Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in the rich, multicultural flavors of Turkey on this exciting journey from Istanbul to Bursa. Your group will discover the continued legacy of ancient civilizations as they explore the ruins of Troy, Ephesus, and Aphrodisias. Your students can also look forward to visiting the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hagia Sophia, and Sardis’ famous Temple of Artemis.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Turkey (Istanbul)
Day 2
Arrive in Istanbul
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Istanbul city walk
Where Europe meets Asia, Istanbul blends ancient and modern with effortless beauty. Explore bustling markets filled with silks and spices, and admire the city’s skyline of domes and minarets, including the majestic Hagia Sophia and the elegant Blue Mosque, masterpieces of faith and architecture.
Blue Mosque visit
Admire the splendor of the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, one of Istanbul’s greatest architectural treasures. Its six towering minarets and eight cascading domes create an unforgettable skyline, while the interior glows with thousands of blue Iznik tiles decorated with cypress trees, fruits, and flowers. As one of the last great mosques of the classical era, it remains a symbol of Ottoman artistry and devotion.
Day 3
Istanbul guided sightseeing tour
Discover Istanbul’s rich history on a panoramic guided tour showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures, from its ancient foundations to its vibrant modern spirit.
Hagia Sophia visit
Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece that has served as an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral, Roman Catholic Cathedral, Imperial Mosque, and now a museum. Admire its soaring dome, marble details, and vivid frescoes. Recent restorations reveal ancient Christian mosaics displayed alongside Islamic art, reflecting centuries of faith and history.
Topkapi Palace visit
Explore Topkapi Palace, built by Sultan Mehmet II, who sought a grand residence unlike Istanbul’s Byzantine style. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace dazzles with its courtyards, library, mosque, and ornate harem leading to the Sultan’s private chambers. Inside, discover treasured relics of Islamic history, including the cloak and sword of Prophet Muhammad.
Day 4
Travel to Çanakkale
Day 5
Archaeological Site of Troy visit
The Archaeological Site of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals over 4,000 years of history and marks one of the earliest connections between Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Believed to be the setting of Homer’s "Iliad," Troy offers a rare look into ancient civilization through excavated walls, homes, artifacts, and layers of nine successive cities.
Travel to Bergama
Ruins of Pergamon visit
Explore the ancient city of Pergamon, once a thriving center of Greek and Roman culture. Wander among the remains of Roman baths, marble temples, royal palaces, gymnasiums, and a grand theater. See the Asclepius, considered the world’s first hospital, and the base of the Great Altar of Pergamon, believed to have been dedicated to Zeus atop the Acropolis.
Travel to Kusadasi
Day 6
Ancient Ephesus excursion
Once the fourth-largest city of the Roman Empire, Ephesus was a bustling port and major trade hub of the ancient world. Today, walk through its remarkably preserved streets to see temples, theaters, and monuments that reveal daily life in one of antiquity’s greatest cities.
Day 7
Travel to Pamukkale
Ancient Aphrodisias archaeological site visit
Once a thriving center of art and culture, Aphrodisias flourished in ancient times before an earthquake in the 7th century marked its decline. Today, its legacy endures through massive city walls, the grand Tetrapylon Gate, and the remains of the Temple of Aphrodite. Explore one of the best-preserved ancient stadiums and the theater where gladiators once fought before cheering crowds.
Aphrodisias Archaeological Museum visit
Day 8
Sardis excursion
Explore the ancient city of Sardis, once the capital of the Lydian Empire and a crossroads of cultures. Visit the grand Gymnasium and the Roman Synagogue, the largest ancient synagogue outside of Palestine, adorned with intricate mosaics. See the Temple of Artemis, begun under Alexander the Great but never completed, and the Church of Revelation, one of the earliest Christian sites in Asia Minor. Together, these ruins reveal the city’s remarkable blend of faiths, architecture, and history.
Pamukkale baths visit
Travel to Bursa
Bursa guided sightseeing tour
Explore Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, where history and daily life intertwine. Stroll through streets lined with traditional Ottoman houses and visit the magnificent Green Mosque, famed for its intricate green tilework. Browse the covered bazaar filled with silks, spices, and Turkish shadow puppets, then visit the serene Green Tomb of Sultan Mehmet I, surrounded by cypress trees on a quiet hillside.
Day 9
Travel to Istanbul
Day 10
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Turkey
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.