TURKEY: Essence of Turkey Tour - 8 days
Tour Summary
This tour allows those with limited time to see the highlights of Turkey and discover a culture brimming with mysticism of Byzantine, Ottoman and Roman history. Visit Istanbul, the country’s capital where life truly is a buzz, especially around the Bazaars. There is lots to do a see here.
Be in awe of the ‘fairy chimneys’ in Cappadocia and be fascinated by the rock chapels and experience living in a cave.
Stay in the lovely seaside resort town of Kusadasi and visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus as well as other significant sites. There is so much history to be seen, it will captivate your imagination of a time past.
Enjoy a visit to the delightful Greek village of Sirince and wonder around at your leisure.
You fly between major centres so you arrive refreshed and with more time for sightseeing.
Enjoy the fine restaurants with delicious cuisine; wonderful people and an amazing mystical atmosphere. So join us for a wonderful glimpse of Turkey.
Our Boutique Journey to Turkey allows those with limited time to see the highlights of Turkey and discover a culture brimming with mysticism of Byzantine, Ottoman and Roman history
Destinations: TURKEY: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi and Istanbul
Tour Commences In: Istanbul
Tour Concludes In: Istanbul
Number of Days: 8 days / 7 nights
Tour Style: Luxury Tour
Accommodation: Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Meals: Breakfasts; 7: Lunches; 5: Dinners; 6:
Leaders: Professional experienced guide
Transportation: Luxury private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles and domestic flights
Tour Grading: Moderate: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility
Tour Highlights
· Experience all the cosmopolitan delights of Istanbul
· Explore the Ottoman treasures in this magnificent city
· Shop in ancient bazaars that sell spices, clothing, jewellery, textiles etc
· Cruise the Bosphorus that divides Europe & Asia & admire its glorious shoreline views
· Explore underground cities in Cappadocia
· Take a balloon ride at sunrise over the amazing landscape
· Enjoy a variety of delicious cuisine and regional delicacies
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Monday: Istanbul: (D)
Welcome to Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents. You will be met by our BT&T tour guide and driver and transferred to your hotel in Sultanahmet. Depending on your arrival time, you may like to wander around the old city or visit the Grand Bazaar.
No visit to Istanbul is complete without experiencing a traditional Turkish bath house or Hamam at the historical Cemberlitas Hamam or at the 16th century Cagaloglu Hamam. Relax on the heated marble slab for an authentic steam, wash down and massage.
Perhaps attend the Belly Dancing Academy and learn to Belly Dance! or maybe attend a cooking class or spend a ½ day or full day discovering textiles with a specialist. (You may wish to arrive the day before to reap the full benefits of these activities) (There will be an extra cost for those who wish to participate)
Later this afternoon we will rendezvous at our hotel to meet our fellow travellers before our special welcome dinner.
Day 2: Tuesday: Istanbul: (B/L/D)
Today we have a guided city tour. We begin with the home of Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Topkapi Palace, overlooking the Bosphorus. Then you will visit St. Sophia’s Basilica, built by Constantine the Great. Across the park you visit the Blue Mosque with its impressive six minarets, beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble latticework. Your next stop is the Hippodrome where chariot races and competitive athletic games once took place. Finally, amble through the Grand Bazaar where there is literally something for everyone! Dinner tonight is at a well known sea-food restaurant.
Day 3: Wednesday: Istanbul – Cappadocia: (B/D)
This morning we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Kayseri followed by a guided excursion in Cappadocia including a visit to the Kaymakli underground city, where early Christians hid from their persecutors. You will visit the Goreme open-air museum to see Byzantine frescoes and paintings and, the natural fortress at Uchisar where you will also have an opportunity to see local handicrafts. A big day full of great sights and experiences.
Day 4: Thursday: Cappadocia: (B/L/D)
Early risers may wish to have an optional balloon ride this morning to view the unique Cappadocian landscape. (Optional - Extra cost) After breakfast we walk in the Ihlara Canyon up to the village of Belisirma. Here there are ancient churches cut in to the rock-faces, with their own distinctive biblical paintings. Lunch will be in a local restaurant with wonderful views over the landscape. As we come to the end of the canyon we will visit the village of Selime with its traditional cave houses.
Day 5: Friday: Cappadocia – Izmir – Sirince/Kusadasi: (B/L/D)
After transfering to the airport for our flight to Izmir, we will visit Sirince, a traditional village high in the hills overlooking the sea, where you can experience the cultural side of Turkey and have the opportunity to taste their fruit wines. After lunch, there is time to explore the village.
