Getting to Know Turkey & Greece
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| Play this video for a magical minute of travel through Turkey! |
Wondering how to take a culturally-rich, yet laid-back vacation? Rick Steves' tours of Turkey and Greece are friendly, foreign and filled with surprises. Check out the details below...along with an eye-opening assortment of online articles and podcasts on all this region has to offer!
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Best of Turkey in 13 Days
Beginning in Istanbul, our most exotic tour will take you across Western Turkey in 13 days. You'll marvel at Istanbul's Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and Grand Bazaar, Cappadocia's 'fairy-chimney' landscape, the Ancient Greek sites of Ephesus and Aphrodisias, and a day sailing the Mediterranean. You'll also experience legendary Turkish hospitality first-hand, from artisans to Imams.
Village Turkey in 11 Days
Turkey's rich history and beautiful sights are well worth the journey, but what brings travelers back is the hospitality and culture of its people. Our newest tour follows the western coast, connecting historic sites, harbor-side views...and people to people. You'll sail the Aegean, dive into markets, taste the wines, and learn from local artisans. (Note: for 2010 we've added Ephesus!)
Best of Istanbul in 7 Days
During your week in Istanbul, you'll tour some of Europe's most remarkable places of worship (the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Chora Church, and Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent). You'll also enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise, guided walking tours of the city walls, Old Town, and New District — and be amazed by Topkapı Palace, the colorful Grand Bazaar and the exotic Egyptian Spice Market.
Athens & the Heart of Greece in 14 Days
In this two-week journey, you'll experience the rich history and culture of Greece, from Athens' majestic Acropolis and treasure-filled National Archaeological Museum, to the must-see ancient sites of Delphi, Olympia, Epidavros and Mycenae — plus local wine and olive tastings, and the friendly, relaxing 'back door' villages and harbors of the Peloponnese Peninsula.
Listen to Our Turkey and Greece Tour Guides...
Greece at a Glance (Run time: 12:37)
Hear from Greece guide David as he explains how to go beyond Athens to find the real Greece. (Travel with Rick Steves airdate: February 10, 2007)
Turkey (Run time: 25:49)
Turkey guides Lale and Tan give you a vivid introduction — and dispel some common misconceptions — about their fascinating homeland. (Travel with Rick Steves airdate: July 2, 2005)
Thorny Issues — Turkey (Run time: 28:03)
Politically-savvy Turkey guides Mine and Tan discuss some of the trickier political issues facing Turkey today, including its bid to join the European Union and its relationship with Kurds and Armenians. (Travel with Rick Steves airdate: February 16, 2008)
Istanbul City Guide (Run time: 47:17)
Living in a rapidly-growing city, guides Lale and Tan explain how Istanbul retains its intimate character with the echoes of generations still evident in its narrow streets and ornate monuments. (Travel with Rick Steves airdate: May 3, 2008)
Footsteps of St. Paul (Run time: 20:52)
Turkey guide Tan and video producer Tim discuss the places and events where Christianity's most famous letter-writer traveled 2000 years ago. (Travel with Rick Steves airdate: April 11, 2009)
Read All About It...
Interview with Ayşegül Ünlü
Our newest Turkey guide is energized by our kind of travelers.
Raves about Rick's Turkey and Greece Tours
Recent tour members share their "wow" moments
Turning My Lens on Istanbul
Rick Steves returns to Istanbul with a fresh perspective
Wood Carvings, Ancient Flutes, and Whirling Dervishes
Getting away from the beaten path, and closer to the people
Getting Your Buzz with Turkish Coffee
A gritty cup o' joe you'd never brew at home is something to savor in Turkey
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
It's a traveler's feast of sights, smells and sounds
Cock Crow on Hydra
Savoring the dawn on a traffic-free Greek Island