Turkey and Mesopotamia Journey

Day 1. Arrive at Constantinople

Overnight – Ciragan Palace Kempinski

Once upon a time, a modern jetliner landed at Istanbul Airport.

Your VIP arrival representative will greet you as you enter the airport and escort you through the entire arrival process. Welcome to Turkey, home to wonderful historical structures, a plethora of natural wonders, amazing cuisine, and a vibrant and unique culture. After this you will be met your Accompanying Guide and ushered to your vehicle. We recommend adding an additional day to recuperate after your international flight, and the arrival will be a day earlier for such guests.

You are now driven to your top-ranked boutique hotel and assisted with your check-in if it is 3 pm or later. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is a gorgeous historic hotel located on the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait. The hotel is housed within a historic Ottoman palace, offering guests a blend of traditional Turkish elegance and modern amenities. Its stunning waterfront location provides breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Asian side of Istanbul. One of the highlights of the Çırağan Palace Kempinski are its beautiful grounds, which include lush gardens and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus.

The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed and then you are at leisure to relax and enjoy the boutique hotel and its facilities. If your arrival is not in the late evening, we can schedule traditional hammam services for those wanting to experience the rejuvenating powers after their international flight.

Turks live to eat and Turkey is foodie heaven. It is our founder’s opinion that Turk’s eat in the morning, take a break for other things such as work (which includes breaks for Turkish coffee and snacks), then eat some more, take another break for the same reasons as previously mentioned, and then eat some more – the cycle continues. Among a lot of the great produce and fruits grown in Turkey, the figs and olives, especially from the Aegean Region, are out of this world!
Once upon a time, a modern jetliner landed at Istanbul Airport.

Your VIP arrival representative will greet you as you enter the airport and escort you through the entire arrival process. Welcome to Turkey, home to wonderful historical structures, a plethora of natural wonders, amazing cuisine, and a vibrant and unique culture. After this you will be met your Accompanying Guide and ushered to your vehicle. We recommend adding an additional day to recuperate after your international flight, and the arrival will be a day earlier for such guests.

You are now driven to your top-ranked boutique hotel and assisted with your check-in if it is 3 pm or later. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is a gorgeous historic hotel located on the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait. The hotel is housed within a historic Ottoman palace, offering guests a blend of traditional Turkish elegance and modern amenities. Its stunning waterfront location provides breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Asian side of Istanbul. One of the highlights of the Çırağan Palace Kempinski are its beautiful grounds, which include lush gardens and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus.

The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed and then you are at leisure to relax and enjoy the boutique hotel and its facilities. If your arrival is not in the late evening, we can schedule traditional hammam services for those wanting to experience the rejuvenating powers after their international flight.

Turks live to eat and Turkey is foodie heaven. It is our founder’s opinion that Turk’s eat in the morning, take a break for other things such as work (which includes breaks for Turkish coffee and snacks), then eat some more, take another break for the same reasons as previously mentioned, and then eat some more – the cycle continues. Among a lot of the great produce and fruits grown in Turkey, the figs and olives, especially from the Aegean Region, are out of this world!
Once upon a time, a modern jetliner landed at Istanbul Airport.

Your VIP arrival representative will greet you as you enter the airport and escort you through the entire arrival process. Welcome to Turkey, home to wonderful historical structures, a plethora of natural wonders, amazing cuisine, and a vibrant and unique culture. After this you will be met your Accompanying Guide and ushered to your vehicle. We recommend adding an additional day to recuperate after your international flight, and the arrival will be a day earlier for such guests.

You are now driven to your top-ranked boutique hotel and assisted with your check-in if it is 3 pm or later. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is a gorgeous historic hotel located on the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait. The hotel is housed within a historic Ottoman palace, offering guests a blend of traditional Turkish elegance and modern amenities. Its stunning waterfront location provides breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Asian side of Istanbul. One of the highlights of the Çırağan Palace Kempinski are its beautiful grounds, which include lush gardens and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus.

The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed and then you are at leisure to relax and enjoy the boutique hotel and its facilities. If your arrival is not in the late evening, we can schedule traditional hammam services for those wanting to experience the rejuvenating powers after their international flight.

Turks live to eat and Turkey is foodie heaven. It is our founder’s opinion that Turk’s eat in the morning, take a break for other things such as work (which includes breaks for Turkish coffee and snacks), then eat some more, take another break for the same reasons as previously mentioned, and then eat some more – the cycle continues. Among a lot of the great produce and fruits grown in Turkey, the figs and olives, especially from the Aegean Region, are out of this world!

