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Turkey

The Best of Turkey: A Journey by Land and Gulet

Program No. 18761RJ
Go off the beaten path as you explore the Turkey seldom seen by tourists. From meeting with a Sufi to expert-led walks and sailing excursions, this adventure has it all.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
17 days
Program Begins
Ankara
Program Concludes
Istanbul
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
43 ( 15B, 14L, 14D )
Activity Level
Experience the mingling of modern and ancient civilizations as you explore the wonders of Turkey. Beginning in Ankara, find expressions of the living heritage of Turkey in its myriad forms. Walk the streets of Istanbul where crusaders and janissaries once marched, and step aboard an exclusively chartered gulet for a four-night voyage along the Mediterranean coast.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Board a privately chartered gulet and discover the ancient ruins, harbors and coves of the Turquoise Coast.
  • Witness a private Sufi and Zikr ritual not open to the public.
  • Head inside the Hagia Sophia mosque, then enjoy views of Istanbul from a boat on the Bosphorus.
General Notes
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Zeynep Kuban
Dr. Zeynep Kuban is an assistant professor of architecture at Istanbul Technical University, one of the most prominent educational institutions in Turkey. Her special area of interest is architectural history. Dr. Kuban’s lectures to Road Scholar participants share her wonderful insights on the creation of one of the world’s most architecturally fascinating cities from early Roman times to the 21st century.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
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Sami Ozcini
Sami Ozcini has shared his love for Turkey — and his home city of Istanbul — with Road Scholar participants for more than 12 years. His on-site lectures bring a different perspective to understanding and appreciating the rich history and legacy of Istanbul. A graduate of Marmara University, Sami has a degree in English literature and enjoys traveling throughout Europe, Australia and the U.S. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and acting as a referee for amateur football games in Istanbul.
Profile Image of Burcu Tokgoz
Burcu Tokgoz
Burcu Tokgoz studied English literature at Istanbul University. Her hobbies are literature, yoga, meditating, travel and dance. With specialties in religious and cultural explorations, Burcu has led excursions for Road Scholar since 2005 and loves being a group leader because she says she is constantly surrounded in her Road Scholar travels by open-minded and interesting people.
Profile Image of Timur Comertpay
Timur Comertpay
Timur Comertpay was born and raised in Adana, a city on the eastern Mediterranean shore of Turkey. After working as an English teacher at several schools, he took up a new profession as a licensed excursion leader in 1992. Timur has lead educational groups to some of the best known archeological and historical sites in Turkey, as well as on hiking adventures along the Blue Voyage Coast. He believes to truly appreciate Turkey, visitors should experience the culture, taste different foods and interact with locals.
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This program offers an optional program extension!
Extension: Istanbul: Ancient City and Modern City
"Istanbul is thousands of years old, so it deserves a few extra days of exploration. Continue your discovery of this complex and mysterious city with our local experts.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three hours on varied terrain. Steep stairs without railings. Stooping in underground city. Elevations up to 3,100 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (20 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.