An Anna Trip to Turkey Tour Itinerary – 21 Days

Wednesday, 14 October 2026, Day 00 – ISTANBUL (World Heritage Site)

Arrive at Istanbul Airport either Saturday, Sunday or early Monday morning. We meet you and organise the transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: JOYWAY HOTEL Istanbul, https://joywayhotels.com

Thursday, 15 October 2026, DAY 0 – ISTANBUL (World Heritage Site)

Optional tour 9:00am, Archaeology Museum and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: JOYWAY HOTEL Istanbul, https://joywayhotels.com

Friday, 16 October 2026, DAY 1 – ISTANBUL (World Heritage Site)

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Morning tour at 9:00am to Topkapi Palace, followed by a welcome lunch at 1.00pm with group introductions and an Opening Talk by Catherine Ann Clemett. An evening water cruise on the Bosphorus Sea including wine and finger food.

Meal: Breakfast and lunch.
Accommodation: JOYWAY HOTEL Istanbul, https://joywayhotels.com

Saturday, 17 October 2026, DAY 2 – ISTANBUL (World Heritage Site)

Highlights and sites to visit for the day: Visit Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Afternoon and evening free for shopping and eating out.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: JOYWAY HOTEL Istanbul, https://joywayhotels.com

Sunday, 18 October 2026, DAY 3 – ISTANBUL (World Heritage Site)

Highlight of the day: Full day workshop with Catherine Ann Clemett "Seeding the Light".

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: JOYWAY HOTEL Istanbul, https://joywayhotels.com

Monday, 19 October 2026, DAY 4 – BURSA (World Heritage Site)

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Bags to Lobby. Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque, Spice Market, and stroll in Eminonu, see Galata Tower and Bridge, drive to Asia over the Bosphorus Bridge, visit Cocoon Market, Green Mosque and Green Tomb in Bursa. Finish the day with a swim in the hot thermal pools of Bursa.

Distance to travel: 155 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: KERVANSARAY TERMAL HOTEL Bursa, https://kervansaraytermalhotel.elektrabulut.com/en/

Tuesday, 20 October 2026, DAY 5 – IZNIK (NICAEA) – BURSA (World Heritage Site)

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Visit the Museum of Iznik, the Church of Saint Sophia, and the site where the Council of Nicaea was held in 325AD. After lunch return to Bursa and spend the afternoon at the Historical Hammam next to our hotel. Opportunity for a full Turkish Bath in a traditional setting (separate sections for men and women).

Evening Discussion Group 1 with Catherine Ann: "What are the effects on humanity today of the Council of Nicaea decisions?"

Distance to travel: 150 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: KERVANSARAY TERMAL HOTEL Bursa, https://kervansaraytermalhotel.elektrabulut.com/en/

Wednesday, 21 October 2026, DAY 6 – PERGAMON (World Heritage Site) – KUSADASI

Highlights and Sites of the Day: Bags to Lobby. Visit the ancient healing center of Asklepion in Pergamon, the Temple of Serapis, and the Red Basilica (Red Church) in Pergamon.

Distance to travel: 390 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: CHARISMA DE LUXE HOTEL Kusadasi, https://www.charismahotel.com/homepage/

Thursday, 22 October 2026, DAY 7 – KUSADASI

Highlights and Sites of the Day: Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, experience the Magdalene Activation by the beach, enjoy a late lunch, and explore the Tomb and Basilica of St. John.

Evening Discussion Group 2 with Catherine Ann: "What does it mean to be a Magdalene/Essene today?"

Distance to travel: 40 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: CHARISMA DE LUXE HOTEL Kusadasi, https://www.charismahotel.com/homepage/

Friday, 23 October 2026, DAY 8 – KUSADASI – EPHESUS (World Heritage Site)

Highlights and Sites of the Day: Explore the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus, including its colossal Greek Theatre, the Marble Road, the iconic Library of Celsus, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.

Distance to travel: 30 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: CHARISMA DE LUXE HOTEL Kusadasi, https://www.charismahotel.com/homepage/

Saturday, 24 October 2026, DAY 9 – PRIENE – MILETUS – DIDYMA – PAMUKKALE (World Heritage Site)

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Bags to Lobby. Drive to Priene, the first planned city in the ancient world, and visit the Theatre, the Temple of Athena, Agora, the Bouleuterion, the Zeus Altar. Then proceed to Miletus, the famous Ionian city that was also visited by St. Paul during his missionary trip. Finally, drive to Didyma to see the well-preserved Apollo Temple that was inhabited only by the priests and suppliants who came to consult the famous oracle there. After lunch we will drive to Pamukkale where we stay in a spa hotel. We have free access to the heated pools of enriched mineral water next door where we can have a swim and soak.

Distance to travel: 250 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: 5 Star Hierapark Hotel, https://www.hieraparkhotel.com

Sunday, 25 October 2026, DAY 10 – APHRODISIAS (World Heritage Site) – LAODICEA – PAMUKKALE (World Heritage Site)

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Aphrodisias, the city of art and beauty, dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite, Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, Pamukkale or Cotton Castle in Turkish, worldwide famous for its white calcium travertines, Hierapolis, the ancient necropolis (city of the dead), Pluto's Gate or Door to Hell, and swim in Cleopatra's pool.

