TURKEY: Boutique Essence of Turkey Tour - 8 days

Destinations: Istanbul | Cappadocia | Kusadasi | Istanbul

Commences in Istanbul: 20th September 2025

Concludes in Istanbul: 27th September 2025

Tour Style: Small Group Tour (2- 14) for couples, friends & solo travellers

Length: 8 days / 7 nights

Accommodation: 5 or 4 star Modern & Boutique Hotels

Meals: Breakfasts; : Lunches; : Dinners; :

Leaders: professional local guides

Transportation: Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles & 1 Domestic Flight

Tour Grading: Moderate: suitable for travellers with an average fitness and mobility

•  Experience all the cosmopolitan delights of Istanbul 

•  Explore the Ottoman treasures in this magnificent city

•  Shop in ancient bazaars that sell spices, clothing, jewellery, textiles etc

•  Cruise the Bosphorus that divides Europe & Asia & admire its glorious shoreline views

•  Experience the nightlife of belly dancing and a whirling dervish performance of traditional Islamic dancing

•  Pay your respects at Gallipoli; a time for reflection

•  Explore the legendary, World Heritage-listed city of Troy, famous in Greek and Roman mythology

•  Discover the Hellenistic city of Pergamon & the Altar of Zeus

•  Explore the ancient city of Ephesus; the Greco-Roman ruins and large ancient cities, one of the world’s best   preserved archaeological sites on the Aegean Sea

•  Marvel at Pamukkale’s chalky travertine pools & soak in the age old hot springs

•  Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis with its basilica theatre and Roman Baths

•  Enjoy leisure time & sail around the bays & islands of the Aegean Sea at Fethiye

•  Wonder at the amazing geological formations of ‘fairy chimneys’ in Cappadocia

•  Explore underground cities in Cappadocia

•  Take a balloon ride at sunrise over the amazing landscape

•  Learn all about carpets and ceramics

•  Enjoy a variety of delicious cuisine and regional delicacies

•  And much, much more

DAY 1:          Saturday:                Arrive Istanbul:        (B/SD)
A very warm welcome to the exciting city of Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents. You will be met at the international airport by our tour host and driver and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Sultanahmet. Depending on your arrival time, you may like to wander around the old city. Your tour guide & host are on hand to assist with suggestions and arrangements.
Later this afternoon we will rendezvous in our hotel Lobby and meet fellow travellers before departing on our tour of the Old City and enjoy our welcome dinner at a lovely local restaurant.
You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar with this exciting city.

SUGGESTED OPTIONS: (Not Included in cost of tour)
Perhaps enjoy a Turkish bath (Hamam) at the historical Cemberlitas Hamam or Cagaloglu Hamam. 
Attend the Belly Dancing Academy and learn to Belly Dance! 
Attend a cooking class or spend the day discovering textiles with a specialist. You may wish to arrive the day before to reap the full benefits of all this city has to offer.

DAY 2:     Sunday :  Istanbul:  (B/L/D)
This morning we walk to the pearl of Byzance, Hagia Sofia, a 6th century masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, built as a Christian church, converted to a mosque in 1453, and made into a museum in the middle of the 20th century.
See also the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, called the Blue Mosque because of its interior tiles, with its six minarets and a great cascade of domes.
We explore around the Hippodrome; this was the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life. Then we continue to the Topkapi Palace, which was the official and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans, from 1465 to 1853. The palace is full of examples of Ottoman architecture and also contains large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armour, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as a display of Ottoman treasure and jewellery. This evening we are entertained at a Turkish show.

