UPDATE for 2022 program: We are cautiously optimistic with the availability of vaccines and decline in COVID, we should be able to offer another tour to Turkey (and separately, Morocco) in Spring 2022. If you are interested in being a part of that, email us at omid@illuminatedtours.com
Cost of Land-only portion, per person, based on double-occupancy: $ 3500. [There is an $500 single supplement for those desiring a single room on this journey.]
May 12th, Tuesday ARRIVAL Arrival in Istanbul and check in hotel during the day. Meeting 8 pm in the hotel lobby, before going to dinner together to welcome the group.
May 13th ,Wednesday ISTANBUL Gulhane Park, Kucuk Hagia Sophia, Sokollu Mehmet Pasha, . Overnight at our hotel in Istanbul.
May 14th, Thursday ISTANBUL Turkish and Islamic Art Museum in Istanbul. Free time to explore
May 15th, Friday Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace. Friday prayers (for those inclined) at Sultanahmet. Overnight at our hotel in Istanbul
May 16th, Saturday ISTANBUL / Cappadocia Leave Istanbul and depart for Cappadocia via a domestic flight (program provides for this flight, you don't need to do anything). Bus transfer to hotel in Urgup
Overnight at hotel in Cappadocia.
May 17th, Sunday Cappadocia Depart for full day Cappadocia tour. Uchisar, the point where you can see a great part of the region from the top of the natural fortress. Then proceed to the open air museum through Goreme Valley. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
May 18th, Monday Cappadocia The last visit will be to Zelve. After having some free time for shopping as the area is known for its handicrafts like onyx and pottery making. Night Sama/Sema ceremony (commonly known as "Whirling Dervishes")
May 19th, Tuesday: Cappadocia/Konya Check in to Konya hotel, Visit tomb of Shams-e Tabrizi
May 20th, Wednesday Konya/Istanbul
Morning pilgrimage to Shrine of Mawlana Rumi, Visit Karatay Theological School (madrasa) and Ince Minaret. End by visit to Sadr al-Din Qunawi Bus to airport, fly back to Istanbul, check into Hotel
May 21st, Thursday Istanbul Free day on your day, suggestions include Archeology Museum, St. Chora, Jewish National Museum, Taksim, Basilica Cistern, etc.
May 22nd, Friday Istanbul Tour Uskudar, and visit with Cemalnur Sargut (female Sufi master), and Sakirin Cami (first mosque designed by a woman). Overnight at your hotel in Istanbul Goodbye dinner
May 23rd, Saturday Return home. After breakfast depart from hotel. Transfer to the airport will be on your own.
