A Cultural & Scenic Journey Across Turkey

Years ago, when I was in Turkey, my local guide told me that at the edge of Anatolia, there were secret excavations of a site dating back 12,000 years. This was 6,000 years earlier than the British Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. I didn’t believe it until I saw a report by National Geographic. It turned out to be a huge discovery for humanity. This site, Göbeklitepe, is the earliest known architectural structure built by humans. So far, only a small portion has been excavated, but it has finally been opened to the public for those eager to see this extraordinary place. This spring, we invite you on an unforgettable cultural and scenic journey across Turkey to experience this and many other wonders, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Our journey begins in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where ancient history meets modern energy. You’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, and take a ferry to the tranquil Princes’ Islands. From there, we’ll venture to Edirne, the former Ottoman capital, to admire the magnificent Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history.

A major highlight of the trip is the Mesir Paste Festival in Manisa, a UNESCO-recognized event with deep cultural and historical significance. This festival commemorates the miraculous recovery of Hafsa Sultan, the mother of Suleiman the Magnificent, who was cured by a special herbal paste made from 41 spices. Each year, the paste is blessed and scattered from the domes and minarets of the Sultan Mosque, with thousands gathering to catch pieces, believed to bring good fortune and healing. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by traditional Ottoman music performed by a 45-piece orchestra, making this a celebration you won’t want to miss.

We’ll visit Göbeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most groundbreaking archaeological discoveries of our time, located in Sanliurfa. This 12,000-year-old site offers an extraordinary glimpse into the beginnings of human civilization. From there, we’ll head to Turkey’s Black Sea region, where you’ll marvel at the cliffside Sumela Monastery near Trabzon, explore lush tea plantations in Rize, and experience the stunning natural beauty of the region.

The journey continues along the picturesque Turkish coastline to charming towns like Amasra and Safranbolu, the latter being another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautifully preserved Ottoman-era architecture. The tour concludes back in Istanbul, where you’ll have one last opportunity to savor the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and delightful cuisine.

This thoughtfully designed itinerary combines ancient wonders, vibrant festivals, breathtaking landscapes, and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Turkey’s fascinating heritage. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!