / Istanbul
Settled nearly 3,000 years ago, Ephesus was one of the most beautiful cities in the ancient world. Much has been done to restore the white marble streets, theaters, baths, gymnasium, market and beautifully carved library. After a visit to the site, which includes the grand theater where St. Paul is said to have preached, tour the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which contains two wonderful statues of Artemis and 25,000 items found in the richly historical ancient city. Continue to Izmir for our short flight to Istanbul and check in to our hotel.
Accommodations:Pera Palace Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerIstanbul
Today visit Istanbul’s Hippodrome; the Blue Mosque, named for its glorious 17th-century painted tiles; and the Hagia Sophia with its impressive domed basilica and Byzantine mosaics. Conclude our day at the colorful and chaotic Grand Bazaar with free time to wander this labyrinth of shops and cafes.
Accommodations:Pera Palace Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast and lunchIstanbul
Spend this morning at Topkapi Palace, former fortress and pleasure dome of the Ottoman sultans. Highlights include the treasury, wardrobe, kitchens and decorated apartments of the harem. This afternoon, enjoy a private boat cruise along the Bosporus for spectacular views of the city’s skyline and the bridges linking Europe with Asia.
Accommodations:Pera Palace Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast and lunchIstanbul
Start the day with a walking tour of the Galata District to learn about Istanbul’s Jewish history. Then head to the Süleymaniye Mosque, masterpiece of the 16th-century architect Sinan. After lunch, explore the Fener and Balat District, home to several Greek Orthodox churches from Byzantine and Ottoman times. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, where vividly colored spices, dried fruit and Turkish sweets are on display. We toast the end of our journey tonight at a farewell reception and dinner in our hotel.
Accommodations:Pera Palace Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast and dinnerIstanbul / Home
Depart Istanbul early this morning on independent flights.
Included meal: Breakfast
Trip details
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From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.
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Pricing
Secure your spot today
The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.
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