TURKEY IN A TEACUP

OCTOBER 9-17, 2025 with Taylan

$3995 per person for Double / $4500 Single

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Asia Minor – home of the mighty Hittites, Ionian Greeks, Eastern Roman and Ottoman Empires. It is the confluence of ancient empires and cultures where “Wonders of the World” were erected, markets enriched Kings Midas whose touch turned everything into gold, and Croesus first minted coins. Great shrines of ancient gods and goddesses lay hand in hand with those of Christ and his Apostles. These sites and wonderful experiences are waiting for us on a journey through Turkey.

This Turkey in a Teacup itinerary is a starter pack for Turkey with some major “Silk Road” cities, regional food experiences, interactions with local people, and shopping in underground caves.  Istanbul will get us warmed up to the history of civilizations with mosques and markets. Next, Cappadocia will fascinate us with a unique landscape, and finally, Ephesus will make us feel like a Roman as we walk down its marble streets.

ADDITIONAL INFO
INQUIRIES

Day 1

OVERNIGHT: ISTANBUL

Welcome to Istanbul

After arriving in Istanbul, explore the Istiklal/ Beyoglu area (where our hotel is located) with your guide and try to get rid of jet lag. Welcome dinner in a nearby neighborhood.

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Day 2

OVERNIGHT: ISTANBUL

Istanbul Greatest Hits

Your guide will meet you at the hotel for an Istanbul Highlights tour. We head to the Old Town to see the Hagia Sophia Mosque which used to be one of the greatest Christian Orthodox cathedrals, then visit Topkapı Palace (the earliest and most oriental Ottoman family residence) followed by a visit to the recently renovated Underground Cistern dating back to the Roman period.

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Day 3

OVERNIGHT: ISTANBUL

Market Day

Following a morning at your leisure, explore the Grand Bazaar and surrounding markets marveling at the many historical and contemporary experiences in the area. From here we visit and taste our way through the Spice Market. Then we catch the ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul where we hang out with students, artists, and ex-pats and have dinner at one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.

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Day 4

OVERNIGHT: CAPPADOCIA

Travel to Cappadocia

Easy morning to enjoy your last hours in Istanbul. Then it’s time to get going for our flight to Cappadocia. Dinner at Old Greek House after the orientation walk in our village.

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Day 5

OVERNIGHT: CAPPADOCIA

Explore Cappadocia

This morning is a great time to visit the early Christian Monastery of Goreme. Many places to stop and examine the unique geography, such as the town of Uchisar / Pigeons Valley. Optional hot air balloon ride (very early morning launch)

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Day 6

OVERNIGHT: CAPPADOCIA

Journey Underground

Today we go underground. This morning we will drive to one of the underground cities of Kaymaklı. Followed by a scenic drive with viewpoint stops along the way to Avanos. Lunch in Avanos. Walk along the Red River and visit local craft production such as pottery or carpet weaving.

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Day 7

OVERNIGHT: SIRINCE

Izmir

Morning flight to Izmir. Enjoy lunch at a local winery on our way to the hill town village of Sirince. Stop at Ephesus Museum on the way to prepare for our full-day exploration of Ephesus tomorrow. Check into our lodgings in Sirince and have a short orientation walk.

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Day 8

OVERNIGHT: SIRINCE

Ephesus

Full-day tour of Ancient Ephesus, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she spent the last days of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, located by the Castle of Selcuk, a famous pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. Enjoy authentic local Turkish cuisine for our last meal together.

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Day 9

OVERNIGHT: N/A

End of Turkey in a Teacup tour. Morning transfer to the Izmir Airport. For those of you joining us on our Turkey Sailing Staycation, you will be transferred to the city of Bodrum where this tour starts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Price: $3995 (air not included) per person for a double occupancy room. Single Occupancy room is $4500. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.

You can reserve with a nonrefundable deposit of $600.

What’s Included: all breakfasts, a few lunches and dinners, transportation during the tour, entrance fees, local guides, tips, and lodging in comfortable, clean, and centrally located hotels.

