Tremendous Turkey
April 6 - April 18, 2027
On our Tremendous Turkey small group tour, experience the rich tapestry of history and culture throughout diverse regions and landscapes. In the vibrant city of Istanbul, explore iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Be immersed in local flavors with a street food culinary tour and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus. In Cappadocia, marvel and photograph its unique landscapes, including the fairy chimneys of Devrent Valley and the ancient rock-cut churches in Red Valley. In Antalya, visit stunning waterfalls and the charming old town of Kaleiçi. Relax on a white sand beach or explore further at the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos. In Pamukkale, walk on the mesmerizing travertine terraces and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Discover the ancient Roman metropolis of Ephesus and the picturesque village of Sirince, concluding with a delightful farewell dinner by the sea. A perfect blend of history, photography, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty - read on for all the details!
Istanbul (3 Nights)
"A Capital of two empires, home to centuries of history and a vibrant modern metropolis: Istanbul has enough layers to spend a lifetime exploring. The magical meeting place straddling two continents has more top-notch attractions than it has minarets (and that's a lot)." - Lonely Planet
* Byzantium, Constantinople, and Stamboul: 3 names, 1 iconic destination.
- The Old City: Guided tour of Hagia Sophia, Byzantine Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
- Culinary Immersion: Taste Istanbul's popular street foods, visit a traditional artisan restaurant for homemade delicacies and enjoy Turkish delights with coffee.
- The Spice Market: Capture Istanbul's 17th-century Spice Bazaar, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history as a hub of spice trade; an authentic sensory feast with aromatic spices, herbs, teas, and traditional Turkish products amidst Ottoman-inspired architecture.
- Cruise the Bosphorus: Admire the banks sailing between Europe and Asia, a unique winding strait separating two continents.
Cappadocia (3 Nights)
"As if plucked from a whimsical fairytale and set down upon the stark Anatolian plains, Cappadocia is a geological oddity of honeycombed hills and towering boulders of otherworldly beauty." - Lonely Planet
- Devrent Valley, Pasabag, and Avanos: A photographer's dream; Devrent Valley, known for its unique rock formations, offers our cameras surreal landscapes resembling animal shapes and fairy chimneys. Pasabag features extraordinary hoodoos and multiple-stemmed fairy chimneys, while Avanos is famed for its pottery traditions along the banks of the Kızılırmak River.
- Optional Sunrise Hot Air Balloon: Enjoy and photograph the views of this astounding, unique landscape from the sky as the sun's golden hues blanket the valley!
- Open Air Museum: The heart of Cappadocia, famous for its wall painting dating back to the 10th century, describes the life of Jesus Christ.
- Red Valley & Cavusin: Renowned for its striking red-hued rock formations, Red Valley offers panoramic views and excellent photography opportunities amidst picturesque backdrops. Cavusin, an ancient village nearby, showcases historic cave dwellings and rock-cut churches, providing a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage.
- Özkonak Underground City: A lesser-known but fascinating underground complex carved out of soft volcanic rock with multiple levels of tunnels, rooms, and ventilation shafts, offering insights into ancient underground living and defense strategies in the region.
- Creating the cuisine: A memorable cooking class with a 4-course meal including soup, entrée, main meal, and local dessert.
Antalya (3 Nights)
"Once seen simply as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, Antalya today is very much a destination in its own right. Situated right on the Gulf of Antalya (Antalya Körfezi), the largest city on Turkey's western Mediterranean coastline is both classically beautiful and stylishly modern." - Lonely Planet
- Kaleiçi (Old Town): Discover the ancient quarters, renowned for picturesque narrow streets, historic Ottoman houses, and a vibrant atmosphere with shops, cafes, and ancient landmarks.
- Stunning Waterfalls: The Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall cascades dramatically down steep cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea while Kursunlu Waterfall provides a tranquil setting amidst lush greenery, with cascades that flow into small ponds ideal for nature walks, picnics, and of course, photography!
- Relax and enjoy the beach: Free time to relax, wander the ancient streets, or head to one of the beautiful white sand beaches that dot the coast.
- Optional adventure to Perge, Aspendos, & Side: Showcasing remarkable Roman archaeological sites, Perge features well-preserved ruins including a grand theater, agora, and Roman baths, offering insights into urban life during antiquity. Aspendos is renowned for its exceptionally preserved Roman theater, one of the best-preserved in the world, known for its excellent acoustics and impressive architectural details. A stop at the Kusunlu Waterfall en route back will inspire our eyes and cameras! Side is an ancient Greek city with a stunning natural harbor. It was a hugely important center for trade and one can see a grand theatre, baths, and a gorgeous Temple of Apollo.
Pamukkale (1 Night)
"Eternally famous for its gleaming white calcite travertines (terraces) overrunning with warm, mineral-rich waters on a mountain above a village – the so-called ‘Cotton Castle' (pamuk means 'cotton' in Turkish) is one-of-a-kind. Just above the travertines lies Hierapolis, once a Roman and Byzantine spa city with considerable ruins" - Lonely Planet
- The Cotton Castle: Famed for its natural hot springs and stunning terraces of travertine formations, these mineral-rich terraces have been formed over millennia by the flow of calcium-rich waters cascading down the mountainside. In addition to the awesome photography, enjoy soaking in the thermal pools and exploring the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city perched atop the white cliffs.
Kusadasi (2 Nights)
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and historical sites, Kusadasi serves as a gateway to ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean region.
Sirince Village: Nestled in the hills near Kusadasi and Ephesus, this village charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, traditional Ottoman houses, and vineyards producing local fruit wines. Known for its picturesque setting and relaxed atmosphere, Sirince offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities to sample regional cuisine and handicrafts.
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Ephesus
Impressive architecture and historical significance epitomize this place. The sprawling metropolis was a major cultural and commercial center in its time renowned for its well-preserved ruins including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and the Grand Theater of Ephesus.
Guided Discovery of Ephesus: Explore and learn about the Arcadian Way, Roman Baths, Temple of Artemis, Celsius Library, and the Antique Theatre; amazing Greco-Roman architecture to photograph in every direction.
Price: $3,695
Single Supplement: $998
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Cancellation Policy & Refunds
There is a $300 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 120 days (December 7th, 2026) or more prior to trip departure date are fully refundable except for the $300 fee. Cancellations less than 120 days (December 8th, 2026) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and PayPal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance strongly encouraged (ask us about policy options). Hotels subject to change based on availability.
Roommate Pairing Policy: Please be advised that PhotoFly endeavors, but does not guarantee, to secure a suitable roommate for travelers electing to share accommodations. In the event a match cannot be arranged no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled departure date, the traveler shall be required to convert to a single occupancy room and shall be responsible for the associated single supplement fee. Should a roommate become available after said date, PhotoFly will facilitate the pairing and issue a refund for the previously paid single supplement.
Optional Activity Cancellation Policy: Travelers wishing to cancel any optional activity(s) have until the day before Day 1 on the official itinerary to receive a refund. Please note that this is subject to approval by the provider and PhotoFly will act in good faith to recoup the money. From Day 1 on, cancellations for personal reasons (changed mind, potential bad weather, etc.) are not entitled to any refunds and PhotoFly will directly ask the provider for money back.
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