City & Sea

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Istanbul, Bodrum

This tour combines two of Turkey's most popular destinations: fascinating Istanbul and picturesque seaside Bodrum. One day is also spent on an excursion to Ephesus to see the important ruins.

First, explore Istanbul according to your interests—art, architecture, cuisine, history, religion and/or shopping. During flexible private touring with your own guide, visit sights such as the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the beautiful tiles in its Harem, ancient underground cisterns, and Istanbul's Spice Market. Shop for carpets and kilim, jewelry, glass, textiles and antiques at the Grand Bazaar. Also visit the city's most interesting museums and vibrant neighborhoods.

Accommodation in Istanbul is at the city's best luxury hotels, including the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet (located in the heart of the historic district), the legendary Ciragan Palace Hotel (a converted sultan's home on the Bosphorus) or the Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus (an exclusive and luxurious urban resort).

Continue to Bodrum, an ancient harbor town featuring beautiful whitewashed backsteets, a Roman amphitheatre, the Castle of St. Peter and the remains of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Accommodation in Bodrum is at a luxury resort with sea views. If desired, take a private full-day excursion to the magnificent ruins of Ephesus to see the Library of Celsus, the Terrace Houses and Ephesus Museum, as well as the nearby House of the Virgin Mary.

Finally, fly back to Istanbul for two nights in the lavish Ciragan Palace Hotel, a converted sultan's home, in a room with a view of the Bosphorus.