ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Welcome to Turkey
Welcome to Turkey, where timeless tradition meets modern energy. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you'll be met by your private driver who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you comfortably to your luxury hotel. Once settled in, take the afternoon to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace. From rooftop terraces with sweeping Bosphorus views to the vibrant neighborhoods of Sultanahmet or Karakoy, Istanbul offers something to awaken every traveler's curiosity. Relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Alternatively, your Travelive travel advisor can assist in arranging a personalized activity to ease into your journey.
DAY 2
Icons of the Imperial City
Today, dive into the heart of historic Istanbul with a half-day private tour of the city's most iconic landmarks. Your guide will lead you through the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century masterpiece that once served as a cathedral and mosque, now a museum layered with Byzantine and Ottoman history. Just across the square, marvel at the Blue Mosque, famed for its six slender minarets and over 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles. Walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine social life, and finish at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, bustling with color, craftsmanship, and charm.
DAY 3
Flavors of the Empire and Hammam Bliss
Today invites you into the sensual heart of Ottoman culture through taste and tradition. Begin with a private cooking class at Deraliye Restaurant in Sultanahmet, where a professional chef will guide you in preparing three royal-era dishes. Learn the secrets of Ottoman spice blends, then enjoy your creations with meze, Turkish tea, and sherbet. Afterward, step into the serene world of the 16th-century Hurrem Sultan Hammam, built by Sinan for the wife of Suleiman the Magnificent. Marble halls, aromatic steam, and timeless rituals await as you unwind with traditional scrubs, massages, and refreshments. A true immersion into the richness of Istanbul's past and present.
DAY 4
Istanbul to Cappadocia
This morning, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you'll be met and escorted to your luxury hotel, nestled among the surreal rock formations of this otherworldly region. The rest of your day is yours to savor at your own pace. Stroll through the nearby valleys, enjoy a glass of local wine on your terrace, or simply take in the dreamlike landscape carved by volcanic forces and centuries of human ingenuity. Relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Alternatively, your Travelive travel advisor can help plan a custom experience.
DAY 5
Balloons, Valleys, and Whirling Spirits
Rise before dawn for an optional hot-air balloon ride, one of the world's most magical travel experiences. As the sun rises over fairy chimneys and rolling valleys, drift peacefully above this extraordinary landscape. Later, enjoy a picturesque breakfast picnic in the hills near Nevşehir, surrounded by silence, sunshine, and sweeping views. Spend the rest of your day at leisure or explore more with an optional visit to the ancient rock churches of Soganli Valley or the dramatic Ihlara Gorge. In the evening, witness a traditional Whirling Dervish ceremony, a meditative and mystical dance rooted in 13th-century Sufi practice. A soulful finale to your day.
DAY 6
Churches in Stone and Villages in Time
Today begins with a private tour of the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where cave churches carved by early Christian monks still display vivid Byzantine frescoes dating back over a thousand years. From there, your guide will take you through the timeworn villages of Cavusin and Ortahisar. Here, homes built directly into the cliffs tell stories of a simpler time, while Ortahisar's stone castle offers panoramic views over Cappadocia's sculpted valleys. After your tour, return to your hotel or opt for an extended visit to Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean marvel once used as a refuge during invasions.
DAY 7
Cappadocia to Kusadasi or Izmir
This morning, your private driver will take you to the Airport for your flight to the Aegean coast. Upon arrival in Izmir, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to your seaside hotel in either Izmir or the nearby resort town of Kusadasi. Spend the rest of the day unwinding in your scenic surroundings, whether you prefer a gentle walk along the marina, fresh seafood by the shore, or a sunset toast from your balcony. Relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Alternatively, your Travelive travel advisor can assist with planning an optional experience tailored to your mood.
DAY 8
Echoes of Ephesus
Step into the grandeur of antiquity with a full-day private tour of Ephesus, once the second-largest city in the Roman Empire. Wander the ancient streets lined with temples, homes, and markets, pausing to admire the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian. Visit the nearby ruins of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. End your day with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful hillside shrine revered for centuries. Ephesus is more than a site, it's a walk-through history in stone, spirit, and story.
DAY 9
Seaside Serenity
Discover the charm of the Aegean coast on a full-day exploration of its most picturesque towns. Begin in Alacati, a postcard-perfect village with cobblestone streets, historic churches and mosques, and blooming bougainvillea around every turn. Continue to Cesme, a relaxed beachside escape known for its Genoese castle, inviting cafés, and natural hot springs. Then head to Seferihisar, Turkey's first “Cittaslow” town. Stroll the harbor village of Sigacik, hidden within 16th-century castle walls, where local artisans and fishermen preserve a slower, more mindful way of life. Weather permitting, enjoy a refreshing swim stop along the coast. It's a sun-drenched, soul-soothing kind of day.
DAY 10
Departure
After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Izmir Airport for your short flight to Istanbul and onward journey home. As your adventure draws to a close, take with you the rich mosaic of memories you've gathered, from the domes of imperial Istanbul to the valleys of Cappadocia, and from the ruins of ancient Ephesus to the relaxed charm of the Aegean coast. Turkey's history, beauty, and warmth have a way of staying with you long after you've left. We hope your journey has been as unforgettable as it was uniquely yours.