Day 6: Saturday: Kusadasi – Ephesus – Kusadasi: (B/L/D)
Most of today will be spent in and around Ephesus. Ephesus was once the central trading and cultural city for this region until its river silted up. Today, the ancient city has many well preserved ruins that provide a glimpse into its past glory. We visit the Temple of Artemis and the House of Mother Mary where she is supposed to have spent her final years.
Day 7: Sunday: Istanbul: (B/L/D)
This morning, return by air to Istanbul where we visit the old city to explore the aromas and colours of the Spice Bazaar. Then, we take a unique cruise on the Bosphorus. The views across to both the Asian and European shores are superb, with many of the important sites clearly visible. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner overlooking this magical city.
Day 8: Monday: Depart Istanbul: (B)
Your bespoke private tour concludes after breakfast.
At your leisure before your private transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.
Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise a private guide to accompany you. Some guests may wish to stay another day or more. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences. The magic of travelling in private tours allows us to cater for spontaneity and sometimes we often find some wonderful surprises along the way and it can be these unplanned occurrences that are the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided private tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Please Contact Us for further information.
Flexibility
The itinerary may be flexible, sometimes due to weather or sometimes for sites or events which guests may wish to see. If there is something not included in this suggested itinerary that you would like to do or see, please contact us to discuss if it is possible.
UNESCO Sites
· Historic Areas of Istanbul (1985)
· Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia (1985)
· Ephesus (1994)
· Sümela Monastery (The Monastery of Virgin Mary) (2000)
Tour Inclusions
· Private airport arrival and departure transfers for all guests
· Domestic Flights – Economy Class – Istanbul – Kayseri / Kayseri – Izmir / Izmir – Istanbul
· (Price and availability for upgrade available on request)
· Luxury & Boutique Hotels as per your choice
· Hotel porterage
· Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B=B’fast: L=Lunch: D=Dinner:
· Chauffeur driven private luxury air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
· Fully escorted by our professional bilingual tour guides
· Entrance fees to sights, monument, shows and activities as per the itinerary
· Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle
Not Included
Country Information
Accommodation:
We offer excellent luxury and boutique hotels of your choice. We highly recommend our hotel as they have excellent services and facilities. All rooms have modern facilities, private bathrooms with double & two twin beds. Triple share accommodation may also be available and consists of two single beds plus a rollaway/fold-up bed.
Climate & Clothing:
In summer the weather in Turkey is hot and humid, the temperature between July and September averaging 82°F (28°C). Summers are relatively dry, but rain does occur all year round. During winter it is cold, wet and often snowy. Snowfalls tend to be heavy, but temperatures rarely drop as low as freezing point. The general rule is to bring comfortable clothing including lightweight cottons. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as is a light waterproof jacket. We provide a detailed packing list to all our guests prior to departure.
Currency & Money Matters:
The official currency is the New Turkish Lira (TRY), which was introduced on 1 January 2005, whereby six zeros were dropped from the TL and the sub-unit New Kurush was created. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at some banks and currency exchange offices, but are not as welcome as cash or credit cards. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.
Electricity:
The electrical current in Turkey is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
Insurance:
You must obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance as a condition of travelling with Boutique Tours & Travel. We recommend that you purchase insurance at the time of Booking.
Language:
Turkish is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas.
Meals:
Our hotels offer a wonderful selection of dishes at their buffet breakfasts with a wide variety of both menu and venue for lunches and evening meals.
Medical Services & Facilities:
Our hotels have access to a doctor if required. They can also assist guests with purchasing of medicine. The international hospitals in Turkey are very good and have western trained medical and surgical specialists. Dental care is also available.
Passports & Visas:
To enter Turkey you require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and with at least two blank pages. A visa is required for most guests. https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:
Boutique Tours & Travel suggests that you may like to arrive a day before the start of your tour to allow time to relax and refresh. You are also very welcome to linger longer after the tour is completed.
Boutique Tours & Travel has negotiated special overnight rates at this hotel for both pre and post tour accommodation. Please ask for details at time of booking. Local tour guides are also available on request.
Solo Traveller:
We welcome single travellers and we are able to arrange single accommodation. We negotiate strongly to keep single supplements at a reasonable cost. If you wish to share a room, we will endeavour to match you with another single guest and adjust the costs accordingly and refund any costs after you return home. We accept no responsibility for the suitability of a room partner.
Special Requests:
Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking or non-smoking rooms and special dietary needs or any other arrangement should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure your special request; however, they cannot always be guaranteed.
Time Zone:
Turkey standard time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
Tour Group:
Our small group tours provide you with a good balance of group activity and personal discovery.
Transport:
We generally use modern deluxe minibuses for tours. We also walk where and when it’s suitable.
Water & Beverages:
Our hotels offer bottled water and bottled water is provided throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of this tour except for ‘welcome cocktails’ on the first evening.
