West Asia Minor Textile and Culture Adventure-October-November 2026

This 14-day journey through Western Turkey is a richly woven exploration of the region’s textile heritage, cultural history, and archaeological marvels. Beginning in Istanbul, the program immerses travelers in imperial splendor, Ottoman craftsmanship, vibrant markets, and world-renowned museums before venturing into historic cities like Bursa, Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus. Along the way, participants engage with local artisans, witness age-old weaving and crafting traditions, and explore ancient ruins from the Greco-Roman and Byzantine eras. From village life in Çomakdağ to the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, and ruins, villages, and carpets of Milas, each day blends hands-on encounters with Turkey’s living heritage, culminating in a deeply textured experience of tradition, creativity, and connection.

 

The Itinerary:

Day 1, October 25, Sunday – Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, a city where East meets West across the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for an orientation meeting, where we’ll introduce the journey ahead—a rich combination of textiles, history, and culture spread in Western Turkey. Welcome dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2, October 26, Monday – The Historic Heart of Istanbul

Our exploration begins with a journey deep into the historic layers of Istanbul. We start at the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir remaining from the 4^th century, that once supplied the Byzantine palace. From there, we walk the old Hippodrome and wander into the Grand Bazaar, where colors, textures, and the rhythm of trade have pulsed for centuries. After lunch, we visit the majestic Hagia Sophia, one of the earliest cathedrals in the World, a symbol of spiritual grandeur that has watched empires rise and fall. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3, October 27, Tuesday – Istanbul, Museums and Markets by the Bosphorus

This morning, we cruise along the Bosphorus, catching panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline, where Ottoman palaces and modern life coalesce. Later, we visit the Sadberk Hanım Museum and the Josephine Powell Kilim Collection—two treasure troves of Ottoman tile and textile history. After lunch, we explore Kadıköy’s vibrant market, experiencing Istanbul’s Asian side, rich with daily life, color, and flavor. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

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Day 4, October 28, Wednesday –Istanbul, Imperial Splendor 

We begin our day at the Topkapı Palace, delving into the opulence of Ottoman court life with a special focus on the sultans’ garments. After lunch, we stop by the TIAM Museum to examine a very important collection of historical Anatolian carpets and the bustling Tahtakale local market. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the Rüstempasha mosque, examine the Ottoman tiles of the classical period, and talk about how they were done and what they represent. Dinner and Overnight in Istanbul

 

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Day 5, October 29, Thursday – Bursa, The Ottoman Heritage

In the morning, we will have a journey of two hours to Bursa city. One of the Ottoman capitals in the 14^th century. Our Bursa adventure starts with a visit to the Great Mosque once tried to be demolished by Tamerlane. Our journey will continue with the charming Irgandı Bridge and the Uluumay Garments Museum, where we explore exquisite examples of Ottoman textiles and ceremonial dresses. The afternoon takes us to the Cem Sultan tomb, decorated with delicate frescoes. Dinner and Overnight in Bursa.

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Day 6, October 30, Friday – Bursa, The City of Silk and Saints

In the morning, we will visit the Green Mosque and Shrine. We will have a journey of two hours to Bursa city. One of the Ottoman capitals in the 14^th century. Our journey will continue with the Bursa TIAM Museum admire Ottoman wood, metal, and textile work. In the afternoon, we will see the world-famous Bursa silk being extracted and woven into carpets and fabrics.  Dinner and Overnight in Bursa.

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Day 7, October 31, Saturday – Çanakkale  Lace and Legends on the Road to Troy

We journey early to the rural town of Gönen for 2.5 hours, where we visit a local lace shop, witnessing a tradition of handwork passed through generations. After lunch in Lapseki, on our way, we cross the Dardanelles and arrive at the ancient city of Troy. Here, myth and archaeology intertwine as we walk among the ruins of walls, temples, and towers immortalized in Homer’s epics. Dinner and overnight in Çanakkale.

Day 8, November 1, Sunday–Assos, Weaving Villages and Ancient Temples

Our morning begins at the windswept ruins of Alexandria Troas, distant from the city center by one hour, once a Roman port rivaling Ephesus. From there, we visit a DOBAG Project Weaving Village in the surroundings, a pioneer in reviving natural dye and hand-knotting traditions. After lunch in this nomadic village, we climb to the hilltop town of Assos to see the Temple of Athena and take in the sweeping views of the Aegean. We settle for the night in Behramkale, nestled in stone houses and Aegean quiet. Dinner and overnight in Assos.