DAY 3:   Monday : Istanbul:   (B/L/D)
We begin today’s tour with the church of SS Sergius and Bacchus (537 AD), the first of a number of churches constructed during the reign of the Emperor Justinian - a period of fruitful experimentation in which the centrally planned Byzantine church style took the place of the Latin basilica. Then we visit the 6th Century Yerebatan Saray Sarniçi, called the Basilica Cistern (or Sunken Palace) this reservoir is the grandest of all. You will be amazed by its size, it’s capacity, and its 336 marble columns. It was notable filmed in a scene from the James Bond movie ‘From Russia With Love’.
We will make our way to the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colourful and bustling markets. Its filled with the fragrance of the exotic East, enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint and thyme fill the air, while shoppers make their purchases of spices, dried fruits, nuts, seeds and lokum, the sweet candy called Turkish Delight.
Still the commercial centre of the old city is the Grand Bazaar and it is Turkey’s largest covered market offering excellent shopping. It has about 4000 shops. It has a fabulous selection for every taste and budget: Turkish crafts, jewellery, brilliant hand-painted ceramics, copper and brassware, meerschaum pipes and excellent quality leather and suede products, and of course a rich collection of world-renowned carpets We will finish the day with a rug educational lecture in a beautiful restored caravanserai.

 DAY 4:   Tuesday:    Istanbul – Gallipoli - Canakkale:      (B/L/D)
This morning we drive south to the province of Canakkale and the Strait of Dardanelles which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. Its shores touch both Europe and Asia. This is a historical and mythological-rich area-homeland of many widely known legends. The province has witnessed two very important battles in history. One of them is the mythological war of Troy and the other battle is the Battle of Canakkale. With our private guide we visit the sights of the Gallipoli battlefields including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, The Neck, Plugges Plateau and Chanuk Bair. Lest We Forget. Later this afternoon we take our ferry to the seaside village of Canakkale. Canakkale is a delightful example of a typical Turkish town on the Marmara.

DAY 5:       Wednesday:      Canakkale - Troy’ – Pergamon – Kusadasi:     (B/D)
Today we explore the ancient and legendary archaeological site of Troy, scene of the Trojan War, immortalized by Homer in the stories of King Primus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. Our tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site will include the archaeological excavations that have been revealing separate periods of settlement and the ruins of city walls, house foundations, a temple and a theatre. You’ll also see the symbolic Trojan horse that commemorates the epic war machine that was constructed in the 6th century BC.
In the afternoon we visit the Hellenistic city of Pergamon. Pergamum is one of Turkey’s oldest inhabited sites from pre-historic times through the Ionic, Roman and Byzantine civilisations. It was famous city of learning, medicine and arts in ancient times, once a powerful and cultured kingdom. A number of important remains have survived there: the Red Hall, a Roman Bridge and tunnel. The library was believed to contain 200,000 volumes, which Mark Antony later gave to Cleopatra as a wedding present. Pergamon was cited in the book of Revelations one of the seven churches of Asia. The Alter of Zeus is in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. It is said that the Theatre in the acropolis of Pergamum is the steepest raked Hellenistic theatre in the world. The cavea of the theatre which consists of 80 rows of seats is divided into three sections by two diazomas. The capacity was 10,000 people. The road in front of the theatre leads to the Temple of Dionysos. The Asklepieion, one of the major healing centres of antiquity is three kilometres south of the Acropolis, down in the valley, there was the Sanctuary of Asclepius (also known as the Asclepieion, the god of healing. In this place people with health problems could bathe in the water of the sacred spring, and in the patients' dreams Asclepius would appear in a vision to tell them how to cure their illness. We visit a carpet making shop nearby before we continue on to our destination. 

