Eastern Turkey & Cappadocia Tour

Turkey’s intoxicating charm lies in its staggering mix of influences, and nowhere is this more evident than the seldom-visited eastern part of the country. Eastern Turkey, bordering Georgia, Armenia, and Iran, has always been the crossroads of empires, and each vanished civilization has left its mark. The region, known from ancient times as Anatolia, is also a crossroads for a host of migratory birds. On this 15-day Eastern Turkey and Cappadocia tour, explore the many worlds that lie within this one storied nation, especially the remote East. From Istanbul, the city that straddles two continents, cruise down the Bosphorus, the dividing line between Europe and Asia. In fabled Cappadocia, explore underground cities and cave-churches decorated with elaborate Byzantine frescoes. Set out from Antalya, with its finely-restored Ottoman houses and cliff-top views of the Taurus Mountains, to roam through important Roman and Hellenistic sites. Join Apex on this comprehensive journey that weaves together Turkey’s history, culture, nature, and scenic grandeur.

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Day 5
• Day 6
• Day 7
• Day 8
• Days 9 & 10
• Day 11
• Day 12
• Day 13
• Day 14
• Day 15

• Sunday, September 14: Arrive Istanbul, Turkey

  Arrive in Istanbul, the grand meeting place of East and West. Transfer to the historic Pera Palace Hotel in Beyoglu, the city’s entertainment hub. This evening, meet your expedition leader and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Overnight at Pera Palace Hotel.

• Monday, September 15: Istanbul

  Explore the historical Sultanahmet neighborhood including the Hippodrome, a stadium from ancient Byzantium, and Topkapi Palace, Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy traditional Ottoman cuisine for lunch. This afternoon, cruise down the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black and Marmara Seas and divides Europe and Asia. Take in views of Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Seraglio Point, and indeed all of Istanbul. Continue into the Sea of Marmara and to its nine small “Princes’ Islands.” Marvel at the fine waterfront Ottoman houses as you approach Buyukada, the largest of the islands. Here, one can better imagine what the city was like a century ago, as no private motor vehicles are permitted. Everyone walks, rides bicycles, or takes horse-drawn carriages called fayton. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and overnight at Pera Palace Hotel.

• Tuesday, September 16: Istanbul / Van

  This morning, visit the Hagia Sofia, considered the pinnacle of Byzantine architecture, followed by the Blue Mosque, named for the blue Iznik tile work that decorates its interior. Next, head to the airport for a flight to Van, in southeastern Anatolia. The city has a long history as a major urban area, initially as the capital of the Iron Age kingdom of Urartu, and now as a center of Kurdish Turkey. Head directly to Van Castle for jaw-dropping views of the city at sunset. Built of mud brick on top of cut stone, the castle is truly a sight to behold. Climb to the summit, passing 3,000-year-old Urartian ruins and several cuneiform inscriptions, for sweeping views of the old city and the lake from which it gets its name. Dinner and overnight at Elite World Hotel.

• Wednesday, September 17: Van

  Head out early on a ferry to Akdamar Island located on Lake Van, Turkey’s largest lake. 1,100 years ago, this tiny island was the center of a remote Armenian kingdom, housing a palace, monastery, and church encrusted with gold and precious stones. Today, following a recent restoration, the cut sandstone walls of the Church of the Holy Cross once again sparkle. After lunch, visit the ruins of Cavustepe and marvel at the technological achievements of its 8^th-century BC builders—their irrigation ditches are still in use today. On the way back to Van, stop in at the 17^th-century Kurdish Hosap Castle and enjoy views for miles. Have dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant. Overnight at Elite World Hotel.

• Thursday, September 18: Van / Dogubayazit / Kars

  Take a scenic drive north, past pastureland kept lush by the area’s superior irrigation. Stop to admire the beautiful 60-foot Muradiye Falls, set within a patch of cool poplar woods, before arriving in Dogubayazit, a small Kurdish border town. Dogubayazit’s setting is a marvel, tucked as it is between the iconic Mt. Ararat, Turkey’s highest mountain, and Ishak Pasha Palace, a breathtakingly beautiful fortress-palace-mosque complex. Combining Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Persian, and Armenian architecture, the palace was begun in 1685 and completed in 1784. As you tour the palace’s exquisitely decorated rooms, be sure to look out the windows, which offer awesome views of the valley, Dogubayazit, and Mt. Ararat beyond.

   

  After lunch, head toward the Russian occupation-era city of Kars, in northeastern Anatolia. Drive into a salt mine (in operation for over 3,000 years) in the small town of Tuzluca, marveling at the vast fields of bagged salt and stalactite-like salt formations on the cave walls, and the mosque built underground from chunks of rock salt. Arrive in Kars, notable for its stately pastel-colored stone buildings and eclectic influences—Azeri, Turkmen, Kurdish, Turkish and Russian. At dinner, get a taste of Kars’ culinary specialties. Overnight at Cheltikov Hotel.

