Turkey
Duration: > 5 Days
Turkey, with its rich history and diverse cultural influences, has a unique architectural heritage that spans several millennia. The country has been home to various civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Turkey's architecture is a reflection of its rich cultural mosaic, with influences from various civilizations contributing to the country's unique and diverse built environment. From ancient ruins to Ottoman masterpieces and contemporary designs, Turkey's architectural landscape tells a compelling story of its historical and cultural evolution.




Learning Outcomes
- Understand how Turkey’s architecture reflects its multicultural history, encompassing influences from Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
- Gain insights into the diverse religious architecture of Turkey, from the Hagia Sophia’s Byzantine legacy to the Ottoman masterpieces like the Blue Mosque and Süleymaniye Mosque.
- Understand how religious and cultural shifts have influenced architectural expressions.
- Explore the innovations in Ottoman architecture, particularly under the renowned architect Mimar Sinan.
- Study the urban planning elements of historic cities like Istanbul. Explore the layout of palaces, markets, and residential areas to understand how Ottoman rulers organized and designed their cities.
- Delve into the unique architectural heritage of Cappadocia, where cave dwellings and churches were carved into soft volcanic rock. Understand how the region’s geology influenced architectural practices.
- Visit ancient cities like Ephesus to witness the urban planning of Roman times. Analyze the design of theaters, temples, and libraries to grasp the principles of Roman city planning.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be transferred by road to Bolu, a city in northern Turkey.
We will be checking out of the hotel and proceeding to Cappadocia and, en route, visiting Ankara. There we will visit the Atatürk Mausoleum, Ankara Castle, and Salt Lake.
We will be driving to Derinkuyu and visiting Uchisar Castle, which is one of our favorite hikes in the region. Then we will be going to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which is made up of cave churches painted with Byzantine frescoes. Later on, we will go to Cavusin, an abandoned village with old Greek cave houses. We will go visit a pottery workshop and also visit Devrent Valley to learn about the art of pottery making and carpet weaving.
Check out and proceed to Pammukale. En route, we will visit the Sultanhani Caravanserai, which is the largest and best Caravanserai in Turkey, and also visit the imposing, green-tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana.
We will be going on a city tour of Pammukale and a city tour of Ephesus. After this visit, we will proceed to Kusadasi.
Check out of the hotel and proceed to Istanbul. and end our day with a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus.
There will be a guided tour of the Basilica Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Ancient Hippodrome, the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Evening: proceed for some leisure time at the Grand Bazaar.
We will be visiting KOC Museum, SEA Museum and Taksim Square. And also visit Istiklal Street and photo stop at Galata Tower which was built as a watchtower at the highest point of the Walls of Galata.
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Sightseeing and transfers by AC Coach
- Guided Tour
- Insurance and Taxes
- Entry Fee
- Tour Manager
- Snacks and Mineral Water







