Trip summary statistics
10days
Signature Turkey
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir, Bodrum
Uncover Ottoman history at Istanbul’s impressive Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Soar over Cappadocia’s fairy-tale landscape in a hot air balloon, enjoying panoramic views.
Explore ancient Ephesus and classic sites like the Celcus Library and Arcadian Way.
Sail from Bodrum on a private gulet, exploring Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and hidden bays.
Savor local flavors and discover hidden gems, with tips from your Destination Expert.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
IstanbulHere we Go!
- Private Istanbul Airport Transfer with Assistant
- Turkey Welcome Package
- Dining Reservation at Nicole Restaurant
IstanbulSecrets of the City
- Old Istanbul City Highlights (7.5 hrs) - Private
- Galataport at Golden Hour
IstanbulCultural Immersion
- Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque & Spice Market (5.5 hrs) - Private
- Upperist Rooftop Cocktails at Leisure
Istanbul to CappadociaA Change of Scenery
- Private Departure Transfer to Istanbul Airport with Assistant
- Istanbul - Cappadocia [Direct - 1 hr] - Economy
- Airport - Private Transfer
CappadociaA Bird’s Eye View
- Magic at Sunrise: Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia (3-4 hrs) (with Private Transfers) - Shared Tour
- Cappadocia Highlights: Goreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley & Kaymakli (5.5 hrs) - Private
Cappadocia to IzmirOnward and Upward
- Airport - Private Transfer
- Cappadocia - Izmir [Direct - 1 hr] - Economy
- Airport - Private Transfer
Izmir to BodrumIt’s All Ancient History
- Izmir to Bodrum via Ephesus (9 hrs) - Private Transfer
BodrumSights and Insights
- 1/2 Day City Tour - Private
BodrumVitamin Sea
- Sailing the Turquoise Coast by Private Gulet Boat (with Lunch, 7 hrs) - Private
BodrumBon Voyage
- Airport - Private Transfer
ISTANBUL
Here we Go!
After clearing customs and collecting your bags, you'll spot your English-speaking assistant right away at Gate 9, holding a Kensington Tours sign. They'll hand you off to your driver for the ride to your hotel, seeing you through a smooth check-in and going over your welcome pack, answering any questions along the way.
A Welcome Package with a copy of your itinerary, domestic flight tickets (if relevant), and any other information that we deem you may find useful, will be provided to you in destination.
Located atop Tomtom Suites in a restored former Franciscan residence in Beyoglu, Michelin-starred Nicole presents contemporary Turkish cuisine rooted in seasonality and terroir. Multi-course tasting and prix fixe menus reinterpret regional recipes with refined technique, from delicately prepared seafood to slow-cooked lamb and artful desserts. The terrace offers sweeping views over the Old Town and Princes Islands, elevating the evening. Your Destination Expert will be pleased to secure a reservation on your behalf, with payment settled directly at the restaurant.
Where you’ll be staying
Classic Suite
ISTANBUL
Secrets of the City
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 decor as your guide introduces you to the history of the Ottoman empire. Continue to Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most renowned structures that dominates the Golden Horn’s skyline. Enter this majestic complex and feel immediately in awe of its sheer grandeur and beauty. Take in the intricate mosaics and tiling and let your guide explain how Hagia Sophia is an architectural reflection of the city’s fascinating past. Next, explore the underground Basilica Cistern, the largest of the several hundred reservoirs built beneath the city to provide its inhabitants with water. Stroll through the dim colonnades and keep an eye out for the Medusa heads proudly guarding this ancient technological wonder. Your next stop today is the Blue Mosque. Head inside and be amazed at its glorious interior and the iconic blue Iznik tiling that earned the mosque its name. Continue to the nearby Hippodrome for a glimpse at what used to be the hub of the local civic life centuries ago. Transfer to Rustem Pasa Mosque, a smaller mosque tucked away from the main city sites. Be inspired by the array of intricate tiles, adorned with floral and geometric patterns. Your tour ends when you are transferred back to your hotel.
Experience Galataport in the golden light of early evening, when the Bosphorus shimmers and the promenade transitions from day to night. Explore Istanbul Modern, designed by Renzo Piano, or the Museum of Painting and Sculpture before lingering along the reopened waterfront with views toward Galata Tower. Settle into a cafe or reserve a table at a waterside restaurant as ferries glide past and the skyline begins to glow. Your Destination Expert can share tailored suggestions or arrange reservations to shape your visit.
