PRIVATE JOURNEY
Classical Turkey — NEW!
Travel from vibrant Istanbul where East meets West on the banks of the Bosphorus, to the ancient ruins of the once-great city of Ephesus. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of both European and Asian Istanbul, walk Ephesus’ Royal Road to see what was once the world’s second greatest library, and then relax in style on the shores of the Aegean Sea in Alacati. Along the way, indulge in sumptuous cuisine and savor some famed Turkish hospitality.
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 heart of the old city. Sirkeci Konak Hotel (Standard Room) – 3-nights
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings representative and transferred to your luxury hotel in the heart of the old city. Sirkeci Konak Hotel (Standard Room) – 3-nights
Day 2
Istanbul / Old City Walking Tour
After breakfast, depart with your expert local guide to begin your exploration of Istanbul in Sultanahmet Square. Spend the morning on Seraglio Point, marveling at the 4th-century reliefs on the obelisk of Theodosius in the ancient Hippodrome. Then stroll over to one of the city’s iconic monuments — the 17th-century Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). Nearby, examine the superb mosaics of the great church of Hagia Sofia, built in 360 by Emperor Justinian. Your voyage through history continues at the legendary Topkapi Sarayi, the palace of the Ottoman sultans for over 300 years. This afternoon, bargain with friendly shopkeepers at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets and home to more than 4,000 shops. (B)
After breakfast, depart with your expert local guide to begin your exploration of Istanbul in Sultanahmet Square. Spend the morning on Seraglio Point, marveling at the 4th-century reliefs on the obelisk of Theodosius in the ancient Hippodrome. Then stroll over to one of the city’s iconic monuments — the 17th-century Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). Nearby, examine the superb mosaics of the great church of Hagia Sofia, built in 360 by Emperor Justinian. Your voyage through history continues at the legendary Topkapi Sarayi, the palace of the Ottoman sultans for over 300 years. This afternoon, bargain with friendly shopkeepers at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets and home to more than 4,000 shops. (B)
Day 3
Istanbul/Asia in Istanbul
After breakfast, begin your explorations of more of Istanbul’s delights. Visit the Rüstem Pasa mosque; built in 1561, this perfectly proportioned mosque rises amidst the rows of shops and storehouses near the spice bazaar. Then drive across the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul for a walking tour of the historic Kadikoy Market. Visit the specialty food stores of local merchants, relish the famed kup griye (ice cream, caramel, pistachios and almonds) confection of Baylan Patisserie, and dine on traditional Turkish cuisine at Ciya. This afternoon, visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, built in the late 19th-century as a summer residence for the sultan. (B, L)
After breakfast, begin your explorations of more of Istanbul’s delights. Visit the Rüstem Pasa mosque; built in 1561, this perfectly proportioned mosque rises amidst the rows of shops and storehouses near the spice bazaar. Then drive across the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul for a walking tour of the historic Kadikoy Market. Visit the specialty food stores of local merchants, relish the famed kup griye (ice cream, caramel, pistachios and almonds) confection of Baylan Patisserie, and dine on traditional Turkish cuisine at Ciya. This afternoon, visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, built in the late 19th-century as a summer residence for the sultan. (B, L)
Day 4
To Sirince
Fly southwest to Izmir and then drive up into the scenic hills before arriving in Sirince. After checking in to your hotel, relax for a while on the terrace, which overlooks the picturesque village. Then perhaps take a self-guided walking tour of the town and immerse yourself in the age-old traditions of Turkish country life. Gullu Konaklari Hotel (Residence Room) – 2-nights (B)
Fly southwest to Izmir and then drive up into the scenic hills before arriving in Sirince. After checking in to your hotel, relax for a while on the terrace, which overlooks the picturesque village. Then perhaps take a self-guided walking tour of the town and immerse yourself in the age-old traditions of Turkish country life. Gullu Konaklari Hotel (Residence Room) – 2-nights (B)
Day 5
Ephesus
After breakfast at the hotel, explore the Greco-Roman archaeological site of Ephesus, which flourished as a prominent city and seaport between 600 B.C. and 500 A.D. Walk along the Royal Road, a 4th-century white marble chariot thoroughfare, whose most striking sight is the two-story Library of Celsus. Uniquely beautiful, with its restored façade, now the famed symbol of Ephesus, the library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts, making it the second largest in the ancient world after the library in Alexandria. As you continue along the Royal Road, your private guide illuminates the history behind some of the ancient city’s major buildings, including the Ephesus Theater and the Terrace Houses, which are currently undergoing excavation. After a traditional Turkish lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a lovely chapel set in the hills behind Ephesus. (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, explore the Greco-Roman archaeological site of Ephesus, which flourished as a prominent city and seaport between 600 B.C. and 500 A.D. Walk along the Royal Road, a 4th-century white marble chariot thoroughfare, whose most striking sight is the two-story Library of Celsus. Uniquely beautiful, with its restored façade, now the famed symbol of Ephesus, the library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts, making it the second largest in the ancient world after the library in Alexandria. As you continue along the Royal Road, your private guide illuminates the history behind some of the ancient city’s major buildings, including the Ephesus Theater and the Terrace Houses, which are currently undergoing excavation. After a traditional Turkish lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a lovely chapel set in the hills behind Ephesus. (B, L)
Day 6
To Alacati
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Alacati, which lies on the shores of the Aegean. Your hotel in this seaside retreat for the Istanbul elite is composed of two restored 19th-century mansions, which flank a lovely courtyard. Be sure to sample some of the traditional flatbread made in the hotel’s wood-fired oven. Nars Alacati (Standard Room) – 2-nights (B)
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Alacati, which lies on the shores of the Aegean. Your hotel in this seaside retreat for the Istanbul elite is composed of two restored 19th-century mansions, which flank a lovely courtyard. Be sure to sample some of the traditional flatbread made in the hotel’s wood-fired oven. Nars Alacati (Standard Room) – 2-nights (B)
Day 7
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 of the sea 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 of the sea from a cozy cafe. (B)
Day 8
Depart Izmir
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
- Search for carpets, clothing, jewelry and other treasures at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
- Visit the specialty food stores of the historic Kadikoy Market, then dine in the renowned Ciya restaurant
- Explore the lovely little hill town of Sirince
- Immerse yourself in the past in the fascinating Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus
- Stroll the quaint streets of the gorgeous seaside city of Alacati on the shores of the Aegean
Travel Details & Dates:
8 DAYS & 7 NIGHTS
Istanbul, Sirince & Alacati
2012 Dates:
Apr - Oct
Prices From:
$2,714
Note:
Upon request, your travel consultant can provide an exact price based on your specific dates of travel.
Includes:
Accommodation, breakfast daily as noted, entrance fees, and all transfers and touring with local English-speaking guides. Private Journeys depart daily subject to availability.