Mesmerizing Turkey

Best travel time	APRIL TO OCTOBER
Ideal Length	10 DAYS
Flight time	12HRS 10MINS FROM HONG KONG 10HRS 40MINS FROM BEIJING 12HRS 15MINS FROM SHANGHAI
Visa Information	Visa Required More Required for most countries: e-Visa - Republic of Turkey Electronic Visa Application System

This epic vacation sets off in Istanbul. Once the capital for the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman empires, this ancient cosmopolitan is famed for sights dating back thousands of years. At the same time, it also has a fascinating, and often ignored, contemporary scene that is finally receiving international attention. With Journeys by Chance, you dig deep into this incredible city; Explore the remnants of these cultures while enjoying privileged access, perhaps on a private afternoon cruise on the Bosphorus or during a private tour of the most astounding mosques Hagia Sophia and the grand Palaces. What’s more? Marvel at the Wonders of the World and travel to the sprawling Cappadocia and experience it from a unique viewpoint as you float over the region's gorgeous landscape in a hot air balloon.

East Meets West

Fly overnight to Istanbul, where you are met and provided VIP service through customs and immigration and swiftly transferred to your beautifully hotel, a former Ottoman Palace set on the banks of the Bosphorus. From a skyline featuring both minarets and church spires to the call to prayer competing with lounge music in a hip cafe, Istanbul is the only major city to span two continents. With our expert guide and your private driver, explore some of Istanbul’s masterpieces of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, lively spice Market, the city's most interesting museums and vibrant neighborhoods, and enjoy time to shop for carpets and kilim, jewelry, glass, textiles and antiques. You will soon agree Istanbul is among the world’s most visually stimulating cities. In the evening, share special moments on a private sunset cruise of the Bosphorus. As you sail along, watch the beautiful skyline with its splendid mansions, Judas blossoms, forts and palaces.

UNPARALLED HISTORY

Fly to Izmir, the birthplace of Homer, and visit the remains of the great Ionian city of Ephesus, lying at the foot of Mount Pion. Unmatched as an archaeological site, the sheer size and grandeur of the ruins make this the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Wander the archaeological park, the local museum and temple, and attend a private opening of the breath-taking Terrace Houses. For lunch, join a local family in their country restaurant for a hands-on lesson in Turkish cooking. Afterward, head to a beautifully preserved village, resting on a curved gorge that overlooks endless olive groves reaching toward the Aegean Sea. Spend your night in an authentic cottage with wonderful views over the town, valley and surrounding mountains. If you are so lucky with your loved one by your side, upon your request, we can arrange a truly incredible and poignant event: an opportunity to renew your marriage vows in front of the Celsus Library. Officiated by a local priest and accompanied by the Izmir State Symphony, your wedding blessing becomes a powerful memory to cherish for a lifetime.

VOLCANIC NATURAL SPLENDOUR

Millennia-long volcanic activity and erosion turned the volcanic remains into a soft porous stone named tuff, creating a unique landscape in Cappadocia. The valleys of tuff filled with “fairy chimneys” became cave dwellings, monasteries, chapels and cellar villages at the hands of expert carvers. Fly to Cappadocia where you can explore this magical fairyland, the film location of Star Wars. Marvel at the fascinating rock-carved churches and subterranean settlements. For lunch, travel by horse cart to a quiet place in the country for a picnic barbecue. Feast on a meze (an array of small plates) of salads, kebabs, fried chicken and lamb chops. Afterward, check in to your deluxe traditional Cappadocian hotel, partly carved into the tuff. Admire the antiques, elegant furniture, handmade wool and silk carpets used in the décor throughout the property. Then explore the rock-carved churches of Göreme, now an open-air museum displaying fine examples of ninth- and tenth-century Byzantine wall paintings. Later, privately visit the beautifully restored Dark Church and view its 11th-century frescoes before going on a hike in the famous Red Valley.

LAND OF THE ETERNAL BLUE

Labelled ‘Land of the Eternal Blue’ by Homer, Turkey has had famous fans since the days of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. Warm turquoise waters are a heavenly swimming arena, with a seabed brimming with marine life and shipwrecks. Snooze on Blue Flag beaches, windsurf, sail, canoe and travel inland amongst bougainvillea to see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

There is no better way to experience this spine-tingling coastline than meandering past the forest-clad mountains, and exploring the hidden bays and inlets of this unforgettable area in your own luxury yacht or traditional Turkish wooden Gulet. The majority of bays in this region are accessible only by sea and as such, you are often fortunate enough to have them completely to yourselves. Many remnants of Turkey’s rich heritage are to be found amongst these bays, with cultural sites scattered throughout the region. Your lazy cruise therefore provides the opportunity for complete relaxation whilst at the same time allowing you to see a beautiful and culturally rich part of the world in a manner that few people are able to. It would be wrong to over-emphasize the luxury of a gulet; the idea is to provide a comfortable base from which to enjoy the stunning scenery whilst benefiting from the friendly and attentive onboard service provided by your crew. At Journeys by Chance, we will tailor make your itineraries to strike a balance between life at sea and in port, providing plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs either in the various harbours (and shops), or to visit cultural sites.

Inspired? Get in touch with our destination expert who can help you tailor this Turkey trip.