The Highlights of Turkey

Duration 11 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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Experience history and culture, food and the natural landscapes of stunning Turkey. Explore the mesmerising city and cultural hub of Istanbul, the magnificent Blue Mosque and grand Topkapi Palace. Marvel at the unique landscapes and ‘fairy chimneys’ of Cappadocia from the skies on a hot air balloon ride. Then, the ancient history of Ephesus, known throughout the ancient world for being the site of the Temple of Artemis and finally, to the coastal playground that is Bodrum and its peninsula.

Trip highlights

  • Wandering the vibrant and colourful bazaars of Istanbul
  • Taking a cruise along the waters of the mighty Bosphorus
  • Floating above Cappadocia on a hot air balloon ride
  • Stepping back in time on a visit to Ephesus
  • Traditional sailing around Bodrum's peninsula

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Private transfers
  • Private tours and experiences
  • Full support from your travel designer and concierge
  • Help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
  • Days 1–4 Istanbul
  • Days 4–6 Cappadocia
  • Days 6–8 Izmir
  • Days 8–11 Bodrum
The Highlights of Turkey
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–4 Istanbul
  • Days 4–6 Cappadocia
  • Days 6–8 Izmir
  • Days 8–11 Bodrum

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–4

Four days exploring Istanbul

Istanbul, the country’s most populous city and cultural hub, is the most fascinationg place to spend four days, visitng the main landmarks such as the magnificent Blue Mosque and grand Topkapi Palace. Gain a different perspective of the city from the Bosphorus during a scenic motor yacht cruise and wander the city’s bustling bazaars to taste and authentic and mouth-watering Turkish cuisine.

Take in the City’s many other highlights on a private tour with an expert guides. Visit St. Sophia, located between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, and marvel at the Basilica Cistern’s 336 beautiful columns including the two that feature the head of Medusa. Stop by the Hippodrome, which was one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. Learn about the art of carpet weaving at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Shop for world famous handmade carpets and kilims, some of the most beautiful examples of Turkish silver art and decorations made of copper and bronze and ceramics.

Make it mine

Cruising

Culture

Private cruise on the Bosphorus

You’ll embark your yacht and enjoy a private motor yacht cruise on the Bosphorus, the narrow strait of water separating the Asian and European continents and the lifeblood of Istanbul. Passing along the shores of the Bosphorus you will view magnificent palaces, restored Ottoman villas, impressive fortresses and the waterside residences of Istanbul’s elite. Enjoy soft drinks on the motor yacht and see a different perspective of Istanbul, described by a Byzantine visitor in the 12th century as ‘the city of the world’s desire’.

Churches, mosques and bazaars

Visit the Grand Bazaar, with more than 4000 shops, to learn about the art of carpet weaving and find a variety of Turkish handicrafts, oriental carpets, rare jewels, textiles, books and Iznik tiles.  Next, you will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque situated on the third hill of old Istanbul, strikingly graceful and attended for meditation and quiet reflection. Next, the Church of St Saviour in Chora where the walls are decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes. You’ll also visit the Spice Bazaar, constructed in the 1660s–It’s still the best place to buy Turkish delight, dried fruit, fragrant spices and herbs.

Days 4–6

See the sites in Cappadocia

Spend two unforgettable days exploring the magical area of Cappadocia. Visit Devrent and Pasabag (the Pasha’s Vineyard) Valleys, where unbelievable landscapes and savage, spectacular rock formations reveal the secrets of the famed ‘fairy chimneys’. You can also visit Zelve, where three canyons meet in the Valley of Monks and the rockface is honeycombed with caves and churches, stopping at the most interesting; The Church of Grapes and the Fish Church.

Make it mine

Above

Below

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia

After an early morning pick up, you will take to the skies above Cappadocia to enjoy a thrilling and breathtaking ballooning experience. As you float over Cappadocia’s unique landscapes, heading along its scenic valleys, you’ll gain a greater appreciation of the sheer beauty of this area of Turkey. After your ride, you will head back to your hotel for a delicious breakfast.

Underground city and open air museum

Start your day with your expert guide, descending five levels below the Earth’s surface into the Kaymakli underground city to explore living quarters, kitchens, wine presses, storage rooms, stables and ventilation shafts. Next, you’ll visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to view the ‘Golden Age’ of religious art in Göreme. Finally, the Göreme Valley, which has been occupied since the dawn of history and is known as the ‘Valley of the Churches’.

Days 6–8

Two nights in Izmir to explore ancient Ephesus

The city of Izmir is the perfect base for discovering the nearby ancient history of Ephesus. Known throughout the ancient world for being the site of the Temple of Artemis, you’ll enjoy a full day exploring this incredible site, including its fantastic museum.

Ephesus ancient city tour

Discover this stunning ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during a fascinating private tour. Visit the Odeon Theatre, before viewing the Hadrian Temple which was dedicated in 118 AD to Hadrian, Artemis and the people of Ephesus. Stop at the excavated Terrace Houses located on a hill within the City. They were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians and are decorated with mosaics and frescoes.
After this, the Library of Celsus, the best preserved structure of its kind and built by Julius between 114–117 AD, in his father’s honour. Then you’ll visit the Great Theatre, dating back to the Hellenistic period. After a delicious lunch go to the House of Virgin Mary, where the Virgin is said to have lived in the last years of her life. Finally, the Ephesus Museum to find the many artefacts that have been found in Ephesus and other ancient sites in the region.

Days 8–11

Time at leisure to soak up Bodrum

Your last stop will be Bodrum, an area of beautiful coastal scenery where you can relax at the hotel and head out to discover the beautiful nearby beaches and landscapes dotted with history.  In addition to relaxing on the beach or at your hotel, you’ll have the chance to discover Bodrum’s iconic castle, as well as take to the water on a memorable and traditional sailing experience in a gulet.

Make it mine

History

Sailing

Bodrum Castle

Let your expert guide lead you on your private exploration of Bodrum Castle and its massive conglomeration of courtyards, turrets, galleries and sunken gardens. Visit the on-site Museum of Underwater Archaeology, considered the most established of its kind in the world, and discover numerous treasures from historic shipwrecks discovered along Turkey’s southern shores. Also on display in the castle’s Gothic Chapel is a full reconstruction of one third of an Eastern Roman wreck, which dates from the 7th century.

Private gulet cruise

You will enjoy a private adventurous sailing experience in a gulet, a typical wooden sailing boat from the region. You will enjoy crystal-clear water and swimming in the secret coves. You will have plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing and relaxing. A gourmet lunch will be served onboard your gulet. At the end of your voyage you will have some time to stroll around Bodrum town.

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your adventure

How it works

  1. Simply click ‘Start Planning’ or give us a call.
  2. We’ll get in touch within 24 hours and work with you to perfect the details of your trip.
  3. Sit back and relax while we plan a bespoke itinerary for you.

Why book with Jacada

Pesonalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.