Check into your hotel in Istanbul and spend the afternoon exploring the area around your hotel and introducing yourself to Turkish cuisine.

The morning, spend some time touring the ornate Topkapi Palace, once the main residence of the Ottoman sultans – touring the complex's opulent pavilions, indulgent jewel-filled treasury, and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the sultans, courtiers, concubines, and eunuchs who once inhabited the building.

Continue on to the Hagia Sophia, perhaps the most recognizable building in Istanbul. The nearly 1500-year-old architectural monument is a visual symbol of Istanbul's East-meets-West location, and was originally built as a church, then served as a mosque and, finally, a museum before recently being turned back into a mosque in the summer of 2020.

Stop at the Spice Bazar to take in the mounds of colourful spices that will tantalise both your eyes and your tastebuds, before crossing the Bosphorus for lunch at one of the many restaurants surrounding Taksim Square. Afterwards, stroll down Istiklal Street, lined with boutiques, music stores, bookstores, art galleries, and so much more for you to explore.

Activities

• Topkapi Palace Tour
• Hagia Sophia Tour
• Spice Bazar Visit

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was once the site of adrenaline-fueled chariot races and gladiatorial games, and though little remains of the ancient structure, the road following the course of the chariot races is impressive and the surrounding public gardens are a refreshing pause from the hustle of city life.

A short walk through the winding streets of Istanbul to the Blue Mosque, named for the blue tiles used to line the walls of the interior, is an extraordinary architectural wonder. Wrap up your morning at the Basilica Cistern, named for the hundreds of ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. This unique attraction allows for a refreshing pause on a hot day.

In the afternoon, explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest shopping destinations in the world at a whopping 30,000 square meters. The myriad restaurants and market stalls span several city blocks and, with its own mosque, post office, banks, and a police station, the Grand Bazaar feels like a miniature city of its own.

Activities

• The Hippodrome Of Constantinople Tour
• Blue Mosque Visit
• Basilica Cistern Visit
• Grand Bazaar Visit

Take a guided tour of the Dolmabahce Palace, the largest palace in Turkey and considered to be one of the most glamorous in the world.

Continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the grandest and most beautiful mosques in the city built to commemorate the reign of Suleyman, the longest reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Wrap up your morning visiting the Chora Museum, once a chapel located outside of the city, and famed for its stunning mosaics and frescos.

Activities

• Guided Tour Of The Dolmabahce Palace
• Suleymaniye Mosque Visit
• Chora Museum

Arrive in Cappadocia and have your first glimpse of the spectacular landscape of Göreme National Park. The UNESCO Heritage Site is full of rock-hewn sanctuaries and creates for a fascinating backdrop. Continue on to explore the fairy-tale chimneys of Paşabağ, the Valley of the Monks. Locals refer to these structures as the "mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys."

Private Hot Air Balloon Ride

Take off early in the morning and rise approximately 1000 feet in the air on your private hot-air balloon ride. Be amazed at the beautiful sunrise and extraordinary views of Cappadocia before descending to float through the valleys, between fairy chimneys, and caves which will provide you with excellent views to take pictures or videos.

In the afternoon, visit the Göreme Open Air Museum followed by a cooking course with a local family and lunch to follow.

Activities

• Private Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Greme Open Air Museum Visit
• Cooking Class

Travel back in time to Ephesus, an ancient city on the Ionian coast, this city once played an historic role due to its geographical location. Today, the city contains some of the best-preserved Roman ruins, and was part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Activities

• Explore Ephesus

Pammukale means "cotton castle" in Turkish, and one glimpse at the carbonate mineral-rich landscape will show you how it earned such a name! Today, the area is also home to many hot springs renowned world wide for its healing properties.

In the afternoon, visit the city of Hieropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls, and terraced basins that, together, make for an unreal landscape.

Activities

• Pammukale Hot Springs
• Explore Hieropolis

Arrive in Bodrum and spend a few hours exploring the Underwater Archaeology Museum, established within Bodrum Castle to showcase the incredible artefacts found in the surrounding ocean.

After a restful evening, embrace your day of leisure at your hotel, whose facilities include a private beach and marina, or opt to explore more of the beautiful Bodrum.

The next morning, enjoy one last breakfast in Turkey before boarding your flight home with memories to last a lifetime.