Turkey in a Teacup tour begins in Istanbul (IST), Turkey and tour ends near Izmir (ADB), Turkey.

Please email with questions info@adventureswithsarah.net

Inquire about this tour
Inquire about this tour

”I have had the joy of traveling with Adventures with Sarah many times, from Thailand, to Turkey, and many places in between. I choose to book with AWS because I can rely on a tour that is paced well, varied in activities, with great food and even greater guides. As a frequent traveler to Europe, I really enjoy AWS tours due to a small group size and the opportunity to go in depth into a region and really experience the culture of the area I’m visiting. And every time, with every group, I meet fellow travelers who are now friends. Adventures with Sarah is a tour company that I would recommend without hesitation. In fact, I have 3 tours booked for this year!

Betsy McGregorafter multiple tours with Adventures with Sarah

”I have been visiting friends and showing them my photos from the Piemonte tour. I was telling them how great it was to become immersed in this area and see things you would not normally have the opportunity to do or know about. Having a caring and inquisitive guide who delights in sharing where she lives brings so much to the experience. Go visit Piemonte with Lisa- you will have such an amazing time and fond memories to share and relish!

Patricia Eaganafter a tour in Piedmont, Italy with Lisa

”Lisa Anderson is a phenomenal guide. Not only was the tour amazing, it was made amazing by Lisa. So now Lisa holds top honors as my very most favorite travel guide ever! What set Lisa apart from all the other guides I have traveled with over the years? I believe first of all, it is her warm and welcoming style that focuses on making everyone feel like they are part of her family. She works hard to ensure that everyone’s needs are met. And the tour itself was amazing. It was my first “staycation“ offered by a tour company, and it appealed to me for the reasons you can imagine: more in -depth understanding of the area, more relaxed pace; I truly think it’s my new preferred travel method. The itinerary was well planned and well chosen. We really felt like we were part of Lisa‘s family at every restaurant and establishment we went to. She knew the menu items and wine list and was patient in providing suggestions or changing the menu. That does not happen with a large tour group. A favorite itinerary item was the Donkey Paleo, which was so much fun. Hilarious. Although it was blazing hot in the sun, it was completely enjoyable and Lisa, of course, being Lisa, did a good job and making sure we were well hydrated. It was awesome! I only wish that more people knew about Lisa and this amazing Piedmonte Staycation so that many could enjoy this unique and wonderful travel experience with Lisa. I know I will do everything I can to spread the word amongst my travel friends.

Dagney Smithafter a tour in Piedmont, Italy with Lisa

“I have been visiting friends and showing them my photos from the Piemonte tour. I was telling them how great it was to become immersed in this area and see things you would not normally have the opportunity to do or know about. Having a caring and inquisitive guide who delights in sharing where she lives brings so much to the experience. Go visit Piemonte with Lisa- you will have such an amazing time and fond memories to share and relish!”

Patricia Eaganafter a tour in Piedmont, Italy with Lisa

“I have had the joy of traveling with Adventures with Sarah many times, from Thailand, to Turkey, and many places in between. I choose to book with AWS because I can rely on a tour that is paced well, varied in activities, with great food and even greater guides. As a frequent traveler to Europe, I really enjoy AWS tours due to a small group size and the opportunity to go in depth into a region and really experience the culture of the area I’m visiting. And every time, with every group, I meet fellow travelers who are now friends. Adventures with Sarah is a tour company that I would recommend without hesitation. In fact, I have 3 tours booked for this year!”

Betsy McGregorafter multiple tours with Adventures with Sarah

“Fantastic look at more "out of the way" spots and wonderful experiences of food and wine. No crowds, just the Sicilian countryside and lovely towns. Traveling in April was fantastic with all the wildflowers. And walking on Mama Etna's shoulders was a highlight!”