Day 2. Istanbul

Overnight – Ciragan Palace Kempinski

After breakfast you will start your day with a drive to Sultanahmet. Your exploration will begin at the Hagia Sofia, which is also an individually recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, in addition to being located within the UNESCO Site of Historical Istanbul. Completed in 537AD to be the Roman State Church of Constantinople, this magnificent structure has been a church, a mosque, a museum, and now again a mosque.

The incredible scale and the complexity of engineering design is highlighted by the stunning interior and beautiful art found all over the complex, while the great central dome defies description.

From here you will enjoy a leisurely 300-foot walk across Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome of Constantinople), stopping to admire various attractions along the way, such as the Obelisk of Thutmose III. This 3500-year-old red granite obelisk from the great Karnak Temple was transported here by the Romans in the fourth century in 3 pieces and re-erected in the Hippodrome. Only the top portion of the original structure now survives, but even that is 84 feet tall including its base and is in excellent condition along with the hieroglyphs carved on its sides.

Arrive at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) and proceed inside after taking some time to admire the beautiful architecture – the massive building has 5 main domes and 8 secondary domes, as well as 4 minarets on the main building and 2 more minarets on the forecourt of the complex. The interior of the mosque is a visual delight with details such as 20,000 plus Iznik ceramic tiles with more than 50 different tulip designs. 200 gorgeous stained-glass windows assist the chandeliers in adding light to the interior.

A 5-minute walk from here will bring you to the sprawling Topkapi Palace complex (closed on Tuesdays), also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historical Istanbul. Construction of the palace complex started in 1459 and the massive complex was expanded over the next few centuries – today there are four main structures and scores of smaller structures spread across a compound of gardens and cobbled walkways. There are great views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus to be had from various vantage points. You will explore the most interesting parts of the palace, including the Royal Harem, Palace Kitchen and Porcelain Collection, the Imperial treasury, Circumcision Room, and more.

Lunch can be at the delightful café in Topkapi Palace – the food is very good and the views are fantastic.

In the mid-afternoon you will walk a few minutes to the Basilica Cistern. The city of Istanbul has hundreds of underground cisterns and this is the grandest and largest of them all. Built in the 6th century, this was the source of water for the royal section of Constantinople, and later on the Ottoman Empire. This surreal and beautiful underground structure is about 453 by 2013 feet and can store about 2.8 million cubic feet of water. The ceiling of the cistern is supported by 336 thirty-foot-high marble columns, many of which have Ionic and Corinthian decorations.

A 10 to 12-minute walk through historic Sultanahmet will bring you to Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar. With over 330,000 square feet and with 64 covered streets and 4000 shops, and at almost 600 years of age since its core was constructed, it is quite possibly the oldest indoor shopping mall on our planet! Between a quarter to half a million people visit the bazaar every day, some to buy daily essentials, while tourists come in to explore and buy Turkish craftsmanship articles and souvenirs. Your guide will walk you through a few of the sections of the bazaar, and select the sections based on your preferences. After this exploration, you will return to your hotel.

Day 3. Istanbul

Overnight – Ciragan Palace Kempinski

After breakfast you will visit one of the most opulent palaces on our planet, the Dolmabahçe Palace. This incredible waterfront estate compares with Versailles and Buckingham Palace for the treasures and luxuries found within, but has a better location on the magnificent Bosphorus Strait. The 484,376 sq ft structure was completed in 1856 after 13 years of the Sultan pouring untold wealth into its construction. Pointing out its highlights alone would take many pages – maybe the fact that 14 tons of pure gold were used to gild the ceilings of the palace offers an idea of the decadent lifestyle of the Ottoman Sultans.


Return to your nearby hotel and you are assisted in boarding your private yacht. For the next couple of hours, you will cruise on the Bosphorus as your Guide points out interesting historical and other sites. The cruise will first skirt the European side of Istanbul and then turn around and go by the Asian side. There are multiple photo opportunities during the cruise, both of the attractions on land, as well as the multiple bridges that span the strait. You will disembark at Kadikoy on the Anatolian (Asian) side of Istanbul.


Relics dating as far back as 5000 BC have been found here, and Chalcedon, as it was known at the time when the existing settlement here started, was originally settled by the Greeks in 685 BC, about 18 years before Byzantium (Istanbul) was established on the European side. You can break for lunch upon arrival, and dine at one of Istanbul’s most famous Turkish cuisine restaurants, the Ciya Sofrasi. Your Guide and the restaurant staff will make suggestions based on your preferences and you can experience food from a large selection of delicious vegetarian and nonvegetarian options that all taste like they were home cooked.


