Turkey

Extension: Istanbul: Ancient City - Modern City

Program No. 16878RJ
Extend your adventure in Istanbul to gain deeper insight into the story of the city as you visit museums, palaces, religious sites and grand monuments.

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We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 10 - May 13, 2024
Starting at
899
May 17 - May 20, 2024
Starting at
899
Oct 4 - Oct 7, 2024
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899
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Oct 11 - Oct 14, 2024
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899
Oct 18 - Oct 21, 2024
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899
Oct 25 - Oct 28, 2024
Starting at
899
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Mar 7 - Mar 10, 2025
Starting at
999
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Mar 28 - Mar 31, 2025
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999
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Apr 25 - Apr 28, 2025
Starting at
999
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May 2 - May 5, 2025
Starting at
999
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May 16 - May 19, 2025
Starting at
999
Oct 3 - Oct 6, 2025
Starting at
999
Full Inventory
Oct 10 - Oct 13, 2025
Starting at
999
Full Inventory
Oct 17 - Oct 20, 2025
Starting at
999
Full Inventory
Oct 24 - Oct 27, 2025
Starting at
999
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
May 10 - May 13, 2024
Starting at
1,229
Filling Fast!
May 17 - May 20, 2024
Starting at
1,229
Filling Fast!
Oct 4 - Oct 7, 2024
Starting at
1,229
Full Inventory
Oct 11 - Oct 14, 2024
Starting at
1,229
Filling Fast!
Oct 18 - Oct 21, 2024
Starting at
1,229
Filling Fast!
Oct 25 - Oct 28, 2024
Starting at
1,229
Full Inventory
Mar 7 - Mar 10, 2025
Starting at
1,349
Full Inventory
Mar 28 - Mar 31, 2025
Starting at
1,349
Full Inventory
Apr 25 - Apr 28, 2025
Starting at
1,349
Full Inventory
May 2 - May 5, 2025
Starting at
1,349
Full Inventory
May 16 - May 19, 2025
Starting at
1,349
Filling Fast!
Oct 3 - Oct 6, 2025
Starting at
1,349
Full Inventory
Oct 10 - Oct 13, 2025
Starting at
1,349
Full Inventory
Oct 17 - Oct 20, 2025
Starting at
1,349
Full Inventory
Oct 24 - Oct 27, 2025
Starting at
1,349

At a Glance

Delve deeper into the ancient and contemporary cultures of Turkey. From the Istanbul Archaeology Museum and the lavish Dolmabahce Palace to Istanbul’s Modern Art Museum and bustling squares — experts immerse you in the real Istanbul, bringing to life the city’s heritage of cultural fusion.

Program Extension

To take this extension, enroll in this main program first.

The Best of Turkey: A Journey by Land and Gulet

Go off the beaten path as you explore the Turkey seldom seen by tourists. From a private Sufi and Zikr ritual to expert-led walks and sailing excursions, this adventure has it all.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one mile a day; some uneven terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Marvel at the exquisite Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great and Sarcophagus of the Mourning Women at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
  • Visit the Dolmabahce Palace, the second palace of the Ottoman Sultans built in mid-19th century.
  • Gain an insight into Turkey’s contemporary art scene at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum.

General Notes

This program may only be taken as an extension of "From Legends to History: Turkey's Legacy of Civilizations and Culture" (#12828). Because of the special nature of this program, we request that you call us to enroll. Please call toll free at (800) 454-5768, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Sami Ozcini
Sami Ozcini has shared his love for Turkey — and his home city of Istanbul — with Road Scholar participants for more than 12 years. His on-site lectures bring a different perspective to understanding and appreciating the rich history and legacy of Istanbul. A graduate of Marmara University, Sami has a degree in English literature and enjoys traveling throughout Europe, Australia and the U.S. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and acting as a referee for amateur football games in Istanbul.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Sami Ozcini
Sami Ozcini View biography
Sami Ozcini has shared his love for Turkey — and his home city of Istanbul — with Road Scholar participants for more than 12 years. His on-site lectures bring a different perspective to understanding and appreciating the rich history and legacy of Istanbul. A graduate of Marmara University, Sami has a degree in English literature and enjoys traveling throughout Europe, Australia and the U.S. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and acting as a referee for amateur football games in Istanbul.
Profile Image of Yasemin Akhun
Yasemin Akhun View biography
“Seeing people gradually becoming good friends with each other and myself is the best part of being a Road Scholar Group Leader,’’ says Yasemin Akhun. Since 1998, Yasemin has been leading educational adventures in Turkey, introducing lifelong learners to archaeology, music and local culture. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, tasting and cooking food from different cultures, and listening to Turkish classical music.
Profile Image of Senol Ogru
Senol Ogru View biography
Senol Ogru enjoys sharing the cultural treasures of Turkey with lifelong learners from around the world. After studying English language and literature at Istanbul University, he became a licensed excursion leader in 1992 and began to lead archaeological and historical walks. He has been sharing his expertise with Road Scholar participants since 1997, and in his free time enjoys photography, cinema and music.
Profile Image of Aysegul Vaizoglu
Aysegul Vaizoglu View biography
Born in Istanbul, Aysegul Vaizoglu left a successful career in the export business to pursue her interests in travel, archaeology and her “urge” to work outdoors. With a proficiency in English and German, she began leading educational excursions for visitors around the world, and enjoys sharing the treasures of Turkey with others. Aysegul has degrees in business administration from Bosphorus University in Istanbul and Michigan State University. In her free time, she enjoys Cuban-style salsa dancing.
Profile Image of Yunus Ozdemir
Yunus Ozdemir View biography
Yunus Ozdemir was born in 1978 in a small town on the Aegean coast of Turkey. He graduated from Akdeniz University in 2005 and holds a degree in classic archeology. He then went on to complete his master's degree in cultural heritage and management. Yunus has been actively leading educational travel groups since 2005. His special interest is hiking, and he is one of the creators of the Carian Trail, a 100-mile long scenic hiking route in southwestern Turkey.





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