Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul where a member of the Bonita team will meet you. Receive assistance through immigration and customs before a private transfer to your hotel for a welcome dinner.
← All journeysIstanbul & Bodrum
ISTANBUL · CAPPADOCIA · EPHESUS · BODRUM
Istanbul & Bodrum
11 days across Türkiye.
A private cultural journey from imperial Istanbul to the Aegean coast, connecting palaces, cave churches, ancient cities and the people who keep Türkiye’s traditions alive.
11 days durationPrivate experienceTailored to you
JOURNEYS BY BONITAIstanbul · Cappadocia · Izmir · Ephesus · Bodrum
Why this journey
See more.
Understand more.
This is not a checklist of sights. It is a carefully paced way into the stories, places and people that have shaped Türkiye.
Highlights
- Exclusive openings of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern
- Private visit to Chora Church and its Byzantine mosaics
- Tea with a local family in Cappadocia
- Göreme, Ephesus and Bodrum’s Underwater Archaeology Museum
The itinerary
Every day has
its own rhythm.
There is a route. The details evolve around you.
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Istanbul’s imperial stage
Begin with a private, out-of-hours opening of Hagia Sophia, where Ottoman and Byzantine histories meet beneath one great dome. Continue with an exclusive private opening of Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans and their families. Explore its pavilions, treasury and Harem quarters, then visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum and stroll through Gülhane.
Istanbul & Cappadocia
Experience a private, out-of-hours opening of the sixth-century Basilica Cistern. View Istanbul’s city walls and take a private tour of Chora Church to see its fine mosaics and frescoes. Fly to Cappadocia, visit the volcanic fairy chimneys and explore the rock-carved churches of Göreme, including the restored Dark Church.
Cappadocia
Enjoy an optional hot-air balloon excursion over Cappadocia, then explore the underground city at Kaymakli. Later, take tea with a local family at their home and visit the Göreme Weavers Association to learn how carpets and kilims are created. End the day with a sundowner from your hotel terrace.
Cappadocia to Izmir
Fly to Izmir and explore the ancient Ionian ruins, taking in the temples of Zeus and Apollo. Continue to the well-preserved ancient Greek city of Priene, set among pine trees on the Meander River delta, with its theatre, gymnasium and Byzantine church ruins.
Ephesus
Visit the archaeological excavation at Ephesus, where Saint Paul taught. See the ruins of the massive Temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the recently excavated Terrace Houses.
Izmir to Bodrum
Drive to Bodrum and visit the award-winning Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum. Discover the oldest shipwreck ever found and learn about ancient mariners, then meet the chef who prepares lunch in an Aegean courtyard restaurant.
Bodrum at your own pace
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a free day to relax by the beach and experience Bodrum at your own pace.
Bodrum to Istanbul
Fly back to Istanbul and explore Dolmabahçe Palace with its impressive state rooms and crystal chandeliers. After lunch in Nişantaşı, privately cruise the Bosphorus to see Istanbul from both the Asian and European sides.
Süleymaniye & the Grand Bazaar
Take a public ferry and explore Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the most beautifully designed Ottoman mosques. Continue to the Grand Bazaar for lunch, then gather for a farewell dinner to toast the end of the journey.
Depart Istanbul
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to the airport for your flight home.
Included
Thoughtfully
looked after.
Included in your journey
Private licensed cultural guide
Curated local encounters
Selected meals and tastings
Private transfers and pre-trip assistance
Good to know
Major monument admission is included where stated. Your final itinerary and pricing are confirmed around your dates, preferences and availability.
Begin with a conversation
Ready to go
deeper?
Tell us what draws you to Türkiye. We’ll shape the journey around it.
Plan a private journey →