After lunch you will explore the fascinating area around the restaurant and watch the locals as they go about their daily lives. The Kadikoy Produce Market is where locals from all over Istanbul come to eat and shop for fresh ingredients of all kinds. You will walk though this and other bazaars this afternoon, visit the famous and historic Kadikoy Bull Statue for a photo opportunity, and then there is an option to enjoy a break at a famous local coffee shop. In the late afternoon you are driven back to your hotel before the evening rush hour really takes off.

Day 4. Istanbul – Cappadocia Region

Overnight – Museum Hotel

You will be assisted with your checkout after a slightly early breakfast (by 8 AM) and driven to the Airport for your late morning flight – roughly an hour-long drive. At Istanbul Airport you are assisted in boarding your flight to Kayseri, the main airport in the Cappadocia Region. Arrive at Kayseri and you are driven to the Museum Hotel in Cappadocia. Renowned for its unique blend of luxury accommodation and rich cultural heritage, the hotel offers guests an unparalleled experience amidst the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. You are assisted with your check-in and you are at leisure for a late lunch and relaxation.


Perched atop the cliffs of Uçhisar village, the Museum Hotel boasts stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, fairy chimneys, and ancient rock formations. Its architecture seamlessly integrates with the historic cave dwellings of the region, combining traditional elements with modern comforts. The hotel itself is a masterpiece of design, featuring meticulously restored caves and stone structures dating back centuries.


Beyond its luxurious accommodations, the Museum Hotel houses an impressive collection of antiquities and artifacts and is renowned for its culinary offerings. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the Museum Hotel offers a range of wellness facilities, including a spa, hammam, and outdoor swimming pool.


In the mid-afternoon you are driven through spectacular landscapes to the Kaymakli Underground City. People seeking protection started living here in the 7th Century BC by building elaborate caves into the soft limestone. The underground city has almost a hundred tunnels connecting the structures, some of which are 8 stories, but only 4 are open for visits. Ingenious methods were used for cold forming copper, and wine and olive presses can be found in the kitchen areas. During Roman times the population converted to Christianity and chapels were added to the homes.


This evening you will be driven to an ancient caravanserai that has been restored and now plays host to a ceremony by Whirling Dervishes. The interesting performances are a traditional part of the Mevlevi Order of the Sufi sect, which is a pious and mystical sect of Islam that is extremely tolerant and has been doing missionary work on a large scale around the world for centuries. The real name of the ancient ceremony is Mevlevi Sema Ceremony and UNESCO has confirmed it as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Return to your hotel after the roughly hour-long ceremony.

Day 5. Cappadocia Region

Overnight – Museum Hotel

Those who opt for the sunrise hot air balloon ride over the spectacular landscape will do so in the early morning before returning to your hotel for breakfast – you will have to select this activity at the time of tour reservation.


After breakfast you will proceed to the Goreme Open Air Museum, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Incredible stone carved churches, monasteries and chapels are found in this very scenic environment of fairy chimneys, and the colors and vividness of the beautiful frescoes have been amazingly well preserved over the last 1000 years or so. Although all of this site is extremely impressive, the Tokali Kilise (Dark Church) and its gorgeous 9th Century frescoes are a wonder that has to be experienced to be believed.


A very short drive will bring you to Pasabag, or the Valley of the Monks. The fairy chimneys of this area are even more fascinating as they are shaped like mushrooms, and the area is also surrounded by vineyards – Cappadocia produces some excellent wines that are available in the towns and your hotel. There are some good restaurants in this general area and you will break for lunch when you feel like it – your Guide will make recommendations based on your preferences.


Another short drive will bring you to Devrent Valle (Imagination Valley), the one valley in the region that has never been inhabited. Although all of Cappadocia is surreal and spectacular, Devrent has slightly different rock formations, not as tall and chimney like, and many have been shaped into animal silhouettes by nature over millions of years. Enjoy a gently hike through the valley for photo-op’s before heading to your next experience.


Optional Cooking Lesson and Dinner: This late afternoon you have the option (must be reserved at journey reservation) proceed to an extremely charming historic venue known as the Old Greek House. This 1887 mansion is very atmospheric and operates as a boutique hotel and restaurant. You will join the chefs for a cooking lesson of some local delicacies, after which you will enjoy a dinner that includes the fruits of your labor.

