Arrive in Istanbul, where the waters of the Bosphorus connect two continents and centuries of history shape the city’s distinctive character.

Meet your private driver for your transfer from the airport. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to settle in and ease into your journey.

Depending on your arrival time, begin discovering Istanbul independently or simply relax before tomorrow’s introduction to its historic heart. From its imperial skyline to the movement of boats across its waterways, the city provides an atmospheric opening to The Golden Trilogy.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: None

Breakfast at your hotel.

This morning, explore Istanbul’s historic heart on a private half-day Byzantine Heritage tour. View Hagia Sophia from the outside, appreciating its commanding presence, before continuing to the Roman Hippodrome, once the setting for chariot races and public gatherings in Byzantine Constantinople.

Descend into the Underground Cistern, where columns and reflections reveal an atmospheric world beneath the city’s streets. Your tour also includes the Grand Bazaar, whose covered passageways and shops reflect Istanbul’s long history as a meeting point for merchants and travellers.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before your private transfer to the waterfront for a sunset yacht cruise on the Bosphorus. Sail between the European and Asian shores, taking in palaces, waterfront mansions and the historic skyline as the evening light settles over the city.

Following the cruise, return by private transfer.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast (B)

Breakfast at your hotel.

Travel by private transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri. On arrival, continue by private vehicle into Cappadocia, where the scenery introduces a striking contrast to Istanbul.

Here, distinctive rock formations, valleys and cave architecture reveal a landscape closely connected with the communities that have inhabited it. Enjoy time to settle in and appreciate the atmosphere before this evening’s cultural experience.

Attend a Whirling Dervish performance, offering an introduction to a spiritual tradition expressed through music and flowing ceremonial movement. The experience brings a contemplative dimension to your first evening in the region.

Private return transfers are included.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast (B)

Breakfast at your hotel.

Those choosing the optional hot-air balloon experience begin the day early, taking to the skies above Cappadocia’s valleys and fairy chimneys before returning for breakfast.

Later, enjoy a private half-day sightseeing tour. At Göreme Open Air Museum, discover rock-cut churches and monastic spaces that reveal the region’s religious heritage. Continue to Paşabağ Valley, where distinctive fairy chimneys illustrate the remarkable shapes formed within this volcanic landscape.

Visit Avanos before taking part in a cooking class, discovering Cappadocia through its regional flavours and culinary traditions. Preparing local dishes offers a hands-on connection with the destination, with lunch included as part of the experience.

Enjoy the remaining time at leisure.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

Breakfast at your hotel.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Cappadocia.

After yesterday’s sightseeing and culinary discoveries, today offers a gentler pace and the freedom to experience the region according to your interests. Relax and appreciate your surroundings or explore independently, allowing time to absorb the character of Cappadocia beyond its principal sights.

This unstructured day adds balance to the journey, giving you space to enjoy the destination before continuing to the Aegean coast tomorrow.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast (B)

Breakfast at your hotel.

Your private transfer takes you to the airport for your domestic flight to İzmir. On arrival, continue by private vehicle to Kuşadası.

The journey now moves from Cappadocia’s sculpted valleys to Turkey’s Aegean coast, introducing a fresh setting and a more relaxed coastal rhythm.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to settle in and appreciate your surroundings. Over the next three nights, your stay combines the archaeological discoveries of nearby Ephesus with time to enjoy Kuşadası at your own pace.

Overnight in Kuşadası.

Meals: Breakfast (B)

Breakfast at your hotel.

Set out on a private full-day guided excursion to Ephesus, where the remains of a great ancient city reveal the cultural importance of this region.

Explore its streets and monuments with your guide, discovering the public spaces and architectural achievements that once formed part of a thriving urban centre. The celebrated library and impressive theatre provide vivid impressions of the city’s scale and sophistication.

Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, traditionally associated with her later life, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These visits introduce different layers of the region’s ancient and religious heritage.

Lunch and applicable entrance fees are included. Return to Kuşadası after your excursion and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Kuşadası.

Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

Breakfast at your hotel.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kuşadası.

Following your exploration of Ephesus, today provides time to relax and appreciate the Aegean setting. Discover the town independently, enjoy the coastal atmosphere or simply take the opportunity to unwind.

With no organised sightseeing scheduled, you can shape your final full day around your own interests and preferred pace before returning to Istanbul tomorrow.

Overnight in Kuşadası.

Meals: Breakfast (B)

Breakfast at your hotel.

Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final moment at leisure before your private transfer to İzmir Airport.

Board your domestic flight to Istanbul, completing your journey through three distinctive regions of Turkey.

Services conclude upon arrival at Istanbul Airport.

Meals: Breakfast (B)