Jewels of Istanbul Cappadocia Izmir and Bodrum Private Journey

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival at the Istanbul Airport, you will be met by your private driver and driven approximately 55-minutes to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. 

Enjoy a full day tour including a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum (excluding Harem Section), residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453 – 1852. Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616, famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Next, see St Sophia, a church built in the 6th century Byzantine Capital, converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, and now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. (B)

Before your visit to the Spice Market – a true taste of Turkish Cultural Mosaic, enjoy a Cruise on the Bosphorus against the spectacular skyline of Istanbul while sailing between the continents. The tour will end by 1 P.M. At the end of the tour, you will have free time at Spice Market. Late afternoon departure for Istanbul Airport to take your flight to Cappadocia (Ticket not included). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. (B)

Early Morning Option: Hot Air Balloon Tour. Experience floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves at sunrise. After breakfast visit Goreme, a historical region of Turkey, located among the rock formations, which were first settled back in the Roman period. Many rock churches can still be seen today, as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in that region. Continue to the town of Avanos renowned for its high quality earthenware. Also visit Pasabagi, Red Valley and attend a brief regional Pottery Workshop. (B)

After an early breakfast, you will depart for Cappadocia Airport to take your flight to Izmir (Ticket not included). Upon arrival, you will be driven to the remarkable Greco-Roman archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus. You will also visit the ongoing excavations of the Greco Roman palaces the ''Elite Yamac Homes of Antiquity'' (Terrace Houses) with their magnificent mosaics and frescoes being restored by archeologists as you visit the site. In addition to the historic monuments, your excursion will also include a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a lovely little chapel believed to be the Virgin Mary’s last home. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight. (B)

After an early breakfast, you will depart from Izmir for a scenic drive to Bodrum. Upon arrival, your first stop will be at the Bodrum’s Crusaders Castle, also known as Bodrum Castle – resting between the two bays that surround the city – and you a visit to the Underwater Sea Museum. Your private tour will continue with a visit to the 4th Century B.C. Tomb of King Mausoleum in Halicarnassus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. At the end of your tour, you will be escorted to your hotel. (B)

You will have a full day to relax in Bodrum or consider joining an optional boat cruise tour around the peninsula. (B)

Spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the Bodrum airport to catch your flight back to Istanbul (Ticket not included). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. (B)

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and meet your private driver for the approximate 55-minute transfer to the Istanbul Airport where you will check-in for your onward flight.