The Highlights of Turkey

You’ll embark your yacht and enjoy a private motor yacht cruise on the Bosphorus, the narrow strait of water separating the Asian and European continents and the lifeblood of Istanbul. Passing along the shores of the Bosphorus you will view magnificent palaces, restored Ottoman villas, impressive fortresses and the waterside residences of Istanbul’s elite. Enjoy soft drinks on the motor yacht and see a different perspective of Istanbul, described by a Byzantine visitor in the 12th century as ‘the city of the world’s desire’.

Visit the Grand Bazaar, with more than 4000 shops, to learn about the art of carpet weaving and find a variety of Turkish handicrafts, oriental carpets, rare jewels, textiles, books and Iznik tiles.  Next, you will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque situated on the third hill of old Istanbul, strikingly graceful and attended for meditation and quiet reflection. Next, the Church of St Saviour in Chora where the walls are decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes. You’ll also visit the Spice Bazaar, constructed in the 1660s–It’s still the best place to buy Turkish delight, dried fruit, fragrant spices and herbs.

After an early morning pick up, you will take to the skies above Cappadocia to enjoy a thrilling and breathtaking ballooning experience. As you float over Cappadocia’s unique landscapes, heading along its scenic valleys, you’ll gain a greater appreciation of the sheer beauty of this area of Turkey. After your ride, you will head back to your hotel for a delicious breakfast.

Start your day with your expert guide, descending five levels below the Earth’s surface into the Kaymakli underground city to explore living quarters, kitchens, wine presses, storage rooms, stables and ventilation shafts. Next, you’ll visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to view the ‘Golden Age’ of religious art in Göreme. Finally, the Göreme Valley, which has been occupied since the dawn of history and is known as the ‘Valley of the Churches’.

Let your expert guide lead you on your private exploration of Bodrum Castle and its massive conglomeration of courtyards, turrets, galleries and sunken gardens. Visit the on-site Museum of Underwater Archaeology, considered the most established of its kind in the world, and discover numerous treasures from historic shipwrecks discovered along Turkey’s southern shores. Also on display in the castle’s Gothic Chapel is a full reconstruction of one third of an Eastern Roman wreck, which dates from the 7th century.

You will enjoy a private adventurous sailing experience in a gulet, a typical wooden sailing boat from the region. You will enjoy crystal-clear water and swimming in the secret coves. You will have plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing and relaxing. A gourmet lunch will be served onboard your gulet. At the end of your voyage you will have some time to stroll around Bodrum town.