Treasures of Turkey

Fly into Istanbul (IST). We'll meet you at the airport when you clear customers, and whisk you to our home in Istanbul, the Bank Hotel in the vibrant Karaköy district. The hotel is housed in an old bank building designed by Antoine Tedeschi in 1867 and recently renovated. 

Take some time to rest and relax. In the early evening, we'll gather for a welcome drink in the lobby. 

From there, we’ll take a stroll to Mahkeme Lokantası, where a private dining room awaits. Savor a delicious meal showcasing local flavors in an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a relaxing walk back to the hotel, ready to unwind and look forward to the days ahead.

A delicious Turkish breakfast will provide us with the energy to explore the historic districts of Sultanahmet/Fatih in Istanbul. After a short drive, we'll stop at the Blue Mosque. The beautiful hand-painted tiles that resemble the open sky will amaze you. Afterward, we'll visit the ancient and impressive Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest and most magnificent buildings we've ever seen.

We'll stop at the Spice Market and head to the Pandelli restaurant where we'll have lunch.

We'll take a break at the hotel in the afternoon. 

This evening we will board a private boat for an evening sail up the Bosphorus to our dinner in a former Ottoman Palace, the Tuğra restaurant.

We’ll start our day with breakfast before checking out of the hotel and making our way to the iconic Grand Bazaar. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the artistry of Turkish carpets with a private education session led by local master Mr. Ara in his private studio at Çınar Rugs, a unique opportunity to discover the craftsmanship behind these treasures.

Next, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at Havuzlu Restaurant, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic venue, before heading to the airport for our flight to Izmir. 

Upon landing in Izmir, we’ll transfer to the enchanting Nişanyan Evleri Hotel in the hillside village of Şirince. This boutique retreat, with its beautifully restored stone cottages and lush gardens, offers panoramic countryside views and a tranquil escape steeped in history.

Dinner will be served at the hotel, giving us time to unwind and settle in for a two-night stay.

We’ll begin our day with breakfast at your leisure before departing for a guided tour of the ancient city of Ephesus. As we wander through this archaeological marvel, we’ll explore its grand structures and imagine life in this once-thriving Roman hub.

After our visit, we’ll drive to Özdere Beach, where a private boat awaits. We’ll spend the afternoon enjoying lunch on board, surrounded by the tranquil waters and stunning coastal views.

In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Nişanyan Houses. The evening is yours to relax and unwind, with plenty of time to enjoy the serene surroundings.

We’ll start the day with breakfast at your leisure before checking out of the hotel and transferring to Izmir airport for our flight to Kayseri. From there, we’ll continue by road to Cappadocia, where a new adventure awaits.

Upon arrival, we’ll savor lunch at Millocal Restaurant, known for its creative take on local flavors. After lunch, we’ll have the privilege of attending a pottery demonstration led by Mr. Galip, a celebrated artist recognized by UNESCO for his contributions to this ancient craft. Watch as he shapes tradition into art, offering us an unforgettable glimpse into Cappadocia’s cultural heritage.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll check into the enchanting Taşkonaklar Hotel, where each cave room blends comfort with the timeless charm of the region.

As evening falls, we’ll gather for a special dinner in the hotel’s candlelit cave dining room, an intimate setting that perfectly captures the magic of Cappadocia. 

We’ll begin the day early for an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon ride. Drifting over Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes is an experience like no other.

Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel to enjoy breakfast before heading to Kelebek’s Cave Turkish Bath for a rejuvenating scrub and massage session.

For lunch, we’ll savor a meal at Areni Cappadocia, a perfect spot to recharge before our afternoon exploration.

Later, we’ll visit Cappadocia’s fascinating underground cities, a window into the lives of its ancient cave-dwelling inhabitants and a remarkable chapter in the region’s history.

We’ll start the day with breakfast at your leisure before heading to the Hereni Women’s Cooperative in Ortahisar for a mid-morning cooking class. Guided by local women, we’ll learn to create traditional dishes using fresh, regional ingredients, gaining a deeper appreciation for Cappadocia’s culinary heritage.

The afternoon is yours to relax, explore the charming village, or simply soak in the views of the surrounding valleys.

In the evening, we’ll come together for a special farewell dinner at Revithra Restaurant. The tasting menu, thoughtfully paired with local wines, offers a perfect finale to our time in Cappadocia, blending flavors and memories into one unforgettable experience.

It's time to say goodbye to Turkey! 

From exploring the beautiful architectural heritage to savoring delicious Turkish cuisine, we have made unforgettable memories here. As much as we would love to stay longer, it's time for us to move on to our next adventure.

After breakfast, we'll head to the airport for our flight to Istanbul, brimming with gratitude for the unforgettable moments and sharing one last güle güle (go smiling!) with the friends who have enriched our lives during this trip!