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.

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.

Eight day stay in Turkey and Anatolia

Arrive any day, year round to: Istanbul City of the Sultans and more
Tour: Istanbul. Bodrum, Marmaris, Ephesus, Izmir – Pergamum
Asclepion – Selcuk and more

If you have only a short time, this is the perfect getaway. Your eight days are filled with exotic sights, sounds, scenes and scents. We’ll even provide you with the Lonely Planet guide to Turkey so that you can explore on your own, as you like, in your free time! Private Transfers. Private Guide. Private air conditioned Vehicle. Compare with the Mykonos and Santorini Version and extended stay in Bodrum.

Arrive ANY DAY! This is the perfect add on to your Crystal Cruises, Oceanic Cruise, Princess Cruise or other Mediterranean cruise. Extensions are available to Cappadocia. Combine with Greece.

Day 1 – Istanbul
Arrive at Istanbul Airport. Our driver meets you at the exit gate of Istanbul Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Rest of the day on your own. Overnight at Blue House or Arena boutique Hotel in Istanbul. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur at all times for all your transfers and touring in Turkey.

Day 2 – (B, L) – Istanbul
We first stroll to the great square which was once the Byzantine Hippodrome. Now it is a great park-like area surrounded by the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Underground Cistern, commonly called the Basilica Cistern. After lunch at a local restaurant, retracing our steps we walk to the Topkapi Palace. More than a palace, it is an assemblage of museums, containing the collections amassed by the Sultans over almost five centuries. After Topkapi Palace, we finish the day with Grand Bazaar visit, world’s largest covered market. Shops selling the same kind of merchandise congregate in the same area and there are 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops in the entire complex. Overnight at Blue House Hotel in Istanbul. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur at all times for all your transfers and touring in Turkey.

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

Day 3 – (B, L) – Istanbul
We start our second day in Istanbul with a walk to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, then we visit the Dolmabahçe Palace; overlooking the Bosphorus, it is definitely incomparable with 14 tons of pure gold used for its interior decoration, its priceless paintings, furniture, a rich collection of Bohemian crystal in addition to its famous Harem section. Right after Dolmabahçe Palace, we have lunch at a local restaurant and get on board and take a leisurely Bosphorus Cruise from Eminonu, to the still unspoiled village of Sariyer. We end the day with a visit to Chora Church, with its 14th century mosaics and frescoes of almost supernatural beauty. The most important features of the church are the frescoes and mosaics demonstrating the finest Byzantine art forms and parallel, in time, developments in Italian renaissance art. Overnight at Blue House Hotel in Istanbul. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur at all times for all your transfers and touring in Turkey.

Day 4 – (B, L) – Izmir – Pergamum – Asclepion – Selcuk
Our driver meets you at the hotel and transfers you to Istanbul Airport for the morning flight to Izmir. On arrival to Izmir Airport, our guide and driver meets you and starts the tour. We drive to Pergamum. Arrival to Bergama, we drive to Acropolis. The Temple of Dionysus and The Altar of Zeus covered with magnificent friezes depicting the battle between the Olympian gods and their subterranean foes but most of these famous buildings removed to Berlin by the 19th century German excavators. Then we head on to Asclepion where was neither the first nor the only medical & psychological treatment center. After we have lunch at a local restaurant, visit the cathedral sized Red Basilica. St john the Divine wrote that Red Basilica was one of the seven churches of the Apocalypse, singling it out as the throne of the devil. Overnight at Kalehan Hotel in Selcuk. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur at all times for all your transfers and touring in Turkey.

Day 5 – (B, L) – Ephesus
Today we first drive to the Virgin Mary’s House; after that we visit Ephesus which was founded in the eleventh century BC by the Ionians. Strolling through the streets of Ephesus, we will witness the perfection of the Greco-Roman Art. Later in the afternoon we will visit St John’s Basilica, believed to be the tomb of the Apostle John, Christ’s beloved disciple. From the basilica, we will be able to look down on the remains of the temple of Artemis. We end the day with our visit to the Isa Bey Mosque. Overnight at Kalehan Hotel in Selcuk. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur at all times for all your transfers and touring in Turkey.

