This is a Young Adults tour for travelers ages 20 to 35.
If you do not fall within this age range, please do not register.
Your registration will be automatically cancelled without notice by our team if you do not fall within this age range.
Give us a call! Our expert team is ready to help.
1.614.452.1953
info@ruaj.org
If you do not fall within this age range, please do not register.
Your registration will be automatically cancelled without notice by our team if you do not fall within this age range.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey designed for adventurous young adults ages 20 to 35, as we explore the ancient crossroads of East and West. From Istanbul’s iconic mosques and bustling bazaars to the surreal landscapes and cave dwellings of Cappadocia, this tour blends rich history with unforgettable natural beauty. You’ll walk the streets of legendary cities like Ephesus and Hierapolis, witness the “Cotton Castle” of Pamukkale, and dive deep into cultural traditions — from ceramic workshops to carpet weaving. Optional sunrise balloon rides, historic ruins, coastal escapes, and vibrant Turkish nights round out this epic 10-day experience. Along the way, you’ll meet new friends and make meaningful connections with fellow young travelers who share your sense of curiosity and adventure. Whether you’re here for the sights, the stories, or the soul of the place, this journey is a bold and meaningful dive into one of the world’s most fascinating regions.
Register today to secure your spot!
USA
Double Occupancy
This 10-day tour takes you through some of Turkey’s most iconic and historic sites. In Istanbul, visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and shop the Grand Bazaar. Fly to Cappadocia to explore Göreme Open-Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, and the ceramic town of Avanos, with the option for a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Discover the natural thermal terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea. Continue to Sardis, Pergamon, Izmir, and Ephesus—home to the Library of Celsus and Great Theater—before wrapping up the journey in coastal Antalya and vibrant Galata at night in Istanbul.
Istanbul
Cappadocia
Pamukkale
Soma
Izmir
Antalya
Flights will depart from your selected airport in the USA. You will fly overnight to arrive in Istanbul, Turkey the following morning (June 27, 2026).
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST), our assistant will be waiting for you at the international arrivals exit holding a sign with the Ruaj Ministry logo. You will then be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our day in Sultanahmet, the heart of Istanbul’s historical peninsula.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner and overnight in Istanbul
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
(Optional: Early morning hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia.)
After breakfast (boxed breakfast if balloon ride is chosen), begin your full-day tour:
Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
We have breakfast box and transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, begin the tour of one of the most important cities of the ancient world – Ephesus, the first of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
You will explore:
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Mary and recognized as a Catholic pilgrimage site. This sacred place has been visited by multiple Popes including Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI.
Before heading to the hotel, stop at a local artisan leather shop for a cultural shopping experience.
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi or Izmir
Begin the day with a visit to Sardis, home to the ancient synagogue and the fourth Church of Revelation. Then head to Pergamon to see the Acropolis, Temple of Trajan, steepest ancient theater, and the Altar of Zeus (possible “Throne of Satan”).
Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
After breakfast, begin the day by exploring the natural and historical wonders of
Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as the “Cotton Castle”.
After the tour and lunch, depart by coach for Antalya, located along the beautiful Mediterranean coast.
Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight in Antalya.
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Antalya:
Dinner and overnight in Antalya.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly back to Istanbul.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a special evening visit to Galata Tower, offering panoramic views of Istanbul by night.
Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport at your scheduled time for your international flight back to the USA (returning to the same airport you departed from).
Note: Most flights will arrive back in the USA the same day (July 6, 2026) due to the time change.
We hope to see you again!
DUE IMMEDIATELY UPON REGISTRATION.
Amount: $500 per person (non-refundable, non-transferable) immediately upon registration.
Your spot on the tour is NOT confirmed or held until the deposit is paid.
DUE: November 1, 2025
Amount: $1,500 per person
DUE: December 1, 2025
Amount: $1,500 per person
Due: February 1, 2026
Amount: Balance due on account.
Important payment notes:
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@ruaj.org and victoria@ruaj.org. Cancellation requests made via phone, text or other forms of communication may not be honored. Deposits are always non-refundable and non-transferable.

To ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all, participants are expected to follow the guidelines below throughout the duration of the tour:
1. Respect the Group and Guides
2. Be On Time
3. Alcohol & Substance Use
4. Respect Shared Spaces
5. Safety First
6. Inclusivity & Harassment Policy
7. Social Media Etiquette
8. Accountability
Rooming Options Explained:
We offer three rooming options to best accommodate your preferences and budget during the tour:
Room with a Pre-selected Roommate or Spouse
If you’re not married, you may request to room with a same-gender friend. Both individuals must register for the tour and list each other as roommates on the registration form. If you are married, simply list your spouse as your roommate.
Single Room (Single Supplement)
If you prefer your own room, you may choose the single supplement option. This comes at an additional cost, which is listed in the FAQs section.
Request a Roommate Assignment
If you’re traveling solo but open to sharing, you may request for us to pair you with a same-gender roommate. Please indicate this on your registration form. While we do our best to match roommates, if a match cannot be found, you will be responsible for covering the single supplement cost.
o Tips are not included in the cost of the trip payment, but THEY ARE MANDATORY.
o Tips are calculated at $10 per person per day for 10 days, which will be distributed among: the bus drivers, guide(s), hotel staff, restaurant staff, etc.
o In each bus we will have an assigned person who will come to you to collect the $100 USD. Please have the money ready on the first day of the tour. The designated person will count each person’s money as it is collected, so please do not put it in a sealed envelope. Sealed envelopes WILL be opened in order to check the amount inside.
