Cappadocia & Aegean Odyssey

The journey

Day by day

1. 1

   Istanbul, first light

   Arrival and check-in near the Galata tower. Evening walk across the bridge as the mosques light up, dinner in a meyhane.

   ⌂ Boutique hotel, Galata Meals: D

2. 2

   The imperial city

   Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the cisterns and a private late-entry to Topkapı's harem — then the spice bazaar before it closes.

   ⌂ Boutique hotel, Galata Meals: B

3. 3

   Bosphorus & the Asian shore

   Private boat up the Bosphorus, lunch in Kuzguncuk on the Asian side, and the Kadıköy food market with a local chef.

   ⌂ Boutique hotel, Galata Meals: B, L

4. 4

   Fly to Cappadocia

   Morning flight and check-in to a cave suite. Sunset walk through Rose Valley to a panorama point very few tours know.

   ⌂ Cave hotel, Ürgüp Meals: B, D

5. 5

   Balloons & underground cities

   Optional dawn balloon over the fairy chimneys, then Kaymaklı underground city and a pottery lunch in Avanos.

   ⌂ Cave hotel, Ürgüp Meals: B, L

6. 6

   To the Aegean

   Fly west to İzmir and drive to the Urla vineyard peninsula — tastings and a long slow dinner among the olives.

   ⌂ Vineyard hotel, Urla Meals: B, D

7. 7

   Ephesus, without the crowds

   Early private entry to Ephesus and the Terrace Houses, then the hillside village of Şirince for the afternoon.

   ⌂ Vineyard hotel, Urla Meals: B

8. 8

   Departure

   Transfer to İzmir airport — or extend south along the Lycian coast by gulet.

   Meals: B