Turkey Uncovered for Young Alumni
Get ready to dive into a journey where history, culture, and adventure collide.
AESU
800-638-7640
Rileigh Hageman
hageman.97@osu.edu
Trip overview
Welcome to Turkey, a country that straddles two continents and feels like stepping into a living storybook. From the buzzing streets and rooftop bars of Istanbul to ancient cities straight out of myths like Troy and Ephesus, to lazy days cruising the turquoise Aegean, this trip blends iconic sights with unforgettable experiences. You’ll sip Turkish coffee in centuries-old cafés, wander bazaars overflowing with colors and spices, and taste wine in hillside villages. This isn’t just a trip — it’s a mash-up of history, flavors, and epic memories waiting to happen.
This tour is designed for alumni aged 21–40.
Tour highlights
- Seven nights in three and four-star hotels, two-share rooms with private bath/shower
- Istanbul: three nights, Canakkale: one night, Kusadasi: three nights
- All ground transportation by private motor coach as per itinerary
- Domestic flight from Izmir to Istanbul in economy class, one-way
- Arrival airport transfers included with purchased AESU group airfare
Meals
- Seven breakfasts
- Two specialty dinners, including:
- Dinner of Turkish delights
- Canakkale farm-to-table dinner
- Four lunches
- Canakkale lunch
- Two lunches in Kusadasi
- Lunch on board Aegean cruise
- One welcome cocktail
- Foodie tour in Istanbul
Activities and Admissions
- Istanbul Experiences
- Guided city tour featuring Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar
- Kadıköy food walking tour
- Exploration of the Karaköy arts and culture district
- Street skiing
- Historic and Cultural Landmarks
- The legendary city of Troy
- Visit to the Gallipoli Peninsula
- Ancient city of Pergamon (Bergama)
- Guided tour of Ancient Ephesus, including the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Library of Ephesus, Grand Theater, and Terrace Houses
- Aegean Coast and Scenic Destinations
- Kusadasi cruise on the Aegean Sea
- Time in the picturesque town of Ayvalık
- Visit to the lively resort town of Kuşadası
- Wine, Countryside and Village Life
- Vineyard estate visit in Çanakkale
- Wine tasting in the countryside
- Wine tasting and village visit in Şirince, a charming hillside town known for its stunning views
Plus
- A private tour director for the entire duration of the land tour
- All service charges and local taxes
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Dates, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Turkey
Day 2: Land Tour Start Day – Istanbul
Day 3: Istanbul
Day 4: Istanbul | Gallipoli | Troy
Day 5: Canakkale | Ayvalik | Pergamum | Kusadasi
Day 6: Kusadasi | Ephesus
Day 7: Kusadasi
Day 8: Kusadasi | Flight from Izmir to Istanbul
Day 9: Travel home
Preferred Travel Insurance
USI Travel Insurance Services is the preferred provider of travel insurance for The Ohio State University. We highly recommend that you review this information and consider insurance to protect yourself and your investment. USI is a comprehensive plan that offers three options, allowing you to select the coverage that best suits your needs. You can find additional details, request a quote and purchase a plan online or by calling 1-800-937-1387.
Cancellations
Visit the AESU website to learn about the terms and conditions.