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The Trip

Please note that the trip dates have changed from what was originally published. If you have questions, please contact us.

Our trip begins in fabled Istanbul and continues into Anatolia (classical Asia Minor). We will admire artifacts and architecture from the many civilizations that have flourished here. These include extensive Greek and Roman archeological sites, impressive mosques, and underground cities where early Christians eluded persecution. A history of 5,000 comes alive as we wonder at the remains of the Greek, Roman Byzantine, and Ottoman empires and appreciate the emergence of a modern republic under their great hero, Ataturk. We will see breathtaking scenery -- mountains, valleys, plains and seas -- take pleasant walks among the wildflowers, and enjoy delicious Turkish food. We'll enjoy long days and pleasant temperatures. We'll travel chiefly by private bus, but also by foot and even by plane (on two internal flights). Along the way we'll meet and be welcomed by the friendly Turkish people and stay in unique, charming hotels.

Itinerary

Day 1: Magnificent Istanbul! You will be met upon arrival and transferred to our hotel in the old part of the city and within easy walking distance of most of the must-see places. The hotel's style reflects both Ottoman and Byzantine elegance with modern touches throughout. The welcome dinner will be the first meal of the trip.

Day 2: We'll enjoy a morning visit to one of Istanbul's smaller mosques, the Rustem Pasa Mosque, famous for its exceptionally fine tiles. Later, we'll cruise up the Bosphorus on a private boat gliding past opulent palaces, exquisite mosques, imposing fortresses, and traditional wooden Ottoman mansions. After our luncheon overlooking the harbor, we'll explore the Spice Market with the enticing displays of Turkish delight, barrels of spices and herbs, pistachios soaked in honey (one of many Turkish aphrodisiacs), fine linens, and hundreds of other exotic items. Then we'll continue on to the Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum and the cool, serene Underground Cistern, built in A.D. 375 to provide water storage for the ancient city. We will then visit the monumental Hagia Sophia Basilica, jewel of the Byzantine Empire, which was opened by Emperor Justinian in A.D. 537. It was used as a Christian church for 916 years, as a mosque for 481 years, and by order of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk, was made into a museum in 1934. Dinner will be in a small, typical restaurant in the old city.

Day 3: Another full day of sightseeing will include the Roman Hippodrome and the Topkapi Palace. Built in 1453, the Palace was the lavish home to the sultans for many centuries. In the treasury section we can see the jewel-encrusted thrones, the world's largest emerald and the famous Topkapi dagger. After a luncheon in the garden of a restored Ottoman mansion, we'll explore the Grand Bazaar. There are 18 entrances and over 4,000 shops in this, the world's largest covered market. We'll make an evening visit to the Blue Mosque to appreciate its intricate, delightful interior. Later we will dine at a seafood restaurant favored by the locals.

Day 4: Today we will drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula with our private driver. Meet our private guide in Canakkale. This pine forest area is sacred to the memories of Anzacs and Turks and our guide will tell us many stories of heroism. We will visit the museum with its war relics, maps, and relief models of the battle area; Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, as well as the Turkish Memorial and Cape Helles for the British Memorial. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, and dinner and overnight are at the Iris Hotel (four star hotel, standard rooms).

Day 5: Today we will visit Pergamum on our way to Kusadasi. A step back in ancient times today with a visit to the hilltop ruins of Pergamum, which once boasted the greatest library of the ancient world with 200,000 scrolls. The Asclepion and Acropolis of Pergamum are world famous. Pergamum is where parchment was first invented. It boasted the contents of a fabulous library, given by Anthony to Cleopatra and later lost in a fire at Alexandria. The Temple of Zeus was another ancient marvel, although much of it is now in a specially constructed museum in Berlin. The Asclepion was the center of healing and one of its great doctors was Gelen (120-190AD). Late in the afternoon we will drive to Kusadasi and transfer to the Kismet Hotel (boutique hotel, where we will have sea view rooms), our base in Kusadasi.

Day 6: If you’ve heard the words "a reading from St. Paul to the Ephesians," now’s your chance to sit in the same theatre where St. Paul preached. Become a Roman conqueror. Ephesus is part of your mighty empire. See it through the eyes of a Roman (who would probably be regarded as a barbarian in sophisticated and cultural Ephesus!).

We'll break for lunch at a local meat restaurant in the pastoral village of Sirince, which is located on a hillside surrounded by apple and grape orchands. Originally settled by Greeks, the village was inhabited by the Ephesian Christians, who, displayed during the Selcuk conquests, moved up into the surrounding hills. In the Greek exchanges of 1924, Muslims from Salonica resettled here, creating a farming community highly adept at winemaking. Apple wine is a local specialty. In the afternoon we'll visit the Basilica of St. John and the house where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life.