Day 9, November 2, Monday– Bergama: Of Markets, Museums, and Myths

Leaving the coast, we drive inland to Bergama in a drive of 3 hours, home to the ancient city of Pergamon. A walk through the local market offers insight into everyday life, followed by visits to the Bergama Museum and the famed Acropolis ruins. In the afternoon, we stop at a parchment workshop—a tribute to the city’s invention of parchment paper. The evening is restful, preparing us for the next leg of the journey. Dinner and overnight in Bergama.

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Day 10, November 3 Tuesday – Tire and Birgi: Living Traditions

We begin our journey with a 3-hour drive to the charming town of Tire, exploring its museum and participating in a felt-making workshop that highlights Anatolia’s pastoral heritage. After lunch, we continue to Birgi town with a one-hour drive, and visit the Çakırağa Mansion, a striking example of Ottoman domestic architecture. We will then witness the last silk weavers of Birgi town. Dinner and overnight in Birgi

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Day 11, November 4, Wednesday – Ephesus and Izmir’s Textile Gems

Today we head to Izmir with a drive of 2.5 hours, pausing at the Arkas Antique Carpet Collection to view rare pieces of Anatolian weaving. After lunch in the town of Selçuk, we walk through the majestic ruins of the famous biblical city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. From marble streets to the Library of Celsus, to the ancient theater where St. Paul gave his speech to the citizens, Ephesus captures the grandeur of classical antiquity. Dinner and an overnight in Selçuk.

Day 12, November 5, Thursday – Buldan and Pamukkale: Threads and Thermal Waters

We transfer to Buldan, a town 2.5 hours away, renowned for its fine cotton and hand-woven textiles. After visiting a family-run workshop, we continue to Pamukkale. Here, we walk the white travertine terraces and explore the ruins of ancient Hierapolis—a spa town of the Roman elite. The day ends with a rejuvenating evening among Pamukkale’s natural wonders. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

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Day 13, November 6, Friday– Laodicea and Milas Textiles  

In the morning, we visit Laodicea, an archaeological site where Greco-Roman ruins stand testament to a prosperous past, at only 15 minutes ‘ distance. Then, we travel for 2 hours to the remote village of Olukbaşı to observe the craft of goat-hair weaving. After a village lunch in Olukbaşı, our journey continues to Milas with a two-hour drive, where we explore local landmarks, ruins, mansions, and museums, including the Milas carpet museum showcasing the region’s unique motifs and techniques. Dinner and overnight in Gümüşlük town, 30 minutes.

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Day 14 November 7, Saturday – Milas, Village Life in Çomakdağ and Kapıkırı

We delve into village life with visits to Çomakdağ and Kapıkırı, nestled in the hills and rich in traditional clothing, and historical houses and ruins of ancient civilizations. These communities preserve a vibrant rural lifestyle, from unique local dress to sacred rituals. In the afternoon, we experience a hands-on weaving session in Fesleğen, after a drive of 1.5 hours, where artisans demonstrate their enduring connection to the loom. Our final evening is marked by a farewell dinner in the area. Overnight in Güllük.

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Day 15, November 8, Sunday – Return to Istanbul

After a leisurely morning, we transfer to Milas Airport for a noon flight back to Istanbul.

PRICE: 

• ∼ $ 5,350.00 for 8 to 10 people

• ∼ $ 4,900.00 for 11 to 12 people

• ∼ $ 4,650.00 for 13 to 14 people

• +$ 750.00 for hotel single supplement

Services included in the price:

*Accommodation in the best possible hotels in American standards,

*All meals- a la carte

*Entrance fees to the historical sites/museums

*Bottled drinking water at all times

*Comfortable AC transport within the country:

*Coaster for 8-10 pax (18 seater);

*Coach for 11+ pax (35-45 seater)

*Milas-Istanbul domestic flight

*Professional state-licensed English-speaking guide – Deniz Coşkun

Services NOT included in the price:

*International flights

*Gratuity to the tour leader and  bus drivers

*All alcoholic beverages

*Phone calls, laundry, and room service at the hotels

For the reservation and any other questions, please email beyondeniz@gmail.com