Essence of Turkey

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus

This luxurious two-week tour visits the highlights of Turkey. With your own private guide and driver, enjoy comprehensive touring in the great city of Istanbul, the underground cave cities of Cappadocia, charming seaside Antalya, and the impressive ruins of Ephesus.

Begin in Istanbul and stay at the Four Seasons Hotel, a centrally located luxury property in an historic courtyard building. 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.

Next, fly inland to Cappadocia to explore ancient subterranean cities filled with frescoed churches and cave dwellings in Goreme, Kaymakli and other locations. While there, stay in a luxury cave-style hotel. From there, drive to Konya and see the imposing green-tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana, the mystic founder of the Sufi sect (Whirling Dervishes). Also visit Aspendos to see the beautifully preserved Roman theater.

Spend three nights in Antalya at a resort overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean and enjoy a private excursion to the ruins of the ancient cities of Termessos and Perge.

Continue to Kusadasi. 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.

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