Day 1: Istanbul

You’ve Arrived
A welcome package with a city map, e-tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Your representative will coordinate the meeting with your English-speaking guide and driver who will accompany you to the hotel.

Meet your private driver for a transfer to Cemberlitas Hamami, a traditional Turkish bath house, where your admission is included along with a traditional body scrub and soap foam massage. This invigorating treatment is a must when in Turkey. Treat yourself to total rejuvenation while immersing yourself in local culture.

Where you’ll be staying: Çiragan Palace Kempinski (Park View)

Day 2: Istanbul

Cultural Immersion

Explore the highlights of Istanbul’s storied Golden Horn on a full day tour, accompanied by a private guide and driver. Start by visiting the ornate residence of the sultans of the past, the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its incredible architecture and opulent decor as your guide introduces you to the history of the Ottoman empire. Continue to Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most renowned structures that dominates the Golden Horn’s skyline. Enter this majestic complex and feel immediately in awe of its sheer grandeur and beauty. Take in the intricate mosaics and tiling and let your guide explain how Hagia Sophia is an architectural reflection of the city’s fascinating past.

Next, explore the underground Basilica Cistern, the largest of the several hundred reservoirs built beneath the city to provide its inhabitants with water. Stroll through the dim colonnades and keep an eye out for the Medusa heads proudly guarding this ancient technological wonder. Your next stop today is the Blue Mosque. Head inside and be amazed at its glorious interior and the iconic blue Iznik tiling that earned the mosque its name.

Continue to the nearby Hippodrome for a glimpse at what used to be the hub of the local civic life centuries ago. Transfer to Rustem Pasa Mosque, a smaller mosque tucked away from the main city sites. Be inspired by the array of intricate tiles, adorned with floral and geometric patterns. Your tour ends when you are transferred back to your hotel.

Where you’ll be staying: Çiragan Palace Kempinski (Park View)

 

Day 3: Istanbul

Creative Cuisine

Experience Istanbul’s lively bazaars and explore one of the most celebrated mosques in the city on a privately guided tour. Start your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Accompanied by your private guide, stroll through the vibrant lanes dotted with countless shops and expose your senses to this melting pot of colors, sounds, and scents. Watch the skillful local artisans and craftsmen work on their masterpieces and try out your bargaining skills.

Continue to the Süleymaniye Mosque and enjoy a guided tour of this unmissable and majestic structure that has shaped the landscape of Istanbul for centuries. Walk through the vast, airy interiors and keep an eye out for some of the finest examples of calligraphy in the city. Head to the adjacent gardens for a chance to appreciate stunning vistas of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus. Next, make your way to the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Market.

Where you’ll be staying: Çiragan Palace Kempinski (Park View)

 

Day 4: Istanbul to Cappadocia

Onward and Upward

A private transfer will be provided from your hotel in Istanbul to the airport.
Board a flight in Istanbul with service to Cappadocia. The flight duration is approximately one hour.

A private vehicle with driver and guide will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel.

This evening, get the unique opportunity to witness a traditional Whirling Dervishes Ceremony.
Meet your private driver for a transfer to the Sarihan Caravansarai where tonight’s event is taking place.
Before the ritual begins, take some time to explore the Saray, believed to have been built in 1249.
The Whirling Dervish Ceremonies are an important part of Turkish culture and have been placed among the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This fascinating form of worship and spiritual meditation symbolizes the human’s mystical journey and spiritual ascent to perfection. Observe the dervishes perform this dazzling, solemn dance and watch their beautiful garments come to life as they continue to spin to the sounds of traditional music. Tonight’s unforgettable event will last for approximately one hour. After the ceremony ends, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Where you’ll be staying: Argos (Deluxe Room)

 

 

Day 5: Cappadocia

Lose Yourself in Nature

Cappadocia’s fairy tale scenery has sparked the imaginations of adventure seekers from around the globe for years. Today, explore the highlights of this fascinating region accompanied by your private driver and guide.

Start your adventure by visiting the Goreme Open Air Museum. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases some stunning examples of Byzantine art and marvelous frescos in a series of churches carved into the rocky surroundings. Let your guide introduce you to the rich history of this fascinating area as you stroll through the mystical landscape. Continue to the picturesque Pigeon Valley, yet another natural gem of this stunning part of Turkey. Relish in its wonderful scenery and don’t forget to take plenty of photographs. Marvel at the otherworldly rock formations and keep an eye out for the countless pigeon houses sculpted into the hillsides around you.

