< Designed Trips

The Trip

Discover the layered history, varied landscapes, unique culture and extraordinary cuisine of Turkey on this 10 day trip that spans the city, desert, and coast. Begin in the mega metropolis of Istanbul, located on the crossroads of Europe and Asia and once the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Visit key landmarks as you learn about the city’s history, taste traditional dishes while exploring local neighborhoods and relax under the warm water at a Turkish hammam. After a short flight to the arid desert interior, you’ll land in Cappadocia, a region famous for its centuries-old, other-worldly rock formations. After a few days in the city, embrace the quiet of the desert as you take in the ‘fairy chimney’ rocks throughout town and the surrounding valleys. Wake up before dawn for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of floating in a hot air balloon over the scenic valleys (weather permitting) and spend your days exploring caves and underground cities that have been inhabited for over 1,000 years. Wind through scenic valleys and across plateaus by foot, or on horseback, as the red and rose-hued landscape glows at sunset. The final stop on your Turkish adventure is the stunning Turquoise Coast, where the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas converge and crystal clear sea water meets pine-covered mountains. Head out on the water, by kayak or by boat, embrace some seaside R&R, and hop on a short ferry to the small Greek island of Kastellorizo, just 2 kilometers off the Turkish coast. With flexibility to add time in any of the locations, this trip offers three distinct experiences, with loads of incredible history, delicious food, and stunning landscapes, as well as plenty of wonderful Turkish hospitality along the way.

The Details

Price: 

• From $3,329 per person

Duration:

• 9 nights, 10 days

Inclusions:

• Highly-rated boutique hotels
• Transportation within Turkey
• Private & small-group experiences
• Curated destination mini-guide
• Trip preparation & support

GET STARTED

Turkey FAQs

When is the best time to visit turkey?

We recommend Summer months, from mid-May through mid-October, to experience mild weather in all three locations. The coast will be busier in July and August when most families have holiday time.

Where should I fly in and out for this trip?

International flights can be booked in and out of Istanbul. The Designed Trip will include all flights and transportation within Turkey.

how do i get around?

This trip includes private transfers and driving is not required.

what if i want more history?

Talk to us! We can easily make changes to the trip to focus more on history, or even add a visit to the Ephesus archaeological site. 

is turkey safe?

​​The destinations included in this trip are highly visited and accustomed to foreign tourists. In Istanbul, like any major metropolis, sticking to well-traveled neighborhoods and a strong awareness of your surroundings is advised.

how should i dress?

​Turkey is a secular country with a predominantly Muslim population. While more conservative than western Europe, casual clothing (shorts, t-shirts, bikinis and sundresses) are perfectly fine and very common in summer months. That said, when entering a mosque, both men and women are required to cover knees and shoulders and women must cover their heads. Many mosques have coverings available at the entrance.

do people speak english?

​In tourist centers, most activity providers, hotel employees and restaurant servers will speak English. That being said, English is spoken less than in most European countries, so Google Translate can be a big help in certain cases. In general, people are very welcoming and patient. 

The Itinerary

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Istanbul

• Day 1: Touch down in the former capital of three world empires and be whisked away to the city's historic center for the start of an adventure through the culturally fascinating and geographically diverse country of Turkey. Divided by the Bosphorus strait - half in Asia and half in Europe - Istanbul is a city unlike any other. This enormous, vibrant metropolis is home to 39 districts, 15 million people, and over 2,500 years of history. Offering everything from traditional spice markets and historic landmarks to trendy eateries and cultural centers, it’s the ideal place to begin your exploration of this captivating nation. After settling into your boutique hotel, venture out for your first Turkish dinner, packed with bold spices, and served with colorful salads, creamy dips, and spicy sauces. 

 

• Day 2: Rise and shine to a strong Turkish coffee and Kahvlati, a traditional Turkish breakfast of various shared small plates, before heading out to discover this ancient city. Divided into distinct sections by the Bosphorus, Istanbul operates as a collection of unique neighborhoods and districts, 39 in all, each offering its own energy, landmarks, and cultural sites. Begin to discover the city through its most significant monuments, located in historic Sultanahmet on an early afternoon small group tour of the 1,500+ year old Hagia Sophia and the magnificent Islamic architecture of the Blue Mosque. Learn about the history of the city and what life was like during the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires as you take in the intricate geometric patterns of the gilded domes above. The rest of the afternoon is free to stroll through the Grand Bazaar, taste samples of baklava at the Spice Market, stop for a Simit and a cup of Turkish tea, or wander the cobbled hilly streets.

