ANCIENT TURKEY (8 Nights / 9 Days)

It was during this time that certain plants and animals were domesticated, which led to the farming revolution and permanent changes in human technology, culture and diet. It was the moment, in short, when humanity started on the inexorable ascent towards pot noodles and oven chips. What better moment could there be to delve into? And now, thanks to some incredible recent discoveries close to the ancient city of Urfa (officially now Sanlıurfa, but usually called simply Urfa), we have a tangible physical trace of that momentous turning point in humanity's development.

 

 

One morning in 1994, Professor Klaus Schmidt of the German Archaeological Institute in Istanbul, went for a walk in a range of low hills nine miles north-east of Urfa. It was not exactly an aimless amble: Schmidt had been excavating several neolithic sites in the area and was on the hunt for more. In his pocket was a list of interesting locations generated by a 1960s survey. One, marked as of minor interest, was a small hill, Gobëkli Tepe, the "belly-shaped mound". Approaching it, Schmidt saw something promising in the shape: "It was clearly manmade."

 

 

It was during this time that certain plants and animals were domesticated, which led to the farming revolution and permanent changes in human technology, culture and diet. It was the moment, in short, when humanity started on the inexorable ascent towards pot noodles and oven chips. What better moment could there be to delve into? And now, thanks to some incredible recent discoveries close to the ancient city of Urfa (officially now Sanlıurfa, but usually called simply Urfa), we have a tangible physical trace of that momentous turning point in humanity's development.

 

 

 

One morning in 1994, Professor Klaus Schmidt of the German Archaeological Institute in Istanbul, went for a walk in a range of low hills nine miles north-east of Urfa. It was not exactly an aimless amble: Schmidt had been excavating several neolithic sites in the area and was on the hunt for more. In his pocket was a list of interesting locations generated by a 1960s survey. One, marked as of minor interest, was a small hill, Gobëkli Tepe, the "belly-shaped mound". Approaching it, Schmidt saw something promising in the shape: "It was clearly manmade."

 

For those with gourmet tastes and a preference for luxury, Abercrombie and Kent offers a tour, Turkey: A Cultural Adventure. This 11-day vacation encourages hands-on exploration, beginning with a class at a 16th-century art school, where your family will learn marble papering. Meet a baklava-maker and an ironsmith before attending a Turkish weaving introductory course. Your vacation tour also includes an interactive meeting with a local pottery. Explore the ancient grounds of Ephesus and enjoy a private boat cruise down the Upper Bosporus. Spend two nights in a boutique cave hotel while in Cappadocia, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

 

Argeus offers a 12-day Explore Culinary Turkey tour for those with a passion for food. Your culinary vacation begins with a tour of the spice bazaar guided by a culinary specialist. Watch Turkish delight and local candies being made and visit a baklava factory in Karakoy. Learn how to cook using basic ingredients found in most Turkish dishes with a lesson in a Turkish home. Attend a cooking demonstration in a local village, where you will make stuffed vine leaves called gozleme and the traditional dumpling dish, manti. Savor Cappadocia wine during a tour of an underground winery. Learn to make Turkish flat bread and then visit an ecological organic farm near Kusadasi. Test your culinary skills as you prepare your farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Istanbul.

 

Spend eight days frolicking in sapphire blue waters along pearl sands on iExplore's Turquoise Coast tour. Stay overnight in a mountain retreat overlooking the sea in Karaagac, where activities include hiking and treasure hunts. Sail in a glass-bottomed boat where you will get the chance to view sunken cities. Float over the water in a gulet, which is a traditional Turkish wooden boat. Venture to Dalyan for an exploration of the ancient Lycian tombs, where you can enjoy a refreshing mud bath. Take off into the countryside of Kas on an off-road Jeep safari.