Your Honeymoon Vacation
In Turkey Including Fethiye
A Private 15-Day Tour
Private tour of Istanbul and Anatolia
With Hot Air Balloon Flight over Cappadocia

Mosque of Suleman the Magnificent, Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by Ethnocentrized.

Visit Turkey’s top sights – Istanbul, Ephesus, Fethiye, and Cappadocia all in a grand 15 day tour. This is a private tour for your honeymoon or anniversary vacation in Istanbul and Turkey. Tour starts daily in Istanbul: April- October.

DAY 1 – ISTANBUL: Daily (April – October)
This is a private tour – choose your own date (April-October)
Our local rep. will meet your flight and escort you to your hotel, transfers are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur. Sample: First Class (4-star) hotel: Senator, Yenisehir or Aygun Plaza Hotel or similar. For Boutique style hotels: Armada or similar. Sample 5 star deluxe in Istanbul: Hyatt, Inter.Continental, or similar (subject to availability). For boutique style hotels: Arena, Blue House or similar.

DAY 2 – ISTANBUL – “Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque” (late 19th century), the exotic romance of the “Paris of the East”: (BL)
Morning walking tour: We start with our guide in Karaköy where the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates), and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the famous Pera Palace Hotel. Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and be picked up for the afternoon tour. In the afternoon the tour visit Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz, and finish up with a visit to the Military History Museum in Harbiye in time to hear the “Mehter,” or Ottoman military band (mid-afternoon). Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Istanbul on your own.

DAY 3 – ISTANBUL: (BL)
Let us show you the city: the Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. and then on to the Underground Cistern. Walk thru the columns of this grand water reservoir. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. After a brief rest at your hotel, Complimentary entrance tickets to the Harem’s quarter in the Topkapi Palace.

Smooth Tricks of a Turkish Ice Cream Parlor. Video by Tom Henry.

DAY 4 – ISTANBUL: (B)
Full day at leisure in the City of the Sultans. Explore Istanbul as you wish or simply relax and enjoy the luxurious amenities of your hotel.

DAY 5 – ISTANBUL – air to – CAPPADOCIA (B)
After breakfast at the hotel we head to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner is included at your hotel. Cappadocia Inn Hotel, Perissia Hotel or, Kapadokya Lodge or similar. For deluxe we use the boutique: Cave Suites hotel, The Museum Hotel or similar.

DAY 6 – CAPPADOCIA: (B)
EXPLORING CAPPADOCIA
This is a very full day and some guests may prefer to reduce the number of visits / stops today, it is your call, this is a private tour, feel free to change on the spot with your guide:

We drive across the rolling steppe of Central Anatolia to the town of Derinkuyu and descend into an underground labyrinth carved thousands of years ago. Hundreds of cave-rooms and passageways descend eight levels into the earth. Storerooms, kitchens, larders, and churches show that this “underground city” was capable of housing thousands of people when danger threatened, we stop as well at the striking Agzikarahan Caravansaray, built by the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century as a way-station for the rich camel caravans plying the Silk Route between Europe and Asia, then tour the rockhewn cave churches and monasteries of the Göreme Valley and the rockhewn natural citadel of Uçhisar.

DAY 7 – Hot Air Balloon – Cappadocia: (BD)
Breakfast is included after the flight
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: Transfers from/to your hotel are always included. Balloon flight is one of the best activities that you can join in Cappadocia and probably an experience of a lifetime.

At five in the morning, smoke is beginning to rise from the village chimneys below you. The barking of dogs, startled by the balloon, attracts sleepy villagers outside to wave enthusiastically. The weird twisted landscape of corroded rock to which you have partially become accustomed from the ground level, becomes even more unearthly when viewed from several hundred feet above. A 90-minute hot air balloon flight culminating in a champagne breakfast on landing. In two words? Breathtaking and Unforgettable!

This afternoon explore as you wish. In the evening get ready for folk dance and dinner.

DAY 8 – Fly From Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport to Izmir (B)
We escort you to the airport of your flight to Izmir (via Istanbul) and on to Selçuk and Kismet hotel for deluxe category.
Choose Selçuk if you prefer to be in a quiet and sleepy town that is perfect for honeymooners, or Kusadasi if you prefer more of a busy resort stay. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

DAY 9 – Selçuk – EPHESUS: (BL)
We drive from Selçuk to visit the extensive ruins of Roman Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Then, you will continue on to visit ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. See the Terrace Houses, the Odeon, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath, Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. See the Terrace Houses, the newly excavated site in Ephesus, excavation site for the ancient homes of richest Ephesians, afterward we head for Sirince Village:

Sirince Village
This old Orthodox Village, 30 kilometers from Kusadasi, was once “Cirkince” (ugly). Indeed its inhabitants gave this name on the purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of their village. Still after years, visitors understood that the village was not ugly and called it “Sirince” (pretty). Today the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture as of the 1920’s; after the Turkish Independence War, people exchange between Greek and Turks has occurred and all the typical Greek houses, though they kept their original outside characteristics, have received the local layout inside. At Sirince Village you will have chance of seeing the local life at a village and purchasing some small local souvenirs and handicrafts. The village is also famous for its local grape and other fruit wines. During the lunch, mingle with the local people of the village as you will be a guest in their village for a simple cup of traditional Turkish coffee at the main coffee house of the village.

After lunch visit the Ephesus Museum in Selcuk and see the Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. View Basilica of St John and Isa bey Mosque.

Day 10 – Selçuk –Day At Leisure (B)
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy the beach, be it at the sleepy town of Seljuk or the not-so-sleepy town of Kusadasi by the sea. Kusadasi, bustling port, resort, and cruise ship harbor. You’ll want to browse the shops for handicraft treasures, sample grilled specialties at open-air eateries, and linger at seaside cafés. Feel like staying on for the action at the discos in Kusadasi? We’ll arrange for your transport back to Seljuk (Please coordinate the time with the local representative).

Day 11 – Selçuk or Kusadasi –Dalyan – Caunos – Fethiye (B)
Breakfast is included at the hotel, today we journey along the byways of the coast heading west to Fethiye,, we’ll explore farther down the coast, Dalyan, with its Lycian tombs set into rock faces. In season, it’s a nesting beach for loggerhead turtles. We’ll set out on Dalyan Creek, to arrive in the manner of the ancients to the ancient city of Caunos. Later, we’ll reach Fethiye, our stopping point for the next few nights.

Day 12 – Fethiye (B)
Breakfast is included daily at the hotel, full day on your own, at leisure in Fethiye.

Lycian Tomb over Fethiye

Day 13 – Fethiye – Day At Leisure (B)
Today, enjoy Fethiye as you wish or maybe head out to the seaside Kalkan and on to Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas. The Roman theater is worth your attention, and if you wish to linger on the long, deserted beach. Afterwards, you may want to continue on to Xanthos, and beyond to the Saklikent Gorge. Adventurers from the world over come to scale its walls and hike and raft its waters. You might choose to sample an adventure yourself… or watch others. Then it’s on to paradise at the beach and lagoon of Oludeniz, backdropped by cliffs. You can even try paragliding, then head back to the ancient port of Fethiye.

DAY 14 – Fethiye – Day At Leisure (B)
Day at leisure in Fethiye or consider an optional tour to: Finike, Demere, Myra
Optional Tour: We’ll set out after breakfast, and follow the course of the Demre River. We’ll stop and cross a small bridge on foot, proceed through fields, and come across what looks like an ancient apartment building. It’s actually one of the surprises of Mediterranean Turkey, Lycian tombs hewn into the rock face. We’ll reach the sea again at Myra, where yachts and Turkish sailing vessels gently bob in the waters. We’ll give in to temptation, and embark on a sailing trip to the island of Kekova, passing the remains of castles, tombs, and arches, ample proof that the ancients knew the best places to settle. Your host will tailor the voyage to your preferences, stopping at the most interesting points. Back on land, you’ll head back to Fethiye..

DAY 15 – Departure Fethiye – Dalaman Airport (B)
After breakfast, drive to Dalaman Airport or other nearby airport to connect to Istanbul (air fare is included in our rate economy class). End of our services. Bon Voyage

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

• Cappadocia hot air balloon flight as listed.
• All transfers are included and are on a private basis: Private air conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur
• All porterage within Turkey
• Fully escorted, guided sightseeing (including admissions fees) as described in the itinerary
• Meals in Turkey as shown: (cB = continental breakfast; L = set-menu lunch; D = set-menu dinner)
• Hotel accommodations, including hotel tax and service charges.

Rate doesn’t include:

• International air fare from/to your home country.
• Visa Fee: (procure yours online in advance of travel at www.evisa.gov.tr/en/)
• Trip/travel insurance
• Tips

Sample Hotels used or similar
5 Stars and best available:

• Istanbul: Conrad Istanbul Hotel, Hyatt Istanbul Hotel, Inter.Continental Istanbul, Hilton Istanbul Hotel or similar. If you prefer a boutique style Ottoman Mansion Hotels, please let’s know in advance. Sample: Sirkeci Mansion, Blue House, Arena, Yesil Ev, Sultanahmet Sarayi, Sultanhan or similar.
• Kusadasi: Korumar Hotel or similar. For Boutique Hotels: Kismet or similar.
• Cappadocia: Cave Suites Hotel or similar, if your prefer non-cave hotels, no problem, please let’s know in advance: Kapadokya Lodge or similar
• Fethiye: Liberty Hotel or similar, for guests who prefer Kas,then it will be Hera Hotel or similar

Sample Hotels used or similar
4 Stars and best available:

• Istanbul: Senator Hotel or similar
• Cappadocia: Perissia oe similar
• Kusadasi: Pine Marina or similar
• Fethiye: Fethiye: – Ece Saray Hotel, for guests who prefer Kas,then it will be Kas – Begonvil Hotel or similar

Sample Hotels used or similar
3 Stars and best available:

• Istanbul (sea view): www.denizhouses.com
  
• Cappadocia: Cappadoica Palace Hotel
  (cave rooms, if you prefer non-cave room please let’s know in advance)
  
• Kusadasi (sea view room): www.hotelilayda.com
• Fethiye: Fethiye: – Ece Saray Hotel, for guests who prefer Kas,then it will be Kas – Begonvil Hotel or similar
  

A Grand Private 12- Day Tour of the Land of the Sultans
Private tour of Istanbul and Anatolia
With Hot Air Balloon Flight over Cappadocia

Ride a hot air balloon in Capadoccia.

Visit Turkey’s top sights – Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, and Cappadocia all in a grand 12 day tour. This is a private tour. Tour starts daily in Istanbul from April to end of October.

DAY 1 – ARRIVE ISTANBUL
This is a private tour – choose your own date – April to end of October
Our local rep. will meet your flight and escort you to your hotel, transfers are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur. Sample: First Class (4-star) hotel: Senator, Yenisehir or Aygun Plaza Hotel or similar. For Boutique style hotels: Armada or similar. Sample 5 star deluxe in Istanbul: Hyatt, Inter.Continental, or similar (subject to availability). For boutique style hotels: Arena, Blue House or similar.

DAY 2 – ISTANBUL – “Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque” (late 19th century), the exotic romance of the “Paris of the East”: (BL)
Morning walking tour: We start with our guide in Karaköy where the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates), and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the famous Pera Palace Hotel. Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and be picked up for the afternoon tour. In the afternoon the tour visit Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz, and finish up with a visit to the Military History Museum in Harbiye in time to hear the “Mehter,” or Ottoman military band (mid-afternoon). Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Istanbul on your own.

