“Travel is an investment in time and money. Istanbul has cultural and historical treasures that extend beyond the Blue Mosque. So why waste hours just to get inside a building you have been told you must see?” said Kurt Kutay, CEO and president, Wildland Adventures.

Wildland Adventures helps you see Turkey beyond the overcrowded tourist sites like the Blue Mosque, while still revealing the most important cultural and historic elements of the country.

“This resurgence of interest to visit Turkey is keeping us on our toes,” said Kutay. “We have to be aware, well in advance, where the maddening crowds will gather next. Then we plan contingencies that will connect the same cultural dots that the hot spots do — but perhaps even more effectively without the distractions that come with crowds.”

Turkey’s 100,000 registered historic spots can be a challenge to pick through on your own. Wildland Adventures takes travelers to Greek and Roman ruins (in Turkey, the Greek and Roman ruins are more populous than in both Greece and Italy combined), amazing local restaurants, Constantinople, Bosphorous villages, neighborhood coffee shops, wine bars, markets and more.

There are two Wildland Adventure tours available in Turkey. The Turquoise Coast Odyssey is a 13-day itinerary through Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kas, Ephesus and more, while floating along the Turquoise Coast in a traditional gules yacht. The Highlights of Turkey tour is a nine-day exploration that touches on Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus.

Tours start at $3,695 per person.