 

• Day 3: Wake up in the bustling city center and sit down to a relaxing breakfast at your hotel. In the late morning, enjoy a very special experience at one of Turkey’s many gifts to the world, the Hammam. Istanbul’s most historic hammams - traditional Turkish bath houses - date back to the late 15th century, at the beginning of the Ottoman Empire, and comprise various marble chambers set to different temperatures and steam levels. During your visit, you’ll experience a classic Hammam treatment, including a full body scrub, a bubble massage while laying on a warm marble slab, and a traditional bath. Relaxed and rejuvenated, stroll through the city’s Bohemian, and increasingly hipster, Cihangir and Beyoglu neighborhoods, before hopping on the ferry to the Asian side of the city in the early evening. There, you’ll meet a local guide and small group for an exploration of Kadıköy’s blend of traditional and modern neighborhoods, known for having some of the city’s best restaurants. Snack on street food from the market and taste traditional Turkish dishes, including Lahmacun, Kokorec, Beyran, and Midye. With a full belly, hop back on the short ferry to the European side of the city for a drink on a Galata rooftop. Or, simply tuck into bed for a good night’s sleep ahead of your travel day tomorrow.

Cappadocia

• Day 4: After packing up and checking out of your hotel, a private driver will pick you up for the short trip back to Istanbul Airport. Following a ~1 hour direct flight to Nevsehir, you’ll be driven directly to your boutique hotel perched alongside a rock, or inside a cave, in the village of Göreme. Best known for its ‘otherworldly’ landscape and rock formations, Cappadocia’s unbelievable topography was formed by the hardening of volcanic ash that has eroded over thousands of years. The area’s cone-shaped formations (often referred to as ‘fairy chimneys’) are dotted all around town, but are best viewed by hot air balloon, hiking or horseback riding, and are especially picturesque at sunrise and sunset. In the evening, walk over to the Göreme Panoramic Point for incredible views over the valley before heading to one of the village’s many rooftop restaurants to lounge on a carpet as the sun goes down.

• Day 5: Wake up early - before dawn - to meet a driver who will take you to the launch site for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: A hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia’s incredible fairy chimneys at sunrise. If the weather is cooperative, you’ll climb into the basket of a giant hot air balloon for a 30-minute flight through the calm skies of Cappadocia, watching the sun rise over the horizon as you float through hidden valleys and stunning rock formations surrounded by upwards of 150 other balloons. Return to your hotel in time for breakfast (and a post balloon nap). The remainder of the day is free to explore. Discover the Göreme Open-Air Museum, made up of various churches that date back to the middle ages, carved into the volcanic rocks (some with Byzantine frescoes). Or lace up your sneakers for a little hike along one of the area’s many trails. After the sun goes down, sit down to a delicious dinner before calling it a night.

 

• Day 6: Choose to either sleep in, or wake up early to see the balloons fill the sky from your hotel’s rooftop terrace. Spend the morning around town, or hop in a quick taxi to some of the area’s most impressive sites, Uchisar Castle, Cappadocia’s tallest fairy chimney, and/or Kaymakli Underground City, an 8-story city dug deep into the ground that was once home to 3,500 people. Return to Göreme in the afternoon for a relaxed lunch, before heading out on one of Cappadocia’s spectacular sunset experiences. Choose to visit a local horse ranch (‘Cappadocia’ loosely translates to ‘land of the horses’ in Turkish) for a short horseback riding journey along one of the area’s best trails, or set out for an independent looping hike through the magnificent Red & Rose Valleys. This trail, which is especially magical at sunset when the sandstone ridges glow red, offers some of the region’s most impressive landscapes. Say good night to magical Göreme and settle in for a good night's sleep.

Kas, The Turquoise Coast

• Day 7: After a strong Turkish coffee, meet a private driver who will take you back to the airport, for a short, 1-hour flight to the Turquoise Coast. Also called the Turkish Riviera, this stretch of coastline, where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet, is home to pine covered mountains that tumble into the turquoise sea, rocky coastline with sandy coves, and small cities and towns that offer a real taste of Turkish holiday life. After arriving at Antalya Airport, a driver will scoop you up and drive you (~3 hrs) to the coastal town of Kas. As one of the coast’s few towns without mega-resorts, this once-fishing village has maintained a small town feel, and is the perfect location to relax for the final few days of your Turkish adventure. Get settled at your hotel before heading into town, perhaps watching the sunset from the stone steps of the ancient Hellenistic theater, then sitting down to dinner under the flowering bougainvillea. 

 

• Day 8: Wake up to sweeping views of the turquoise sea. Today you have options. If you’re feeling active, join a small group to discover the rocky coast and caves by kayak, paddling over underwater ruins and learning about the area, before stopping in the village of Simena for lunch. Alternatively, join a group boat tour to explore the coastline, stopping at various locations for swimming and lunch before returning to town in the evening. Or, choose to enjoy a day of relaxation at your hotel or at one of the nearby beachclubs. Whatever you decide, spend the warm evening on a terrace surrounding a table covered with meze and cold beers.