Next, transfer to Kaymakli for an opportunity to explore one of Cappadocia’s subterranean cities. Descend into the underground labyrinth and learn the fascinating story of the 7th century Christians who established these dwellings in an attempt to flee persecution. Feel amazed at this surreal settlement and appreciate the clever ingenuity of its creators as you make your way through the narrow passages. Your tour concludes when you are transferred back to your hotel.

Where you’ll be staying Argos (Deluxe Room)

Day 6: Cappadocia

High in the Sky

There is simply no better way to experience Cappadocia and its extraordinary landscapes than from aboard a hot air balloon. Early this morning, meet your private driver for a transfer to the launch site where you’ll join fellow adventure seekers and get an opportunity to appreciate one of the most poetic sunrises of your lifetime. Energize on a light complimentary breakfast while your crew completes the necessary preparations before take-off.

Once everyone is on board, your aircraft raises slowly into the morning sky and the magnificent vistas of Cappadocia immediately unfold in front of your eyes. Watch dozens of balloons harmoniously lift up above the horizon in preparation for one of Nature’s greatest shows. As the sun beings its slow ascent, the warm rays light up your serene surroundings. Glide over the sublime hills and valleys of Cappadocia and get a true sense of the region’s fairy tale terrain. After about an hour in the air, your pilot beings the gentle descent and lands the balloon. Enjoy a glass of nonalcoholic champagne as keepsake certificates are distributed to all guests. Afterward, return to your hotel by private driver.

Weather dependent. This decision is made by an organized weather organization in Cappadocia & can be cancelled within 24 hrs of ride

Get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets of Turkish cuisine in a cooking class hosted at an authentic Cappadocian household. The class takes place at the home of the Duran family in the small village of Ayvali. Learn cooking techniques from ‘Mother Havva’ and prepare the recipes with your own hands with the help of her son, Mr. Tolga. In addition to learning how to prepare local dishes, you will also be making desserts and pastries. Once the food is ready, enjoy the meal you have just prepared in the quaint surrounds of the Duran family home. As a gift, your hosts will provide you with written recipes for all the dishes that you have made.

Where you’ll be staying: Argos (Deluxe Room)

 

Day 7: Cappadocia to Antalya

The Journey Continues…
A private vehicle with driver and guide will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Board a flight in Kayseri, Cappadocia with service to Antalya. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

A private vehicle with driver and guide will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Lace Up for Some Fresh Air

The picturesque mountainous region outside of Antalya is home to ruins of historic settlements and an abundance of wildlife. Today, accompanied by your private guide and driver, journey inland to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of Gulluk Dag National Park.

Your tour begins in the ancient city of Termessos where you get an insight into how people used to live in this traditionally unwelcoming terrain. Take the time to explore the remains; walk past the decrepit walls, see the Hadrian’s triumphal arch, and look out for age-old cisterns. Visit the city’s theater and stroll among tombs scattered far and wide and hiding extraordinary sites, such as Lion-decorated sarcophagi. The Gulluk Dag National Park also includes a breeding area for wild goats and deer, and it may very well be the last refuge of the Anatolian lynx. With a little bit of luck, you may also be able to spot countless butterflies that inhabit the area.

Now that you have worked up your appetite, take a lunch break before transferring to Duden Waterfalls. The waterfalls, formed by the Duden River, are located northeast of Antalya, and end with a dramatic drop off a rocky cliff, directly into the Mediterranean Sea.

After a long day filled with adventure, you will be dropped off back at your hotel.

Where you’ll be staying: Tuvana (Standard)

 

Day 9: Antalya to Pamukkale

A Dazzling Drive

Depart Antalya and visit a selection Turkey’s most iconic natural and manmade wonders as you transfer to Pamukkale. Enjoy time to explore Pamukkale, a town where warm calcium-laden mineral waters spring from earth to cascade over a steep cliff, forming picture-perfect white, gleaming travertine pools. Visit the neighboring health spa of Hierapolis and learn about the origins of this Roman settlement from your guide.

Next, your tour takes you to the nearby ruins of Biblical Laodicea where you will be guided through the vast ancient city, all the while admiring the magnificent surrounding vistas. Get a chance to see this archaeological wonder and let yourself be transported back in time as you stroll among the ornate columns and remnants of edifices that withstood the test of time. Continue your day with a visit to Aphrodisias, a famous city named after the goddess Aphrodite. Marvel at this architectural gem and let your guide introduce you to its fascinating history.

Upon the conclusion of your tour, settle in for a transfer to your Pamukkale hotel.

