Empires of Türkiye

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Istanbul

Upon arrival in Istanbul, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and a local guide who will accompany you throughout your tour of this ancient and culturally rich country. As the languages, people and customs of this unique place changed throughout history, so did its name—from Byzantium to Constantinople to Stamboul and more.

Day 3: Istanbul

A full day of guided sightseeing awaits, starting with entrance to the ornate Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. Then visit the majestic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture built by the emperor Justinian; the Hippodrome, an impressive public square that stands on the former site of a huge arena where gladiators fought and chariots raced centuries ago; and one of the incredible Byzantine subterranean cisterns, elaborate examples of civil engineering and architecture that were used to store and provide fresh water to the city’s residents. Head next for the famous Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. You’ll have time to wander along its corridors and marvel at the food, scarves, lamps, tiles, artworks, jewelry and more. Engage in the fine art of bargaining as you browse for souvenirs! This is followed by a visit to the exquisite Rüstem Pasha Mosque, renowned for its elaborate tile work. You’ll learn about Islamic beliefs, practices and art from your guide.

Day 4: Cappadocia

Depart Istanbul aboard a flight to Cappadocia, where you’ll marvel at a fantastical, otherworldly landscape dotted with conical formations known as “fairy chimneys.” Visit the astounding Özkonak Underground City, one of several similar refuges in this region that were carved into the soft volcanic tufa rock by local populations for shelter and defense against persecutors. Your exploration of the area continues with a walk through Paşabağı, or "Monk's Valley," where you’ll see more stunning examples of the basalt-topped fairy chimneys, other volcanic formations, and cave churches carved into the stone. Then continue to Göreme Valley, known for its picturesque vistas.

Day 5: Cappadocia

The historical and cultural wonders of the region continue to unfold this morning with a stop at the captivating Göreme Open Air Museum, a cluster of Byzantine-era churches, chapels and monasteries carved from rock, which feature some of the best-preserved ancient frescoes. Continue to visit Uçhisar Castle. This towering fortress-like rock formation rewards you for climbing the steps to its summit with perhaps the area’s most stunning panoramic views over the Güverçinlik or Pigeon Valley. Then drive to charming Avanos, a village that’s been famous for its handmade pottery—made from the area’s signature red clay—since the times of the Hittites over 4,000 years ago. Visit one of the town’s studios for a hands-on Turkish pottery workshop. After watching a demonstration by one of the master potters and learning about the historical techniques of their craft, don an apron and take your own turn at the wheel, or try your hand at painting some of the traditional designs.

Day 6: Pamukkale

The morning starts with a drive to Sultanhani, a 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai, or roadside inn, along the fabled Silk Road trade route. Admire its ornate stonework and impressive scale before continuing to Konya, where the Islamic order of the “whirling dervishes,” who perform an ecstatic mediation that involves spinning dance moves, was established in the 13th century. In Konya, visit the Mevlâna Museum, a major pilgrimage site which includes the mausoleum where Rumi—the Sufi mystic who founded the order of the whirling dervishes—is buried. The day’s final destination is Pamukkale, noted for its surreal landscapes created by calcite-laden thermal springs.

Day 7: Kusadasi

Begin today by touring the ancient Greco-Roman thermal spa town of Hierapolis. Here you’ll see the fascinating necropolis, one of the best-preserved ancient cemeteries in Türkiye; the ancient Domitian Gate, the northern entrance to the city; and the unique cascades of white limestone and travertine formed by ancient volcanic activity and hot springs that give Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle,” its name. Then head for the ruins of Aphrodisias, a city named for its patron Greek goddess Aphrodite. Centuries ago, artisans here created some of the most sophisticated sculptures of the ancient world, which you’ll see in the Aphrodisias Museum. Continue to Kusadasi, a port town that overlooks the turquoise-blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

Day 8: Kusadasi

Venture this morning to the excavated ruins of Ephesus, a former Mediterranean commercial center. Walk down the marble road still grooved by chariot wheels and marvel at sights such as the remains of the famous Temple of Artemis, a wonder of the Ancient World; the intact facade of the Library of Celsus; the Temple of Serapis, built for Egyptian merchants who frequently visited to trade their wheat for commercial goods; as well as the stadium, theater, baths and more. You will also visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum and the nearby House of the Virgin Mary, a small stone house turned Catholic shrine where it’s believed the mother of Jesus spent her final days. Return to Kusadasi for the evening.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.