DAY 6:    Thursday:    Kusadasi-Ephesus–Selçuk-Sirince-Kusadasi:        (B/L)
Today, we shall take a full day tour including Ephesus, the best-preserved and restored ancient city in Turkey. Ephesus contains one of the largest collections of Roman ruins even if only an estimated 15% has been excavated. The ruins that are visible give some idea of the city’s original splendour, and the names associated with the ruins are evocative of its former life. Because the terraced houses here were buried after an earthquake, the intricate mosaic floors remained well-preserved for centuries. Highlights of our visit include The Great Theatre, which was built by the Romans between 41 and 117 AD and is still used today. We will see the Gymnasium and the magnificent Library of Celsus, which has double walls to keep out the damp and to moderate the extremes of temperature. We visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum (Efes Müzuem) It houses finds from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. Its best-known exhibit is the statue of Artemis retrieved from the temple of the goddess in Ephesus.
In Selçuk we visit St. John’s Basilica. The monumental basilica was in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes. Raised by two steps and covered with marble, the tomb of St John was under the central dome, is marked with a plaque. St John or the Apostle John was the writer of the Fourth Gospel and the book of Revelation. The accounts of the Gospels agree that he is the son of Zebedee; together with his brother James, began to follow Jesus while fishing in the Lake Galilee. He became one of the Christ’s closest disciples and was with him on various significant events such as the Transfiguration and the Crucifixion. We visit the Virgin Mary’s house where she is known to have spent her last days. We visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Another important ruins remained from Byzantine are the aqueducts in Selçuk. You can see the ruins of the Byzantin aqueduct in the town extending from the eastern hills to the Ayasuluk Hill passing by the current train station and on both sides of the railway. These restored aqueducts’ peak parts serve for storks which are a symbol of the town to set their nests on. We drive to Sirince, formerly a Greek village reverting to Turkey after the exchange of populations in 1924. Here we will visit local ladies expert in knitting and crocheting. Sample the locally made wine and enjoy dinner overlooking the olive groves and enjoy a moment of Greek village life before we return to Kusadasi.

DAY 7:    Friday:      Kusadasi - Pamukkale:     (B/D)
We depart Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale. On the way we stop at Tire and Birgi. In Tire we meet a master felt maker. Birgi is a small village under preservation order. 35kms away we visit Cakiroglu Konagi perhaps the finest country home from the 1700s open to the public. We take a moment to visit the Odemis Museum famous for its wonderful display of embroidery & costumes. Nearby we are invited to a silk & linen weaving facility for fabric bargains from a range of collections including Dolce & Gabbana.  
We also visit Aphrodisias one of the oldest sacred sites in Turkey. Dedicated to the ancient Mother Goddess and then the Greek goddess Aphrodite, it was the site of a magnificent Temple of Aphrodite and the home of a renowned school of marble sculpture. The Temple of Aphrodite later became a Christian basilica through an impressive swapping of columns. Pamukkale is world famous for its volcanic spring water that cascades over steep, natural terraces to form pools, channels and stalactites which give rise to Pamukkale’s modern name ‘Cotton -castle’. (One of the natural wonders of the world formed by deposits of calcareous salts.) We will also visit the ancient Roman Health Spa of Hierapolis. The Ancient Pool is also called ‘Cleopatra s Pool’ warmed by hot springs and littered with underwater fragments of ancient marble columns.
We tour the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and see the impressive amphitheatre with seats still in perfect condition, the gates of Domitian (83 AD) and column-lined streets and arches which have stood through time including earthquakes The Martyrium of St. Philip where the apostle is said to be buried in a worship chamber surrounded by eight chapels.

DAY 8:    Saturday::    Pamukkale - Fethiye:            (B/D)
Later this morning we drive to the seaside resort of Fethiye, situated between Antalya and Marmaris and is considered one of Turkey’s most picturesque and popular seaside resorts. Located on the Turquoise Coast, Fethiye is in a protected bay with the majestic Taurus Mountains in the background. The city is famous for its beautiful marina, which is one of the largest in Turkey. It is overlooked by an ancient Crusader fortress built by the Knights of St John. The remains of a Roman theatre can be seen behind the harbor. Behind Fethiye you can visit the Tomb of Amyntas, an Ionic temple façade carved in the sheer rock face dating back to 350 BC – it’s quite a steep climb to get there but it’s worth it for the views. 

DAY 9:       Sunday:        Fethiye --Blue Cruise:        (B/L)
Today enjoy our private ‘blue cruise’. We depart from Fethiye Harbour about 10.00am and sail to Samanlik Bay for swimming & lunch. Butterfly Valley (sea conditions permitting) is our next stop for a swim & visiting this natural reserve, hosting 136 kinds of different butterflies and moths. Afterwards we cruise to Ölüdeniz (The Blue Lagoon) again, sea conditions permitting. Later this evening we return to Fethiye Harbour. This evening is at your leisure or you can join me for dinner at the fish market restaurant. 

