Sultan Style Turkey (Luxury Private Tour)

Explore the highlights of Istanbul’s storied Golden Horn on a full day tour, accompanied by a private guide and driver. Start by visiting the ornate residence of the sultans of the past, the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its incredible architecture and opulent décor as your guide introduces you to the history of the Ottoman empire.  Stroll to the timeless Hagia Sophia and take in the structure’s imposing façade, matched only by the grandeur of its towering, vaulted ceilings within. Next, visit the Basilica Cistern, its marble columns still standing since the sixth century. Finally, the legendary Grand Bazaar, where your expert guide will help you navigate this surprisingly confusing labyrinth. Overnight in Istanbul.

Istiklal Street that is the liveliest and the most colorful street of Istanbul. The street has been pedestrianized since 1988 and for over 150 years has been the center of the nightlife of the city. Hundreds of bars and clubs shake this downtown area in the evenings. You will stroll on the exiting little side streets of Istiklal Street, see the amazing Embassy buildings, visit Armenian and Romaic churches, ancient districts, impressive walkways and much more. Stop by Historical Avantgarde Pera Palace Hotel Lobby to have bit of rest and relax as we sip our Turkish Coffee served with Turkish Delight in the early 1900s nostalgic atmosphere of this old and the very first 5-star hotel of Istanbul. End at the circular Galata Tower, built in 1348 by the Genoese, poking out above the skyline that was built as an example of Genoa showing off its wealth and influence. Enjoy the 360 degree view of Istanbul from the balconies of Galata Tower. Then, proceed to the airport for a flight to famous resort town of Bodrum.

Stop by the ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The monument was the tomb of Mausolus, ruler of Caria, in southwestern Asia Minor. It was built in his capital city, Halicarnassus, between about 353 and 351 BCE by his sister and widow, Artemisia II. Next, head out to Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum in the Castle of St. Peter, which houses the oldest shipwreck ever discovered. Continue on for an exploration of the local farmers market. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight in Bodrum.

Drive to Euromos to see the magnificent Temple of Zeus. This stunning Corinthian temple is one of the best preserved of it's age, and yet is seldom visited, being passed over by most tourists in favour of some of the larger sites in the area, and thus stands in splendid isolation on it's hillside, visible only to more observant passers-by on the main road north of Milas. Continue to Didyma and discover the Temple of Apollo, dating to at least 300 BC. Stop for lunch at a local seaside restaurant. Proceed to Izmir where you enjoy dinner overlooking the sea. Overnight in Izmir.

Immerse yourself in a day trip to Ephesus, where Saint Paul once lived. Stroll through the renowned archaeological park and ancient city and later visit museum here before enjoying a special home- made lunch in a nearby village. Return to Izmir after lunch, the evening will be at your leisure. Overnight in Izmir.

Fly direct (or via Istanbul) to Kayseri, Turkey's otherworldly landscape. This rocky wonderland was shaped by millions of years of natural phenomena—but human hands performed equally incredible works here. Explore the nearby volcanic stone “fairy chimneys.” View frescoes at the rock-hewn churches of Goreme and visit the stunningly restored Dark Church at this enchanting open-air museum. We will have our lunch in one of the best Gurme Restaurants of Cappdocia.Before making our way to the hotel celebrate and toast our champagne glasses by the sunset over a famous Cappadocian Valley. Check in the hotel and rest. Dinner and Overnight in Cappadocia.

After a leisurely morning we will drive to a local Cappadocia cooking class facility. Opportunity to find out the secrets of the renowned Turkish Cuisine and try it for yourself. We're going to cook local foods from our menus and learn cooking techniques from "Mother Havva" (Eve). Begin with; you will prepare the recipes with your own hands with the help of the chef Tolga. We will enjoy eating what we have made in the beautiful landscape that surrounds our home. During the time you spend in our house you will learn not only about local foods you like but also you will learn how to make local deserts and different kinds of pastry. When you return to your home, you can prepare local foods easily as a souvenir of your visit with us in Cappadocia. Then, visit the Goreme Weavers Association on an engaging artisan visit to find the weaving techniques of the Turkish Rugs along with comprehensive explanation from an expert on this special and historic art of the Turks. Overnight in Cappadocia.

This morning, enjoy an optional hot air balloon excursion over Cappadocia. Then, a visit to  the fascinating underground city at Kaymakli, which dates to as early as the eighth century BC and includes chapels, kitchens, air shafts and living quarters carved out of volcanic rock. Private pottery workshop in the oldest cave pottery production center of the area. Overnight in Cappadocia.

In the morning, you will fly to Istanbul. Upon arrival we will drive to Dolmabahce Palace. This decadent palace, which overlooks the Bosphorus from the European side, holds great importance to Turkey. The late19th century sultans resided here and ruled the Ottoman Empire from here.  A two hours of Ottoman Manor House visit to forward back to the past and discover about the period of the famous Ottoman Empire (Manor House visit is only possible when the group is over 10 persosns). Visit and meet with the descendant of a famous “Pasha” and learn about the history family and the particular house on the Bosphorus. .Overnight in Istanbul.

Cruise along the shimmering expanse of the Bosphorus strait dividing Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. (A private boat is catered when the number of group is 10 and over and regular bosphorus cruise boat under 10 persons). Viewing this mesmerising city from one of the many ferries and tour boats that continually cross the Bosphorus offers a new dimension to this destination. Proceed to the largest mosque in the city, the mosque of Soleman the magnificient and end your trip to Turkey with an unforgattable Turkish Bath Experience at the Hurrem Sultan (Roxalena) traditional bath house. The Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam in Istanbul was designed and built by Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect on the request of Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana), the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. Ovenight in Istanbul.

Transfer to the Istanbul Airport (IST) for your intenational flight home.