Entrance to the Topkapi Palace. Turkey Istanbul. © master78 | Bigstock
A Grand Private tour: Visit Turkey’s top sights – Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya and Cappadocia all in 16 days and locally escorted.
Tour starts daily in Istanbul. Let us tailor your visit to Turkey exactly to your desires, using our extensive network of contacts throughout the country. You’ll go where and when you want to, without the limits of somebody else’s idea of what you should see. Include the marvels of Istanbul, crossroads of East and West. Take in dramatic mountain scenery, or unspoiled beaches… or both! Experience the sinuous rhythms of the belly dance, and explore mysterious troglodyte houses. You can even float over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon or explore hidden Mediterranean coves on a private sailboat! No wish is impractical, no desire is out of the question. Here are our suggested fourteen-day itineraries for Turkey. Together, we’ll add adventures, explore possibilities, and make your Turkish experience extraordinary!
CAPPADOCIA AND THE COAST: Penetrate to the heart of Cappadocia, and discover ancient dwellings and churches hewn into rock. Travel across centuries, to Roman and Biblical Turkey, and the mysterious world of the Lycians. Our suggested itinerary covers it all: Antalya, Perge, Aspendos, Side, Phaselis, Olympos, Finike, Demre, Myra, Kas, Kalkan, Patara, Fethiye, Dalyan, Cauros, Sirince, Ephesus, Izmir, and Istanbul.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL ISTANBUL
Our staff meets your flight, or cruise line (Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises or other Mediterranean cruises), and escorts you to your hotel. We’ll see you to your lodgings, where you can rest, and then venture out on your own. You’ll discover that Istanbul is a fascinating blend. Daring architecture, wide boulevards, and bustling traffic speak of a modern and forward-looking country, yet sidewalk cafés, vendors, and wonderful aromas of roasting kebabs reveal a measured pace and treasured traditions.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL – (BL)
We dive right into this fascinating city with visits to its top sights: Topkapi, the palace of the Sultans for centuries; Hagia Sophia, the greatest church in Christendom for a thousand years; the Blue Mosque, with its exquisite blue tiles; the Byzantine Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and gladiator combat; and the eerie Sunken Palace cistern beneath it. Then a drive through modern neighborhoods brings us to the ancient city walls and the Kariye Museum (Chora Church), filled with brilliant Byzantine mosaics.
DAY 3 – CAPPADOCIA (B)
After breakfast we head to Istanbul Airport for your flight to the fabled Cappadocia and a journey back into time, all domestic flights are included in our rate, you’ll check into your hotel in Goreme or another town in the region, relax, and begin your discoveries.
DAY 4 – CAPPADOCIA (B)
We’ll tailor your Cappadocia itinerary according to your preferences. Most likely, we’ll see the Open Air Museum of Goreme, with its twelfth-century frescoed churches carved right into volcanic pillars. Then continue to Zelve, with its curious troglodyte dwellings, and even entire monasteries excavated into solid rock. And there are many more possibilities. We have the contacts to arrange for a spectacular ascent in a hot-air balloon, when available, to arrange a traditional steam bath, or even a workshop on the venerable craft of carpet-weaving. We can plan for these activities beforehand, or you can discuss the possibilities with your guide as your interests develop.
DAY 5 – 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.
DAY 6 – CAPPADOCIA, SULTANHAN, KONYA (B)
We’ll set out in the morning southwestward, across the heart of Turkey. Our projected route will take you through Sultanhan, site of a monumental caravansary, a combination trading center-warehouse-lodging house-social center-military base from the days when goods moved across mountains and deserts on the backs of camels. We’ll visit, and get an understanding of the importance of the institution, and how it was encouraged by the Seljuk administration. Your guide will depart when you’re ready for Konya, less than four hours by road from Cappadocia. You’ll settle into your lodgings, and take some time to become acquainted with this regional center. As elsewhere in Turkey, there are layers and layers of history, from the Iconium of Roman times back to the first houses entered through their roofs. You may visit the tomb of the founder of the Whirling Dervishes, the Alaeddin palace and mosque, and the Kataray Medrasse, a one-time religious school that houses an extraordinary collection of Seljuk ceramics.
DAY 7 -KONYA, ANTALYA (B)
We’ll have another day of overland exploration, as we drive southwestward, via Seydisehir. After five hours of gentle hills and rural scenes, we’ll reach an entirely different Turkey, at the Mediterranean city of Antalya perched on heights, with the peaks of the Taurus Mountains inland. Settle in to your lodgings for the night. There will be time to view venerable sights in the city, including Hadrian’s Gate, a triumphal arch from Roman times; the Seljuk Yivli Minaret; the Clock Tower; and the seaside Red Tower, which once served as a lighthouse.
DAY 8 – ANTALYA, PERGE, ASPENDOS, SIDE (B)
Today we’ll take time to delve into history in nearby Roman towns. You’ll set your own pace, and in consultation with your guide, emphasize the sites that most intrigue you. You’ll see Perge, from which Paul and Barnabus set out to spread the Gospels. Its monuments include a theater, agora, stadium, and triumphal arch and colonnades. Then it’s on to Aspendos, a Roman trading center with a theater preserved almost perfectly intact. Perhaps you’ll choose to concentrate on Side, with its temples of Athena and Apollo, and recall the romantic meeting of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra that took place here. We’ll return to our lodgings in Antalya for the night.
DAY 9 – ANTALYA, PHASELIS, OLYMPOS, FINIKE (B)
We’ll drive along the coast, with its influences from all over the Mediterranean. We’ll pass through Phaselis, a port in Roman times, for the export of rose oil, perfume, and timber. A substantial stone aqueduct remains. Then it’s on to the little beach town of Olympos. You’ll feel that it’s your own discovery, concealed among hills and orchards. Stay as long as you like. Nearby is a natural flame that burns endlessly. Then it’s on to the little harbor of Finike to spend the night and, if you wish, to explore nearby ruins.
DAY 10 – FINIKE, DEMRE, MYRA, KAS (B)
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 continue overland to spend the night at the port of Kas, favored by sailors ancient and modern.
DAY 11 – KAS, KALKAN, PATARA, FETHIYE (B)
We’ll pass through seaside Kalkan on our way to Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas. The Roman theater is worth your attention, and if you wish to linger on the long, deserted beach, your host will be pleased to accommodate your wishes. Afterwards, it’s 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. We’ll end an eventful day at the ancient port of Fethiye.
DAY 12 – FETHIYE, DALYAN, CAUNOS, SIRINCE (B)
Today, we’ll explore farther down the coast, to 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 our stopping point for the next two nights, the unexpected wine making village of Sirince.
DAY 13 – FETHIYE, KUSADASI (B)
Take it easy in the morning amid the tranquility of the vineyards around Fethiye. After our journey along the byways of the coast, we’ll spend the afternoon in 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? We’ll arrange for your transport back to placid Sirince whenever you’re ready to call it a night.
DAY 14 – SIRINCE, EPHESUS, IZMIR, ISTANBUL (B)
In the morning, visit Ephesus, the best-preserved Roman city in Turkey, known by St. Paul, Mary, and St. John. Then it’s on to Izmir, where you’ll board your plane for the flight back to Istanbul. You’ll settle into your lodgings, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of the metropolis of Turkey. There’s time to head to the Grand Bazaar for last-minute shopping. Or perhaps you’ll choose a romantic boat ride to make a memorable last evening. Your host will help you with your choices.
Day 15 – Walking Tour of 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).
DAY 16 – DEPARTURE (B)
We’ll see you to the airport, where you’ll catch your plane to start your onward journey.
| RATES (per person) in USD $ | |||
| Private Touring minimum 2-3 guests |
Private Touring minimum 4-5 guests |
Private Touring minimum 6-8 guests |
|
| Triple | US$ 5748. | US$ 4980. | US$ 4470. |
| Double | US$ 5880. | US$ 5176. | US$ 4580. |
| Single | US$ 7280. | US$ 6392. | US$ 5870. |
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:
- Domestic airfare within Turkey in economy class with tax included.
- All transfers and porterage within Turkey.
- All tours as per itinerary including all entrance fees.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all the ground transportation as per itinerary.
- Fully locally escorted, guided sightseeing (including admissions fees) as described in the itinerary
- cB = continental breakfast daily
- Hotel accommodation, with tax & service charge.
- Turkish Ottoman boutique hotels in major cities and contemporary First Class (4-star) hotel accommodations.
- Upgrade is available to deluxe hotels upon request.
Rate doesn’t include:
- International air fare.
- Tips
- Charges of a personal nature
- Meals other than breakfast.
- Visa Fee: (procure yours online in advance of travel at www.evisa.gov.tr/en/)
- Trip/travel insurance. Highly recommended.
A Turkish Hamam Sauna is a tradition that is not to be missed. Available upon request.
Day 5 – Istanbul-Gallipoli: April 22 (BLD)
.jpg){kind=link}