Hosted by Dr. Garrett Ryan
Explore the ancient and Byzantine world with Dr. Garrett Ryan, whose historical commentary connects monuments, landscapes and imperial change into a compelling narrative across Anatolia.
Byzantine Anatolia with Toldinstone: 12-Day Trabzon, Black Sea & Cappadocia Journey
From the Empire of Trabzon to the Rock-Cut Churches of Cappadocia
Follow the Byzantine story across Anatolia on a journey hosted by historian Dr. Garrett Ryan and guided by Alp Edward Watmough. From the churches and walls of Trabzon to Sümela Monastery, Roman Ankara and Cappadocia’s painted sanctuaries, discover how empires, faith and landscape shaped the heart of Türkiye.
Duration: 12 Days
Group: Max 25
Style: Small Group
Route: Trabzon → Cappadocia
From: $4,200 pp
Specialist travel since 2001
Small groups & tailor-made journeys
Expert Local Guides
Operated with local knowledge
Why This Tour
What sets this journey apart
Expert Guiding on the Ground
Alp Edward Watmough brings professional local expertise, logistical knowledge and cultural context to every stage of the route, allowing the group to travel smoothly while understanding the places encountered.
Byzantine Anatolia Beyond Istanbul
Travel far beyond the familiar capital to the former Empire of Trabzon, cliffside monasteries, Black Sea fortresses, Roman Ankara and Cappadocia’s rock-cut churches and monastic valleys.
A Route Through Many Civilisations
Although Byzantine heritage forms the central thread, the journey also reveals Hittite Hattusa, Roman Ancyra, Seljuk architecture, Ottoman towns and the landscapes that connected them.
Route
The Journey Ahead
1
Trabzon
4 Days
Trabzon’s Byzantine churches, city walls, Sümela Monastery and Black Sea heritage.
2
Ordu
1 Day
Coastal castles, Giresun Island and panoramic Black Sea landscapes.
3
Tokat
1 Day
Ancient Neocaesarea, Seljuk learning and Ottoman urban heritage.
4
Ankara
2 Days
Hittite Hattusa, Roman Ancyra and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
5
Cappadocia
4 Days
Rock-cut churches, monastic valleys, underground cities and Byzantine frescoes.
At a Glance
Tour snapshot
Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Travel Style
Hosted archaeology and cultural journey
Group Size
Like-minded small group tour limited to 26 people.
Start / End
Trabzon / Cappadocia
Pace
Moderately active, with several long overland journeys and regular walking on uneven archaeological, castle and monastery terrain
Accommodation
Carefully selected hotels
Meals
Meal plan to be confirmed before publication
Best For
Byzantine history enthusiasts, archaeology travelers, Toldinstone followers and culturally curious guests seeking a specialist journey
The Experience
What this journey feels like
This is a journey through the Byzantine heartland. It begins in Trabzon, where the medieval Empire of Trebizond survives in crumbling palaces, mosaic-filled churches, and a monastery suspended above a forested valley. We’ll follow the coast of the Black Sea past a series of ancient castles, then turn inland to visit a perfectly-preserved Ottoman town, the capital of the mighty Hittite Empire, and the museums of Ankara. Finally, in Cappadocia, we'll venture far from the beaten track through subterranean cities, monastic settlements in hidden valleys, and caves brilliant with Byzantine frescoes.
With Dr. Garrett Ryan providing historical perspective and expert on-site guidance from Alp Edward Watmough, each day will shed new light on the dazzling cultural heritage of Turkey.
Ready to explore Byzantine Anatolia with Dr. Garrett Ryan?
View the confirmed departure details, inclusions and booking conditions.
What’s Covered
Included & not included
Included
- 11 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels
- Hosted historical commentary by Dr. Garrett Ryan
- Professional licensed guiding by Alp Edward Watmough
- Air-conditioned transportation reserved for the group during the land itinerary
- Included sightseeing and visits listed in the final confirmed itinerary
- Entrance fees for included sites, subject to final ticket schedule
- Airport transfers specified in the final published program
- True Blue Tour support before and during travel
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Meals and drinks not specifically listed as included
- Optional activities and visits
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and hotel incidentals
- Gratuities for host, guide, drivers and hotel staff
- Any service not specifically listed as included
Before You Book
Good to Know Before You Book
This specialist hosted journey follows a wide overland route from the eastern Black Sea to central Anatolia and Cappadocia. It is designed for travelers whose primary interests are Byzantine history, archaeology, architecture and the historical landscapes that connected empires and communities across Anatolia.
Several days include substantial driving, castle and monastery visits, uneven paths, steps and exposed archaeological terrain. These active days are balanced by multi-night stays in Trabzon, Ankara and Cappadocia, allowing the historical narrative to develop with greater depth.
Is This Journey Right for You?
This journey is best suited to travelers who enjoy detailed historical interpretation and are comfortable visiting sites beyond the conventional touring routes. A moderate to good level of mobility is recommended.
Sümela Monastery, castles, valleys, underground cities and rock-cut complexes may involve steps, inclines, narrow passages and uneven surfaces. Weather can also affect coastal boat travel and access to mountain sites. The route includes several longer driving days, particularly between Ordu, Tokat, Hattusa and Ankara.
Book Your Place
Dates & prices
All prices are per person in USD
Small group experience
Max 25 travelers
Exceptional value
More of what matters, included
Flexible booking
Easy changes & support
Good availability
Limited spaces
Filling fast
Sold out
2027 Departures
Start Date
End Date
Price per person
Availability
19
Sep
2027
30
Sep
2027
$4,200
Deposit: $400
Good availability
10+ spots left
A deposit of $400 secures your place. Full payment due before departure according to your confirmation terms. Single room supplement available on request. Prices include land content as specified; international flights are not included. Prices are charged in USD.
Enrich Your Journey
Optional experiences
Pre-Tour Accommodation
Arriving early? Add extra nights before your tour begins and settle in at your own pace. We’ll arrange your stay at the tour’s starting hotel for a seamless beginning to your journey.
On requestPost-Tour Accommodation
Not ready to leave just yet? Add extra nights after your tour and enjoy more time at your own pace. We’ll arrange your stay at the tour’s final hotel for a seamless end to your journey.
On requestHot Air Balloon Flight
Take to the skies at sunrise for an unforgettable hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia’s extraordinary valleys and fairy chimneys — one of Türkiye’s most iconic experiences.
On requestCommon Questions
Frequently asked questions
The journey is hosted by historian Dr. Garrett Ryan, creator of Toldinstone, with professional licensed guide Alp Edward Watmough managing guiding and the route on the ground.
Byzantine history is the central thread, particularly in Trabzon and Cappadocia. The route also includes Hittite Hattusa, Roman Ankara, Seljuk monuments, Ottoman towns and modern Turkish history.
The pace is moderately active. The itinerary includes several long overland journeys and full sightseeing days, balanced by three nights in Trabzon, two nights in Ankara and four nights in Cappadocia.
Flights are not currently listed as included in the source itinerary. Final flight and transfer arrangements must be confirmed before publication.
Guests should be comfortable with uneven archaeological terrain, castle paths, monastery steps, inclines, underground passages and extended walking at open-air sites.
No. The boat trip is dependent on weather and sea conditions and may be replaced or omitted when conditions are unsuitable.
A private version may be possible subject to the availability of the host, guide, hotels and operating partners.
True Blue Tour · Hosted Historical Journeys
Join a Specialist Journey Across Byzantine Anatolia
Travel with Dr. Garrett Ryan and Alp Edward Watmough on a carefully designed route through the Black Sea, central Anatolia and Cappadocia.