Where you’ll be staying: Doga Thermal Health & Spa (Standard)

 

Day 10: Pamukkale to Izmir

It’s All Ancient History

Experience Pamukkale and its extraordinary landscapes from aboard a hot air balloon. Early this morning, meet your private driver for a transfer to the launch site where you’ll join fellow adventure seekers and get an opportunity to appreciate one of the most special sunrises of your lifetime. Energize on a light complimentary bite while your crew completes the necessary preparations before take-off. Once everyone is on board, your aircraft raises slowly into the morning sky and the magnificent vistas of Pamukkale immediately unfold in front of your eyes. Watch dozens of balloons harmoniously lift up above the horizon. As the sun beings its slow ascent, the warm rays light up your serene surroundings. Glide over the iconic travertines, a stunning natural wonder of warm, calcium-laden mineral waters that dramatically cascade over steep slopes, forming picture-perfect white, gleaming travertine pools.

After about an hour in the air, your pilot begins the gentle descent and lands the balloon. Enjoy fruit juice or sparkling wine and cake as keepsake certificates are distributed to all guests. Afterward, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

Meet your private driver and guide for a transfer from hotel in Pamukkale to Izmir. Journey west towards the coast until you reach the town of Selcuk where you’ll embark on a fascinating tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus, considered to be one of the World’s greatest classical sites. Take a guided walk through this vast historical metropolis surrounded by rolling hills and get an intimate insight into the Ephesian life as it was thousands of years ago. Stroll down the Arcadian Way lined with timeworn buildings and ancient columns and visit the magnificent Antique Theatre.

Stop by the Roman Baths and ponder at the striking façade of the Celcus Library. Continue your day with a visit to the Shrine of Virgin Mary, where she is believed to live out her final years, and the Basilica of St. John.

After the conclusion of the tour, continue on to Izmir where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Where you’ll be staying: Doga Thermal Health & Spa (Standard)

 

Day 11: Izmir

On the Road Again

Meet your private driver and guide for a half day tour of Izmir. Start with a visit to the Agora, the celebrated marketplace of old Smyrna located at the foot of the Pagos Hills, for a glimpse into Izmir’s distant past.

Today the Open Air Museum of Izmir, this historical site is believed to have been built during the reign of Alexander the Great. Accompanied by your guide, wander down the ancient colonnades and learn about life in the city as it was thousands of years ago.

Next, visit the Historical Elevator built in 1907 to allow Izmirians to get from the seaside to the higher portions of the city. Take a ride to the terraces up top for an opportunity to marvel at the panoramic views of Izmir and its surrounding mountains and bays.

The final stop today is the Kizlaragasi Hani, a caravanserai dating back to the 18th century. This typical Ottoman inn features a 4,000 square meter courtyard that today hosts a vibrant bazaar full of stalls selling souvenirs and handicrafts. Stroll through this lively, labyrinthine marketplace and expose your senses to the heart and soul of Izmir. Shop for gifts to take back home to your loved ones, or grab a decadent cup of Turkish coffee and simply watch the hustle and bustle around you. Your tour concludes when you are dropped off back at your hotel.

Where you’ll be staying: Swissotel Grand Efes (Classic City View)

 

Day 12: Izmir

City Streets and Tasty Treats

Get an intimate insight into Turkey’s distant past on this full day tour of Pergamum. This morning, meet your private driver and guide and travel north towards the district of Bergama. Upon arrival, visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius located on the outskirts of the ancient city. Stroll through this mysterious historic complex and learn how it became one of the most prominent healing centers of the Roman empire.

Make your way to Pergamum Acropolis, perched on a local hilltop. Led by your guide, explore the timeworn and historically-rich ruins. Head to the Temple of Trajan proudly dominating the summit. Marvel at the remnants of beautiful colonnades and take in the splendid views of the nearby town of Bergama. See the famous foundations of the monumental altar dedicated to Zeus, where once stood Satan’s throne, the remains of which have been reconstructed and are displayed in Berlin’s Pergamom Museum, before visiting Pergamum Theater, considered to be the World’s steepest ancient theater. Walk down the aged steps or simply sit back and relish in the magnificent vistas.

Today’s adventure concludes when you are transferred back to your hotel in Izmir.

Where you’ll be staying: Swissotel Grand Efes (Classic City View)

 

Day 13: Izmir to Istanbul

En Route

A private vehicle with driver and guide will provide a transfer between the airport and the city or your hotel.
Board a flight in Izmir with service to Istanbul. The flight duration is approximately one hour.