DAY 10:     Monday:       Fethiye - Antalya:      (B/D)
Later this morning we drive the picturesque Mediterranean coastline from Fethiye to Antalya with a pine covered paradise that drops unceremoniously from the Taurus Mountain Range into a sea. There are a number of optional sites to see on this journey through the Lycian way. Roman, Highlights include Myra, Simena, and just about everything in the Xanthos valley, not forgetting the magical site at Olympos.
OLYMPOS is both the site of a Lycian city and a very beautiful natural park surrounded by the huge Taurus mountains. If the sea is relatively calm it is possible to venture on from Finike and visit this area by boat, although a night stop is not possible. There is a lovely bay nearby where you can overnight - Cineviz Liman. The entrance to the old city is covered in woodland and oleander and the ruins are separated by a river. Most of the interesting ruins are hidden in the undergrowth but that's half the fun. By following footpaths into the woods you can find the aqueduct, a house covered in mosaics and old tombs. You can swim from the beach and take a trip by four wheel drive vehicle up to the everlasting flame of the Chimera which is also located nearby.

DAY 11:      Tuesday:         Antalya – Konya - Cappadocia:       (B/L/D)
Today we drive along the Silk Road, part of the ancient trading route from China to Western Europe! Aspendos Theatre, which is the best preserved Rome theatre in Asia Minor 
The Theatre is a beautifully preserved Ancient Roman site in Turkey. In fact, it seems to be almost completely intact. Still able to seat up to 15,000 people this Roman amphitheatre was once part of the city of Aspendos, which was founded by Ancient Greeks from Argos and was first written about by the Hittites in 800 B.C.
Under the Romans, the city grew even more prosperous and Aspendos Roman Theatre was probably built there sometime during the second century AD. Visitors can wander around the Theatre and it even plays host to an annual summer festival. Nearby are also the remains of an Ancient Roman aqueduct.
We stop in Konya where we have a chance to visit the Museum of Sufi Leader of Mevlana, home of the Whirling Dervishes and site of the tomb of the Mevlana or Rumi, an important place of pilgrimage.  This afternoon we will be driving on to Cappadocia via Seljuk, a fine example of an ancient Silk Road caravanserai, which was a temporary home for traders and their camels while on route to and from Europe.
In Cappadocia, you will find a wonderland of unusual lunar-like geographic formations sprinkled with green vineyards, fruit orchards and frescoed churches. Wind and rain have eroded the brittle volcanic rock to form rock cones, capped pinnacles and fretted ravines in colours that range from warm reds and golds, to cool greens and grays. This is truly a surreal landscape.

Day 12:     Wednesday:      Göreme -Cappadocia:        (B/L/D)
The ultimate way to take in the other worldly landscape of Cappadocia is by floating above it at sunrise in a hot air balloon. For those interested in viewing this dramatic and beautiful landscape from above, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional flight before breakfast. You will go low enough to touch the tops of trees and wish a good morning to the villagers who are laying apricots on their rooftops, ready to dry them in the sun, and then soar high above Cappadocia, up to 1500 feet into the air- this is considered the best place to balloon in the world.
After breakfast, we will begin our Cappadocia tour. We depart for a volcanic area tour with our guide. We visit the amazing Göreme Open Air Museum. It’s the most famous attraction, and for good reason, this complex of several painted cave-churches was carved out by Orthodox monks between 900 and 1200 AD. Uchisar Castle, the natural rock citadel of Uçhisar is the tallest point in Cappadocia, visible for a great distance from the region’s other towns such as Urgup and Avanos.
Lunch is in a cave restaurant where we taste local pottery Kebab. Avanos on the banks of the Red River in Cappadocia is all about pottery-making. You can see pottery being made, and you may also take a pottery-making class and make some yourself.
Pasabagi is the best place to see three-headed fairy chimneys. Pasabag, the Pasha’s Vineyard, is surrounded by incredible natural rock formations; a spectacular scene.
We explore the ruins at Devrent, they are spread over three valleys, which also houses several pointed fairy chimneys with large stems.