• Day 9: After over a week in Turkey, today you’ll cross over to Europe on a day trip to the Greek island of Kastellorizo. Just 2 kilometers and a 20-minute ferry ride from Kas, this is the easternmost inhabited Greek island, home to just 500 full-time residents. Grab your passport and enjoy the short ferry crossing, taking in the pastel-colored neoclassical homes and restaurants that surround the harbor as you arrive. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on the water’s edge, browse the boutiques, or swim off the ladders from the small ‘beach-club’ at the edge of the colorful harbor. If you’re up for more of an adventure, choose to take a small boat to the Blue Cave (known locally as Galazio Spileo), famous for its vibrant blue waters, or, grab a 5-minute water taxi to Agios Georgios, a rocky islet with a beach club and small taverna. Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy some Greek food (a pita, perhaps?) and a frappe espresso before boarding the ferry back to Turkey in the early evening. After the sun sets, sit down to your final Turkish feast and raise a glass of chilled raki to the many adventures and  memories made over the past 9 days. 

• Day 10: Following your final Turkish breakfast feast, pack up and check out of your hotel. A private driver will be waiting to take you back to the airport for your flight home… or on to your next adventure. 

Pricing & Inclusions

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Boutique

• 3 hotel nights in Istanbul: World House Boutique Hotel, Doruk Palas, or equivalent
• 3 hotel nights in Cappadocia: Luvi Cave Hotel, Artemis Cave Suites, or equivalent
• 3 hotel nights in Kas, The Turquoise Coast: Lyxos Boutique Hotel, Kas Athena Hotel, or equivalent
• Private round-trip transfer, Istanbul
• Direct flight, Istanbul to Cappadocia
• Private round-trip transfer, Cappadocia
• Direct flight, Istanbul to Cappadocia to Antalya
• Private round-trip transfer, Antalya to Kas
• ​Small-group tour of Hagia Sophia & The Blue Mosque
• Authentic food tour of Istanbul's Asian side: Kadıköy
• Hammam ritual experience at a historic Turkish Bath
• Sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
• Small-group kayak or boat tour along the Turquoise Coast
• Round-trip ferry tickets from Kas to Kastellorizo
• Curated Turkey mini-guide
• Trip preparation & support

​Exclusions

• International flights to/from Turkey
• Meals & activities not listed above
• Travel insurance

Boutique Pricing

• From $3,329 per person

​*Pricing based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers. ​

Luxury Boutique

• 3 hotel nights in Istanbul: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel, The Bank Hotel, Istanbul, or equivalent
• 3 hotel nights in Cappadocia: Carus Cappadocia, Kelebek Cave Hotel, or equivalent
• 3 hotel nights in Kas, The Turquoise Coast: Suna Sun Hotel, Casa Bi, or equivalent
• Private round-trip transfer, Istanbul
• Direct flight, Istanbul to Cappadocia
• Private round-trip transfer, Cappadocia
• Direct flight, Istanbul to Cappadocia to Antalya
• Private round-trip transfer, Antalya to Kas
• ​Small-group tour of Hagia Sophia & The Blue Mosque
• Authentic food tour of Istanbul's Asian side: Kadıköy
• Hammam ritual experience at a historic Turkish Bath
• Sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
• Small-group kayak or boat tour along the Turquoise Coast
• Round-trip ferry tickets from Kas to Kastellorizo
• Curated Turkey mini-guide
• Trip preparation & support

Exclusions

• International flights to/from Turkey
• Meals & activities not listed above
• Travel insurance

Luxury Boutique Pricing

• From $4,155 per person

*Pricing based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers. ​

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Trip extensions & additions

• If you have time and flexibility, an additional night can be added to Istanbul and/or the coast for a more relaxed itinerary.
  
• If you're a history buff and would like to visit Ephesus, we can absolutely make that happen. In this case, we would recommend staying in Bodrum instead of Kas.
  

• This trip would pair great with a visit to the Dodecanese islands of Greece. Ask us for recommendations if you want more beach time and a second country. 

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​This Designed Trip was developed based on our personal travels, with local contacts, favorite hotels and authentic activities that we've experienced first-hand.
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Ready to Get Started?

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FAQs

​WHAT IS A DESIGNED TRIP?

A Designed Trip is a pre-designed travel plan based on our personal, first-hand travel experiences in each destination. As they are pre-designed, our Designed Trips have been created as a turnkey travel option and can be booked and delivered in as little as one week. ​

CAN I MAKE ANY CHANGES TO A DESIGNED TRIP?

Absolutely! Pre-designed doesn’t mean there isn’t any flexibility. Whether you want to shorten or lengthen your trip, switch out a destination or change an activity, let us know. If, however, you want a trip built around your specific desires, a Custom Trip might be more appropriate. We can help you decide, so get in touch.

​HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

Once you’ve selected your Designed Trip and chosen between a Boutique, Luxury Boutique or Luxury experience, your trip can be booked and delivered in as little as one week. If you would like to make some changes to your trip, such as including an alternative activity, shortening or lengthening your trip, then this can take a bit longer.

HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH MY DESIGNED TRIP WILL COST?

Once you have decided on your Designed Trip, your dates, and any adjustments we will provide a personalized itinerary and pricing for your trip. We have included base pricing on each Designed Trip page to give you an idea as to what the final cost might be, but prices can fluctuate depending on time of year and any personalization. Get in touch and we can help.

If you have any other questions, feel free to check out more FAQs or send us an email.