Where you’ll be staying
Classic Suite
ISTANBUL
Cultural Immersion
Experience Istanbul’s lively bazaars and explore one of the most celebrated mosques in the city on a privately guided tour. Start your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Accompanied by your private guide, stroll through the vibrant lanes dotted with countless shops and expose your senses to this melting pot of colors, sounds, and scents. Watch the skillful local artisans and craftsmen work on their masterpieces and try out your bargaining skills. Continue to the SÜleymaniye Mosque and enjoy a guided tour of this unmissable and majestic structure that has shaped the landscape of Istanbul for centuries. Walk through the vast, airy interiors and keep an eye out for some of the finest examples of calligraphy in the city. Head to the adjacent gardens for a chance to appreciate stunning vistas of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus. Next, make your way to the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Market. Wander through this captivating marketplace with your guide and take in the myriad of sights, flavors, and aromas. Stop by numerous stalls selling fragrant herbs and decadent treats, or perhaps grab a cup of hot Çay and simply watch the local life go by.
Take in sweeping views from Upperist, the rooftop terrace atop The Marmara Taksim, where Istanbul unfolds in every direction. From this elevated vantage point, admire the Historical Peninsula, the Bosphorus, and the greenery of the Anatolian side as daylight fades into evening. Settle in with a cocktail or light bites in a modern setting that pairs music and skyline in equal measure. Reservations are recommended, and your Destination Expert can arrange one in advance to secure an ideal table.
Where you’ll be staying
Classic Suite
ISTANBUL TO CAPPADOCIA
A Change of Scenery
Your driver and English-speaking assistant are on hand at your hotel, ready to see you smoothly to the airport by private vehicle.
Board a flight in Istanbul with service to Cappadocia. The flight duration is approximately one hour.
A private vehicle with a driver and guide will provide a transfer between the airport and the city or your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
CAPPADOCIA
A Bird’s Eye View
Few experiences capture Cappadocia’s sculpted landscapes like sunrise from a hot air balloon, when the valleys glow and dozens of balloons rise at once. Arrive before dawn by private transfer to the launch field, then enjoy a light breakfast while the crew prepares the balloon and the burners bring it to life. Lift into the sky for about 1 hour as fairy chimneys and carved ridgelines unfold below in the first light. After landing, a non-alcoholic champagne toast and flight certificate mark the moment before your driver returns you to the hotel.
Weather dependent. This decision is made by an organized weather organization in Cappadocia & can be cancelled within 24 hrs. of ride.
Cappadocia's fairy tale scenery has sparked the imaginations of adventure seekers from around the globe for years. Today, explore the highlights of this fascinating region accompanied by your private driver and guide. Start your adventure by visiting the Goreme Open Air Museum. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases some stunning examples of Byzantine art and marvelous frescos in a series of churches carved into the rocky surroundings. Let your guide introduce you to the rich history of this fascinating area as you stroll through the mystical landscape. Continue to the picturesque Pigeon Valley, yet another natural gem of this stunning part of Turkey. Relish in its wonderful scenery and don’t forget to take plenty of photographs. Marvel at the otherworldly rock formations and keep an eye out for the countless pigeon houses sculpted into the hillsides around you. Next, transfer to Kaymakli for an opportunity to explore one of Cappadocia’s subterranean cities. Descend into the underground labyrinth and learn the fascinating story of the 7th century Christians who established these dwellings in an attempt to flee persecution. Feel amazed at this surreal settlement and appreciate the clever ingenuity of its creators as you make your way through the narrow passages. Your tour concludes when you are transferred back to your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
CAPPADOCIA TO IZMIR
Onward and Upward
A private vehicle with a driver and guide will provide a transfer between the airport and the city or your hotel.
Board a flight with service to Izmir. The flight duration is approximately one hour.
