(16 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus, Bodrum
This exclusive private tour features the historic, cultural, and scenic 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, the impressive ruins near Antalya and Ephesus, and the resort town of Bodrum.
Begin in Istanbul. 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, 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. 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. Upon request, hot air balloon rides can be arranged. Accommodation is 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. Enjoy a private excursion to the ruins of the ancient cities of Termessos and Perge. Also explore Antalya's old town.
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 enjoy a private tour of Izmir's bazaars.
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 is at one of Turkey's premier luxury resorts.
Finally, fly back to Istanbul for two nights.
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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
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.
