PRIVATE JOURNEY
Marvels of Turkey — NEW!
From the Bosphorus to the Aegean, Western Turkey enchants with vibrant, cosmopolitan Istanbul, the Greco-Roman ruins of Aphrodisias and Ephesus, and the opulent seaside glamour of Alacati. On this unique journey, you’ll also travel east to explore the fantastic landscapes and cave churches of Cappadocia and the holy city of Konya. Along the way, explore the grand palaces of the sultans, visit a hot springs, travel along the Silk Road, and sample some of the country’s sumptuous cuisine.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings representative and transferred to your luxury hotel in the old city. Sirkeci Konak Hotel (Deluxe Room with Balcony) – 3-nights
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings representative and transferred to your luxury hotel in the old city. Sirkeci Konak Hotel (Deluxe Room with Balcony) – 3-nights
Day 2
Istanbul / Old City Walking Tour
Begin your exploration of Istanbul in Sultanahmet Square. See the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the church of Hagia Sofia. Continues on to the Topkapi Sarayi, the palace of the Ottoman sultans for over 300 years and the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets. (B)
Begin your exploration of Istanbul in Sultanahmet Square. See the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the church of Hagia Sofia. Continues on to the Topkapi Sarayi, the palace of the Ottoman sultans for over 300 years and the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets. (B)
Day 3
Istanbul / Asia in Istanbul
After breakfast, visit the lovely Rüstem Pasa mosque. Then cross to the Asian side of Istanbul for a walking tour of the historic Kadikoy Market. Sample the famed kup griye confection of Baylan Patisserie, and dine on traditional Turkish cuisine at Ciya. This afternoon, visit Beylerbeyi Palace, formely the sultan’s summer residence. (B)
After breakfast, visit the lovely Rüstem Pasa mosque. Then cross to the Asian side of Istanbul for a walking tour of the historic Kadikoy Market. Sample the famed kup griye confection of Baylan Patisserie, and dine on traditional Turkish cuisine at Ciya. This afternoon, visit Beylerbeyi Palace, formely the sultan’s summer residence. (B)
Day 4
To Cappadocia
Fly east to the fascinating region of Cappadocia. Upon arrival, drive to Kaymakli, the extensive underground city. Then ascend to the top of Uchisar Castle for stunning, panoramic views. Argos In (Standard Room) – 2 nights (B)
Fly east to the fascinating region of Cappadocia. Upon arrival, drive to Kaymakli, the extensive underground city. Then ascend to the top of Uchisar Castle for stunning, panoramic views. Argos In (Standard Room) – 2 nights (B)
Day 5
Cappadocia
Embark on an exploration of Goreme National Park with its cave churches and monasteries. Continue to the Ihlara Valley and the Selime Monastery, the largest monastery in Cappadocia. (B)
Embark on an exploration of Goreme National Park with its cave churches and monasteries. Continue to the Ihlara Valley and the Selime Monastery, the largest monastery in Cappadocia. (B)
Day 6
To Konya
Travel along the ancient Silk Road on your way to Konya, stopping at Turkey’s largest caravanserai, where once merchants gathered to spend the night. In Konya, visit the museum and shrine of Mevlana Rumi, a Sufi mystical poet who inspired the dancing meditation of the whirling dervishes. Dedaman Hotel (Superior Room) – 1-night (B)
Travel along the ancient Silk Road on your way to Konya, stopping at Turkey’s largest caravanserai, where once merchants gathered to spend the night. In Konya, visit the museum and shrine of Mevlana Rumi, a Sufi mystical poet who inspired the dancing meditation of the whirling dervishes. Dedaman Hotel (Superior Room) – 1-night (B)
Day 7
To Pamukkale
Embark on a scenic drive to Pamukkale, Turkey’s most renowned mineral springs and spa. Upon arrival, relax in the hotel’s pool before dinner. Hotel Pam (Standard Room) – 2 nights (B, D)