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by an English-speaking guide waiting for you in front of the Gloria Jeans Cafe. Your representative will help you coordinate meeting with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

Experience the magic of Istanbul at night as you sail in between two continents down the legendary Bosphorus straight on a private dinner cruise. Start by crossing the impressive Intercontinental Suspension Bridge to the Asian side of the city where you will board your private yacht for tonight. Once aboard your vessel, meander the waters of the Bosphorus and appreciate this fascinating city from a whole new perspective. Pass by the opulent Ottoman palaces dotting the city’s shoreline and look out for magnificent mosques of the Golden Horn. See the extravagant waterside mansions and modern villas that line both the European and Asian coast of Istanbul. All the while enjoy a delicious dinner prepared just for you. Tonight’s adventure will be one to remember. After the end of your cruise you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Where you’ll be staying: Çiragan Palace Kempinski (Park View)

 

Day 14: Istanbul

Until Next Time…
A private transfer will be provided from your hotel in Istanbul to the airport.

 

Çiragan Palace Kempinski – Istanbul

The Çiragan Palace Kempinski is situated on the European shores of the Bosphorus, in a very convenient location between the districts of Besiktas and Ortakoy and only 10 minutes’ drive to Taksim.  At the Çiragan Palace Kempinski, the tastefully decorated rooms and suites are lavish in style and comfort and capture the essence of pure luxury. Most of them offer a balcony that welcomes you with a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus.  Embark on a journey of culinary delights at the Çiragan Palace Kempinski fine dining restaurants Tugra, the Gazebo Lounge, Laledan Restaurant or the Bosphorus Grill. You will enjoy the essence of Istanbul’s social life in pre- or post-meal socialising or in the atmosphere of the bars.  Çiragan Palace Kempinski Spa, managed by Sanitas, features luxury spa services, packages and wellness programmes including signature treatments and facial and body therapies. Amenities such as a Fitness Centre, an indoor pool, a sauna and a whirlpool are complemented by a heated outdoor infinity pool. During the summer months, a plethora of holistic therapies and spa treatments are available in the private luxurious booths in the lush green gardens facing the Bosphorus.

 

Argos – Cappadocia

Located in the heart of Cappadocia on the site of an ancient monastery in Old Uçhisar Village, the Argos in Cappadocia hotel has carefully restored the remains of historical dwellings, underground tunnels and caves to offer its guests not only an unsurpassed place to stay, but also a unique perspective from which to view this magical land. The accommodations at Argos are spread gracefully across the slope and the delightful landscaping connects various living areas of the property. With its exquisitely decorated interiors, Argos in Cappadocia’s aesthetic remains faithful to the spirit of the original settlement. The superior service philosophy is bound to satisfy discerning travelers.

 

 

Tuvana – Antalya

Tuvana Hotel is like a journey to the old times. With 146 rooms, it is a place that will let you experience the intriguing joy and pleasure of 18th century romance. The hotel is situated near the beach in the city center, this hotel is close to Hadrians Gate, Antalya Harbor, and Old City Marina. Also nearby are Clock Tower and Yivli Minaret. Air-conditioned rooms have wooden floors and furnishings made from oak and pine wood. They come equipped with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and a DVD player. Some rooms have a balcony.

 

 

 

Doga Thermal Health & Spa – Pamukkale

Doga Themal Hotel & Spa warmly welcomes guests to its eccentric thermal setting. Located within a short distance from restaurants and stores, the Doga Thermal Hotel & Spa is an ideal destination for discerning travelers seeking a calming and unique experience. Guests will be imbued with a sense of serenity and tranquility with the hotel’s modern and contemporary interior design. Doga Thermal Hotel & Spa invites guests to enjoy an authentic gastronomy experience at one of the on-site restaurants and lounge facilities. Aiming to provide you with a memorable holiday, Doga Thermal Hotel & Spa offers various amenities to be used at your leisure.

 

 

Swissotel Grand Efes: Izmir

Swissotel Buyuk Efes is located in the center of Izmir’s commercial district, set in lush landscaped gardens overlooking the spectacular Kordon Promenade on the Aegean Sea. The hotel’s interiors feature more than 800 hundred artistic masterpieces from around the World, including ‘Man on Horse,’ created by celebrated Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. Designed in a modern and contemporary style, the elegantly appointed guest rooms come equipped with state-of-the-art technology and exclusive amenities. At Swisshotel Buyuk Efes, guests can enjoy traditional Turkish and contemporary cuisine in a number of stylish restaurants. The hotel’s rooftop terrace and Spa are ideal for relaxation, and guests have the chance to indulge in a calming massage before a dip in the outdoor hotel pool.