Day 6. Cappadocia Region

Overnight – Museum Hotel

This morning you we recommend another visit to the scenic Red Valley in Goreme National Park, or any other activity you may want in the Cappadocia Region. Cappadocia has a multitude of other awe-inspiring attractions and experiences, and if you’d like, your guide will make recommendations based on your preferences. You may also want to enjoy your lodging for part of this day.

Day 7. Cappadocia – Mardin (Mesopotamia)

Overnight – Mardius Tarihi Konak

In the mid-morning you are driven to Kayseri Airport and assisted in boarding your connecting flight (via Istanbul) to Mardin. The first flight leg is in business, the second is only possible in coach. Arrive in Mesopotamia in the early evening and you are driven to your extremely unique and charming lodging and assisted with your check-in. The Mardius Tarihi Konak in Mardin is a striking example of traditional Anatolian architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region.

Situated within the ancient city walls of Mardin’s old town, this historic mansion exudes an aura of timeless elegance and charm. Its imposing stone facade, adorned with intricate carvings and decorative motifs that reflect the craftsmanship of generations past. Stepping inside, visitors are transported to a bygone era, where opulence and refinement were the hallmarks of aristocratic life. The interior of the Mardius Tarihi Konak is adorned with exquisite furnishings, hand-woven carpets, and antique artifacts, creating an atmosphere of old-world grandeur and sophistication.

Perched atop the lofty “Mardin High,” a geological masterpiece born from the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates, this pale mustard-hued city commands the vast Mesopotamian plains below, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers wind their way through the landscape like lifelines of civilization. Ancient Mardin city exudes an enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Mardin’s unique limestone architecture, characterized by intricately carved pale mustard-colored stone facades, ornate mosques, and ancient churches.

The city’s vibrant bazaars, where merchants sell colorful spices, textiles, and handicrafts, buzz with activity, offering visitors a glimpse into Mardin’s bustling past as a center of trade and commerce. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, often referred to as the “cradle of civilization,” have played a central role in shaping the history and culture of the region. These ancient waterways have nourished the fertile lands of Mesopotamia for millennia, sustaining civilizations such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, whose legacies are still evident in the archaeological sites and ruins scattered along their banks.

Today, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers continue to be vital lifelines for the people of Mardin and the surrounding region, providing water for irrigation, transportation, and sustenance.

Day 8. Mardin

Overnight – Mardius Tarihi Konak

Your exploration of ancient Mesopotamia starts with an Old Town Walking Tour. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets of Mardin’s old town, marveling at the exquisite limestone architecture, ornate mosques, and ancient churches. Wander through the bustling bazaars of Mardin’s old town, where merchants sell an array of goods including spices, textiles, handicrafts, and traditional sweets.

Make your way to the iconic Zinciriye Medrese, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture dating back to the 14th century. Admire the madrasa’s majestic facade and step inside to explore its central courtyard, prayer halls, and unique spiral staircase leading to panoramic views of the city.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Great Mosque of Mardin, also known as Ulu Mosque. This iconic mosque is a masterpiece of Artuqid design, dating back over eight centuries. Upon entering, you are greeted by the mosque’s spacious prayer hall, bathed in soft light filtering through stained glass windows and ornate chandeliers. The hall is adorned with exquisite marble columns, intricately carved wooden screens, and colorful tile work, creating an atmosphere of serenity and awe. The focal point of the Great Mosque is its mihrab, or prayer niche, which is elaborately decorated with intricate tile work and calligraphy, symbolizing the direction of prayer towards Mecca. The mihrab serves as a visual focal point within the prayer hall, guiding worshippers in their devotion and contemplation. One of the most striking features of the Great Mosque is its towering minaret, which offers panoramic views of Mardin and the surrounding countryside.

You will break for lunch at a time of your choice. During your walk, your guide will offer options to visit artisan workshops where local craftsmen practice traditional crafts such as hand-woven carpets, pottery, and copperware.

We strongly recommend a visit to Mardin Museum, which is housed within a meticulously restored 19th-century mansion, the Mardin Museum itself is a work of art, blending Ottoman architectural elements with local craftsmanship. The museum’s collection spans millennia, offering a journey through the diverse civilizations that have called this region home. From the ancient Mesopotamians to the Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines, and beyond, each exhibit tells a story of innovation, creativity, and resilience.

One of the highlights of the Mardin Museum is its archaeological finds, which include artifacts unearthed from nearby ancient sites such as Dara and Mardin Castle. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of ethnographic exhibits, showcasing the vibrant traditions and customs of Mardin’s diverse communities. From colorful costumes and traditional handicrafts to musical instruments and ceremonial objects, these displays celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region.