Day 6 – (B, L, D) – Priene – Didyma – Bodrum
After breakfast, we drive first to Prienne, formerly a leading member of the Panionic League. As we drive further South, we visit Miletus and then arrive at Didyma, where we have lunch at a local restaurant, circumstances permitting, across the road from the temple. As the historian Pausanias wrote, “The sanctuary of Apollo at Didymoi, and the oracle there are more ancient than the Ionian settlement”. After this we transfer you to your hotel in Bodrum. Dinner and overnight at L’ ambiance Resort in Bodrum. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur at all times for all your transfers and touring in Turkey.

Day 7 – (B) – Marmaris
After a late breakfast and checking out from the hotel, our driver meets you at the hotel and transfers you to your hotel in Marmaris. Rest of the day on your own in Marmaris. Overnight at Candan Hotel in Marmaris or similar. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur at all times for all your transfers and touring in Turkey.

Day 8 – (B) – Marmaris – Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport, or port to take the morning ferry to Rhodes. Combine with Greece. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur at all times for all your transfers and touring in Turkey.

Rate Includes:

• Domestic flight tickets within Turkey, tax included – economy class
• Hotel accommodation at the mentioned hotels or similar
• Air conditioned minivan with driver for all the tours and transfers
• Professional upscale guiding
• Breakfast (B), Lunches (L) and Dinners (D) as indicated in the itinerary
• All admission fees to the museums and sights as per itinerary
• For guests going on to Rhodes, we are happy to assist with the purchase/booking of the ferry tickets to Rhodes.
• Local Taxes

Rate doesn’t include:

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

Suggested Hotel or similar:

• Istanbul: Blue House Hotel
• Selcuk: Kismet Hotel
• Bodrum: L’ ambiance Resort
• Marmaris: Candan Hotel

VEHICLE:
A Mercedes or Volkswagen minivan with large windows instead of a car for the tours and transfers. Minivans are always more comfortable.

GUIDING:
Two local guides; one for Istanbul part and one for Ephesus area. We always use experienced guides with huge knowledge about their subjects and very good English.

FOOD:
We try to use the best restaurants available in each area. Dinners are generally not included, to allow you the opportunity to go out and enjoy a nice restaurant on your own. Local guides may recommend you some good options for dinners.

The Best of Istanbul and Turkey
When you want the BEST

Istanbul Grand Bazaar.
By Michael Clarke (uploaded by russavia) [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

DAY 1 – ISTANBUL – Daily Arrival – Choose your own dates: April-Oct
Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur always for all your transfers in Turkey. Our local representative will meet your plane, or cruise line (Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Sea Dream II Luxury Yacht, Crystal Cruises or other Mediterranean cruises) and escort you to your hotel, or you may arrive into Kusadasi by ferry (March – Nov) from the Greek isle of Samos. Then we will be happy to arrange for your itinerary to start in Kusadasi /Izmir.

Our local representative, who sees you to your hotel, will be happy to answer any questions you may have about getting to know the city. As you ride into the great metropolis from the airport, two thousand years of history are revealed: towering Roman walls, ancient Byzantine churches, slender minarets framing the bulbous domes of graceful mosques. These ancient monuments float on the skyline of a bustling modern metropolis of ten million people.

DAY 2 – ISTANBUL (BL)
The center of ancient Constantinople and Istanbul was on Seraglio Point, framed by the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. We visit the Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet III to challenge the architectural primacy of neighboring Sancta Sophia. We then walk next door to compare achievements in Justinian’s great Sancta Sophia. Right behind Sancta Sophia is our next stop, sumptuous Topkapi Palace, the sultans seraglio for centuries, filled with breathtaking exhibits of priceless jewels, golden thrones, delicate colored tiles, and lavish court costumes. After lunch in a local restaurant, we finish up in the bustling Grand Bazaar where you can find jewelry, carpets, goat-hair rugs, hand-painted ceramics, copper and brass in labyrinthine streets holding nearly 4000 shops. Private car / driver / guide.

DAY 3 – Istanbul – Fly to IZMIR – Ephesus (BL)
After breakfast, proceed to the airport. Our airport transfers are always on a private basis, domestic flights are included within Turkey in economy class. Fly to Izmir and proceed to the miraculously revealed House of the Virgin Mary is our first stop, after which we tour Ephesus, the capital of Roman Asia Minor. The tour includes the restored Terraced Houses and the Basilica of St. John, said to mark his tomb. Lunch is included at the small town of Selcuk. Attend a local fashion show, then head to Kusadasi if you prefer the resort type hotels, or overnight in Selcuk (Seljuk) if you prefer a small sleepy town and boutique hotels (please advise your preference at the time of booking).

DAY 4 -Kusadasi – Pamukkale (BL)
Private car/driver/guide: After breakfast head for Pamukkale to tour the extensive ruins of Roman Hierapolis. For guests touring Turkey during the month of July and Aug, we suggest a very early morning breakfast and departure to enjoy the drive and avoid the heat, even when we use with the best air-conditioned vehicle.

DAY 5 – KONYA – CAPPADOCIA (BL)
Private car/driver/guide: An early morning drive to the mystical city of Konya, birthplace of the Whirling Dervishes, for a visit to the Mevlana Museum. We continue to Sultanhani the Seljuk Turkish caravanserai before making the drive to biblical Cappadocia and our hotel. Lunch is included enroute.

DAY 6 -CAPPADOCIA (BL)
Private car / driver / guide: We explore the “moonscape” of Cappadocia, visiting the painted churches in the Göreme and Zelve Valleys, the rock hewn dwellings in Ortahisar, the pottery-making center of Avanos, and the incredible underground city of Kaymakl (or Derinkuyu). Afternoon at leisure. Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant.

DAY 7 – ISTANBUL (B)
Always private car / driver for all your transfers in Turkey. After breakfast: fly back to Istanbul and your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure, maybe for last minute shopping.

This evening your guide will call on you for a leisurely walk (if the hotel is in Sultan Ahmet area, otherwise we will drive of course) to the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Istanbul, with entrance fees included. The ceremony held in Sirkeci area within an historic Turkish Bath structure. It will be your choice that we walk both ways or use the tram one way or even ride the tram both ways (for guests who are in the Sultan Ahmet Area), tram tickets are included and will be purchased by your guide with our compliments.

We will follow the main street passing through the hearth of old city or using the tram down to Sirkeci station where also legendary final stop of Orient Express is located. The ceremony starts at 19.30 but we recommend getting to the place by 18.30, for the introduction ceremony. The Whirling Dervishes ceremony takes about one hour.

DAY 8 – Departure From Istanbul (B)
We escort you to the airport in your private car for your flight home.

Rates include:

• All transfers (on private basis) in Turkey.
• All meals (Preset menu) as listed: B = breakfast, L/D: Lunch / dinner.
• Private guided sightseeing as per itinerary including all entrance fees.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur always for all your transfers and tours in Turkey
• Hotel accommodation with tax.
• Domestic air fare in Turkey, in economy class, tax included.

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

First class hotels modest 4 Stars – or similar

• Istanbul: Yasmak Sultan, Aygun Plaza, Arena
• Kusadasi: Pine Marina if Izmir then it is: Kaya
• Pamukkale: Richmond
• Cappadocia: Dinler

Deluxe Hotels – or similar:

• Istanbul: Barcelo Eresin. The Istanbul Hilton or similar
• Kusadasi: Korumar, if you prefer boutique style hotel then it is Kismet Hotel, or similar.
• Pamukkale: Colossae
• Cappadocia: Cave Suites

Most guests do prefer to start their tour in Istanbul, yet when you have 7- 8 full days in Turkey, may we suggested that upon arrival in Turkey you fly straight to Kayseri (or Nevsehir) in Cappadocia. This will save you a back-and-forth from and to the Istanbul airport, and an unpacking and re-packing in your Istanbul hotel. You will save Istanbul touring for the end of your trip.

Add a Hamam / Spa Experience to your tour