Turkish Delight

Fly into Istanbul (IST). After you've cleared customs, we'll meet you at the airport 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 time to rest and relax. We'll gather in the lobby in the early evening for a welcome drink. 

Afterward, it's only a short stroll to Mahkeme Lokantası, where a private dining room awaits. We'll 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 give us the energy we need 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, resembling the open sky, will amaze you. Afterward, we'll visit the ancient and impressive Hagia Sophia, one of the world's oldest and most magnificent buildings.

We'll stop at the Spice Market and head to the Pandelli restaurant for lunch. This 124-year-old restaurant has fed kings, queens, and even Audrey Hepburn at one point. Now, it's our turn to settle in and enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch. 

In the afternoon, we'll relax at the hotel before embarking on a private boat for an evening cruise along the Bosphorus, ending with dinner at the Tuğra restaurant, located in a former Ottoman Palace.

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

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

After a short, one-hour flight to Izmir, we’ll transfer to the enchanting Nişanyan Evleri Hotel in the hillside village of Şirince. With its beautifully restored stone cottages and lush gardens, this boutique retreat offers panoramic country views and a tranquil escape steeped in history.

Dinner at the hotel gives us time to unwind and settle in for our 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.

We’ll return to Izmir in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to relax and unwind, with ample time to take in the serene surroundings. Dinner is on your own tonight, we're happy to point you in the direction of some delicious local cuisine. 

We’ll start the day with breakfast before checking out of the hotel and transferring to Izmir Airport for our next flight to Kayseri. From there, we’ll continue to Cappadocia, where a bucket-list worthy adventure awaits.

Upon arrival, we’ll savor lunch at Millocal Restaurant, known for its creative take on local flavors. After lunch, we’ll be privileged to attend 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 region's timeless charm.

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 for breakfast before heading to Kelebek’s Cave Turkish Bath for a rejuvenating scrub and massage.

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, which offer a window into the lives of its ancient cave-dwelling inhabitants and mark a remarkable chapter in the region’s history.

Enjoy dinner in town on your own tonight, or maybe opt for one of the hotel's other restaurants or bars. 

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 soak in the views of the surrounding valleys.

We’ll come together in the evening 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 Turkiye! 

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 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 (smiling well-wishes) with the friends who have enriched our lives during this trip!