10 DAYS MOSAICS OF TURKEY

Arriving into Istanbul, we drive 44km or about 1 hour into the city centre.

Long renowned as the meeting point between Europe and Asia, marvel at gorgeous palaces, castles and villas on a 1-hour private Bosphorus cruise. You will visit one of the largest palaces in Turkey, Dolmabahçe Palace (closed Mon & Thu), with its eclectic influences of Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and Ottoman architectures.

We dedicate the entire day to explore the Sultanahmet historic district, dotted with UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (closed Mon) and the Basilica Cistern.

Finally, we conclude at the Spice Bazaar to learn about various ingredients stacked in colourful mounds. For the connoisseurs, what about an optional Turkish cooking class or baklava-making lesson with a local housewife (additional cost applies)?

Today, we will visit the Topkapı Palace (closed Tue & Fri) before the full crowd arrives, once the centre of power of the Ottoman and now a fantastic museum showcasing weapons, jewelleries, miniatures and relics from the Ottoman times. Practice your bargaining skills at the Grand Bazaar (closed Sun). Boasting more than 3,000 shops, it is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered bazaar!

Enjoy a cultural evening of either whirling dervish ceremony or folklore dance show with belly-dancing.

This morning, we will discover the lesser-known gems of Istanbul. Step into the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora with some of the oldest-surviving Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Continue to the atmospheric Suleymaniye Mosque, located at the highest end of the city.

Afterwards, we drive 43km or about 1 hour to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.

Fly TK7320 Istanbul-Denizli 16.55-18.00 (1h 5m)

Arriving in Denizli, we drive 76km or about 1 hour to your accommodation in Pamukkale.

Rise early this morning and beat the crowd into the glistening Pamukkale calcium terraces, before visiting the nearby archaeological sites of Hierapolis and Laodicea.

En route 78km or about 1.5 hours to Aphrodisias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the Greek goddess of love surprisingly not overrun by tourists.

After a further 145km or about 2 hours, we retreat into your vineyard accommodation. Tour the award-winning Yedi Bilgeler vineyards and wine cellars named after the ‘Seven Sages’ philosophers. It is believed in Greek mythology that the God of Wine, Dionysus, originated in Anatolia and the centaurs could smell good wine from hundred miles away!

Let us whisk you into Ephesus, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As you wander through monumental UNESCO-listed ruins such as the Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, House of the Virgin Mary and the Ephesus Museum, one can imagine how life must have been like at the commercial centre of the ancient world.

Once the capital of the East Roman Empire, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bergama is equally impressive, boasting the ancient world’s second largest library, the steepest Theatre of Anatolia, the epic Altar of Zeus, as well as the Roman Medical Center ruins of Asclepion. Take a cable car up to the Acropolis before exploring the lower Agora terraces. Bergama is located 186km or about 2.5 hours per way from Sirince.

This morning, we will drive 86km or about 1 hour to Ä°zmir Adnan Menderes Airport. You will take a 1.5 hours domestic flight to Kayseri.

From Kayseri, we will drive 74km or about 1 hour to Cappadocia. Enjoy a hike through Rose & Red Valley with its fairy chimneys and colourful sediments, best seen during early morning or late afternoon.

Off the tourist circuit, the Ihlara Valley hike (14km, 5-6 hours) takes you through ancient Christian churches, hermit’s caves, quaint chapels and concluding at the rock-cut masterpiece of Selime Monastery. Please note that this hike is not available in winter.

Discover one of the secret underground cities. Channel your inner Indiana Jones through the labyrinths of Kaymakli (largest), Derinkuyu (deepest) or Mazi (only for the adventurous but less touristy).

Rise early for a rewarding hot air balloon ride as you soar above the magical landscapes of Cappadocia.

Continue to Goreme Open Air Museum with its unique cave frescoes. Discover the surreal pinnacles and bizarre shapes of Love Valley, Monk’s Valley (Pasabagi), Zelve Valley, Imagination Valley (Devrent), Urgup, Pigeon Valley and Uchisar Castle.

At the end of the day, we transfer 38km or abour 45mins to NevÅŸehir Kapadokya Airport, where you will board your night flight home.