Exploring Turkey: One Grand City and Endless Natural Wonders

This once in a lifetime journey into Turkey leads us through some of the most breathtaking historical sites in the world. Istanbul, known as the city where East meets West, was the land of the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans and each contributed to its remarkable mix of churches, mosques, cisterns, and palaces. Cappadocia’s awe-inspiring rock formations and beautiful valleys are a natural phenomenon without comparison. The well-preserved historical site of Ephesus is one of the most important cities of the ancient world. Our path takes us through the true Turkish trifecta which blends modern, ancient, and natural world wonders.

It all begins with our arrival in Istanbul, where we are met by a private driver and taken to our luxury 4-star hotel in the heart of the city. After an evening orientation tour, we share our first group dinner of traditional Turkish cuisine.

The next day—our first full one—is spent in the colorful, historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, home to such mesmerizing structures as the beautiful Hagia Sophia, the wondrous Blue Mosque, and the fascinating underground Basilica Cistern. We learn the history and connect with local people while taking advantage of stunning photo opportunities. In the evening, we gather at a popular local restaurant for food, tea, and traditional music.

Our third day begins with a walk to the Grand Bazaar, a massive 15th-century indoor market with dozens of lanes and more than 4000 shops, where endless nooks and crannies hold endless photographic opportunities. After lunch we walk to the spectacular 16th-century Suleymaniye Mosque before hitting the city’s famous spice market, a gorgeous building full of intense colors and magical aromas.

After breakfast on day four we take a short drive to the Balat neighborhood, home to Jewish, Roma, and Armenian populations over the years and recently re-invigorated by the restoration of its colorful traditional wooden homes and buildings. Here we participate in an organized photo session with local models. After lunch, we wander the picturesque waterfront of vibrant Eminonu, a neighborhood full of activity.  In the evening we pause to share and review images together.

On day five we depart Istanbul for the beautiful region of Cappadocia on a 90 minute flight. Upon arrival, we take a panoramic orientation tour of South Cappadocia before arriving to our unique cave hotel (yes, inside of a cave!) before a photographic walk in the local village to take in the sweeping views over the region.

Our sixth day we visit the Goreme open air museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we explore a rock carved monastery, cave churches with colorful original frescoes, living quarters of monks and more. We also visit the Ortahisar Castle and soak up the Fairy Chimney Valley with its mushroom-like rocks and out-of-this-world formations. Our last stop is at a red clay pottery workshop located along the river where we  learn about this craft that has become well known in Cappadocia.

Day seven begins with an early morning optional excursion – a hot air balloon ride at sunrise! We rise-up between two volcanic mountains for unforgettable images out over this otherworldly landscape. Our day takes us to Uchisar Castle, the Kaymakli Underground City, and the Pigeon Valley. In the evening, we settle in for a Whirling Dervish performance and a traditional Turkish dinner.

Day eight we head to the local airport for our 90 minute flight to the city of Izmir. Upon arrival we transfer to the coastal town of Kusadasi. After checking into our hotel near the seaside, we go for a photographic walk through the laid-back streets and neighborhoods of this welcoming destination. We  then enjoy a home-cooked dinner with local friends at their home in a village outside the town.

Day nine’s excursion is to the historical site of Ephesus. This ancient port city, dating back to 133 BC, has some of the best-preserved ruins in all of Turkey and was once one of the most important cities of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. We have sufficient time to slowly photograph the large site, with its amphitheater, library, temples, aqueducts, and basilica.

Our final day in Kusadasi offers free time to enjoy as you wish. You can choose to spend time at the beach, wander the town, go for a traditional hammam (Turkish spa experience), or even take an optional day trip out to Pamukkale. Pamukkale is an area full of thermal springs and unique flowing structures formed out of mineral-rich water, which look like a dreamy cotton castle. We then meet up this evening for our final group dinner and to celebrate favorite images from our journey. The next morning, we fly to Istanbul to catch connections back home after a memorable adventure full of rich interactions with local people and immersion into Turkish life.