Turkey - Origins of Western Civilization

Where the western world began

Explore the origins of western civilization, tracing a tantalizing path across Anatolia

Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey

Turkey combines our love of being on the water and our love of being in fascinating places with a storied history.

This in-depth exploration of Antatolia will have you floating over exotic Cappadocia on a hot air balloon, hiking through fragrant Mediterranean landscapes, and sailing the exquisite blue waters of the Turquoise Coast.

On this adventure, you will learn about Rumi, the Persian mystic and poet who spent most of his life in Konya. You will hike into the depths of ancient Christian churches built inside caves beneath the hills of Cappadocia. You will walk beside some of the most ancient sites in the world. And you will spend days exploring vibrant Istanbul's many wonders while luxuriating in the heart of the old town at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet.

Your Hotels

Accommodations for this exceptional adventure have been selected for their comfort as well as authenticity.

A sense of place and tradition are essential elements of any experience. Your accommodations should reflect the character, history and grandeur of their surroundings. Each hotel has been selected for their authenticity, unparalleled level of service, and comfort.

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Gulet

An essential part of your Turkish adventure will be a relaxing sail along the Turquoise Coast aboard a traditional Turkish gulet, or wooden sailing vessel.

Based on traditional design, these Turkish gulet sailing vessels are pure luxury from stem to stern. Elegantly appointed and professionally crewed, you’ll explore the spectacular Turkish coastline in style and unparalleled comfort.

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Your Itinerary

Day 1 | Fly to Kayseri

You arrive in Kayseri via Istanbul, where you will be met and transferred to the Wyndham Grand Hotel for an overnight. Kayseri is a large and industrialized city in Central Anatolia.

Days 2-5 | Cappadocia

This morning, you will have a scenic transfer to the stunning Argos Hotel in Uçhisar, a small, picturesque town in Cappadocia.  You will have time to settle into your room, unpack and rest, and get ready for lunch in the dining room, known for its splendid view.  You will have a leisurely afternoon hike through the fascinating geology among the “Fairy Chimneys.” If you enjoy good wine, we recommend trying one of the Kalecik Karasi or Corvus reds at the welcome dinner.

Mornings will feature hikes through the orchards and vineyards, including one through the delightful Red Valley of Cappadocia. This beautiful valley gets its name from the rose-colored rock that varies in hue and intensity. You will explore a "secret" stone cathedral and may climb into other beautiful and mysterious rock churches. At the end of the valley, you will walk to the nearby village of Cavusin for lunch. You’ll also visit a many-storied underground city. These troglodyte cave cities were excavated as early as Hittite times and expanded over the centuries as various marauding armies traversed Anatolia in search of captives and plunder. There are at least 100 underground cities in the area - only a few are open to the public.  Early one evening, you will enjoy a performance of the famed Whirling Dervishes as they spin round and round in a spiritual trance. 

Those who have reserved the optional, early morning hot-air balloon flight will depart, like all balloonists, at dawn when the air is still. For those who don’t go ballooning, we highly recommend waking at sunrise to watch balloons pass through the canyons and even over the hotel.

Day 6 | Crossing the Anatolian Plain, Konya, Catelhoyuk, Aspendus, Antalya

You’ll have an extra early start on your Westerly transit across the Anatolian Plain, the breadbasket of Turkey, en route to Antalya. 

Your first stop is Sultanhani Karvansary, just west of the village of Aksary. After this visit, as you roll along the Silk Road, you may begin to appreciate the vast difference between your mode of travel today and that of 13th-century Seljuk traders poking warily along by camel. 

Your next stop is Konya to visit the museum tomb of the poet Mevlana Jelal ud-Din Mohammad Rumi, or Rumi, founder of the mystic Sufi order known for Whirling Dervishes.  Due to its importance relative to the origins of Western Civilizations, you’ll visit Catalhoyuk, considered to be the world’s first urban center, circa 7000 BC. This very early Neolithic site was first discovered in the late 1950s and became famous internationally due to its size, dense occupation, remarkable wall paintings, and other art that was uncovered.    

From Catelhoyuk, the highway rises into the forested Taurus Mountains before descending to Manavgat on the east-west Turquoise Coast highway. Farther west, visit the huge, well-preserved Greco-Roman theater at Aspendus before continuing to Antalya to spend two nights in a charming boutique hotel in traditional Ottoman style in the historic Kaleiçi neighborhood.

Day 7 | Termessos, Antalya

This morning, you’ll hike up a steep, forested canyon to explore one of the most dramatically situated sites of all antiquity. Termessos is set on a mountaintop with a commanding view of the area, much like Machu Picchu, built at least 2000 years later. After lunch, you will visit the extensive and well-curated Antalya Archeological Museum. Exhibits include artifacts from local, south coast, and mountain excavations dating from prehistory, including the Lower Paleolithic through the Late Bronze Ages. The collection, spanning from the 12th century BC through the classical periods, along with ethnographic displays, enhances your understanding of Turkey's complex history.

Day 8 | Phaselis, Myra, Kale, Boarding the Gulet

You’ll head south along the spectacular Turquoise Coast, stopping to explore the ancient site of Phaselis. You’ll stop at Myra to view its rock tombs and fine theater. The visit to the nearby Church of St. Nickolas tells the origin of Santa Claus. After lunch, it’s a short transit to the nearby port of Cayagzi, where you board the gulet (yacht) that will be your home for the next five nights. Sail west to Kekova Roadstead to drop anchor.  Ashore, you will climb up through the hillside village of Kale, formerly Simena, to have a splendid view of the historic and beautiful anchorage from the crenelated castle. You’ll spend each night anchored in one of our favorite secluded bays, dining under the stars. 

Day 9 | Kas, Gemiler Island

Anchor up, you will cross the channel to have a good look at the submerged ruins of a sunken village, then turn westerly towards the charming town of Kas. After a leisurely shore visit, you’ll cruise to Gemiler Adasi (Island), where St Nickolas was believed to have originally been entombed.  Knights of St. John built a monastery they used as a base along the route of the Crusades. You’ll go ashore to explore the remains of several churches and a monastery and pause to ponder the purpose of a mysteriously covered passageway that runs for over 1100 ft along the spine of this narrow island. Locals will come by the gulet in put-put boats selling gözleme, a tasty and traditional crepe-like treat sprinkled with spices and feta and baked on an inverted wok.

Day 10 | Kayaköy, Göcek, Cleopatra's Bath

By skiff, you will cruise to Cold Spring Harbor before setting out on a vigorous hike to the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy. Over a cool beverage and a warm gözleme, you’ll learn of the post-WWI events that led to Kayaköy's demise. You will return to the gulet for lunch; if you don’t feel like hiking, you may remain on board to read, swim, or have a luxurious nap.  After lunch, sail along the coast into the Gocek Bay to anchor for the night – just offshore of the trailhead at Cleopatra’s Bath.  

Day 11 | Lydae, Ekincik

This morning, disembark early to hike the scenic yet challenging trail through the pine forests to the mausoleum at ancient Lydae. Located in the middle of a peninsula in a basin surrounded by mountains, this site is reachable only by sea and is rarely visited. If you choose not to hike, you may remain on board as the gulet cruises around the peninsula. While awaiting the hikers at the trail’s end at Agalimani, you may swim or relax. In the afternoon, cruise to a peaceful cove on the Bay of Ekincik, where you will anchor for two nights.

Day 12 | Caunus, Dalyan, Ekincik

Today, an African Queen-style put-put will take you past Iztuzu Beach, a long sand spit now protected as a loggerhead sea turtle nesting site, and meander through the silt marshes and cattails up the Dalyan River to visit the Lycian site of Caunus. On the way, you’ll see the substantial rock-cut Lycian tombs (like at Myra) carved into the cliffs. In Caunus, you will visit a Roman theater, bath, and agora dating from the 2nd century BC. 

The hikers will head over the peninsula on a three-hour hike back to the gulet in the lovely Bay of Ekincik. Everyone else will go into the little village of Dalyan for some shopping before rejoining the gulet in Ekincik Bay.

Day 13 | Euromus, Didyma, Priene

After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the gulet crew before driving north through farmlands and pine-forested mountains to visit the Temple of Zeus at Euromus. Then, continue to the Aegean coast to explore the remains of the enormous Temple of Apollo at Didyma and learn about ancient fortune-telling and Greek oracles. After lunch, you will continue north to the Menderes (ancient Meander) River delta, pass Miletus, and visit the ruins of the impressive Greek city of Priene with its grid system of streets, small theater, and remaining columns.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Sirince, the "Tuscany of Turkey," a historic village in the hills near Ephesus, for two nights in the historic Nisanyan Hotel.

Day 14 | Ephesus

You will spend this morning exploring Ephesus, the largest Graeco-Roman site in the world. Among the significant structures, you’ll see the great library of Celsus, one of the largest theaters, and the terrace homes that have been excavated and recently opened to the public. Ephesus was an important commercial, political, and religious center for centuries. Time permitting, visit the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis, formerly one of the ancient Wonders of the World. After lunch, you’ll visit the Ephesus Archeological Museum in Selcuk.  You will return to your hotel in the evening for a very fun and popular hands-on cooking class.  

Day 15 | Fly to Istanbul

After a quick ride to the Izmir airport and a short flight, you will arrive at Istanbul, a crown jewel among cities, and begin several wonderful days exploring the legacies of Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations.

Enter Istanbul through the massive Byzantine walls that span the peninsula from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn. These walls both defined and protected Constantinople until they were breached by the Turks in 1453. From there, head for the hotel where you will luxuriate in the heart of old Istanbul, the Sultanahmet, for four nights. 

Days 16 - 18 | Istanbul

We keep a flexible schedule with respect to the order of events in our exploration of Istanbul. Weather, group interest, and energy are all taken into consideration. Here are our best intentions, and we usually do them all—and then some! 

During the next three days, you’ll explore the Sultanahmet, visit the Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the site of the ancient Hippodrome, where you see the great obelisk brought from Egypt by the Romans. You’ll find a cacophony of sights and sounds in the Spice Bazaar as you stroll through its passages. Nearby is the marvelous Rustum Pasha Mosque, one of the finest examples of the architecture of Sinan.  The Grand Bazaar is simply overwhelming – anything you want is likely to be there.  You’ll have a private cruise on the Bosphorus.

On the European side, you’ll visit Taksim Square—one of the highest points in Istanbul, then stroll down Istiklal Caddesi, a historic commercial and residential street open only to pedestrians and cute little red trolleys. For a sweeping 360° view of Istanbul, including the Asian side, you’ll climb the Galata Tower, built by the Genoese in the 14th century. Dining will be at some of our favorite restaurants, and a beverage at the Four Seasons Terrace bar while taking in the view is always a winner. You’ll also have some personal time to savor the city.  

Day 19 | Depart for home

Transfer to the airport with check-in to your homeward-bound flight unless you remain for more adventure.

Your Guide – Bihter Kuranel

Bihter combined her education and passion for hiking and history to pursue a career as a tour guide in Turkey, obtaining her license in 1977. Her expertise in archaeology, art history, botany, and culinary culture offers travelers an engaging and informative experience. Known for her deep understanding of Turkey and nuanced communication, she has garnered glowing reviews over the years.

Beyond her work, Bihter enjoys spending time outdoors, cultivating strawberries, cooking, and reading. Read more here »

Origins of Civilization - Dates & Prices

Custom Departures

Origins of Civilization may be a custom journey that can be tailored to your specific interests and preferences. While Turkey is a year-round destination, the optimum seasons are Spring and Fall.

Prices vary based on the length of the trip, the accommodations selected, and the time of year. Please call us so our expert team may design the perfect Turkish adventure for you and your traveling companions.

Inclusions and exclusions

Included

• Roundtrip airport transfers as specified in the itinerary

• All hotel and gulet accommodations (double occupancy, unless Single purchased)

• All meals while on the gulet

• All non-alcoholic beverages while on the gulet

• All guides, activities, tours, and sightseeing arrangements as specified in the itinerary

• Use of equipment while on gulet as specified in the itinerary.

Not Included

• Any airfare, airport taxes, and fees

• Visas

• Tips for guides and gulet crew (at your discretion)

• Excess baggage charges or other items of a personal nature

• Any insurance coverage for trip cancellation-interruption, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay, or baggage theft (we recommend you obtain coverage for these items), medical or hospitalization expenses.

Deposit, Payment & Cancellation Schedule

Deposit

• An initial deposit of $3000 per person is due at the time of booking

• A second deposit of $3000 per person is due 150 days before departure

Payment

• The balance is due 90 days before departure

• Any additional arrangements may incur further deposits, due at the time of booking those services

Cancellation

• Up to 181 days before departure – the initial deposit may be refunded or transferred to a new departure within one year of the original trip date

• 150-91 days before departure – initial deposit and second deposit are non-refundable but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of the original trip date

• 90-61 days before departure – 75% of the total trip price is forfeited. The remaining balance is non-refundable but may be transferred towards a new departure within one year of the original trip date

• 60-0 days before departure – 100% of the total trip price is forfeited

• Cancellation due to force majeure (circumstances outside your control, including medical illness) must be covered by travel insurance. INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. will not be responsible

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Brochure

Video

A taste of what to expect

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go?

Although there isn't a “bad time” to visit Turkey, we think the preferred seasons are late April through mid June, and mid September through late October.  Springtime weather will have wild flowers in the Taurus Mountains and cool, crisp mornings for hiking, while the September and October months will have warm days for perfect swimming along the coast.

What will I see?

The 19 day itinerary will encompass the breadth of Anatolian history- starting in Cappadocia with a landscape seen nowhere else, exploration of Greek, and Roman ruins, picturesque villages, sailing along the Turquoise Coast and cosmopolitan Istanbul.

Is this trip for me?

This cultural program accommodates various levels of activity, from gentle strolls to optional vigorous hikes.

Is a visa required for entry into Turkey?

US, Canadian, and some other passport holders are not required to get a visa to visit Turkey as a tourist for stays less than 90 days. Find more information here »