DAY 13:      Thursday:    Göreme - Cappadocia: :                     (B/L/D)
After having breakfast at the Hotel, We walk in the Red Valley through orchards and vineyards, between fairy chimneys and rock-carved houses; you can see the old cave churches and pigeon dwellings in caves. Afterwards, we visit the old Village of Cavusin with its deserted houses after 1960’s looks like a ghost town. Christian missionaries and communities once lived in the old Cavusin valley, now in ruins. Lunch in a small village house. 
We visit one of Cappadocia’s recently discovered underground cities, Kaymakli. Possibly dating back to Hittite times, this city was definitely inhabited by the 7th Century BC. It is contained within the citadel of Kaymaklı. It is one of many subterranean towns extending seven or eight levels into the earth. Constructed by peaceful farmers who lived in the region centuries ago, these were originally meant as underground hideouts for early Christians and for others fearing attacks by warlike tribes. 
First opened to tourists in 1964. The houses in the village are constructed around the nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city. Each space is organized around ventilation shafts. The tunnels and underground rooms are still used today as storage areas, stables, wine cellars, living areas, and cave churches. 
Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia consists of plenty of pigeon houses. The pigeon droppings were also used as fuel and fertilizers. Travellers come to this place to see a wide variety of architectural structures. The pigeon houses are carved in rock. The wonderful architecture constructed amidst the idyllic landscape makes it a magnificent sight. Chimneys have been craved in the rocks. The chimneys consist of caves which were used as hiding places for Christians who escaped from the Romans. 
The afternoon is free to shop, play backgammon and drink tea with the locals, or indulge in a luxurious Hamam, a Turkish bath. 

DAY 14:     Friday:     Göreme - Istanbul::        (B/L/D)
Following breakfast, we fly to Istanbul. Then we embark on our private ferry for an unforgettable cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and dividing Europe and Asia and admire its glorious views. We disembark at Anadolu Kavagi, a fishing village near the Black sea and enjoy lunch in one of the authentic Turkish fish restaurants. Following lunch we drive to Kanlica and enjoy the delicious local yogurt. We then reboard the cruise and return to Istanbul. 
This afternoon we visit Dolmabahce Palace, one of the world’s most opulent palaces and the largest in Turkey. It was the royal residence of the last 6 sultans of the Ottoman Empire and famous for its great collection of European antiquity, furniture and one of the world’s largest crystal chandelier, 4.5 tons, a gift of Queen Victoria of England.
This evening we will enjoy our farewell Dinner.

DAY 15:     Saturday:       Depart Istanbul:     (B)
Our small group tour concludes after breakfast and for most guests today it is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends on our tour.At your leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.

Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise our private guide to accompany you. Some guests may wish to stay another day or more. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

• A Small Group Tour (8- 12 Guests)

• Private international airport arrival and departure transfers for all guests

• Hand selected modern & boutique hotel accommodation

• Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L=Lunch: D=Dinner:

• Internet Access where possible 

• Private services of local bilingual cultural foodie & textile tour guide

• Concierge / Bellhop services throughout tour

• 24 hour on call support service 

• Luxury private chauffeur driven luxury air- conditioned vehicles for transfers & sightseeing

• Admission fees to all monuments, activities, excursions and shows as per the itinerary

• Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle

• Porterage, tipping and gratuities

• An exclusive BT&T Travel Information Booklet

• Room Sharing options for singles / solo travellers available  

Not Included:

• International airfares

• Arrival & Departure Taxes, levies or other charges

• Passport & Visa Fees

• City Taxes for hotels if required

• Personal Travel Insurance

• Excess baggage charges

• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’. – via FedEx or postal services

• Late check-out at hotels

• Porterage and gratuities on your arrival at airport and hotel and in free time

• Extra gratuities to tour guides and drivers and others.

• Meals and Alcoholic beverages not included in the itinerary

• Expenditure of personal nature

• Optional activities not included in tour