Summary
Short description
A eleven-day tailor-made luxury tour, taking in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Sirince and Bodrum
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | City | History & culture | Natural world
With private guides at your disposal throughout and room keys waiting at some incredible hotels, this eleven-day luxury tour combines the history and romance of Istanbul with the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, the ruins of ancient Ephesus and the mesmerising coastline of the Turkish Riviera.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-3
Istanbul
After arriving in Istanbul your driver will take you to your hotel. Over the next two days your private guide will shed light on the sites and history of the city. Highlights of day two include the 17th century Blue Mosque, Justinian's great church the Haghia Sophia, the extraordinary underground Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman Sultans for more than 300 years, and the ultimate bargain-seeker's paradise, the Grand Bazaar. This is followed the next day by visits to the Spice Bazaar, a traditional Istanbul coffee shop and the 200-foot-tall Galata Tower, built in the 14th century. Optional activities include pampering yourself at a Turkish Hammam.
Stay: 10 Karakoy by Morgan, Istanbul (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
4-6
Cappadocia
Fly to Kayseri where you'll be met and transferred to the Taskonaklar hotel in Cappadocia. Between the 4th and 11th centuries, monks and hermits were drawn to the lunar-like landscape of this arid region, where wind-sculpted spires of conical rocks erupt from the desert. Into these rocks they carved hundreds of cells and churches, complete with vaults and pillars, apses and domes, all painted with saints and scenes from the life of Christ. Some of these structures have been beautifully transformed into boutique hotels like the Taskonaklar.
Tour highlights here include the rock-carved churches of Göreme National Park, the surreal fairy chimneys of Urgup and the Devrent Valley, the mushroom-shaped pinnacles of the Monks Valley, the old Christian city of Cavusin, the village of Avanos, famed for its pottery, and the underground city of Kaymakli, a maze of rooms and tunnels carved eight levels deep into the earth. There are also opportunities to hike in the Red Valley and to fly over Cappadocia at dawn in a balloon, a truly memorable experience that ends with a champagne breakfast in the wilderness.
Stay: Taskonaklar Hotel, Cappadocia (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
7
Sirince
Fly to Izmir and transfer to your accommodation, in the village of Kusadasi, relax and perhaps take a self-guided walking tour of the town and immerse yourself in the Turkish town life.
Stay: La Vista, Kusadasi (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
8-10
Bodrum
Once the Greek city of Halicarnassus, Bodrum today is better known for its busy waterfront than it is for the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The site, however, is still worth visiting. Also worth considering is a full day's sailing aboard a traditional Turkish gulet, exploring the stunning coastline and swimming in its crystal waters.
Stay: Ena Bodrum (Superior)
Breakfast included
Meals: B
Day
11
Departure
Fly back to Istanbul on day eleven to connect with your UK flight.
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
11-day tailor-made holiday
from £2,215 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £2,215 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £2,655 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- Return flights from UK to Istanbul
- Private arrival transfer
- 3 nights in Istanbul on a B&B basis
- Private full day Istanbul sightseeing tour
- Bosphorus cruise
- Istanbul-Cappadocia flight
- Guided private transfer to Cappadocia
- 3 nights in Cappadocia on a B&B basis
- Rose & Red Valley hike & Kaymakli underground city
- Flight Cappadocia-Sirince
- 1 night in Sirince on a B&B basis
- Private sightseeing tour of Ephesus
- Afternoon private transfer to Bodrum
- 3 nights in Bodrum on a B&B basis
- Private sightseeing of Bodrum and flight Bodrum — Istanbul
Please note: Optional excursions such as hot air ballooning and gulet cruises are available; contact our team for options.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0618
Meet the team