TURKEY MADE TO MEASURE

A Grand Private tour : Visit Turkey's top sights- Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya,
Cappadocia and Ankara all in 15 days on a Locally escorted tour

Tour starts daily in Istanbul . Let us tailor your visit to Turkey exactly to your desires, using our extensive network of contacts throughout the country. You'll go where and when you want to, without the limits of somebody else's idea of what you should see. Include the marvels of Istanbul, crossroads of East and West. Take in dramatic mountain scenery, or unspoiled beaches . . . or both ! Experience the sinuous rhythms of the belly dance, and explore mysterious troglodyte houses. You can even float over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon or explore hidden Mediterranean coves on a private sailboat! No wish is impractical, no desire is out of the question. Here are our suggested fourteen-day itineraries for Turkey. Together, we'll add adventures, explore possibilities, and make your Turkish experience extraordinary!

CAPPADOCIA AND THE COAST Penetrate to the heart of Cappadocia, and discover ancient dwellings and churches hewn into rock. Travel across centuries, to Roman and Biblical Turkey, and the mysterious world of the Lycians. Our suggested itinerary covers it all in fourteen days. Add a Gulet Cruise : Start in Dalaman and on to Antalya

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL ISTANBUL - ANKARA
Our staff meets your flight , or cruise line ( Oceania Cruises , Princess Cruises , Crystal Cruises or other Mediterranean cruises ), and escorts you to your hotel.

You'll depart bustling Istanbul and fly into Ankara in the heart of Turkey. We'll see you to your lodgings, where you can rest, and then venture out on your own. You'll discover that Turkey's capital city is a fascinating blend. Daring architecture, wide boulevards, and bustling traffic speak of a modern and forward-looking country, yet sidewalk cafés, vendors, and wonderful aromas of roasting kebabs reveal a measured pace and treasured traditions.

DAY 2 - ANKARA, CAPPADOCIA (B)
We suggest you take a morning for a visit to Ankara, to get to know the city's sites, history, and rhythms in depth. Ascend to the ancient Citadel of the Hittites for commanding views, and tour the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations for an acquaintance with the ancient peoples of Turkey. Perhaps you'll stop at the Roman Temple of Augustus and nearby Haci Bayram Mosque, or spend some time at the famed Copper Market. Your guide will help you determine an itinerary. In the afternoon, you'll set out overland for an adventure into fabled Cappadocia. This is a four-hour journey back into time. Possible stops along the way include the ruins of Hattusas, and Yazlikaya, capital of the ancient Hittite empire. Finally, we'll reach the heart of Cappadocia. Here, you'll check into your hotel in Goreme or another town in the region, relax, and begin your discoveries.

DAY 3 - CAPPADOCIA (B)
We'll tailor your Cappadocia itinerary according to your preferences. Most likely, we'll see the Open Air Museum of Goreme, with its twelfth-century frescoed churches carved right into volcanic pillars. Then continue to Zelve, with its curious troglodyte dwellings, and even entire monasteries excavated into solid rock. We'll cross landscapes of rock and boulders in the Devrent and Pasabag valleys that look as if they belong on the moon. We'll espy "fairy chimneys," pillars of stone formed by wind and water over millennia. We'll see painted landscapes in the Red and Rose valleys, and more churches carved from stone, and enjoy traditional regional specialties at dinner. And there are many more possibilities. We have the contacts to arrange for a spectacular ascent in a hot-air balloon, when available, to arrange a traditional steam bath, or even a workshop on the venerable craft of carpet-weaving. We can plan for these activities beforehand, or you can discuss the possibilities with your guide as your interests develop.

DAY 4 - CAPPADOCIA (B)
We'll tailor your Cappadocia itinerary according to your preferences. Most likely, we'll see the Open Air Museum of Goreme, with its twelfth-century frescoed churches carved right into volcanic pillars. Then continue to Zelve, with its curious troglodyte dwellings, and even entire monasteries excavated into solid rock. We'll cross landscapes of rock and boulders in the Devrent and Pasabag valleys that look as if they belong on the moon. We'll espy "fairy chimneys," pillars of stone formed by wind and water over millennia. We'll see painted landscapes in the Red and Rose valleys, and more churches carved from stone, and enjoy traditional regional specialties at dinner. And there are many more possibilities. We have the contacts to arrange for a spectacular ascent in a hot-air balloon, when available, to arrange a traditional steam bath, or even a workshop on the venerable craft of carpet-weaving. We can plan for these activities beforehand, or you can discuss the possibilities with your guide as your interests develop.

DAY 5 - CAPPADOCIA, SULTANHAN, KONYA (B)
We'll set out in the morning southwestward, across the heart of Turkey. Our projected route will take you through Sultanhan, site of a monumental caravansary, a combination trading center-warehouse-lodging house-social center-military base from the days when goods moved across mountains and deserts on the backs of camels. We'll visit, and get an understanding of the importance of the institution, and how it was encouraged by the Seljuk administration. Your guide will depart when you're ready for Konya, less than four hours by road from Cappadocia. You'll settle into your lodgings, and take some time to become acquainted with this regional center. As elsewhere in Turkey, there are layers and layers of history, from the Iconium of Roman times back to the first houses entered through their roofs. You may visit the tomb of the founder of the Whirling Dervishes, the Alaeddin palace and mosque, and the Kataray Medrasse, a one-time religious school that houses an extraordinary collection of Seljuk ceramics.

