Rumi's Call & Anatolian Culture
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Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi was one of the greatest poets, thinkers, and Sufi spiritual leaders of all time. His teachings about love, peace, tolerance, and humanity continue to inspire people around the world. Once you discover his philosophy, you may begin to see the world from a different perspective. On this tour, after exploring different civilizations, cultures, and ancient cities, we will travel to Konya, the city where Rumi spent most of his life. Here, we will discover the spiritual side of Turkey and learn more about his life, philosophy, and message of peace and love. Our experience will become even more special with a traditional Sufi ceremony featuring the Whirling Dervishes. As you listen to the beautiful Sufi music and watch the graceful whirling ceremony, you will experience an important part of Turkish spiritual culture. According to Rumi, music comes from the heart and connects us with the deepest part of our journey through life. This will be more than just a sightseeing tour. It will be a journey of history, culture, spirituality, and peace, ending in the beautiful city of Konya, where Rumi's message of love and humanity continues to live today.
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul Today you will arrive in Istanbul, the largest city in modern Turkey. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to relax and rest after your journey. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 – Istanbul Old City Today we will have an extensive tour of Istanbul. Istanbul is the only major city located on two continents, Europe and Asia, and it was the capital of three great empires. Our first visit will be the legendary Hagia Sophia, built about 1,500 years ago and one of the most important monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Next, we will visit the famous Blue Mosque. After lunch, you will have free time at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and most famous shopping places in the world. In the afternoon, we will visit the Chora Museum, famous for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise & Ottoman Istanbul This morning we will enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise and see the beautiful views of Istanbul from the water. Along the way, you will see the European and Asian sides of the city, historic palaces, mansions, and beautiful waterfront neighborhoods. Next, we will visit Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman sultans lived and ruled the empire for centuries. After lunch, we will visit the fascinating Underground Cistern, one of the most impressive Byzantine structures beneath Istanbul. Finally, you will have free time at the famous Spice Bazaar, where you can discover traditional spices, Turkish sweets, and local products. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4 – Ephesus & The House of Virgin Mary Today we will fly from Istanbul to Izmir. After about one hour of driving from Izmir Airport, we will arrive at Ephesus. We will have an extensive tour of this magnificent ancient city, where you will see the Temples of Hadrian, Trajan, and Domitian, the huge Roman baths, the Marble Street, and the famous Library of Celsus. You will also see the Great Theater, one of the largest ancient theaters in Turkey. During our visit, we will learn about the history of Ephesus and its importance during the Roman period and early Christianity. We will also visit the Church of the Virgin Mary, where the Third Ecumenical Council was held in 431 AD. After lunch, we will visit the Basilica and Tomb of St. John and then drive up the mountain to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last residence. At the end of the day, we will transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 5 – Soganli Valley & Cappadocia Today we will fly from Izmir to Kayseri. After meeting our driver, we will begin our journey toward Cappadocia. On the way, we will stop at Soganli Valley, one of the peaceful and less-visited valleys of Cappadocia. We will enjoy a relaxing walk through the valley and see rock-carved churches and beautiful natural scenery. After our visit, we will continue to Cappadocia and check in at your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 6 – Goreme Open Air Museum & Cappadocia Today we will discover the dream-like landscape of Cappadocia. Our first visit will be the Goreme Open Air Museum, where you will see ancient monasteries and rock-cut churches decorated with beautiful frescoes. Many of these religious communities were influenced by St. Basil and the early Christian tradition. We will explore the unique rock formations, valleys, and historic settlements of the region. Cappadocia is also one of the world's most famous places for hot-air balloon rides. If you wish, you will have the option to enjoy an unforgettable balloon flight over the valleys and Fairy Chimneys. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 7 – Cappadocia Villages & Underground City Today we will spend another full day exploring Cappadocia. We will visit Uchisar, famous for its impressive rock castle and panoramic views of the region. Next, we will continue to Urgup, one of the most important towns in Cappadocia, and then visit Avanos, famous for its traditional pottery. We will also explore Zelve, an ancient rock-cut settlement with houses, churches, and other structures carved into the soft volcanic rock. Finally, we will visit one of Cappadocia's famous underground cities, where early Christians lived and took shelter during difficult times. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 8 – Hattusas & Ankara Today we will leave Cappadocia and drive toward Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. On the way, we will visit Hattusas, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. The Hittites were one of the most powerful civilizations of ancient Anatolia and were among the earliest civilizations to use iron on a large scale. Hattusas is one of the most important Hittite archaeological sites that can be visited today. We will explore the ancient city walls, gates, temples, and other impressive remains. We will also visit Yazilikaya, the famous open-air rock sanctuary with impressive Hittite reliefs carved into the rocks. After our visit, we will continue to Ankara. Overnight in Ankara.
Day 9 – Ankara & Anatolian Civilizations Today we will explore the highlights of Ankara. Our first visit will be the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, one of the most important archaeological museums in Turkey. The museum has an impressive collection covering thousands of years of Anatolian history, including unique artifacts from the Hittite, Phrygian, and other ancient civilizations. Next, we will visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey and one of the most important figures in Turkish history. Finally, we will visit Kocatepe Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive modern mosques in Ankara. Overnight in Ankara.
Day 10 – Silk Road, Sultanhan Caravanserai & Konya Today we will travel along the historic Silk Road toward Konya. On the way, we will stop at Sultanhan Caravanserai, one of the largest and best-preserved caravanserais in Turkey. This impressive Seljuk building once provided shelter for merchants and travelers traveling along the ancient trade route. After lunch, we will continue to Konya and check in at our hotel. Before dinner, our guide or an academician will give you a short presentation about Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, his life, and his philosophy of love, peace, and tolerance. After dinner, we will attend a traditional Sufi ceremony and watch the Whirling Dervishes. Overnight in Konya.
Day 11 – Konya & The World of Rumi Today our first visit in Konya will be the Mevlana Museum and the tomb of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, one of the greatest poets, thinkers, and Sufi philosophers of all time. We will learn about his life, teachings, and philosophy of love, peace, and tolerance. Next, we will visit the tomb of Shams of Tabriz, Rumi's close friend and spiritual companion who had a profound influence on his life and teachings. Then we will drive to the historic village of Sille, where we will have lunch and visit the historic Church of St. Helen, also known as the Cathedral of Virgin Mary. In the afternoon, we will visit two important historic madrasas, Karatay Madrasah and Ince Minare Madrasah, which reflect the rich Seljuk heritage of Konya. This will be a special day to discover the history, culture, and spiritual heritage of Rumi. Overnight in Konya.
Day 12 – Departure Today we will transfer you to Konya Airport for your flight home via Istanbul. Your wonderful journey through Turkey will come to an end. End of our service.
INCLUDED- 3 domestic flights (Istanbul-Izmir / Izmir-Kayseri / Konya-Istanbul)
- All meals during the daily tours
- All domestic transfers
- Dance of the Whirling Dervishes
- Escort by a professional guide-lecturer throughout
- Bus with A/C
- Lectures on Turkey, history, and culture during the journey
- In Cappadocia we will see a handmade pottery exhibition, with onyx and turquoise sections.
NOT INCLUDED- Visits and services not mentioned in program
- International flights
- Travel insurance (should be done at home)
- Personal expenses and all beverages
- Dinners in Istanbul
- Tips to guide and driver
- Entrance fees to sights and museums
Min.%50 of the total cost of the tour is to be paid at the time of purchase.