Smooth Tricks of a Turkish Ice Cream Parlor. Video by Tom Henry.

DAY 3 – ISTANBUL: (BL)
Let us show you the city: the Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. and then on to the Underground Cistern. Walk thru the columns of this grand water reservoir. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. After a brief rest at your hotel, we’ll have dinner with live Turkish music and belly-dancing. Complimentary entrance tickets to the Harem’s quarter in the Topkapi Palace.

DAY 4 – CANAKKALE: (BL)
After breakfast we start our scenic drive south to the famous Gallipoli, we cross the strategic Dardanelles, to land in Asia! Tour Troy, before we reach Çanakkale, lunch is included enroute, sample hotel: Iris (3 stars) or similar. Kolin Hotel or similar for deluxe 5 stars.

DAY 5 – PERGAMON – IZMIR -Selçuk: (BL)
We drive to Pergamon to see its Acropolis, Temple of Trojan, Altar of Zeus and Temple of Dionysus, the Red Basilica, and the ancient medical center of the Asclepion, then continue to Selçuk and Kismet hotel or similar for the night. Lunch is included enroute.

DAY 6 – Selçuk – EPHESUS: (BL)
We drive from Selçuk to visit the extensive ruins of Roman Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Then, you will continue on to visit ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. See the Terrace Houses, the Odeon, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath, Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. See the Terrace Houses, the newly excavated site in Ephesus, excavation site for the ancient homes of richest Ephesians, afterward we head for Sirince Village:

Sirince Village
This old Orthodox Village, 30 kilometers from Kusadasi, was once “Cirkince” (ugly). Indeed its inhabitants gave this name on the purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of their village. Still after years, visitors understood that the village was not ugly and called it “Sirince” (pretty). Today the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture as of the 1920’s; after the Turkish Independence War, people exchange between Greek and Turks has occurred and all the typical Greek houses, though they kept their original outside characteristics, have received the local layout inside. At Sirince Village you will have chance of seeing the local life at a village and purchasing some small local souvenirs and handicrafts. The village is also famous for its local grape and other fruit wines. During the lunch, mingle with the local people of the village as you will be a guest in their village for a simple cup of traditional Turkish coffee at the main coffee house of the village.

After lunch visit the Ephesus Museum in Selcuk and see the Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. View Basilica of St John and Isa bey Mosque.

Day 7 – Selçuk – Aphrodisias – Pamukkale: (BL)
Driving east along fertile river valleys crowded with fields and fruit orchards, we reach Aphrodisias, the City of Aphrodite, goddess of love. After our visit, we continue to Pamukkale, the “Cotton Fortress,” where cascades of gleaming white calcium cover a hillside. The warm mineral-laden waters attracted the Romans, who built the spa-city of Hierapolis here. We tour its ruins, and enjoy the swimming pool at our hotel here in the evening. Lycus River Hotel 4 stars ( best available) or similar. For Deluxe: Colassae Hotel or similar.

DAY 8 – KONYA: (BL)
Passing through Turkey’s fertile Lake District, we drive to Konya, capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum and home of the Whirling Dervishes. We visit the Mevlana Museum, where the founder of the dervish order is buried, Konya Ozkaymak Hotel (modest 3 stars – best available) or similar. Lunch is included enroute. For Deluxe: Hilton Konya 5 stars.

DAY 9 – CAPPADOCIA: (BL)
Enjoy your breakfast before continuing on to Cappadocia, stopping at the Sultanhan Caravanserai on the way. We descend into a labyrinthine Underground City at Kaymakli, then tour the rockhewn cave churches and monasteries of the Göreme Valley and the rockhewn natural citadel of Uçhisar. Cappadocia Inn Hotel, Perissia Hotel or, Kapadokya Lodge or similar. For deluxe we use the boutique: Cave Suites hotel or similar.

Cappadocia Hot Air Ballooning. Video by Dean Jones.

