Luxury Tour Turkey
Discover the vibrant and contrasting traditions of Turkey, a transcontinental country which boasts both a fascinating history as a gateway of global commerce and culture, intertwined with a beautiful natural landscape. The fabric of Turkey's culture has been influenced by the many peoples who have marked its story. From the Greeks, to the Romans, to the Byzantines, to the Ottomans, discover a land rich in natural and cultural wonders, where Europe meets Asia, making Turkey a great luxury travel destination!
In no place is this more evident than the country's largest city: Istanbul, the only city in the world which straddles two continents. With 27 centuries of history as a world capital, it has been the primary city of the many civilizations which have made it their home. From being known as Byzantium, to Constantinople, and Istanbul throughout its different eras, the city is dotted with world-renowned historical sites left by each one, all against the impressive backdrop of the Bosphorus straits which divide the continents. The city is not only a bridge between Europe and Asia, but also between the traditional and the modern, as the city's newer districts will show you how its people have never stopped reinventing themselves, strengthening the city's global influence in modern fashion, sport, music, and art.
Turkey's provinces offer stunning natural landscapes combined with unique cultural experiences. As you admire the rock formations and the fairy chimneys of the Cappadocian valleys, when you look closer you will discover how the inhabitants carved out their lives from the rocks, sculpting their dwellings, churches, and gathering places. In Turkey you will also find the beauty of other ancient civilizations who left their mark in this epicenter of the Mediterranean world, including the mighty Greek ruins of Ephesus and the additional sites of Priene and Didyma. On your private boat, relax and enjoy Turkey's pristine beaches with its turquoise water washing up against sandy shores.
Please note: this private tour to Turkey is an example, as all of our luxury journeys are custom-made.
Istanbul (4 nights)
You will arrive in Istanbul where you will be greeted at the airport and escorted through customs procedures to your vehicle. You will be taken by private transfer to your hotel to relax after your journey on your first day. In the afternoon, a scholar will pay you a visit, and over a Turkish tea you will have an overview of the society's history and culture.
Begin your luxury tour of Turkey with an exploration of the city where you will discover the different periods of Turkish history: from the Byzantine Empire, to the rise of the Ottoman sultans, to the establishment of its modern-day society, with each day focusing on one of these different eras. In the morning of your day experiencing the Byzantine period, visit the world-renowned Hagia Sophia. This site attracts nearly 9 thousand visitors per day, and with Blue Parallel, upon request, you may have it especially open prior to visiting hours for you to visit in private. Later, visit the other sites from the Byzantine period including the Basilica Cistern, the Alexander Sarcophagus, the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, the old city walls, and the Chora Church, which can also be arranged in private upon request.
After the Ottomans conquered the city and made it the new capital of their empire, they began to leave their mark. After experiencing the Byzantine period, you will visit the landmarks from the Ottoman era including Topkapi Palace (which can be visited in private upon request), the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, and Rüstem Pasha Mosque. You will also be taken shopping in the city's famous markets of the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, where we will book special appointments for you with the most reputable vendors in jewelry, rugs, or other items, according to your interests. Finally, see the sites from Turkey's modern era as it began to attract European influence in its architecture and style. Visit the residence of the last sultans: Dolmabahçe Palace, and explore the vibrant Taksim district. Finally, you will also be taken on a Bosphorus cruise on a private boat, and as you go up this continental divide you will enjoy the views from the water of the historical mansions and palaces which dot the flanking hills. You may also enjoy the unique experience of a Turkish bath to relax from your activities.
Cappadocia (2 nights)
Fly to the mysterious region of Cappadocia to enjoy the natural beauty of its striking rock formations and valleys, and to visit the incredible churches carved out of caves by the Byzantines. No luxury trip to Turkey is complete without a private hot air balloon ride where you will have your first overview of the area as you admire the rocky valleys from above. Later in the afternoon, go on a hike in the White Valley, during which you will enjoy a Turkish barbecue prepared especially for you, to enjoy as the sun goes down. The next day, visit the Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with your expert guide and learn about the civilizations as you admire the ceiling paintings, frescos, and mosaics. Go on a hike in the green picturesque Ihlara Valley, a stark contrast from Cappadocia's rocky landscape, where you will have a picnic lunch by the ancient Byzantine churches in the green valley.
In addition to its historical ruins and natural beauty, Cappadocia is a center for living culture as well, having been a magnet for artisans, potters, and silk makers for millennia. Additionally, you will witness a performance of the famed whirling dervishes, which have been recognized by UNESCO as an element of cultural significance for humanity.