Barbara B.Sicily Pleasures tour

“It really was a wonderful trip. This was our first group trip, and the size was just right. We all got along well which was a bonus. Everything was smooth, and Sarah had picked out some really wonderful things for us to do. I felt like we were getting "sneak peeks" of special things regular tourists don't get to do. We were willing participants for her to try out new things on this trip. The hotels were lovely, and the wine lunches perfect! There was a good balance of planned activities and free time which I appreciated. I will definitely be looking for more trips to go on with Adventures with Sarah!”

Leslie P.Sicily Pleasures tour

“Good accommodations in the heart of all important areas. Food experience was excellent with incentive to try new foods. Sarah is very personable and has each tour member's concerns and needs in mind. Love the small groups.”

Larry C.Sicily Highlights tour

“We had a great time! Perfect mix of free time and planned group excursions/tours. The food was amazing! Our accommodation was comfortable and our views were unforgettable! I would book another trip with this company.”

Jen R.Dalmatian Staycation tour

“My husband and I had a great time touring Dalmatia with Sarah and the local guides that joined us. A favorite activity was sailing on a traditional sail boat from the island of Vis. Lovely group of travelers and many memories made!”

Dawn R.Dalmatian Staycation tour

“Food and wine blitz in beautiful areas of Slovenia and Croatia. You will appreciate it most if you are a true wine lover. Meetings with young enthusiastic, creative winemakers were the highlight.”

Betsy W.Harvest tour

“We had a wonderful trip with no issues at all. Gorgeous area, plenty of delicious food, perfect weather and knowledgeable guide!”

John G.Harvest tour

“What a perfect way to get back into European travel. It was obvious from the start that Trish had put her heart and soul into the planning of the Hidden Paris tour. It was a great mix of adventures and I throughly enjoyed my travel group, who became like family, and it was obvious to see why most had traveled with adventures with Sarah before, Our local guide, Julian, was excellent and it was fun finally getting to also meet Sarah and sons. Merci beaucoup, Trish for this great time and I hope to travel with you again in the future.”

Leslie A.Paris Staycation tour

“A thoroughly enjoyable trip. George, our leader, was super-knowledgeable, helpful, energetic, and fun. His knowledge of people and places gave us experiences we couldn't have duplicated on our own. The itinerary was great - I thought the pace was good and we had a variety of experiences. The only thing I didn't like was that the weather in late April was rather chilly and often wet, more so than I expected. However, traveling later in the spring would have meant missing Orthodox Easter, which was the highlight of the trip for me. We spent it in a rural village, and participating in the villagers' traditions was a rare privilege that I'll never forget. So take an umbrella and some warm clothes and prepare for a special experience. Maybe you'll get the sunshine that we mostly didn't get!”

Melissa M.Romania tour

“Our guide Susanna was both professional and thoughtful. She cared for our health and happiness! I had some health issues and was treated with kindness and help! Our accommodations were both comfortable and clean. The bus driver was fearless and professional. I will travel with Susanna again!”

Melva O.Sicily Pleasures tour

“This was a wonderful trip! Susanna was such a wonderful tour guide, thoughtful, funny, informative. I can’t imagine a better guide for this trip! Our accommodations were wonderful as were all the varied activities and dining experiences. I enjoyed the other travelers in our group and felt as if we were family. I have made new friends that I will keep in touch with. Thank you!”

Anne B.Sicily Pleasures tour

“We had a wonderful tour with our guide Susanna and fellow travelers. The tour was well planned out touching on most all the main destinations in Sicily. Susanna was super well organized, kind and considerate and a lot of fun to travel with. She was a great communicator before, during and after the tour and was helpful with day to day needs like finding laundry service, restaurants and transport to the airport. The local guides, meals, accommodations, etc were all top notch. We had a great small group of 7 travelers that all got on very well. The spacious van we used for traveling was very comfortable and the driver Giuseppe was highly skilled at driving the chaotic streets in Sicily’s cities and towns. We highly recommend booking a tour with Adventures with Sarah and especially with Susanna Perrucchini!!”

Randal D.Sicily Highlights tour

“In short, we will travel with AWS again and would highly recommend them! Oh!! We also felt that we received far more in value and experience than the price for the tour.”

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