DAY 10 – Hot Air Balloon – Cappadocia: (BD)
Breakfast is included after the flight
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: Transfers from/to your hotel are always included. Balloon flight is one of the best activities that you can join in Cappadocia and probably an experience of a lifetime.

At five in the morning, smoke is beginning to rise from the village chimneys below you. The barking of dogs, startled by the balloon, attracts sleepy villagers outside to wave enthusiastically. The weird twisted landscape of corroded rock to which you have partially become accustomed from the ground level, becomes even more unearthly when viewed from several hundred feet above. A 90-minute hot air balloon flight culminating in a champagne breakfast on landing. In two words? Breathtaking and Unforgettable!

This afternoon explore as you wish. In the evening get ready for folk dance and dinner.

DAY 11 – EXPLORING CAPPADOCIA: (BL)
We drive across the rolling steppe of Central Anatolia to the town of Derinkuyu and descend into an underground labyrinth carved thousands of years ago. Hundreds of cave-rooms and passageways descend eight levels into the earth. Storerooms, kitchens, larders, and churches show that this “underground city” was capable of housing thousands of people when danger threatened. On our way back to our hotel we stop at the striking Agzikarahan Caravansaray, built by the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century as a way-station for the rich camel caravans plying the Silk Route between Europe and Asia. Late afternoon drive to Avnos, a traditional pottery-making town to visit the local artisans and admire the fine detailing of the famous Iznic ceramic designs.

DAY 12 – DEPARTURE from Kayseri or Nevshehir Airport: (B)
We escort you to the airport of your choice for your flight. Bon Voyage!

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

• Cappadocia hot air balloon flight as listed.
• All transfers are included and are on a private basis: Private air conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur
• All porterage within Turkey
• Fully escorted, guided sightseeing (including admissions fees) as described in the itinerary
• Meals in Turkey as shown: (cB = continental breakfast; L = set-menu lunch; D = set-menu dinner)
• Hotel accommodations, including hotel tax and service charges.

Rate doesn’t include:

• International air fare from/to your home country.
• Visa Fee: (procure yours online in advance of travel at www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ )
• Trip/travel insurance
• Tips

Sample Hotels used or similar
5 Stars and best available:

• Istanbul: Conrad Istanbul Hotel, Hyatt Istanbul Hotel, Inter.Continental Istanbul, Hilton Istanbul or similar.
  If you prefer a boutique style Ottoman Mansion Hotels, please let’s know in advance. Sample: Sirkeci Mansion, Blue House. Arena. Yesil Ev, Sultanahmet Sarayi, Sultanhan or similar
• Kusadasi: Korumar Hotel or similar. For Boutique Hotels: Kismet or similar.
• Pamukkale: Pam Hotel, Colassae Hotel or similar
• Antalya: Talya Hotel or similar
• Konya: Riixos Hotel or similar
• Cappadocia: Cave Suites Hotel or similar, if your prefer non-cave hotels, no problem, please let’s know in advance: Kapadokya Lodge or similar
• Çanakkale: Kolin Hotel or similar for deluxe 5 stars

Sample Hotels used or similar
4 Stars and best available:

• Istanbul: Senator Hotel ( 4 Stars)
• Cappadocia: Perissia (4 Stars)
• Pamukkale: Lycus River, Richmond or similar (4 Stars)
• Konya: Riixos Hotel or similar
• Kusadasi: Pine Marina ( 4 Stars)
• Çanakkale: Iris, Tusan Hotel, or similar (3 Stars)

Sample Hotels used or similar
3 Stars and best available:

• Istanbul ( sea view): www.denizhouses.com
  
• Cappadocia: Cappadoica Palace Hotel
  (cave rooms, if you prefer non-cave room please let’s know in advance)
  
• Kusadasi (sea view room): www.hotelilayda.com
  
• Çanakkale: Tusan Hotel, or similar (3 Stars)
  
• Pamukkale: Lycus River or similar (4 star)