Private Journey: From Istanbul to the Aegean

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival in Istanbul, you’ll be greeted personally and transferred in comfort to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind or take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of this timeless city.

Day 2 – Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar Experience

- Morning: Private cruise along the legendary Bosphorus Strait, where Europe and Asia meet.
- Highlights:
- Grand Ottoman mansions
- Elegant marble palaces
- Domed mosques
- Disembark to visit Rumeli Fortress.
- Explore the colorful Spice Bazaar, filled with fragrant herbs, teas, and exotic spices.
- Your guide will introduce you to hidden corners and local tastes.

Day 3 – Highlights of Istanbul: Palaces, Mosques & Ancient Foundations

- Topkapi Palace – Former home of Ottoman sultans with exquisite courtyards and treasures.
- Hagia Sophia – Architectural marvel blending Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
- Blue Mosque – Adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted tiles.
- Basilica Cistern – Mystical underground wonder from the Byzantine era.
- Hippodrome – Historic site of Byzantine chariot races.

Day 4 – Istanbul to Cappadocia: Fairy Chimneys & Cave Churches

- Early flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir.
- Devrent & Paşabağ Valleys – Surreal rock formations.
- Avanos – Traditional pottery town.
- Göreme Open-Air Museum – UNESCO site with frescoed cave churches.
- Uçhisar Castle – Panoramic views.
- Walk through Pigeon Valley.
- Overnight in a restored cave hotel.

Day 5 – Underground Cities & Valleys of Cappadocia

- Ortahisar – Village around a rock fortress.
- Kaymaklı Underground City – Ancient refuge for early Christians.
- Çavuşin Village – Abandoned rock dwellings.
- Scenic hikes in Red & Rose Valleys.
- Visit a local wine house for tasting.
- Optional: Sunrise hot air balloon, sunset horseback ride, or whirling dervish ceremony.

Day 6 – Cappadocia to Kusadasi via Izmir

- Flight to Izmir (via Istanbul).
- Brief tour including:
- Agora of Smyrna
- Historical Elevator – Bay views.
- Transfer to Kusadasi and hotel check-in.

Day 7 – The Ancient Marvels of Ephesus

- Full-day private tour of Ephesus:
- Celsus Library
- Great Theater
- Temple of Hadrian
- House of the Virgin Mary – Pilgrimage site.
- St. John’s Basilica – Historical ruins.
- Return to Kusadasi for a relaxed evening.

Day 8 – Kusadasi to Bodrum: Aegean Escape

- Morning at leisure.
- Scenic coastal drive to Bodrum.
- Hotel check-in and free time to enjoy the Aegean breeze.

Day 9 – Discover Bodrum’s Coastal Charm

- Castle of St. Peter – Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Traditional Bodrum windmills.
- Ancient amphitheater with panoramic bay views.
- Optional: Private gulet yacht cruise to hidden bays and ruins.

Day 10 – Departure via Istanbul

- Morning at leisure.
- Private transfer to Bodrum Airport for flight to Istanbul and your international departure.