Turkey

An 12-day excursion through Turkey mixed with history and adventure.

Detailed Itinerary (subject to change)

Dates: September 17 & 18

Day 1 & 2:

Welcome to Turkey!

Welcome to Istanbul! You will be greeted by your chauffeur and taken to The Tom Tom Suites to relax after your long journey. Rest up before our meet and greet and dinner that evening. Prepare for a full day of private sightseeing. You will visit the Hippodrome built in 196 by Septimius Severus to entertain the public at the beginning of A.D 2th century. Next, you will visit Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. The blue Iznik tiles covering the walls have given the mosque its popular name, the Blue Mosque. You will also see the magnificent Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the largest surviving Basilica Cistern in Istanbul and lastly the Grand Bazaar.

Day 3:

Private Cruise on the Bosphorus

Board our yacht to enjoy a private cruise on the Bosphorus; the narrow strait of water separating the Asian and European continents known as the life blood of Istanbul. Pass- ing along the shores of the Bosphorus, you will view magnificent palaces, restored Ot- toman villas, impressive fortresses and the waterside residents of Istanbul’s elite. Enjoy drinks on the motor yacht and experience a unique perspective of Istanbul described by a Byzantine visitor in the 12th century as “the city of the world’s desire.”
Day 4:

Pure Magic! Fairy Chimneys and Panoramic Valleys

Arrive in Kayseri by morning flight and check into the Museum Hotel on the highest peak of Cappadocia for the next two nights. We will stop in Pasabag Valley where the formation of “fairy chimneys” can be best observed. Pasabag, the Pasha’s Vineyard, is surrounded by a spectacular scene of incredible natural rock formations. We will visit Devrent Valley, a magical corner in the countless panoramic valleys of Cappadocia. There you will find animal-shaped rocks, fairy chimneys and other un- usual rock formations. Afterward, we will visit the Zelve Open Air Museum where three valleys converge. This glorious natural beauty consists of numerous pointed and large fairy chimneys, an incredible cave town, honeycombed structures, religious and secular chambers.
Day 5:

Up in the Sky & Down Below in Cappadocia

Wake-up early for an hour long/ small group ballooning experience. We will float over Cappadocia with views of fantastic landscape and valleys. You will have a morning hike in Pigeon Valley, enjoying the fresh morning air and beautiful landscape. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a miraculous and amazing small cave city located at Cappadocia’s famous Goreme Valley. The museum has been a member of UNESCO since 1984. Next, visit Kaymakli Underground City extending eight levels below ground including living quarters, kitchens, wine presses, storage rooms, stables and ventilation shafts. Lastly, visit the pretty town of Avanos on the banks of the Red River. Avanos has historically been a center for pottery artisans where clay supplies remain abundant.
Day 6:

Ancient World of Ephesus

An early morning flight takes you to the ancient world of Ephesus, famous for its Temple of Artemis. Our visit begins with Odeon Theatre. The theater was used as a Bouleute- rion for the meetings of the Boulea or the senate prior to functioning as a concert hall. Next we will view the Hadrian Temple, dedicated as a concert hall for performances in the beginning of the 2nd century AD to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus. It was greatly reconstructed in the 4th century. We will explore the newly excavated and spectacular Terrace Houses (Villas) located on top of the hill within the City of Ephesus. Our last stop will be the Celsus Library known as the best preserved structure of its kind. The inscription on the side of the building’s front staircase indicates the library was built by Julius, in his father’s honour, after his death. Arrive in Izmir, and check into Macakizi Hotel. Macakizi is a luxurious boutique hotel located in Göltürkbükü with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Use your next day to luxuriate at the beautiful beach club or spa. Hotel Macakizi for 2 nights.
Day 7:

Castles & Museums

We begin the first half of our day with private sightseeing, beginning at Castle of St. Peter. The Castle is a historical fortification in the port city of Bodrum built from 1402 onwards by the Knights of St. John. As a transnational effort, it has four towers known as the English, French, German and Italian towers, bearing the names of the nations responsi- ble for their construction. The castle remained under the empire for almost 400 years. End your sightseeing at the Museum of Underwater Archeology where you will view the world’s oldest known shipwrecks. At Uluburun, you will see a hall of recovered glassware and the Carian Princess exhibition which evokes the last days of the ancient greatness of Halicarnassus.
Day 8:

Day of Relaxation in Bodrum

Spend a relaxing day sampling the Macakizi property amenities such as pool, spa, beach etc. Optional adventures can be arranged upon request. Following your respite, you will enjoy a private adventurous sailing experience in a gulet; a typical wooden sailing boat from the region. You will have plenty of time to enjoy Bodrum; swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and relaxing in the crystal clear water and secret coves.
Day 9 & 10:

Relaxation at the Amanruya Property

Spend a relaxing day sampling the Amanruya property amenities such as pool, spa, beach etc. Optional adventures can be arranged upon request. Following your respite, you will enjoy a private adventurous sailing experience in a gulet; a typical wooden sailing boat from the region. You will have plenty of time to enjoy Bodrum; swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and relaxing in the crystal clear water and secret coves. Spend 2 nights at Amanruya resort.
Day 11:

To Istanbul We Go!

This morning after breakfast you will meet your chauffeur and head to to Bodrum Milas airport to board your flight back to Istanbul. This afternoon we will once again dive in to the Grand Bazaar to explore this massive world of colors, smells, fabrics and everything else you can possibly think of, followed by an optional traditional Hammam experience. Trust me. You don’t want to pass this up. This evening we will have our farewell dinner in the bustling city of Istanbul and spend our last night back in the safety and comfort of the Tom Tom Suites. Sleep well.
Day 12:

Farewell!

Following breakfast you will be transferred back to Istanbul International Airport for your return flight home. Thank you again, and see you soon.

Background

What is included?

  • All food and basic beverages
  • VIP Airport service for international arrival.
  • Private arrival and departure transfers with baggage handling.
  • 3 full-days & 4 half-days of private sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
  • Officially licensed professional tour guide in English language throughout the tour program
  • Entrance fees to all musuems, parks, and historic sites as marked on the itinerary.
  • Domesic airfate:
    • Istanbul to Kayseri (Turkish Airlines–Economy PrimeFly)
    • Kayseri to Izmir (Pegasus– Business Flex)
    • Bodrum to Istanbul (Turkish Airlines–Economy PrimeFly)
  • Private Bosphorus Cruise Experience for 1.5 hours
  • Hot Air Baloon Ride in Cappadocia
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Cappadocia
  • Private Daily Gulet Voyage in Bodrum (Standard Gulet)
  • Bottled water provided throughout the tour
  • Welcome Package

What is NOT included?

  • International Flights
  • Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
  • Optional Tours

Interested?

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