• Friday, September 19: Kars

  Head east to visit the ruins of Ani, an eerily beautiful ghost city that was once the Armenian capital, rivaling Constantinople in power and glory. After our visit to Ani, return to Kars and visit the 10^th-century Church of the Apostles. Recently restored, it is now an active mosque, but still exhibits many features of an orthodox church, including a beautiful iconostasis. Next, visit the fortified Kars Castle, first built in the 12th century, destroyed by invading Mongols, then rebuilt in the 16th century. From its ramparts, look down over a vast ancient Armenian graveyard, and the city beyond. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at Cheltikov Hotel.

• Saturday, September 20: Kars

  Visit Lake Kuyucuk Wildlife Reserve, which harbors many notable resident and migratory birds such as Ruddy Shelduck, White-headed Duck, Red-breasted Goose, Velvet Scoter, and Eurasian Coot. In the fall, more than 40,000 ducks, geese, storks, and cranes stop over here. After lunch visit Lake Cildir, located at 6,427 feet with stunning mountain views and several short hiking options.  During the winter months this freshwater lake is typically frozen over, but in the summer and fall it’s known for hiking and fishing. Return to Kars for dinner and overnight at Cheltikov Hotel.

• Sunday, September 21: Kars / Istanbul / Cappadocia

  Travel from Eastern to Central Turkey by flying from Kars to Istanbul and then onward to Kayseri. This evening, transfer from Kayseri to Cappadocia where you will find your hotel nestled among rock-carved houses on the slopes of Uchisar Castle, one of the most prominent landmarks in Cappadocia. Cappadocia Cave Resort offers magnificent panoramic views over the Red Valley and each room has been carved into caves, reminiscent of ancient settlements, but with modern conveniences. Dinner and overnight at Cappadocia Cave Resort.

• Monday & Tuesday, September 22 & 23: Cappadocia

  Over the next two days, explore the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys, cave churches, underground cities, and rock-carved homes. Early one morning, soar in a hot air balloon above this magical landscape as the sun rises. Visit the Goreme Outdoor Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing painted cave-churches carved by Medieval Orthodox Christian monks in the 11th century. Travel through the Red Valley and Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) to view and photograph the impressive and peculiar rock formations of this area.

  Head south, to Sultan Marshes National Park located on the Develi plain. This area is an important breeding site for various species of endangered or globally threatened waterbirds. Highlights include White-headed Duck, Greater Flamingo, and Red-crested Pochard.

  At Kaymakli, explore a subterranean cave-city. Excavated as early as the Hittite Empire, the city expanded over the centuries as various marauding armies traversed Central Anatolia. Stone doors kept invaders from entering, deep wells provided fresh water, and tall chimneys offered ventilation. Inhabitants could live for weeks or months underground until it was safe to emerge and return to their ground-level villages. Dinners and overnights at Cappadocia Cave Resort.

• Wednesday, September 24: Cappadocia / Ihlara / Konya

  Choose between hiking and cooking this morning. Hikers will explore the Ihlara Valley, a verdant canyon created by the Melendez River. Chefs will enjoy a cooking class focused on traditional Anatolian dishes. This afternoon, travel to Konya, probably best known as the final resting place of Rumi, a renowned Sufi mystic and father of the Mevlevi Order of the Whirling Dervishes. Dinner and overnight at Hilton Garden Inn Konya.

• Thursday, September 25: Konya / Antalya

  Spend the morning visiting the sites of Konya before heading to the Mediterranean coastal city of Antalya. Stop at the Mevlana Museum, visit Rumi’s mausoleum, and learn more about the famed Whirling Dervishes. Next visit the 16th-century Selimiye Mosque, considered the masterwork of the Ottoman architect, Sinan. End at Alaeddin Hill, filled with rich history that dates back over 3,000 years to the Early Bronze Age.

  Upon arrival at the Turquoise Coast, Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, visit the picturesque Duden Waterfalls. Continue to Antalya’s charming old city, Kaleici, for an afternoon walking tour. Dinner and overnight at Akra Antalya Hotel.

• Friday, September 26: Antalya

  Visit the ancient city of Perge, renowned for its worship of Artemis. Afterward spend time at Aspendos. The site includes a theater, universally considered the best preserved of the ancient world, as well as exquisite Roman baths, towering Hellenistic defenses, and long rows of beautiful colonnaded streets. After lunch, return to Antalya and visit the Antalya Archeological Museum with a variety of artifacts found in the ruins visited this morning. Dinner and overnight at Akra Antalya Hotel.

• Saturday, September 27: Antalya / Istanbul

  This morning fly from Antalya back to Istanbul. Spend your final afternoon at leisure exploring the Tepebasi neighborhood of Beyoglu (previously Pera), and once known as “Little Europe.” Bid farewell to your fellow travelers over a traditional festive dinner. Overnight at Pera Palace Hotel.

• Sunday, September 28: Depart Istanbul

  This morning, transfer to the airport for your international flights home.