Ephesus Region (1 night)
Flight to Izmir, where you will be greeted and taken to the hillside town of Sirince where you will have lunch and enjoy the gardens. Later, visit the world-famous ancient Greek city of Ephesus with your expert guide. Ephesus was a hub of Mediterranean commerce, culture, and people for many centuries, and its preserved Library of Celsus (built in 120 A.D.) is one of the most prominent examples of Greek civilization surviving today. The city itself is widely regarded as one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the Western world.
Aegean Coast (3 nights)
The following day, you will depart Sirince as you continue your journey to the Aegean coast, visiting the Greek sites of Priene and Didyma. These Greek cities are also noted for their historical beauty, and the experience of visiting them is unique in that they are off the beaten path. You will arrive at the Amanruya resort on the coast of the turquoise Aegean Sea where you will be able to spend the final days of your journey relaxing with the Mediterranean air at this beautiful beach destination, featuring private pavilions, each with their own pool and garden. The property also features a serene beach club with multiple terraces to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the turquoise water.
You will be taken out in your private traditional Turkish schooner known as a gület to explore the nearby islands of Karaada and Orakada, having an exquisite Mediterranean lunch aboard your vessel. Additionally, you will be taken to the jet-set beach spot of Göltürkbükü where you will get to experience this up-and-coming Mediterranean locale for the international élite.
On your final day, you will be driven to Bodrum Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon landing in Istanbul, you will be greeted and assisted with your international flight home.
Recommended Extensions:
Turkey
- Take a private gulet (a traditional wooden sailing boat) along the Aegean Coast, discovering the inlets, islets and pristine beaches of the region.
Greece
- Continue on to Greece, for a spectacular journey into the cradle of Western civilization by private helicopter and yacht.
The Discovery
- Istanbul
- Old City
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Alexander Sarcophagus
- Great Palace Mosaic Museum
- City walls
- Chora Church
- Topkapi Palace
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- Rüstem Pasha Mosque
- Spice Bazaar
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Istiklal Avenue
- Yachting on the Bosphorus
- Cappadocia
- White Valley
- Göreme Open Air Museum
- Ihlara Valley
- Avanos pottery & silk-making demonstration
- Whirling dervishes
- Ephesus Region
- Ephesus
- Priene
- Didyma
- Aegean Coast
- Boating off the Turquoise Coast
- Islands
- Göltürkbükü
The Adventure
- Private yachting on the Bosphorus
- Hot air balloon ride
- Hiking
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
Insider Access
- Scholar introduction of Turkish history over tea
- Exclusive private access to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and Göreme Open Air Museum, Ephesus, and many other monuments upon request
- Access to Turkish synagogues and other religious sites upon request
- Private meetings with local artists at their personal ateliers
- Special appointments with the most reputable vendors for jewelry and rugs in Istanbul markets
- Private hot air balloon ride over the rock valleys of Cappadocia
- Private barbecue in the White Valley of Cappadocia
- Private demonstration of the techniques in pottery and Turkish rugs
- Private gület on the Aegean Sea
- Access and assistance to social spots in Göltürkbükü
- VIP Access at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport
- And much more...
CALL: +1-301-263-6670
info@blueparallel.com
- Best Time to Go
- Recommended Stay
- Price Reference
(11 Days, Private party of 2) - Price Reference
(11 Days, Private party of 4) - Price Reference
(11 Days, Private party of 6)
- April > June
September > October - 10 - 12 Days
- Starting at $19,000
Per Passenger - Starting at $17,000
Per Passenger - Starting at $16,000
Per Passenger
Note: Prices will vary based on the specifics of your itinerary and the number of passengers in your party.
What is included in your luxury tour to Turkey:
- Luxury accommodations at
- Four Seasons at the Bosphorus or Ciragan Palace (Istanbul)
- Argos in Cappadocia or Museum Hotel (Cappadocia)
- Güllü Konaklari (Sirince)
- Amanruya (Aegean Coast)
- Services of Blue Parallel hosts and private specialized guides throughout the journey
- All special events, private guided tours, private excursions, private outdoor activities, spa treatments, entrance fees
- Continual monitoring of your journey by a Blue Parallel team composed of a personal travel expert in our offices, and a personal host in each destination. In addition, a "behind the scenes" logistical expert is staffed on each trip in order to monitor every step of the journey. The team is on call 24-hours a day during a trip
- Exclusive access to a number of special sites in private
- All transportation
- Most meals
- A Blue Parallel customized travel kit that you will receive prior to departure
Booking Procedures:
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