In the late afternoon you will proceed top Mardin High for an amazing sunset. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues, with streaks of gold, crimson, and violet painting the horizon in a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry. The city’s limestone buildings take on a golden hue, their intricate facades illuminated by the last rays of sunlight. In the distance, the rolling plains of Mesopotamia stretch out towards the horizon, bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Silhouettes of distant hills and valleys are etched against the colorful sky, creating a scene of timeless beauty and serenity.

Day 9. Mardin

Overnight – Mardius Tarihi Konak

Start your morning with a scenic 20-mile drive through the rolling plains of Mesopotamia towards Dara. Arrive at the ancient city of Dara and you’ll see the imposing city walls and remnants of a once-thriving metropolis. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of this Byzantine City, and your guide will lead you to the most significant landmarks of Dara, including the Grand Palace, the Underground Cisterns, and the Byzantine-era Church of St. George.

Return to Mardin and after a break for lunch, proceed for a boat ride on the legendary Tigris River. As the boat meanders along the Tigris, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Lush greenery lines the riverbanks, punctuated by ancient cliffs and rocky outcrops that rise majestically from the water. Your guide will point out notable landmarks and historic sites along the riverbanks, providing fascinating insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of Mardin and its surrounding region. Keep a lookout for wildlife as you cruise along the Tigris. Birds soar overhead, fish dart beneath the surface of the water, and perhaps you’ll even catch sight of turtles sunning themselves on the riverbanks.

Day 10. Mardin – Gobekli Tepe - Urfa

Overnight – Doubletree by Hilton

You are assisted with your checkout anytime by noon and driven to Urfa, about 3 hours across the scenic Mesopotamian countryside. Just before you arrive, a short diversion will bring you to Göbekli Tepe, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. Dating back over 11,000 years, Göbekli Tepe predates Stonehenge by several millennia and challenges our understanding of the early stages of human civilization.

Göbekli Tepe was discovered in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that extensive excavations.

 

At first glance, Göbekli Tepe appears to be a series of simple stone circles, but closer inspection reveals intricately carved T-shaped limestone pillars arranged in circular formations. These pillars, some reaching up to 20 feet in height and weighing several tons, are adorned with intricate bas-reliefs of animals, symbols, and anthropomorphic figures.

Unlike other known Neolithic sites, Göbekli Tepe was not a settlement but rather a ceremonial and ritualistic complex. It is believed to have served as a gathering place for prehistoric people to engage in communal rituals, ceremonies, and possibly even feasts. The site’s sophisticated architecture and intricate carvings suggest a highly organized and socially complex society.

Göbekli Tepe is estimated to have been constructed around 9600 BCE, making it one of the oldest known monumental structures in the world. Its age and architectural sophistication challenge previous assumptions about the development of civilization, suggesting that complex social and religious structures may have preceded settled agriculture.

The significance of Göbekli Tepe extends far beyond its archaeological value. It has sparked intense debate and speculation among scholars, leading to new insights into the origins of agriculture, religion, and social organization. Some researchers believe that Göbekli Tepe may represent a turning point in human history, marking the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.

From Gobekli Tepe you will be driven to your comfortable mid-level hotel (best available in the region) in Urfa and assisted with check-in to your suite. Urfa boasts a history that spans millennia, with archaeological evidence indicating human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, the city has been inhabited by various civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Hittites, Assyrians, and Romans, each leaving their mark on its cultural landscape.

Urfa’s cultural heritage is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, music, and traditions. The city’s old town features narrow cobblestone streets, traditional courtyard houses, and bustling bazaars where artisans sell handmade crafts, spices, and textiles. Urfa’s cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and aromatic spices, with specialties such as kebabs, mezes, and baklava.

Day 11. Urfa

Overnight – Mandarin Oriental

You are at leisure for the first part of the day to relax and enjoy your resorts facilities and views. After lunch you will proceed for an exploration of the famous Bodrum Castle. Built by the Knights of St. John (who were based in Rhodes) in the 15th Century, the Castle has four towers called the English, French, Italian and German Towers, named after the nations that had them built. The castle is currently listed on UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in Turkey and has exceptional views of the sea and Bodrum.

