Exploring Istanbul

During the next 3 full days exploring Istanbul we will immerse ourselves  experiencing the history and culture of Turkey with guided walking  and museum tours. Our full time native private guide enhances the sites as we visit the ancient Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, a most impressive sight with it’s massive dome and 6 minarets, and the Hagia Sophia, the famous basilica which was constructed in the 6th century A.D. and is often described as the greatest work of Byzantine architecture.  We will shop at the Grand Bazaar along with my favorite, the artful Arasta Bazaar.  Sipping tea in the garden of Yesil Ev will offer a pleasant interlude from our walks as we get to know all that is Istanbul.  The Topkapi Palace Museum will take us back to the time of the Ottoman Sultans.  Colorful Spice Markets are a window to the local life with a kaleidoscope of photo opportunities.  A walking tour of the culinary capital of Turkey, the Beyogul district which is enjoying a revival with many cafes, bars and bistros, will enrich  our Turkish culinary experiences. Sampling original Ottoman cuisine recipes for dinner is delightful.  A short cruise is included on the Bosphorous which adds a unique perspective of the city and her hundreds of Mosques from the water.  Before leaving we have the option of an exquisite Turkish Bath experience, i highly recommend.  We will leave Istanbul brimming with the sights, sounds and colors of a most fascinating city and continue our discovery of this fascinating country.

Magical Cappadocia

We depart the bustle of Istanbul via air for the wonderland of Cappadocia, the land of the Fairy Chimneys, a place apart deep in the heart of central Turkey.  Breathe the air here and soak in the peaceful spirit.  All your Turkish flights in the country are included and will be arranged once we are in Turkey.  Our fascinating and comfortable award winning luxe boutique hotel is tucked into millennium old caves.  Imagine!!  It dates back to 5th and 6th centuries.  Here we will also do some walking in the Rose Valley and exploring the countryside in this spectacular land.  This landscape is Turkey’s most stunning natural wonder.  Cappadocia is a place of unusual geographic formations sprinkled with green vineyards, orchards, and frescoed churches.  You will visit underground cities of Kaymakli, Pasabag, and Zelve as well as Goerme’s Open Air Museum which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  This is where you will experience authentic  and memorable Whirling Dervishes .As we travel we will visit the Avanos handcraft Center where women are continuing age old traditions of handwork in textiles, and pottery.  Perhaps you will opt to rise at 4 am and take an optional hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys as the sunrises.  Walking in the various valleys in Cappadoccia,  an unforgettable region and one you will long remember; you will be charmed and inspired and perhaps plan to return again. Our loding is in an authentic cave hotel which has won numerous awards for the apparent sensibilites and sensitivity to both  restoration and luxury. The cave settlements are fascinating and our perch is stellar.

As hard as it may be, we will leave the magical land of Cappadocia and fly the short distance to Izmir and onward for the drive to Kusadasi, an hour south.  Kusadasi is an Aegean port where we will base to tour the infamous Ancient Ephesus, a site that is being  meticulously restored and difficult to put into words.  Walking the ancient sacred ground at Ephesus with our private guide, who is a living encyclopedia of knowledge, will be another highlight of your days in Turkey.  We settle in  the smaller village of Sirince, one of the most picturesque villages on the Aegean coast, where village life slows the pace and the rural landscape reminds one of Provence or Tuscany.  Here we will savour the generous efforts of a local woman who will cook us lunch in her home. In 2012 we all thoroughly enjoyed our time here and the locals we met.  You can shop amidst the many colorful stalls that fill the cobbled street near our small boutique hotel. The air is clear, the olive trees and jasmine abundant and the food is fresh as we continue journeying in Turkey.

Ephesus

We will walk the distinctly memorable sacred ground in Ephesus, an ancient city of Greek and Roman origins that words don't adequately describe.

Bodrum

We will drive approximately 3 hours through the mountains and valleys  to the coast for our finale with your  private room at the stunning five star SLH Maramar Bodrum overlooking the sea.  Relax by the sea and experience a full day sailing on a Turkish Gulet exploring the coast.  You will begin to unwind a bit here, slowing the pace for our last few days prior to our return home from the wonder that is Turkey.