Turkey
October 21-November 7, 2011
We're going again in 2013! Please note this information is from our 2011 trip.
View the itinerary
Tell a friend about this tour
Download the 2011 brochure (. pdf)
Join UW-Madison for our long-awaited visit to the crossroads of civilization: Turkey!
A place like no other, Turkey will fascinate you, surprise you and, ultimately, seduce you. With unrivaled historical and archaeological sites of interest, outstanding religious and secular architecture, natural beauty, cultural variety and geological wonders, Turkey is one of those places that everyone should visit during their lifetime; and now you can!
Your journey with us begins in the ancient Anatolian capital of Ankara and continues on to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and the Goreme Valley; the underground city of Kaymakli; and a chance to witness the sacred dance of Whirling Dervishes.
Heading south you make your way to the edge of the Mediterranean Sea visiting the ancient cities of Antalya, Termessos and Aphrodisias, and the rare and beautiful thermal pools of Pamukkale. We turn west moving to Kusadasi on the Aegean coast from where we will explore the ruins of the greatest ancient city ever unearthed: Ephesus! Finally you turn north, visiting Assos and the remains of Troy, and you’ll spend time in the beautiful Ottoman capital of Bursa.
The grand finale of your visit is four days in one of the most romantic and storied cities in the world: Istanbul! You’ll experience supreme examples of religious architecture; beautifully ornate palaces, exotic markets, thriving neighborhoods and wonderful museums; and you’ll have free time to explore Istanbul on your own terms, too.
Fascinating archaeology, cultural diversity, architectural masterpieces, extreme geology, culinary delights, and an unbroken historical record that traces man’s passage from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age; the Ancient Greeks to the glories of Rome; early Christian landmarks to the Ottoman Empire and modern Islam:
Join us and share in the wonders of Turkey!
Important information
Everyone is welcome to join us. Please understand that this trip involves a great deal of walking upon ancient surfaces and uneven ground, and we ask you to honestly assess your physical fitness as it relates to your ability to safely explore Turkey with us. We will travel at a relaxed and humane pace, but if mobility, balance, or stamina is an issue for you please consult your doctor before committing to this journey.
We will be staying in very nice, safe and comfortable hotels along the way, but please remember that you will be traveling in a foreign land and flexibility in the face of unfamiliar surroundings, services, customs, and cuisine will be a crucial asset to your enjoyment of the experience.
Thank you.
Itinerary:
Oct 21
Depart USA
Oct 22: Arrival in Ankara
Check into hotel, welcome dinner.
Oct 23: Ankara
After breakfast you have a full day visit to Ankara, including the Mausoleum and Museum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the Fleet market of Ankara and the Roman ruins and Augustus Temple.
Oct 24: Ankara - Cappadocia
Drive to Cappadocia and en route visit the ancient city of Hattushas, former capital of the Hittite Empire, and attend a hypnotic Whirling Dervishes Ritual Show.
Oct 25: Cappadocia
Spend a full-day visiting the Goreme Valley and the extraordinary open air museum, the Underground City of Kaymakli and the Hand woven Rug Farm and Educational center.
Oct 26: Cappadocia – Antalya
En route to Antalya you will visit Catalhoyuk, one of the largest sites of the Neolithic age, and the Museum & Mausoleum of Mevlana, a 13th century poet, philosopher and mystic.
Oct 27: Antalya
Today you will visit Antalya’s ancient Roman Harbor, Hadrian’s Gate, wander the streets of the Old city, explore the Archeological Museum of Antalya which houses one of Turkey’s most important archaeological collections, and marvel at the best preserved Roman theatre of the ancient world: the Roman Theatre at Aspendos.
Oct 28: Antalya – Pamukkale
Departing Antalya the road takes us to the ruins of Termessos and Hierapolis, and then we’ll visit the travertine geologic formations at Pamukkale.
Oct 29: Pamukkale - Kusadasi
After breakfast we’ll drive to Kusadasi. En route we’ll visit the ancient city of Aphrodisias and the mountain village of Sirince.
