Turkey in a Week

(7 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir & Ephesus

This tour covers the highlights of Turkey in one week. Stay in Turkey's best hotels and tour the country's most important and diverse locations, including the fascinating city of Istanbul, ancient underground cities in Cappadocia, and the impressive ruins in Ephesus.

Begin in Istanbul. During flexible private touring, visit sights such as the Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia), the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and its Harem, the Rustem Pasha Mosque, an ancient underground cistern, and Istanbul's Spice Market. Shop for carpets and kilim, jewelry, glass, textiles and antiques at the Grand Bazaar and at our favorite boutiques. Enjoy a boat ride on the Bosphorus, the waterway separating old Istanbul from new, Europe from Asia. Also visit Istanbul's most interesting museums, including the Istanbul Modern. There will also be time to enjoy the city's wonderful cafes and vibrant neighborhoods.

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. Accommodation is in a luxury cave-style hotel. One morning, if desired, enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s dramatic landscapes while the sun rises.

Continue 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 Izmir's bazaars and cultural highlights.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Istanbul VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Istanbul Full-day private city tour Day 3 Istanbul Full-day private city tour, including private Bosphorus cruise Day 4 Istanbul – Cappadocia Private transfer to airport for flight to Cappadocia. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Private touring of underground cities and caves Day 5 Cappadocia Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride. Full-day private tour Day 6 Cappadocia – Izmir & Ephesus Private transfer to airport for flight to Izmir. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Private excursion to Ephesus Day 7 Depart Izmir Private airport transfer

Hotels

Istanbul: The Peninsula Istanbul, Mandarin Oriental, Bosphorus, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus or Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet Cappadocia: Argos Hotel or Museum Hotel Izmir: Swissotel Buyuk Efes

Cost

$11,110 Per person (double occupancy)