Turkey

Hagia Sophia, Turkey

East meets West at the Bosphorous in Istanbul. One of Cultural Encounters’ favorite destinations, Turkey offers travelers one spectacular sight after another. Highlights in Istanbul include Hagia Sophia with its beautiful mosaics, the UNESCO designated Chora lovingly frescoed from top to bottom, the beautiful tiles of the Blue Mosque, the palaces of Topkapi and Dolmabahce, and the eerie and truly fascinating visit to the Basilica Cistern. Make time for a steam and Turkish massage and enjoy delicious Turkish and international cuisine. Along the coastline and a bit inland are some of the best preserved Greco-Roman remains in the world. Highlights include Assos, Pergamum, Ephesus, Sardis, Miletus, Didyma, Priene, Aspendos, and Perge. No visit would be complete without a pre or post tour to Cappadocia.