Turkey: history, culture, religion

Join UW-Madison for our return 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 an unparalleled destination.

What you’ll experience

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; an overnight in Konya, home to Mevlana and the religious sect known as the Whirling Dervishes and a visit to the ancient dwellings at Catalhoyuk.

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 then turn west 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 Temple of Athena, and the remains of fabled Troy.

The grand finale of your visit is three nights in one of the most romantic and storied cities in the world: Istanbul! You’ll experience supreme examples of religious architecture, exotic markets and wonderful museums in this thriving city that straddles two continents.

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!

Itinerary

Oct 27
Depart USA

Oct 28 Ankara
Check into hotel, welcome dinner.

Oct 29 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, and the Roman ruins and Augustus Temple.

Oct 30 Ankara - Cappadocia
Drive to Cappadocia and en route visit the ancient city of Hattushas, former capital of the Hittite Empire, and Yazilikaya to see the 13th century BC rock-cut reliefs.

Oct 31 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 before attending a performance of the Whirling Dervish.

Nov 1 Cappadocia - Konya
En route to Konya you will visit Catalhoyuk, one of the largest sites of the Neolithic age and, then explore the Museum & Mausoleum of Mevlana, the 13th century poet, philosopher and mystic.

Nov 2 Konya - Antalya
Today you will visit Perge, the best example of a complete Roman city on the southern coast, and the best preserved Roman theater of the ancient world: Aspendos.

Nov 3 Antalya
Visit the ancient city of Termessos in the morning and then explore Antalya’s ancient Roman Harbor, Hadrian’s Gate, wander the streets of the Old city and visit the Archeological Museum of Antalya which houses one of Turkey’s most important archaeological collections.

Nov 4 Antalya - Pamukkale
On the way to Pamukkale you’ll visit Sagalassos where human settlement goes back to 8000 BC.

Nov 5 Pamukkale
At Hierapolis visit the Roman ruins of Laodicea, and the beautiful natural calcium pools that have formed over thousands of years.

Nov 6 Pamukkale - Kusadasi
En route to Kusadasi you’ll visit Aphrodisias. Dedicated to Aphrodite, it houses the largest and best-preserved stadium of the classical world, and with fine marble architecture and sculpture scattered throughout is one of the most beautiful Roman sites on earth.

Nov 7 Kusadasia
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.

Nov 8 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 10 Assos - Istanbul
Depart for Istanbul. En route visit the ancient city of Troy. Immortalized by Homer in the Iliad, Troy is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

Nov 11 Istanbul
Today’s tour of Istanbul includes the Hippodrome, the exquisite Blue Mosque, the incomparable Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Topkapi Palace, and the ancient and ethereal Underground Basilica Cistern.

Nov 12 Istanbul
Wait, there’s more! This morning you embark upon a cruise of the Bosphorus, and then visit the Spice Market. After lunch you’ll visit Chora Church to see the beautiful frescoes, then go to Suleymaniye Mosque and, finally, the largest bazaar in the world: Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar

Nov 13
Depart for USA

Your Guide

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 9 years he has led over 50 trips for UW-Madison, spanning five continents.

Details

General Information: This is an extraordinary journey and we welcome everyone who wishes to join us. Please be aware that this trip involves a great deal of walking upon ancient surfaces and uneven ground. We will travel at a relaxed and humane pace, and you are always welcome to take a seat and wait for us to return to the coach if you are weary. We will be staying in very nice, safe and comfortable hotels at every stop, and you will find the Turkish people to be extremely warm, outgoing, friendly and generous. Thank you.

Cost: $5,699. The price of this trip is $5,699 based upon double occupancy. This includes your roundtrip airfare between Chicago and Turkey and all transportation, all lodging, all entry fees, coach services, ferry service and local guides. Also included in this price are daily breakfasts, fifteen lunches and twelve dinners. Single supplement is $1,084.

Visas will be purchased at the arrival airport and are not included in this price.

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS. Thank you.

Lodging:

Ankara: Midi Hotel
Cappadocia: Yunak Evleri
Konya: Hilton Garden Inn
Antalya: Rixos
Pamukkale: Richmond Pamukkale
Kusadasi: Kismet Hotel
Assos: Kervansaray Hotel
Bursa: Almira Hotel
Istanbul: Arcadia Hotel

Questions about the Turkey trip or other upcoming Educational Travel destinations? Email Doug Whittle or call him at 608-263-7787; email Kim Seymour or call her at 608-262-3731.