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A Taste of Turkey
April 9 - 20, 2026
Join Stephanie Hansen on an unforgettable journey through the treasures of Turkey! From the bustling bazaars and breathtaking mosques of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the cascading white terraces of Pamukkale, and the stunning Mediterranean coast of Antalya, this trip is filled with history, beauty, and culture at every turn. Wander the spice markets, cruise along the Bosphorus, and take part in a hands-on Turkish cooking class. Explore Cappadocia’s otherworldly valleys, underground cities, and—if you choose—soar above the fairy chimneys on a hot air balloon ride. With rich traditions, world-class sites, and incredible cuisine, this carefully curated itinerary promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights & Inclusions:
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Optional Round-trip airfare included from Minneapolis
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Daily breakfast, plus select lunches & dinners
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Professional Tour Director & English-speaking local guides
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Guided sightseeing in Istanbul including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace
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Explore the Grand Bazaar & vibrant Spice Market
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Scenic Bosphorus Cruise
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Hands-on Turkish cooking class with dinner
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Ancient city of Ephesus and charming Sirince village
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Visit to Aphrodisias Archaeological Site & Museum
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White travertine terraces of Pamukkale & ancient Hierapolis ruins
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Coastal charm of Antalya including Kaleici Old Town & Duden Waterfall
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Ancient Aspendos Theater and Side Antique City
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Konya’s Mevlana Museum
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Fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia including Goreme Open Air Museum, valleys & cave dwellings
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Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia
Why choose to travel to Turkey with us!
Imagine wandering through the bustling Grand Bazaar, cruising along the shimmering Bosphorus, and standing in awe beneath the domes of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Picture yourself exploring the ancient streets of Ephesus, soaking in the white terraces of Pamukkale, and watching the sun set over Antalya’s Mediterranean coast. With Stephanie Hansen as your host, each moment is thoughtfully curated—whether it’s learning to prepare traditional dishes in a Turkish cooking class, discovering the spiritual history of Konya, or marveling at the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia.
For many travelers, Turkey is still a hidden gem—fascinating, less familiar, and waiting to be discovered. With Defined Destinations, you’ll enjoy the fun, safety, and camaraderie of a group tour while knowing that nearly everything is already included: your domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir, entrance to most major attractions, and 31 delicious meals. That means very little out-of-pocket expense, so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the culture, history, and flavors of this remarkable country. This is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t recreate on your own—and space is limited. Don’t miss your chance to explore Turkey before the rest of the world catches on.
Day 1: April 9 (Thursday)
Depart the United States for Istanbul, Turkey
Your journey begins today as you depart the United States on your overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey. If you are booking your own flights - please depart the USA on April 9 to arrive in Istanbul on April 10, 2026.
Day 2: April 10
Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to Istanbul, a city where East meets West. After meeting your guide and driver, you’ll transfer to your hotel and begin your journey with a walking tour of the city. Stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, filled with vibrant stalls of spices, jewelry, textiles, and hand-crafted treasures. Stop at Taksim Square, the lively heart of modern Istanbul, and admire the views of the Galata Tower and the Galata Bridge stretching across the Golden Horn. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by dinner later that evening at another carefully selected eatery, where you’ll get your first taste of Turkey’s legendary cuisine. Overnight in Istanbul.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 3: April 11
Istanbul Highlights & Icons
After breakfast (daily breakfast is included in Turkey), set out on a guided tour of Istanbul’s most celebrated landmarks. Visit Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, filled with lavish courtyards and dazzling treasures. Step inside the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, once the largest church in the world and later transformed into a mosque. Across the square, marvel at the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and interior lined with more than 20,000 blue tiles. Descend into the Basilica Cistern, an atmospheric underground chamber supported by hundreds of ancient columns. Along the way, you’ll pause at the Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople, where thrilling chariot races took place for the city’s citizens and emperors. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, followed by dinner at another traditional spot before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: April 12
Palaces, Markets & Taste of Turkey
