DESTINATIONS
Turkish Delights
Cappadocia’s caves, ancient Ephesus and a spectacular arrival in Istanbul.
Ottoman Riches
See the sultan’s ornately tiled quarters in the Green Mosque and tuck into an exemplary doner kebab in the Ottoman Empire’s birthplace of Bursa. With Bursa as its starting point, this nine-day exploration of Turkey takes in the immortal city of Troy and spends two days in Kusadasi, where you’ll explore the enormous ancient site of Ephesus. Spend three days in Istanbul to experience major sights such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the lively Grand Bazaar.
Hoodoos and Wine Country
The gnomish landscape of Cappadocia fans out from your vantage point in a hot-air balloon as the golden dawn light breaks over the “fairy chimneys.” After touchdown and breakfast, tour Göreme, where 2,000 years of Christian history are carved into underground cities and churches. Visit a traditional potter and Turkish winery to round out the day.
The Original Orient Express
Arrive in Turkey to views over the Thracian Plain, along an eminently historic route. Your luxury train, featuring carefully restored, richly crafted 1920s cabins, departs Paris for Istanbul just once a year, on a lavish six-day journey with overnight stays in Budapest and Bucharest. Make a few quick stops in Sinaia, Romania and in Varna on the Black Sea.