A private vehicle with driver and guide will provide a transfer between the airport and the city or your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Standard Room - Sea View
IZMIR TO BODRUM
It’s All Ancient History
Meet your private driver and guide for a transfer from your hotel in Izmir to Bodrum. Head south until you reach the town of Selcuk where you will embark on a fascinating tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus, considered to be one of the World’s greatest classical sites. Take a guided walk through this vast historical metropolis surrounded by rolling hills and get an intimate insight into the Ephesian life as it was thousands of years ago. Stroll down the Arcadian Way lined with timeworn buildings and ancient columns and visit the magnificent Antique Theatre. Stop by the Roman Baths and ponder at the striking faÇade of the Celcus Library. Continue your day with a visit to the Shrine of Virgin Mary, where she is believed to live out her final years, and the Basilica of St. John. After the conclusion of the tour, continue on to Bodrum where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Sea View Room
BODRUM
Sights and Insights
Bodrum, a gateway to the sun-drenched Turkish Turquoise Coast, boasts more than just its idyllic seaside setting; it's a living testament to a rich past. Today, immerse yourself in Bodrum's history on a privately guided tour. Begin by visiting the remains of the Mausoleum of Helicarnassus, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Listen as your guide recounts the grandeur of the site and unravels its story. Next, behold the iconic Bodrum windmills, standing proudly atop a hill overlooking the bay, offering breathtaking vistas and ample photo opportunities. Journey to the Myndos Gate, a surviving entrance to ancient Helicarnassus, originally a part of the town's fortified walls constructed in the 4th century. Continue to explore the Ancient Theater of Helicarnassus, nestled on a hillside and providing panoramic views of the city below. Afterward, enjoy some leisure time for shopping and souvenir hunting before concluding your tour with a return drive to your hotel, leaving you enriched by Bodrum's fascinating history and timeless allure.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Sea View Room
BODRUM
Vitamin Sea
Explore Turkey’s Turquoise Coast in style from aboard a private traditional Turkish gulet boat. After a transfer to the local harbor, board your vessel and start your day by sailing along the unspoiled shorelines of the Turkish Riviera to Aquarium Cove, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of fish. Take a refreshing swim in this secluded bay or simply unwind and bask in the warm Aegean sun. Continue to Kara Ada, the Black Island famous for its healing mineral springs. Bathe in the soothing thermal waters and head to the nearby cave to treat your skin with mud believed to have been used by Cleopatra herself to preserve her famed beauty. After getting back on your boat sail south past a rocky outcrop towards the Poyraz Cove. Its gorgeous clear waters have made it one of the most popular diving spots in the area. Take in the tranquil scenery as you make your way to the nearby Meteor Bay. Jump into its irresistible blue waters and get unique opportunity to swim in a hole created by a meteorite impact. Your day at sea also wouldn’t be complete without a delicious fish lunch. The excursion ends when you travel back to the harbor and are transferred back to your hotel in Bodrum.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Sea View Room
BODRUM
Bon Voyage
A private vehicle with driver and guide will provide a transfer between the airport and the city or your hotel.
ISTANBUL
Tomtom Suites
Tomtom Suites is set in the heart of Istanbul’s historic district, surrounded by the vibrant neighborhoods of Galata, Pera, Tophane, and Beyoglu. Housed in a former outbuilding of the French Palace, the property has been lovingly restored to preserve its architectural charm, high ceilings, and solid wooden floors. With 18 individually designed suites, the hotel offers a serene refuge where history, culture, and refined design come together in perfect harmony. Every corner tells a story through curated artwork, handmade rugs, and ceramics that reflect Istanbul’s rich heritage. Guests can savor moments in the fine dining rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of the Historical Peninsula and Marmara Bay, explore the curated library, or unwind in the welcoming lobby during traditional tea-time. Tomtom Suites invites travelers to step into a world where elegance and tranquility meet, offering an intimate connection to the soul of Istanbul.
CAPPADOCIA
Gamirasu Cave
Gamirasu Cave Hotel provides some of the most distinctive and stylish accommodations in Cappadocia. Located in Avali Village near the town of Urgup, the hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring the otherworldly wonders of this mysterious and beautiful region of Turkey. All 35 meticulously designed rooms are housed in troglodyte caves, fully taking advantage of Cappadocia’s fascinating landscape. The hotel itself is a restored thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat, offering modern conveniences without distracting from the spiritual character of the area. At Gamirasu Cave Hotel you are bound to experience the finest in Turkish hospitality in a most unique setting.
IZMIR
KEY Hotel
Boasting a prime, waterfront location in the heart of Izmir, the KEY Hotel offers beautiful accommodations to discerning guests visiting Turkey’s Aegean region. The Hotel is conveniently situated by the promenade of the Gulf of Izmir and within a walking distance from the shopping districts of Konak and Alsancak. It is housed in a former bank, carefully redesigned to conserve the original character of the building and the bygone era, while simultaneously catering to and indulging the needs of a modern traveler. The hotel features 31 elegantly appointed rooms with state-of-the-art technology. The property’s restaurant showcases international cuisine with an Aegean flair in a contemporary setting. The staff of the KEY Hotel offer the best in Turkish hospitality and take pride in providing each guest with personalized attention.
BODRUM
Marmara Bodrum
The Marmara Bodrum hotel invites you to the boutique world created to charm guests visiting the Turkish Turquoise Coast. The hotel’s hillside location on the main road leading into the city allows for mesmerizing vistas over Bodrum and the Aegean Sea. Cool off with a tasty Mojito while sun tanning by the pool, or get lost in your favorite novel while lounging on a private balcony or terrace. The restaurant delights with panoramic views and serves up contemporary Turkish cuisine. Marmara Bodrum features two swimming pools, a gym, as well as tennis and squash courts to keep you active. The hotel’s wellness facilities are a great place to unwind after a day of exploring the nearby attractions. Marmara Bodrum is a great option for discerning travelers looking to relax on the sun-drenched coast of Turkey.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.