Begin the day at the elegant Dolmabahce Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece filled with sparkling crystal chandeliers and European-influenced design. Next, take a cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia, for spectacular views of palaces, fortresses, and picturesque villages along the shoreline. After a stop at the fragrant Spice Market, overflowing with saffron, dried fruits, and colorful displays, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, join a hands-on Turkish cooking class, where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional recipes before sitting down to savor the meal you’ve created. This memorable experience captures the warmth of Turkish hospitality. Overnight in Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Cooking Class
Day 5: April 13
Izmir & Kusadasi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir (flights included in trip price). Upon arrival, discover the highlights of this lively coastal city, with photo stops at Kadifekale Castle, Konak Square, and its iconic Clock Tower, plus a guided visit to the Agora Open Air Museum, an ancient marketplace where Roman merchants once traded. After lunch, continue to the seaside resort of Kusadasi, your base for exploring the wonders of western Turkey. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: April 14
Ancient Ephesus & Pamukkale
Today brings one of the trip’s highlights—Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Walk the marble streets where Romans once strolled, admire the magnificent Library of Celsus, and stand in the grand theater that once seated 25,000 spectators. Pause in the nearby hillside village of Sirince, known for its cobbled streets, stone houses, and local wine. After lunch, continue to the fascinating ruins of Aphrodisias, dedicated to the goddess of love, with its impressive stadium and temple. By evening, arrive in Pamukkale, famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces. Dinner is included at the hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: April 15
White Terraces of Pamukkale & Antalya
This morning, explore Hierapolis, an ancient spa city founded by the Romans, where temples, baths, and a vast necropolis still stand. Nearby lie the stunning Pamukkale “Cotton Castle” terraces, where mineral-rich waters cascade down gleaming white limestone. After lunch, travel south to Antalya, the sparkling jewel of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: April 16
Exploring Antalya
After breakfast, set off to discover Antalya’s rich blend of history and scenery. Visit Hadrian’s Gate, built in 130 AD to honor the Roman emperor’s visit. Wander through Kaleici, the city’s charming old quarter filled with Ottoman-era houses, winding streets, and boutique shops. Enjoy the views at the Old Harbour, once a busy Roman port, and experience the natural beauty of the Duden Waterfall, where water tumbles dramatically into the Mediterranean. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, with dinner back at the hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: April 17
Aspendos, Side & Konya
Leave Antalya this morning and travel inland. Visit the remarkably preserved Aspendos Theater, still considered one of the finest examples of Roman architecture and known for its near-perfect acoustics. Continue to the ruins of Side, an ancient city by the sea with a theater, temples, and a harbor once used by pirates. A photo stop at the Manavgat Waterfall offers another chance to admire Turkey’s natural beauty. After lunch, travel onward to Konya, a city known for its spiritual heritage and connection to the whirling dervishes. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Konya.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: April 18
Konya & Magical Cappadocia
After breakfast, visit the Mevlana Museum, home to the tomb of the Sufi mystic Rumi, whose poetry and philosophy continue to inspire millions. Following lunch, journey to Cappadocia, where landscapes of fairy chimneys, rock-carved homes, and valleys painted in shades of pink and red await. Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with rock-cut churches and frescoes dating back to the 10th century. Pause for photo stops in Devrent Valley and Rose Valley before checking into your hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: April 19
Aspendos, Side & Konya
Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel. Then explore Cappadocia’s extraordinary treasures, starting with the Kaymakli Underground City, where early Christians once hid from invaders. Continue with photo stops at Uchisar Castle, perched on a volcanic rock outcrop, and the scenic Pigeon Valley and Red Valley, where soft rock formations create an otherworldly landscape. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, with dinner later at the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Optional Experience: Soar above Cappadocia’s surreal landscape on a hot air balloon ride—a bucket-list adventure like no other (priced separately).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: April 20
Fly Home from Cappodocia
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Carry with you memories of the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery that made your journey through Turkey truly unforgettable.
Meals: Breakfast
Important Information About Group Flights
If you choose to book a group flight, please be aware that seat assignments are not provided by the airline until the day of check-in. This is standard airline policy for group reservations.
If you require a specific seat type, such as an aisle, window, or an upgraded seat, we recommend not purchasing a group ticket. Instead, we’d be happy to provide you with a separate quote that allows for specific seat selection.
While airlines will make every effort to seat you next to your traveling companion, this cannot be guaranteed.
Thank you for your understanding, and we appreciate your flexibility when booking group flights!
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Tour Price:
LAND ONLY RATE
$5399
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people in a room) INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
AIRFARE INCLUDED RATE
TBA
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people in a room) AIRFARE INCLUDED OUT OF MSP
LAND ONLY - SINGLE RATE
$6199
PER PERSON
(Based on 1 person in a room) LAND ONLY - AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
AIRFARE INCLUDED RATE
TBA
SINGLE RATE
(Based on 1 person in a room) AIRFARE INCLUDED OUT OF MSP
Trip Deposit
A $500 non-refundable per person deposit is due at the time of registration. After final payment all monies are non-refundable. Travel Insurance is available and HIGHLY ENCOURAGED