2026 Exploring Turkey’s Western and Christian Heritage with Scot and Maurine Proctor

We will take a flight from our various U.S.A. homes, arriving into Turkey the following evening at the Istanbul Airport. 

Meals : In-flight

Upon arrival in Istanbul we will be met and transferred to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Today, we begin our adventure across Turkey with a scenic bus ride to Ankara, the nation’s capital. Upon arrival, our first stop will be, the impressive mausoleum of Atatürk — the visionary founder of the Republic of Turkey. Here, we’ll reflect on the country’s transformation from the Ottoman Empire to a modern republic. Next, we’ll visit the renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where a rich collection of artifacts offers a deep dive into the region’s ancient heritage. We’ll wrap up the day with a relaxing dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Ankara.

Today, we will take a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside of inner Anatolia, arriving in Cappadocia. Upon our arrival, we will marvel at the unique fairy chimneys formed by nature. We will explore Kızılcukur Valley, where we can enjoy breathtaking sunset views. In the evening, there will be an optional Whirling Dervishes ceremony (price to be announced). We will end the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

This morning, we have the option to take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia (price to be announced). After some time to relax at our hotel, we’ll gather for a deeper exploration of the region. Our first stop will be the Kaymaklı underground city, which features its own storage areas, ventilation systems, and living spaces where Christians sought refuge in times of danger. Next, we’ll visit the Göreme Open Air Museum to see more of the enchanting fairy chimneys, which have been carved into storage areas, homes, churches, and kitchens. Later, we will enjoy a lecture on Turkish rugs, along with an opportunity to shop for these exquisite pieces. We will conclude our day with dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Today, we will delve further into the wonders of Cappadocia, starting with visits to Zelve and Pasabag. At lunchtime, we will participate in a cooking class and enjoy a delicious meal in a local home. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the charming village of Uchisar. We will also visit a pottery workshop in Avanos, where you can see skilled artisans at work. For those interested, there will be an optional ATV ride available (price to be announced). We will wrap up the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Today, we will bid farewell to Cappadocia with a drive to Konya, known in antiquity as Iconium and famous for its whirling dervishes. Upon arrival, we will visit Rumi’s tomb and museum, where we will learn about the significance of the whirling dervishes in the region. Following this, we will explore the Roman and Seljuk remnants scattered throughout the city. We will conclude our day with dinner and an overnight stay in Konya.  

Today, we will travel from Konya to Pamukkale, which translates to “cotton castle” in Turkish, a nod to the stunning white travertines that resemble a castle made of cotton. Upon our arrival in Pamukkale, we will explore the ancient city of Laodicea, famously referenced in the Bible by John as the “lukewarm” church. Afterwards, we’ll visit Pamukkale National Park and the fascinating ruins of Hierapolis. Finally, we will enjoy dinner and spend the night in Pamukkale.

In the morning, there will be an optional hot air balloon ride over Pamukkale (price to be announced). Afterward, you’ll have some free time to relax and enjoy the thermal pool at our hotel. We will depart from Pamukkale around noon and drive to Yalvaç, known as Pisidia Antioch. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the ancient site, which features a synagogue, Roman roads, and a Roman temple. We will conclude our day with dinner and an overnight stay in Yalvaç.

In the morning, we will visit the museum in Yalvaç before heading to the Mediterranean coast and the city of Antalya (Attaleia). Our itinerary in Antalya will take us to the picturesque harbor, as well as the ancient sites of Aspendos and Perge, where Paul and Barnabas preached to the world.

In the morning, we will drive to Demre, the hometown of Santa Claus, before continuing on to Kekova for a day of boating. During our time on the boat, we’ll explore the sunken city and have leisure time for swimming. At the end of the day, we will arrive at our hotel in Kaş, where we will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

We will check out from our hotel in Kaş and take a short drive to Marmaris. Known for its stunning local beaches along the coastline, Marmaris offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation. After checking into our hotel, you’ll have a free afternoon to enjoy the beach or explore the town at your own pace. We will then gather for dinner and spend the night in Marmaris.

After bidding farewell to Marmaris, we will drive to Kuşadası. Upon arriving in the Ephesus region, our first stop will be Mary’s House, a serene and tranquil site. Next, we will visit the Basilica of John before checking into our hotel in Kuşadası to prepare for our exciting day exploring Ephesus.

Today promises to be a highlight of our journey as we visit Ephesus, a significant location that was home to Paul, John, and possibly Mary. We will explore this remarkably well-preserved ancient site, renowned as one of the finest in the world. Our tour will also include a visit to the terrace houses, a relatively recent excavation that offers fascinating insights into ancient life. We will continue our day filled with exploration and discovery. 

We will start our day with a transfer to Izmir airport for our flight to Istanbul. Once we arrive, we will head to the historic Old City. First, we’ll visit the Hippodrome, an ancient arena that was once the center of public life. Next, we will see the beautiful Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture. In the afternoon, we’ll take a private boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait, enjoying views of the palaces and houses along the water. After the boat ride, you’ll have some free time to explore the lively Spice Market, where you can shop for spices and local treats. We’ll conclude our day with dinner and an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Today, we will explore more of Istanbul. We’ll begin by visiting the stunning Topkapi Palace and the iconic Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with shops and rich history. We’ll end the day with a farewell dinner and an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Today, we will say goodbye to the beautiful country of Turkey as we transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.