Day 30: Ephesus
Today you visit Ephesus, the largest ancient city ever uncovered, along with the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, the House of Virgin Mary, and St. John?s Castle.
Day 31: Kusadasi - Assos
The hits just keep on coming! Today you?ll visit Pergamum, one of the Middle East?s richest and most powerful small kingdoms during the time of Alexander.
Nov 1: Assos
This morning you may choose an optional fishing experience with an early wake up for departure with local fishermen in their fishing boats on the Aegean Sea! You?ll be back at the hotel in time for breakfast.
After breakfast you?ll explore the ancient cities of Alexandria Troas, Troy and Assos.
Nov 2: Assos - Bursa
We travel to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, where you will visit the imposing mosque Ulu Camii, the Great mosque, the Ancient Caravansarie and Silk Market, the Green Mosque & Tomb, Ulu Umay Ethnographical museum, and the tombs of Osman Gazi & Orhan Gazi.
Nov 3: Bursa - Istanbul
Depart for Istanbul. En route visit Camlica Hill and Leander Tower before crossing into Europe via the Bosphorous Bridge where you?ll visit the Chora Church Museum and the spice market, then have the rest of the day at leisure.
Nov 4: Istanbul
Today?s amazing sights include the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Cafer Aga Madrasah, Nakkas underground water cistern. You?ll finish your day with an elegant wine and cheese tasting.
Nov 5: Istanbul
Wait, there?s more! Today you visit Istanbul?s most famous monument, the gorgeous Hagia Sophia, the Turkish & Islamic Art Museum, Little Hagia Sophia Traditional Fine Art & Artisan Center, the Arasta Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar.
Nov 6: Istanbul
Missed something? No problem. Today is entirely free for you to explore Istanbul on your own terms before our farewell dinner this evening.
Nov 7
Depart for USA
Accommodations
Kusadasi Kismet Hotel
Assos Kervansaray hotel
Price
The price of the trip is $5299. This price includes your roundtrip international airfare, all lodging, all fees, all transfers, guides and services, daily breakfasts, fourteen lunches and twelve dinners.
Price is based upon double occupancy; single supplement is $1074 extra. Personal tips and drinks are extra, as is your visa and any airport departure taxes.
Travel Insurance
University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies expects all participants on our international travel programs to obtain travel Insurance to cover medical emergency, medical evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation, etc. You may obtain travel insurance from your own insurance provider, travel agents and/or online. A good place to begin an online search is Squaremouth.com which allows you to see many different policies from many different travel insurance companies.
How to register
To register, download and complete the registration form and mail it to:
Kim Seymour
Educational Travel Program
21 N Park St., 7th Floor
Madison, WI 53715
Traveler comments about previous trips
"Extremely – a well thought-out program with a native guide who really knows his country and all that is happening and ‘up-to-date’ information. This trip has spurred me on to study Turkey – purchased books, library work, etc. I felt that the level so reflects the people on the trip.”
“We wanted to go to Turkey primarily to learn about the current country, and to learn more about our own cultural and religious history. The trip was not a spa vacation. If it were so, we would not have gone.”
“Your tours are designed for those who share common interests and a love of learning.”
“This was the best historical trip we have ever done.”
“It’s difficult to imagine a trip that is more perfectly planned and executed.”
“The trip was a true bargain. There is no way that a few persons could attempt a trip of that magnitude physically or financially. Everything we experienced was spectacular.”
“Our guide had an impressive amount of knowledge to share – historical, religious, and cultural. The driver was friendly and very helpful.”
Your travel director
Doug Whittle is the UW-Madison director of educational travel. He served for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zaire and has traveled independently in Asia, Africa, Europe and throughout Central and North America. In the past 6 years he has led trips on five continents for UW-Madison.
Contact information:
For information contact Doug Whittle, 608-263-7787, dwhittle@dcs.wisc.edu, or Kim Seymour, 608-262-3731, kseymour@dcs.wisc.edu.