DAY 6 -KONYA, ANTALYA (B)
We'll have another day of overland exploration, as we drive southwesterward, via Seydisehir. After five hours of gentle hills and rural scenes, we'll reach an entirely different Turkey, at the Mediterranean city of Antalya perched on heights, with the peaks of the Taurus Mountains inland. Settle in to your lodgings for the night. There will be time to view venerable sights in the city, including Hadrian's Gate, a triumphal arch from Roman times; the Seljuk Yivli Minaret; the Clock Tower; and the seaside Red Tower, which once served as a lighthouse.

DAY 7 - ANTALYA, PERGE, ASPENDOS, SIDE (B)
Today we'll take time to delve into history in nearby Roman towns. You'll set your own pace, and in consultation with your guide, emphasize the sites that most intrigue you. You'll see Perge, from which Paul and Barnabus set out to spread the Gospels. Its monuments include a theater, agora, stadium, and triumphal arch and colonnades. Then it's on to Aspendos, a Roman trading center with a theater preserved almost perfectly intact. Perhaps you'll choose to concentrate on Side, with its temples of Athena and Apollo, and recall the romantic meeting of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra that took place here. We'll return to our lodgings in Antalya for the night.

DAY 8 - ANTALYA, PHASELIS, OLYMPOS, FINIKE (B)
We'll drive along the coast, with its influences from all over the Mediterranean. We'll pass through Phaselis, a port in Roman times, for the export of rose oil, perfume, and timber. A substantial stone aqueduct remains. Then it's on to the little beach town of Olympos. You'll feel that it's your own discovery, concealed among hills and orchards. Stay as long as you like. Nearby is a natural flame that burns endlessly. Then it's on to the little harbor of Finike to spend the night and, if you wish, to explore nearby ruins.

DAY 9 - FINIKE, DEMRE, MYRA, KAS (B)
We'll set out after breakfast, and follow the course of the Demre River. We'll stop and cross a small bridge on foot, proceed through fields, and come across what looks like an ancient apartment building. It's actually one of the surprises of Mediterranean Turkey, Lycian tombs hewn into the rock face. We'll reach the sea again at Myra, where yachts and Turkish sailing vessels gently bob in the waters. We'll give in to temptation, and embark on a sailing trip to the island of Kekova, passing the remains of castles, tombs, and arches, ample proof that the ancients knew the best places to settle. Your host will tailor the voyage to your preferences, stopping at the most interesting points. Back on land, you'll continue overland to spend the night at the port of Kas, favored by sailors ancient and modern.

DAY 10 -KAS, KALKAN, PATARA, FETHIYE (B)
We'll pass through seaside Kalkan on our way to Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas. The Roman theater is worth your attention, and if you wish to linger on the long, deserted beach, your host will be pleased to accommodate your wishes. Afterwards, it's on to Xanthos, and beyond to the Saklikent Gorge. Adventurers from the world over come to scale its walls and hike and raft its waters. You might choose to sample an adventure yourself . . . or watch others. Then it's on to paradise at the beach and lagoon of Oludeniz, backdropped by cliffs. You can even try paragliding. We'll end an eventful day at the ancient port of Fethiye.

DAY 11 - FETHIYE, DALYAN, CAUROS, SIRINCE (B)
Today, we'll explore farther down the coast, to Dalyan, with its Lycian tombs set into rock faces. In season, it's a nesting beach for loggerhead turtles. We'll set out on Dalyan Creek, to arrive in the manner of the ancients to the ancient city of Caunos. Later, we'll reach our stopping point for the next two nights, the unexpected wine making village of Sirince.

DAY 12 - FETHIYE, KUSADASI (B)
Take it easy in the morning amid the tranquility of the vineyards around Fethiye. After our journey along the byways of the coast, we'll spend the afternoon in Kusadasi, bustling port, resort, and cruise ship harbor. You'll want to browse the shops for handicraft treasures, sample grilled specialties at open-air eateries, and linger at seaside cafés. Feel like staying on for the action at the discos? We'll arrange for your transport back to placid Sirince whenever you're ready to call it a night.

DAY 13 - SIRINCE, EPHESUS, IZMIR, ISTANBUL (B)
In the morning, visit Ephesus, the best-preserved Roman city in Turkey, known by St. Paul, Mary, and St. John. Then it's on to Izmir, where you'll board your plane for the flight back to Istanbul. You'll settle into your lodgings, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of the metropolis of Turkey. There's time to head to the Grand Bazaar for last-minute shopping. Or perhaps you'll choose a romantic boat ride to make a memorable last evening. Your host will help you with your choices.

Day 14 - Walking Tour : Istanbul : "Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque"
(late 19th century), the exotic romance of the "Paris of the East:" (BL)

Morning walking tour : We start with our guide in Karaköy where the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates), and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the famous Pera Palace Hotel.
Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and be picked up for the afternoon tour. In the afternoon the tour visit Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz, and finish up with a visit to the Military History Museum in Harbiye in time to hear the "Mehter," or Ottoman military band (mid-afternoon).

DAY 15 - DEPARTURE (B)
We'll see you to the airport, where you'll catch your plane to start your onward journey.

RATES (per person) in USD $

Tour starts in Istanbul daily year round . Click here for the 15 days edition with an extra night & tour in Istanbul

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

Rate doesn't include :

• International air fare.
• Tips
• Charges of a personal nature
• Meals other than breakfast.
• Visa Fee : in cash upon arrival, or from any of the Turkish Consulates
• Trip/travel insurance

En Espanol - Back to Turkey Tour List

Most popular Yachting package : A Week's Escape on a Mediterranean Yacht
8- Day : Including a Mediterranean Gulet Cruise