Embark on a scenic drive to Pamukkale, Turkey’s most renowned mineral springs and spa. Upon arrival, relax in the hotel’s pool before dinner. Hotel Pam (Standard Room) – 2 nights (B, D)
Day 8
Aphrodisias
In the Greco-Roman site of Aphrodisias, discover the Temple of Aphrodite and the immense stadium. Also visit the great baths of Hierapolis, the ancient city built near the springs of Pamukkale. (B, D)
In the Greco-Roman site of Aphrodisias, discover the Temple of Aphrodite and the immense stadium. Also visit the great baths of Hierapolis, the ancient city built near the springs of Pamukkale. (B, D)
Day 9
To Ephesus / Sirince
Explore the archaeological site of Ephesus. Walk along the Royal Road to see the famed Library of Celsus, the theater and the exquisite Terrace Houses. Continue to the hill town of Sirince, where a self-guided walking tour immerses you in the traditions of Turkish country life. Gullu Konaklari Hotel (Residence Room) – 2-nights (B)
Explore the archaeological site of Ephesus. Walk along the Royal Road to see the famed Library of Celsus, the theater and the exquisite Terrace Houses. Continue to the hill town of Sirince, where a self-guided walking tour immerses you in the traditions of Turkish country life. Gullu Konaklari Hotel (Residence Room) – 2-nights (B)
Day 10
Priene
Travel to Priene to see its temples and private homes. Then it’s on to Miletus, home to the Baths of Faustina and a massive Roman theater. Before returning to Sirince, visit the Mosque of Ilyas Bey with its stonework and delicate reliefs. (B)
Travel to Priene to see its temples and private homes. Then it’s on to Miletus, home to the Baths of Faustina and a massive Roman theater. Before returning to Sirince, visit the Mosque of Ilyas Bey with its stonework and delicate reliefs. (B)
Day 11
To Alacati
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Alacati, on the shores of the Aegean. Your hotel in this seaside retreat for the Istanbul elite is composed of two restored 19th-century mansions. Nars Alacati (Deluxe Room) – 3-nights (B)
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Alacati, on the shores of the Aegean. Your hotel in this seaside retreat for the Istanbul elite is composed of two restored 19th-century mansions. Nars Alacati (Deluxe Room) – 3-nights (B)
Day 12
Pergamon
Take a day trip to the ancient city of Pergamom to visit its Acropolis, the hillside theater and the Asklepion, one of the world’s oldest medical centers. (B)
Take a day trip to the ancient city of Pergamom to visit its Acropolis, the hillside theater and the Asklepion, one of the world’s oldest medical centers. (B)
Day 13
Alacati
The day is yours. After a relaxed breakfast, spend the day exploring the town, strolling along the waterfront or just admiring the cerulean waters from a cozy cafe. (B)
The day is yours. After a relaxed breakfast, spend the day exploring the town, strolling along the waterfront or just admiring the cerulean waters from a cozy cafe. (B)
Day 14
Depart Alacati
Today you will be transferred to Izmir airport for your international flight. (B)
Today you will be transferred to Izmir airport for your international flight. (B)
Extend Your Journey
Journeys:
Highlights:
- Discover the wonders of the Blue Mosque and elegant Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
- Search for treasures at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
- Explore the cave churches of Goreme National Park and the subterranean city of Kaymakli
- Delve into the legacy of the great Sufi poet Mevlana Rumi in Konya
- Marvel at the otherworldly landscape of Pamukkale
- Immerse yourself in the past in the Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus and Aphrodisias
- Stroll the quaint streets of the seaside city of Alacati on the Aegean coast
Travel Details & Dates:
14 DAYS & 13 NIGHTS
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Sirince & Alacati
2012 Dates:
Apr - Oct
Prices From:
$7,937
Note:
Upon request, your travel consultant can provide an exact price based on your specific dates of travel.
Includes: