Tour Description

Discover Turkey in Style

Platinum Luxury Bespoke Holiday

11 Days Bodrum to Istanbul

Departs Daily

Bodrum (3) | Cappadocia (4) | Istanbul (3)

Indulge in a luxurious private tour across Turkey’s captivating destinations – Bodrum, Cappadocia, and Istanbul. Discover the sights with private licensed local guides who will share their extensive knowledge of Turkish culture and history with you. This bespoke journey seamlessly blends history, luxury, and exclusivity for the discerning traveller, offering a unique glimpse into Turkey’s rich tapestry.

Highlights:

Discover the ancient ruins and city of Ephesus
Indulge in local wines and canapes at the charming Greek village of Şirince
Set sail on a traditional gullet along the Gulf of Kerme
Visit the traditional family-owned boutique Karnas Vineyard on the Bodrum Peninsula (wine tasting and degustation meal included)
Discover Fairy Chimneys and Rock Churches of Cappadocia
Uncover history at rock-cut churches, Ortahisar Castle, and Kaymaklı Underground City
Discover Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, Underground Cisterns, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome
Private tour of the Orient Express’s arrival point in Istanbul
Private yacht cruise on the Bosphorus Sea

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1: Bodrum

Welcome to Turkey! You will be met at the arrival gate of your aircraft by our local representative, escorted through passport control and customs, fast tracked through security, and assisted with your luggage. You will be escorted to your private vehicle and transferred to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for 3 nights including buffet breakfast. Remainder of day at leisure to relax.

Known as Halicarnassus in ancient times, Bodrum became influential from the 5th century BCE onward under the rule of the Persian Empire. Halicarnassus thrived under the rule of Mausolus and his wife Artemisia II, continuing the Hekatomnid dynasty. The city later fell under Persian rule with its strategic port of value. Alexander the Great set siege to the city capturing it in 301 BC. The Crusader Knights arrived in 1402. The remains of their Mausoleum now stand in Bodrum Castle. In 1522 Suleiman the Magnificent conquered this base of the Crusader knights. Sites to visit in Bodrum include the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Day 2: Bodrum (B, Tastings)

Depart on your private sightseeing tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and St Johns Basilica. Later visit the Greek village of Sirince to sample local wines and canapes. Return to your hotel at the end of the tour.

Day 3: Bodrum (BD, Wine Tastings)

Spend a relaxing morning sailing on a traditional gullet on the Gulf of Kerme. Later this afternoon visit the traditional family-owned boutique Karnas Vineyard located on the Bodrum Peninsula. This award-winning organic vineyard has a focus on Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Vermentino varieties. A wine tasting degustation meal is included with the opportunity to meet the owners. Upon completion of your tour you will be returned to your hotel.

Day 4: Bodrum – Cappadocia (BD)

This morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to Bodrum Airport for your flight to Cappadocia, via Istanbul. Seats are reserved in business class.

On arrival at Cappadocia Airport you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to the Museum Hotel where accommodation is reserved for four nights in a deluxe suite. A dinner is included this evening at the Museum Hotel.

Cappadocia, the land of fairy chimneys, lies in the heart of Ancient Anatolia – one of the cradles of human civilization. Here, the earliest cities in world history appeared, about 5000 BC. Today, new archaeological discoveries suggest the ancient, civilized cities date back to 12000 BC.

Day 5: Cappadocia (B)

Begin your discovery of Cappadocia on a private tour, with visits to Goreme’s “Caves of God” a UNESCO world heritage site. Here Monasteries and churches hewn into volcanic tufa rock which reached their peak between 7th and 13th centuries. Visit the Red valley of Dervent, with an incredible versatile palette of colours through the hours of the day. See the fairy chimneys of Pasabagi and visit a regional pottery workshop.
Note: Cappadocia churches are in underground caves, with steep step access only.

Day 6: Cappadocia (B)

Hot Air Balloon Trip: This morning, a very early transfer to the Hot Air Balloon site. Set off at sunrise and drift over the “fairy chimney” rock formations and Bronze Age cave dwellings that have made the Cappadocia landscape so famous. After the balloon trip return to your hotel for breakfast and relax or explore the local surroundings. We recommend a visit to the Indigo Gallery, a specialist quality rug shop, located in Goreme, during your visit to Cappadocia.

Optional Activities (surcharge applies):

Attend a lunchtime or evening cooking class
Discover the local pottery techniques at a local pottery class

Day 7: Cappadocia

Depart on your private tour to continue exploring this stunning area. Walk through the famous rock-cut churches of the Rose Valley and rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village known for its Christian houses and churches. This afternoon visit the Ortahisar Castle and its storage caves. Continue to the Kaymakli Underground City where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals by fertilizing vineyards with their manure.

Optional (surcharge applies): This evening attend a local Whirling Dervishes show

Day 8: Cappadocia – Istanbul (BD)

This morning transfer you will be met at your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Seats are reserved in business class.

On arrival at Istanbul Airport you will be met by our local representative and transferred by private vehicle to the Pera Palace Hotel for a three-night stay in the Greta Garbo Corner suite. Remainder of day at leisure. Dinner is reserved at the Orient Terrace Restaurant at your hotel.

Day 9: Istanbul (B)

This morning meet your guide for a private tour to Topkapi Palace, overlooking the Golden Horn, and once inhabited by the Ottoman Sultan’s. Continue to the Old City for a walking tour. Highlights today include the Underground Cisterns thought to have been built after the Nika revolt in 532 AD – known as the Basilica Cistern during the Roman period. After the conquest of the city by the Ottoman Turks, the cisterns were forgotten and later rediscovered in 1545. Today’s visit will also include the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Obelisk. Lunch own arrangements in the old city.

Day 10: Istanbul (BL)

Discover the original Orient Express arrival point, Sirkeci Marmaray Station on your private tour (the station now closed to trains). An authentic museum and café reflecting life in the Oriental Express era. Continue to 17th Century Egyptian Bazaar and discover vibrant coloured spices alongside the famous Lokum (Turkish Delight). Board a private yacht for a three-hour cruise on the Bosphorus Sea, separating the continents of Europe and Asia (lunch is included), and conclude your day with a visit to the colourful Grand Bazaar.

Optional Tour (surcharge applies):

Take a thrilling 30-minute Grand Bazaar rooftop tour. Meet a local rooftop custodian who will accompany you to the discreet entry point. Climb narrow ladders up to the high rooftop, to discover this incredible location for action movies. Relive Bond movie chase scenes, or Liam Neilson “Taken”. Note: There are no safety barriers on the Bazaar rooftop. Sturdy footwear required.

Day 11: Istanbul (B)

This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

Bespoke Turkey tour for 2 adults travelling together
VIP meet and greet service at Bodrum Airport
Private transfers in luxury A/C vehicle (Mercedes Sprinter or similar)
10-nights’ Platinum Class accommodation
Daily breakfasts
Dinners as specified
Porterage at hotels
Business Class flights: Bodrum to Cappadocia via Istanbul and Cappadocia to Istanbul
Professional licensed speaking guide for tours
Sightseeing as specified in itinerary including
- Cappadocia: 2 x private tours and Hot Air Balloon flight with transfers
- Istanbul: Private full day Istanbul Mosaics Tour; Private full day programme including Egyptian Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise on a private yacht, including lunch, continue with private tour to the Grand Bazaar.
Other sightseeing as specified.
Entrance fees for mentioned sites
24/7 local operator support
Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

International airfares
Insurance (compulsory)
Early check-in/late check-out
Any entrance fees on 2nd day in Cappadocia
Optional tours and excursions
Meals not specified
Porterage
Tipping/Gratuities for guides and drivers (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
Personal Expenses
Departure and airport taxes
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
Visas (unless specified)
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the following (or similar):

Bodrum

Platinum Class: The Bodrum Edition Hotel – Deluxe Sea View Room

Set on the Turkish Riviera, the resort in Bodrum offers an inspiring location to explore Turkey. This beachfront hotel in Bodrum offers easy access to numerous water sports, places to explore such as Yalikavak Marina and Bodrum Amphitheatre, as well as enticing shops and restaurants.

Images credit: The Bodrum Edition

Cappadocia

Platinum Class: The Museum Hotel – Deluxe Cave Suite

The Museum Hotel is the only Relais Chateaux property in Turkey. This boutique hotel has a stunning location looking out over the valley and an intimate experience with only 34 rooms. The Hotel has hundreds of precious artefacts for you to look over.

Images credit: The Museum Hotel

Istanbul

Platinum Class: Pera Palace Hotel – Greta Garbo Corner Room

With its excellently proportioned, Art-nouveau façade and architecture, and the Orientalist approach Kubbeli Saloon, the Pera Palace Hotel was built to welcome the original Oriental Express Guests from 1883 including Dame Agatha Christie. The hotel has lasted through the reigns of three Ottoman sultans, the fall of the Ottoman Empire, and the rise of the Turkish Republic.

Images credit: Pera Palace Hotel

Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.

Sightseeing
All sightseeing tours require a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites. This is particularly true in Cappadocia where walks can be up to 1 or 2 km long and where a good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit. On some tours you may visit a carpet or handicraft shop where the locals will show how their crafts are made. There is no obligation to buy any products at any of these places.

Private Sightseeing tours
It is important that you discuss the days arrangements with the guide as the touring programmes have a degree of flexibility. It is important to discuss with the guide so that any specific requirements can be met or addressed at the time.

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Priced From:

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