Distance to travel: 170 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: 5 Star Hierapark Hotel, https://www.hieraparkhotel.com

Monday, 26 October 2026, DAY 11 – KONYA

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Bags to Lobby. Visit Rumi's tomb, the Whirling Dervish Museum, featuring Dervish costumes, musical instruments, illuminated manuscripts, and ethnographic artifacts. Continue to the Karatay Madrasa, a 13th-century theological school now serving as a museum of historic ceramics and archaeological treasures.

Evening Discussion Group 3 with Catherine Ann and a Guest Speaker from the Sufi Tradition: "Who was Rumi and why is he so relevant to the Magdalene/Essenes". Complete the evening with a Rumi ceremony reading his love poems in candlelight.

Distance to travel: 390 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: BAYIR HOTEL Konya, Phone: +90 332 224 12 00, https://www.bayirhotels.com/Default.asp?Dil=1

Tuesday, 27 October 2026, DAY 12 – CATALHOYUK (World Heritage Site) – KONYA

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Visit Catalhoyuk, the largest Neolithic and Chalcolithic proto-city settlement.

Distance to travel: 90 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: BAYIR HOTEL Konya, https://www.bayirhotels.com/Default.asp?Dil=1

Wednesday, 28 October 2026, DAY 13 – KONYA – CAPPADOCIA (World Heritage Site)

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Bags to Lobby. Visit ancient Tyana (modern Kemerhisar) in Cappadocia to explore sites connected to the philosopher Apollonius of Tyana (c. 15–100 AD), discover his teachings and legendary travels, and learn about the early Christian heritage linking Myriam of Tyana, the wife of Yeshua, to this historic Anatolian region. Also visit the remarkable Eski Gumusler Monastery with its ancient rock-carved churches, see Uchisar Rock Castle and Pigeon Valley, and attend the Whirling Dervishes ceremony in Cappadocia in the evening.

Evening Discussion 4 with Catherine Ann and a Whirling Dervish Guest Speaker "What does the Whirling Dervish Ceremony mean?"

Distance to travel: 280 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: A cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Thursday, 29 October 2026, DAY 14 – CAPPADOCIA (World Heritage Site)

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Experience the magic of a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia's breathtaking landscape. Discover the mesmerizing volcanic rock formations and explore the remarkable Derinkuyu underground city, an ancient refuge carved deep into the bedrock by early Christians. Venture beyond the beaten path to authentic village life and witness master craftsmen at work in a traditional carpet workshop. Afternoon free for rest and shopping.

Distance to travel: 20 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: A cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Friday, 30 October 2026, DAY 15 – CAPPADOCIA (World Heritage Site)

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Explore the enchanting Magic Valley, ancient Zelve, and the UNESCO World Heritage Göreme Open Air Museum with its stunning rock-carved churches. After lunch, discover Avanos, the renowned potters' town, where you'll witness master craftsmen at work in fascinating underground pottery workshops. End your day with a captivating evening of traditional Turkish food and complimentary alcohol. There are folkloric performances throughout the night celebrating Turkey's rich cultural heritage. It's loud with beautiful drumming but it's lots of fun with our chance to get on the dancefloor to whirl and twirl. Dress to Impress!!!!

Distance to travel: 20 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: A cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Saturday, 31 October 2026, DAY 16 – GAZIANTEP

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Bags to Lobby. Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum and see the famous mosaic of a gypsy girl in Gaziantep, see the incredible Roman Castle, old markets, spice merchants and experience the traditional Turkish lifestyle. This is the day to buy your genuine Turkish spices and other goods as the markets here have the best and lowest prices.

Distance to travel: 280 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: SIREHAN HOTEL Gaziantep, https://www.gaziantepsirehanhotel.com.tr

Sunday, 01 November 2026, DAY 17 – MOUNT NEMRUT (World Heritage Site) – URFA

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Bags to Lobby. Mount Nemrut, the best-preserved Roman bridge of Cendere, open-air sanctuary in Arsameia and mausoleum of King Antiochus. Please be prepared it's a strong walk up a mountain, but worth every step. This walk may be considered a metaphor for life, we're on a pilgrimage after all!!! After you walk back down the mountain totally victorious, it's a drive to Urfa in the afternoon.

Distance to travel: 320 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: ELRUHA HOTEL Urfa, https://www.hotelelruha.com/en/mainpage/

Monday, 02 November 2026, DAY 18 – GOBEKLI TEPE (World Heritage Site) – URFA

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Visit Gobekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, the oldest temples in the world.

Evening Discussion 5 with the Urfa Museum Director: "The discovery of the Tepes".

Distance to travel: 80 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: ELRUHA HOTEL Urfa, https://www.hotelelruha.com/en/mainpage/

Tuesday, 03 November 2026, DAY 19 – HARRAN – URFA

Highlights and visit sites of the day: Visit Harran to see the iconic beehive houses, believed to be where the Prophet Abraham lived. Explore the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum and the Urfa Archaeology Museum. Celebration and Completion dinner.

Distance to travel: 80 km.
Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: ELRUHA HOTEL Urfa, https://www.hotelelruha.com/en/mainpage/

Wednesday, 04 November 2026, DAY 20 – URFA – ISTANBUL (World Heritage Site)

Bags to lobby and after breakfast, transfer to Urfa airport for your flight to Istanbul. You can choose to stay at the airport and transfer home from here or stay another night in Istanbul with a free afternoon and evening.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: HOLIDAY INN, https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/istanbul/istmc/hoteldetail

Thursday, 05 November 2026, DAY 21 – ISTANBUL (World Heritage Site)

Transfer to Istanbul International Airport for your flight home.

Meal: Breakfast.