The biggest attraction at the castle is the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and the treasures of this museum are located at various places within the castle. There are incredible displays of shipwrecks, the result of multiple expeditions of recovery by the Turkish government over the last 60 years. There are some impressive collections in parts of the castle, including the collection of vases and amphoras from the Mycenean Age in the chapel, an ancient coin and jewelery collection in the Italian Tower, and one of the world’s four largest collections of ancient glass.

After the castle you will enjoy a leisurely walk in the ancient parts of Bodrum, admiring the Cretan architecture and historical buildings. Then you will head to the waterfront district of Bodrum for a similar walk where you will be in a busy tourism area full of cafes, restaurants, bars and upscale stores, reminiscent of an oceanfront tourism center in much of Europe. Return to your beautiful resort in the late evening and watch the sunset over the turquoise sea.

Day 12 & 13: Bodrum.

Overnight – Mandarin Oriental

You are at leisure on this day to explore as you please, or to enjoy your incredible resort and views. Your Guide and vehicle are available to you for your chosen 8-hour span on each day. Options on these days include:

Multiple Water Activities and Experiences. Scenic drives along the picturesque coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula offers panoramic vistas of azure waters lapping against rugged cliffs. You can pause to explore the charming villages that dot the countryside, each offering a glimpse into the timeless traditions and hospitality of rural Turkey. There are opportunities to engage with local artisans and craftsmen, whose skillful hands breathe life into age-old traditions, from pottery making to traditional Turkish carpet weaving.

Temple of Apollo. A roughly 2 hour long beautiful drive, parts of which run along the coast and have views of multiple Greek islands will bring you to the ancient city of Didim, which is a popular resort town where many well-off Turks own ocean view homes and condos. You will visit the remains of the incredible Temple of Apollo in Didim. This was the 4th largest Temple in the ancient Greek Empire and its oracle was considered second only to the oracle at Delphi, and was consulted by Greek Emperors such as Alexander and various Caesars from the Roman Empire. The Temple was originally more than twice the size of the Parthenon and what remains today is still extremely impressive. We recommend lunch at the Topkapi Restaurant in Didim with its sea views and delicious food.

Day 14: Bodrum - Istanbul – Flight

You will be assisted with your checkout at any time by 11 AM this morning and driven to the airport where you will be assisted with your check-in for your flight to Istanbul. Arrive at Istanbul and after collecting your baggage, your guide will introduce you to your Airport VIP Rep. and bid you farewell as you check-in for your international flight. Additional services, including extending your stay for a departure at night, can be arranged upon request.

Our services end at Istanbul Airport.

Lodging Details

Destinations Lodgings
Istanbul
Ciragan Palace Kempinski – Executive Suite Bosphorus View w/ Balcony
Cappadocia
Orchid Cruise Premium – Premium Suite Cabin with Balcony
Mardin
Mardius Tarihi Konak - 204 King Deluxe
Bodrum
Mandarin Oriental – Mandarin Junior Suite Sea View

Inclusions

  • Daily breakfast at all the hotels
  • Cooking Lesson and Dinner at the historic Old Greek House in Cappadocia
  • Private Bosphorus Cruise on a Yacht at Istanbul
  • All Entry Fees for listed sights and experiences
  • Applicable monument entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Hotel check-in is at 3 pm and checkout is at 11 am for almost all the hotels
  • All transfers and sightseeing by personal upscale vehicle
  • Availability of a local Travel Facilitator at all destinations
  • Bottled water during sightseeing/excursions and other drives.
  • All currently applicable taxes.

Exclusions

  • International Travel
  • Balloon Ride(s) at Cappadocia - additional cost applies
  • Beverages during included meals
  • Expenses of a personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls, drinks etc.
  • Meals other than those specified above
  • Travel insurance, visa etc.

Pricing

Availability of our Journeys is Limited
Please call us at 512 387 1111
Or send us Your Preferred Dates below

Land Cost

2 Guests

$27,800.00* Per Person

1 Suite/Room/Villa

4 Guests

$26,100.00* Per Person

2 Suites/Rooms/Villas

8 Guests

$24,500.00* Per Person

4 Suites/Rooms/Villas

Balloon Ride at Cappadocia with private transfers = $250* per person

Internal Flight Costs

Business Class

$962.00* Per Person

These are Smart Fares. Cancellation and Change Fees Apply.

Business Class Flights included in Internal Flight Costs:

Istanbul – Kayseri – Istanbul / Bodrum – Istanbul
No Frills Coach:
Istanbul – Mardin – Izmir

Prices subject to change until booked.

Days 1 - 20

Day: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

Pace & Activity

All journeys are mild activity & pace levels.