13 Day Turkish Odyssey

••••••New Trip alert ••••••
13 Day Turkish Odyssey 10/15-10/27/26
$1220 PP Discount
Discovery Tours (only 22 travelers) $4,979 PP*
No additional excursions, everything is included in a discovery tour.
•Travel insurance is additional
Single supplement available

$300 Deposit Final payment due July 5, 2026
I just booked my 2026 birthday trip departing October 15, 2026 if anyone wants to join me send me an email or text me efoster@dreamvacations.com. 561-262-2800

Your tour starts in Istanbul where sites visited include the magnificent Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, St. Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Then, visit the historic neighborhoods of Balat & Fener, as well as a walking tour in Beyoglu district.
Next, transfer to the airport for your flight to Dalaman. Upon arrival, continue to nearby Dalyan, a delightful riverside town, where you will embark on a river cruise to the ancient site of Kaunos. Afterward, travel to Fethiye where you will embark on a private cruise to the Fethiye Islands. Then, travel to Sagalassos and visit the ancient city that was founded on the slopes of the Taurus mountain range and served as the metropolis of the Roman province of Pisidia.

Your journey then takes you to Konya to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana and the museum at the Mevlana convent, before proceeding to Cappadocia. Be sure to take part in the early morning optional hot air balloon ride before embarking on a full day exploration of the city of Cappadocia that includes visits to the Goreme Open Air Museum and Kaymakli Underground City.
Next arrive in the historic town of Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Crystal Terrace, Incekaya Aqueduct, 17th-century Caravanserai of Cinci Hani, and the Kaymakamlar Museum House. Return to Istanbul for one final night and a Farewell Dinner.

Package Includes
* Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
* Round trip flights New York-Istanbul, Istanbul-New York
* Other departure cities available 11 months before departure
* Intra-flight Dalaman-Istanbul
* 11 nights First Class accommodations
* 4 nights Istanbul
* 1 night Safranbolu
* 3 nights Cappadocia
* 1 night Sagalassos
* 2 nights Fethiye
* Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
* Hotel porterage
* All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
* 26 meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners
* Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
* Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout
* Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
* Active itinerary with unique cultural features
Tour Highlights
Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
* Discover Istanbul’s extraordinary sights including the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and St. Sophia
* Embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia
* Hunt for local treasures in the Grand Bazaar and put your bargaining skills to practice
* Tour the astounding Topkapi Palace with its background of harem intrigue and power politics
* Head to the historic and colorful neighborhoods of Fener & Balat
* View traditional Turkish Ottoman houses in Safranbolu, in the Black Sea region
* Explore the underground city of Kaymakli in Cappadocia, once refuge for over 5000 people
* See the extraordinary “fairy chimneys” and the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
* Visit Sagalassos, one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey
* Take a full day cruise along Fethiye's stunning 12 Islands

| DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Turkey

Depart for Turkey

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM followed by dinner at the hotel. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM

Overnight: Istanbul

Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Full Day Istanbul Tour, Bosphorus Cruise

Begin your day by visiting the Hippodrome, which once served as a stadium for chariot racing and public gatherings. Then, continue on to the newly renovated Blue Mosque, showcasing an impressive combination of blue Iznik tiles and intricate stonework. Next, visit the magnificent St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, which was later converted to a mosque. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. Afterward, visit the Grand Bazaar, where bargaining is an art

Overnight: Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Sunday - Topkapi Palace, Balat & Fener Neighborhoods

Head to Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans housing the richness of 700 years. Then, head to the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. Afterward, head to the historic neighborhoods of Balat & Fener. Here, the houses are painted in bright colors, laundry is still hanging across the narrow lanes, kids play in the streets and many different cultures and religions live next to each other. View the Greek Orthodox College surrounded by this scenic area

Overnight: Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Monday - Travel to and Explore Safranbolu

Today, depart Istanbul and head east toward the Black Sea region. Upon afternoon arrival in the historic town of Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the Crystal Terrace. It consists of a glass platform suspended from the edge of the cliff above the Tokatli Canyon. Admire the wonderful views of the canyon below. Visit the 17th-century Caravanserai of Cinci Hani, a magnificent inn on the famous Silk Road that is now a hotel. The imposing structure is made of limestone and consists of an entry, courtyard, rooms, stable and a cistern. Afterward, head to the Kaymakamlar Museum House, a typical Safranbolu house, that features all the classic elements of Ottoman houses during the 18th and 19th centuries. After your visit, walk through the historic Safranbolu Bazaar. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel

