Highlights of Turkey
(9 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir & Ephesus
This luxurious private 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, and the impressive ruins of 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.
Finally, fly back to Istanbul and enjoy additional city touring, flexible shopping or an excursion to the Princes’ Islands.
| Itinerary Overview |
| Day 1Arrive IstanbulVIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nightsDay 2IstanbulFull-day private city tourDay 3IstanbulFull-day private city tourDay 4Istanbul – CappadociaPrivate transfer to airport for flight to Cappadocia. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Private touring of underground cities and cavesDay 5CappadociaOptional sunrise hot air balloon ride. Full-day private tourDay 6Cappadocia – IzmirPrivate transfer to airport for flight to Izmir. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private tourDay 7Izmir – Ephesus – IstanbulPrivate excursion to Ephesus en route to airport for flight to Istanbul. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nightsDay 8IstanbulMorning private city tour. Afternoon private Bosphorus cruiseDay 9Depart IstanbulPrivate airport transfer. VIP departure assistance |
| Hotels |
| Istanbul:Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet or The Peninsula Istanbul (first stay) Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus or Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul (second stay)Cappadocia:Argos Hotel or Museum HotelIzmir:Swissotel Buyuk Efes |
| Cost |
| $14,125Per person (double occupancy) |
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