Turkey A la Carte Private Vacation

Upon arrival in Istanbul, meet your private car for transfer to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy some time at leisure for dinner on your own.

After breakfast, you will begin your day with a private city highlights tour of Istanbul, including visits to the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the famed Grand Bazaar with a stop at a local restaurant for a typical Turkish lunch. Here at the Hippodrome you will find major attractions such as The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Later, you’ll have a chance to peruse the thousands of shops hidden away within the oldest and largest historical bazaar in the world, the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy some time at leisure this evening for dinner on your own. (B,L)

After breakfast, meet your private car for transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight to Nevsehir (tickets included). Upon arrival, meet your private car for transfer to your hotel and a brief rest before continuing with a private tour of Cappadocia. Visit the Devrent Valley to witness the uninhabited land of fairy chimneys, the old town of Avanos for a pottery-making workshop, Pashabag to witness incredible rock formations surrounded by a flourishing vineyard, and the Göreme Open Air Museum, a vast monastic complex. This evening, return to your hotel for some time at leisure to enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

Today, you have the option to leave your hotel before dawn for a hot air balloon ride over the rock formations of Cappadocia at sunrise (not included). After witnessing the incredible, shifting colors of the already surreal landscape, you will return to your hotel for some rest and to enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Alternatively, you also have the option of visiting the underground cities of Cappadocia or take a hike among the fairy chimneys. (B)

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel then meet your private car for transfer to the airport for your short flight to Izmir. Upon arrival in Izmir, continue on to visit the ruins of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Ephesus was inhabited from the end of the Bronze Age onwards, but the location was changed owing to floods and the whims of various rulers. The House of the Virgin Mary is located on the top of Bulbul Mountain, 9 km ahead of Ephesus. The shrine of the Virgin Mary enjoys a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green, away from the crowds visiting the ancient site, and is believed to be where Mary may have spent her final days. (B)

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and meet your private car for transfer to Urla for a local vineyard visit and wine tasting. Urla is an amazing part of the Aegean with its 40km coastline, sparkling sea, lush nature and historical sites. After excavations, it was discovered that Limantepe Tumulus in Iskele Quarter actually dates back to 4000 B.C. Limantepe, the oldest port in the Aegean Sea, and Klazomenai, known for its olive oil production in the antique age, are two important sites in Urla. Explore this wine-producing region of Turkey before continuing to Bodrum for an evening at leisure to enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

Today, you will be able to explore the “Mediterranean Riviera” at leisure. Take advantage of the resort town’s unbeatable views, shopping, dining and entertainment. You may consider an optional private tour of Etrim Village, also known as the carpet village as they are handmade here by locals. Here you will visit a cotton and tobacco farm, village homes, coffee shops, and a carpet weaver. Enjoy an afternoon perusing handmade crafts and carpets or sampling dry figs, house wines and fresh baked breads. (B)

After breakfast, you will transfer to Milas airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Here you will connect with your international flight home. (B)