Overnight: Safranbolu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Yörük Village, Travel to Cappadocia

This morning, drive to Yörük Village. Stroll along the narrow streets of this museum-like village and view houses built in the traditional Ottoman Turkish style. Some of the oldest wooden houses here are from the 17th century but the majority date from the 19th century. Visit the house of a local family and listen to their stories about the past and present daily village life. Afterward, depart for Cappadocia, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Once you arrive in Cappadocia, enjoy wine in one of the valleys. Then, drive to the hotel for dinner

Overnight: Cappadocia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, Home Hosted Dinner

Begin with a morning tea in a traditional cave home with a local Cappadocian family. Next, visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, resembling a vast monastic complex composed of scores of refectory monasteries placed side-by-side, each with its own church. The museum showcases 11 early Christian rock-cut churches containing spectacular frescoes with vibrant colors still luminous after standing for centuries. Drive to the village of Avanos, famous for its beautiful old houses and onyx. Then, visit a local pottery shop. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed to the Pasabag Valley with its remarkable earth pillars in the midst of a vineyard, also called Monks Valley, before returning to Cappadocia for leisure time. Tonight, a specially arranged home hosted dinner awaits you. Meet with the family, share tales and conversation, and learn about Turkish culinary traditions

*An optional Cappadocia Balloon Ride (AM) will be available for purchase in late 2025.

Overnight: Cappadocia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Full Day Cappadocia Tour

Today, embark on a full day exploration of Cappadocia with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations. First, visit a carpet atelier where you will have the opportunity to see how traditional Turkish carpets are made. Then, continue to the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City, that features a maze of narrow tunnels and rooms carved from soft volcanic rock. See Pigeon's Valley (Guvercinlik) and visit the area that housed countless pigeons during ancient times. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Cemil Village, the oldest Armenian Village in the world. Here, view the local Armenian houses and visit the most famous Armenian church, Cemil Church, which was abandoned in 1924. This evening after dinner, watch a captivating dance of the Whirling Dervishes, which displays infinite spinning in perfect harmony, is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs, and culture. Experience a seven-century-old ritual, featuring beautiful costumes and live music

Overnight: Cappadocia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Friday - Konya, Travel to Sagalassos

Today, depart in the morning for Sagalassos. The drive will take you through the Anatolian countryside with its breathtaking scenery. En route, stop in Konya, a city renowned for its Seljuk architecture. Here, visit the Mevlana Museum, housing the works of the 13th century leader Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. Continue the drive to Sagalassos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at the hotel in Sagalassos for dinner and overnight

Overnight: Sagalassos

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Sagalassos, Travel to Fethiye

This morning, visit the ancient city of Sagalsssos, founded on the slopes of the Taurus mountain range and served as the metropolis of the Roman province of Pisidia. Most of the buildings are well preserved and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. View the impressive great theater with a capacity of 9,000 people. Afterward, travel to Fethiye. Along the way, in the southwestern province of Isparta, visit flower fields of lavender, lily and rose depending on seasonal conditions. Following lunch at a local restaurant continue the drive to Fethiye. Arrive at the hotel late afternoon and check into your room. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant

Overnight: Fethiye

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Full Day Cruise along Fethiye's 12 Islands

After breakfast, travel to the Fethiye Marina where you will embark on a private cruise to the Fethiye Islands. Several stops are included during the cruise for swimming and snorkeling. Savor lunch on the deck and relax, as you take in the stunning natural scenery. Admire views of ancient ruins as you sail in the crystal-clear waters of the Turquoise Coast back to Fethiye

Overnight: Fethiye

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Monday - Flight to Istanbul

Morning transfer to Dalaman airport for your flight to Istanbul. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Tonight, share wonderful memories of your journey and bid goodbye to Turkey and your Tour Manager

Overnight: Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Tuesday - Depart Turkey

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Meals: Breakfast |
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