

Legendary Turkey: Istanbul to the Turquoise Coast 2024
April 12 - 26, 2024
Length: 15 days
Region(s): Europe, Middle East
Activity Level:
Type: 
Land, Small Group Tours
Fascinating sights, scents, and sounds reign in this land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World,” to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and the dramatic – and legendary – Turquoise Coast, Turkey engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small group experience.
Operated by Odysseys Unlimited
Operated by Odysseys Unlimited
Tour Highlights
- Your journey begins with a four-night stay in Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World” and Turkey’s cultural and spiritual heart.
- Tour Istanbul’s famed highlights: the Spice Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Topkapi Palace.
- Take a private cruise on the Bosphorus, the waterway that separates Europe from Asia.
- Explore the Grand Bazaar, a vast covered market housing some 5,000 shops along 60 streets.
- Visit Gallipoli, haunting site of 31 Allied cemeteries from World War I.
- Ferry across the Dardanelles to storied Troy, believed to exist only in Homer’s epic poem until the present site was discovered in the 1870s.
- Tour Pergamum, one of Turkey’s most spectacular ancient sites.
- Spend the day touring Turkey’s incomparable classical city, Ephesus, including its acclaimed “houses of the wealthy.”
- Enjoy lunch in the beautiful, rustic village of Sirince.
- Witness the age-old craft of carpet-weaving during a demonstration at a carpet factory.
- Travel to the beautiful port city of Fethiye for a two-night stay in a resort hotel overlooking the marina.
- Visit the museum-like ghost town of Kayakoy, followed by an idyllic day cruising the tranquil Turquoise Coast on a privately chartered yacht.
- Journey along the coastal road with stops in Demre, for a visit to the Church of Saint Nicholas, and the ancient Greco-Roman city of Phaselis.
- Cross the Taurus Mountains to your final destination, seaside Antalya, where you’ll tour the renowned Archaeological Museum and charming Old Town.
- Take an excursion to see the ruins at Perge, an ancient Greek city.
- Visit ancient Konya then explore the bizarre rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia and the Goreme Valley on an optional 5-day/4-night post-tour extension.
- If you would like to receive a PDF copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the “Brochure Request Link” under Additional Resources on this webpage.
* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.
Legendary Turkey: Istanbul to the Turquoise Coast | Apr. 12 – 26, 2024
Explore More Tours


Provincial French Countryside [on request]
Jun 09 - Jun 23
Activity Level:
$6,497 [including air from SFO]


Travel Resources
Our Tour Lecturers
Meet the faculty lecturers that accompany our trips and provide informative local lecturers to enhance your vacation.