Experience Our Turkey

Our customized, private insider tours of Turkey feature our favorite places and experiences in the country.

Favorite way to spend a day...

Private touring in fascinating Istanbul—one of the world’s greatest cities—to see ancient churches and mosques filled with beautiful tiles, explore bustling bazaars and sophisticated shops, and dine on amazing food along the way.

A great view...

Cappadocia is an ideal place for a hot-air balloon ride. Floating above the fantastical landscape of fairy chimneys and other unusual geological formations is an energizing way to start the day.

Classical Turkey...

Artisans of Leisure arranges private tours of Turkey’s best ancient ruins—some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world—including spectacular Ephesus, various sites around Antalya and along the Turquoise Coast, and elsewhere.

Interesting historical fact...

The Ottoman Empire was one of the most powerful in world history. At its height in the 16th century, it stretched from Hungary in the north to Yemen and Somalia in the south, and from Algiers in the west to the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea in the east.

Memorable meal...

The elaborate Ramadan dinner buffet on the waterfront terrace of the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus.

Layers of history...

Civilizations have come and gone in Turkey over the centuries, leaving remarkable traces still visible throughout the country. For example, the magnificent Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) in Istanbul was built as a Christian cathedral, was later converted into a mosque, and is now a museum.

Indulge...

With a stay at one of Turkey’s best luxury resorts, such as Amanruya, a stunning property overlooking the Aegean Sea outside Bodrum.

Art in Istanbul...

Istanbul has a thriving contemporary art scene. We can arrange visits to top attractions such as the Istanbul Modern, the best gallery districts, and santralistanbul, an art and culture center inside a former power plant.

Splash out...

Consider having Artisans of Leisure charter a yacht or gulet (wooden sailboat) for a day cruise along the Mediterranean coast.

Shopper’s delight...

Istanbul’s bazaars and specialty shops are a shopper’s paradise of rugs, kilim, glassware, tiles, furniture, antiques, decorative items, jewelry, hammam towels and more.

For book lovers...

Consider browsing the Sahaflar Carsisi (Book Bazaar), where a book and paper market has existed since Byzantine times.

Iconic view...

Venture to the top of the 14th-century Galata Tower for panoramic views over the rooftops of Istanbul and the surrounding waterways.

Summertime favorite...

Exploring backstreets in the whitewashed neighborhoods of Bodrum, a seaside resort.

Interesting natural attraction...

The spectacular, blindingly white travertine terraces of Pamukkale are formed by cascading mineral springs.

Hidden secrets...

We’ll take you to the best of Istanbul, including venturing deep into a bazaar to find a hidden mosque filled with beautiful Iznik tiles.

Relax...

We can arrange for you to enjoy a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) experience at one of the best hammams in Turkey. After being vigorously scrubbed and kneaded, you’re sure to feel refreshed.

Kids love...

Seeing ruins in Ephesus (the ancient toilets are a favorite), boat rides on the Bosphorus, riding the historic tram on Istiklal Street, visiting the energy museum at santralistanbul, hiking in Cappadocia, browsing bazaars, swimming at resorts, trying Turkish ice cream and visiting traditional Turkish candy shops.

Don’t miss...

Touring the underground cities, painted churches and cave dwellings of Cappadocia with an expert guide.

For foodies...

Have us arrange a tasting tour in Istanbul, visits to local farms near Kusadasi, wine tasting in Cappadocia or a Turkish cooking class.

Experience Our Belgium.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to start planning a private, customized tour.