(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus (with Didyma, Priene, Miletus, Aphrodisias)
This private luxury tour features Turkey's most famous and compelling historical sites—Greek, Roman, Christian, Ottoman and more. With your private guide and driver, tour the fascinating city of Istanbul, ancient underground cities in Cappadocia, and the impressive ruins of Ephesus and other ancient towns.
Begin in Istanbul. During flexible private touring with your own guide, visit sights such as the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and its Harem, the Rustem Pasha Mosque, an ancient underground cistern, and Istanbul's Spice Market. Enjoy a boat ride on the Bosphorus, the waterway separating old Istanbul from new, Europe from Asia. Shop for carpets and kilim, jewelry, glass, textiles and antiques at the Grand Bazaar and at our favorite boutiques.
Next, fly inland to Cappadocia to explore ancient subterranean cities filled with frescoed churches and cave dwellings in Goreme, Kaymakli and other locations. Also visit a local winery, shops selling the local style of carpets, and a pottery studio. Upon request, hot air balloon rides can be arranged. Accommodation is in a luxury cave-style hotel.
Enjoy a private tour of Ankara, including the superb Anatolian Civilizations Museum, before flying to Izmir. With your expert private guide, tour the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, the Terrace Houses and Ephesus Museum, as well as the nearby House of the Virgin Mary. Also tour Priene, the first planned city in the ancient world; Miletus, the famous Ionian city; and Didyma, home of the well-preserved Temple of Apollo. If desired, opt to take an additional excursion to the ancient city of Pergamon to see the Altar of Zeus, Acropolis, Library, Temple of Trajan, and theater, as well as the Asklepion and Red Basilica.
Conclude with two additional nights in Istanbul.
Upon request, we are happy to incoporate an overnight excursion to Troy to tour the ruins of Homer’s fabled city and the monuments in Gallipoli.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Istanbul
VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights
Day 2
Istanbul
Full-day private tour
Day 3
Istanbul
Full-day private tour
Day 4
Istanbul - Cappadocia
Private airport transfer for flight to Cappadocia. Private tour of underground cities and caves
Day 5
Cappadocia
Full-day private tour
Day 6
Cappadocia – Ankara - Kusadasi
Private tour of Ankara. Flight to Izmir. Private transfer to Kusadasi for 3 nights
Day 7
Kusadasi & Ephesus
Private tour of Ephesus
Day 8
Kusadasi with Priene, Miletus & Didyma
Private excursion to Priene, Miletus & Didyma
Day 9
Izmir - Aphrodisias – Istanbul
Private tour of Aphrodisias. Late afternoon flight to Istanbul. Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights
Day 10
Istanbul
Half-day private tour
Day 11
Depart Turkey
Private airport transfer
Hotels
Istanbul:
Four Seasons
Sultanahmet
(first stay)
Ciragan Palace or Four Seasons Bosphorus (second stay)
