Historic Turkey

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, 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, 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 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 (Pergamum), a UNESCO site, including highlights such as the extraordinary hilltop Acropolis and the Asklepion.

Finally, fly back to Istanbul and enjoy additional city touring or flexible shopping. If desired, spend a day exploring one of Istanbul's lovely, peaceful Princes' Islands by bicycle.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world