Day 7: Today we will explore the remains of Aphrodisias, the city dedicated to the goddess of love and home to a school of sculpture that made its way across the Roman world. We will visit the Temple of Aphrodite and one of the finest ancient stadiums ever built. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. We'll return to Kusadasi in the afternoon.

Day 8: Today we'll visit three smaller but exquisite archaeological treasures. Priene is one of the most intact Hellenistic settlements to be seen, with the superb Temple of Athena a highlight. It is the earliest example of urban planning. Militius is impressive for its gigantic theater and Didyma for its Temple of Apollo, which was built to honor the god of prophecy and oracles.

Days 9-12: From the Izmir airport we'll fly to Kayseri in the land of bewitching geological wonders that is Cappadocia. Early traders called these formations "Fairy Chimneys." Here Byzantine Christians formed communities and carved churches in the rock. Some are beautifully painted and are now ours to appreciate. We'll visit Zelve Valley with elaborate cave shelters carved into the rocks centuries ago, the amazing underground city of Kaymakli, and the dwellings and early churches in the Goreme open-air museum. Cappadocia is perfect for getting out and walking. On our three- to four-mile hikes we can better appreciate this magical countryside. This is the center of carpet- and pottery-making, so we'll learn how these traditional arts are still alive. We'll visit a Caravansary and imagine the camel caravans of old stopping for rest here during their trek across the "Silk Road." For those interested, there is an optional balloon ride. (Not included in the trip cost.) Our hotel for these nights is one of the "cave hotels" as most rooms have been carved out of the surrounding rock.

Day 13: From the airport in Kayseri, we will fly to Istanbul. There will be time for some last-minute shopping before our farewell dinner.

Day 14: After breakfast you will be transferred to the Istanbul airport for your onward flight.

Accommodations and Food

Our accommodations are very comfortable and modern. Every room has private bath facilities. The trip price is based on double occupancy. Singles are very welcome and will be assigned a roommate of the same gender. For anyone preferring a single room, the leader will make that request -- if it is possible to provide a single room, there will be an additional cost.

Turkish food is very tasty and healthy, with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians are easily accommodated. For any special dietary requirements, inquire to the leader. All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included. Lunches will be our formal meals.

This trip is designed for anyone in average condition. No special athletic ability is required, but you must be able to walk a mile or two without difficulty. The hikes are optional, do not entail climbing, and are not more than four miles in length. Everywhere elevations are below 5,000 feet. You'll need stamina for museum and historic-sight touring. The ground at the archeological sites is uneven and rocky. Temperatures in mid-spring should be very pleasant. The daytime highs range around 70 F on the Aegean and inland, but in Cappadocia the nighttime lows could be around 50 degrees.

References

Books:

• Armstrong, Karen, Islam: A Short History.
• Atl, Esin, Turkish Art.
• Bilgen-Reinart, Porcelain Moon and Pomegranates: A Woman's Trek Through Turkey.
• Kinzer, Stephen, Crescent and Star: Turkey Between Two Worlds.
• Lewis, Bernard, The Emergence of Modern Turkey.
• Pope, N & H, Turkey Unveiled.

Guidebooks:

• Eyewitness Travel Guides, Turkey.
• Lonely Planet: Turkey.

Conservation

Ancient archaeological sites are a natural attraction to tourists whose spending supports the economy of nearby residents. However, the settlements become vulnerable to population growth as everyone wants a share of this growing economy. It is difficult to achieve a balance between protection of the sites and the development of the economy.

Air pollution is a real blight, especially in winter because of burning of lignite for heating. A special problem for Turkey, again related to energy, is the use of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits as a tanker route to transport Caspian oil from Russian ports to Western Europe. There have been several major accidents over the past few years in these narrow channels.

Turkey is far ahead of the United States in the use of solar power. We'll learn how almost every home in Turkey heats its water, and the other uses of solar power.

Trip Price

This trip requires a $200 per-person deposit. An additional payment of $300 per person is due six months prior to trip departure. International trip prices are subject to change and are based on double-occupancy or group accommodations as described above. Single rooms may not be available or may cost more than the listed price. If you have any questions regarding double occupancy, please contact the trip leader.

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

The Sierra Club accurately and fairly budgets and prices our trips. However, unforeseen costs such as devaluation of the dollar compared to other currencies and fuel surcharges assessed by our international providers may necessitate adjustment in trip price. We will make every effort to mitigate and absorb these fees. If a price increase is necessary, however, you will have 14 days after announcement to cancel without penalty.

Staff

Wayne Martin began his adventures with the Sierra Club more than two decades ago, when he went snow camping in the Sierra Nevada with the Bay Area chapter. Two years later, in 1984, he led his first national Sierra Club trip. Since then he has led more than 50 trips and served as chair of the club's International Outings Subcommittee.

E-mail: wam3978@me.com

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback