The ancient history of Türkiye may not be as popularized as that of its Greco-Roman neighbors, but that doesn’t mean it offers any less inspiration or connection to our shared ancestry. We first went to Türkiye in 1996, during a time when founder Bill Roberson had been deeply moved by Peru and the almost unfathomably advanced Incan civilization—still present in the stewardship of the land and the architecture that withstands the wear of time. In Türkiye, like Peru, the traces of humanity’s past are in plain sight. 

We started in Cappadocia, where the most ancient evidence of civilization-building is preserved. From the beginning, we knew we needed to travel with a local guide who could breathe new life into the archaeological sites and bring alive stories of yore. Culture and history interweave in the art of a story, so finding the right storyteller is as important as finding the right relic. Throughout our time in Türkiye, we met close friend and advisor, Kazim Uzunoglu, and expert guide, Bihter Kuranel, who still help illuminate the scope of this history for all our travelers. 

After Cappadocia, we ventured south across the Anatolian plain to the seaside city of Antalya, slowly progressing through time as if watching the arc of human advancement unfold over the ages. In Antalya we boarded a Gulet (a traditional Turkish yacht) and set sail along the Turquoise Coast. It was during that time that Bill, and trip specialist Eliza Tenza, who were integral in putting together our early adventures, knew that this awe-filled experience needed to be shared with our travelers. 

The monastery ruins, Cleopatra’s baths, and the ancient city of Lydae all offered new context for how humankind developed, and with expert guidance, the stories made our place in time awe-inspiring. With its clear, incredible water and hikes filled with wildflowers in spring, the setting brought unbridled joy. Our start was rooted in that joy and the clarity of mind that being so present in an amazing place can bring us. It wasn’t long before we began to share the Turkish experience with our travelers.

Today our trip follows the same path from antiquity to modernity. It ends in Istanbul, one of the cultural capitals of the world, where an incredibly diverse array of characters, traditions, ideologies, religions, and backgrounds blend to create the distinct flavor of our era in history.

Written by Jasper Roberson-Schulz

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