Turkey In Luxury

Itinerary

• Turkey

  Turkey stretches across the Anatolian peninsula in western Asia and Thrace in southeastern Europe, making it a multi-continental country. The Mediterranean Sea is to the south; the Aegean Sea to the west; and the Black Sea to the north. The first major empire in the area was that of the Hittites, from the 18th through the 13th century BC. All of Anatolia was conquered by the Persian Achaemenid Empire during the 6th and 5th centuries and later fell to Alexander the Great. In 324 the Roman emperor Constantine I chose Byzantium to be the new capital of the Roman Empire, renaming it Constantinople (now Istanbul). After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it became the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This empire was defeated by the Turks, who were subsequently defeated by the Mongols in 1243 giving rise to the mightly Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire interacted with both Eastern and Western cultures throughout its 623-year history. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was among the world's most powerful political entities. Mustafa Kemal Pasha (Ataturk) led the independence movement in 1922 which produced the modern secular Turkish state. 

• Bodrum

  Bodrum is a Turkish port town located southwestern Aegean Region of the country, on the Gulf of Gökova, and facing the Greek island of Kos. It is an international center of tourism and yachting. The city was called Halicarnassus of Caria in ancient times. The Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was here. Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 15th century, overlooks the harbor and the International Marina. The castle grounds includes a Museum of Underwater Archeology and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year.

• Cappadocia

  Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey, largely in Nevsehir Province. The name was traditionally used in Christian sources throughout history and is still widely used as an international tourism concept to define a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage. The term, as used in tourism, roughly corresponds to present-day Nevsehir Province. In the time of Herodotus, the Cappadocians were reported as occupying the whole region from Mount Taurus to the vicinity of the Euxine (Black Sea). Cappadocia, in this sense, was bounded in the south by the chain of the Taurus Mountains that separate it from Cilicia, to the east by the upper Euphrates and the Armenian Highland, to the north by Pontus, and to the west by Lycaonia and eastern Galatia.

• Istanbul

  Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

• Izmir

  Izmir, historically Smyrna, is the third most populous city of Turkey and the country's largest port after Istanbul. It is located in the Gulf of Izmir, by the Aegean Sea. Izmir has almost 3,500 years of urban past, and possibly that much more of advanced human settlement. Modern Izmir also incorporates the nearby ancient cities of Ephesus, Pergamon, Sardis and Klazomenai.

• • Istanbul
  • Four Seasons Bosphorus Exterior

  Day 1: Istanbul

  Enjoy a private airport transfer today with a car/driver and airport assistant.

  A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, plane tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Bosphorus (5*)

  The Four Seasons Bosphorus is a 19th-century Ottoman building that has been completely restored and modernized. It has 166 guest rooms (of which 28 are suites), all with flat-screen HDTVs and wired and wireless high-speed Internet connections. East-facing rooms have marvelous Bosphorus views. Facilities include Turkish and Mediterranean restaurants with Bosphorus views, a lobby lounge, spa with hamam, heated outdoor swimming pool with whirlpool, pool-side terrace and grill, and private dock. Located north of Besiktas on the European Bosphorus shore, it's only a short walk from Yildiz Palace and Park, and the ferry docks at Besiktas.

• • St. Sophia Church
  • Istanbul by night

  Day 2: Istanbul

  Enjoy a privately guided full day tour of Istanbul and see the most important sights. Visit the St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the Byzantine architecture (excluding the Gallery floor); the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles; Byzantine Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; and the Grand Bazaar, world’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops. Visit Topkapi Palace, the famous residence of the Sultans (The Harem section is not included in the tour).

  Also, visit the Underground cistern, the largest of the underground water reservoirs from the Byzantine era. The pillars were brought from antique cities of Asia minor. The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that still lie  near the south-west of Hagia Sophia, which was founded by Justinianus I, a Byzantine Empire (527-565) This cathedral-sized cistern is an underground chamber of 143 by 65 metres, capable of holding 80,000 cubic metres of water.

  Enjoy an exclusive Turkish lunch. (included in the tour cost)

  Experience the great nightlife of Istanbul. With private transfers to and from your hotel, you'll enjoy dinner at one of the city's famous supper clubs. Your evening also includes a traditional Turkish show -a stunning performance of folk and belly-dancers, with Turkish music and traditional singers. (including 1/2 bottle of wine per person) .

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Bosphorus (5*)
• • Beylerbeyi Palace

  Day 3: Istanbul

  Enjoy a full day with your own private car and guide. Cross the Bosphorus by driving through the Intercontinental Suspension Bridge to go over the Asian side of Istanbul. A visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, the white marble summer residence of Ottoman Sultans used in the 19th century. Enjoy a cruise by boat on Bosphorus, the unique winding strait separating two continents.

  Enjoy an exclusive Turkish lunch. (included in the tour cost)

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Bosphorus (5*)
• • Goreme
  • Aerial view, Anatolian Houses

  Day 4: Istanbul - Cappadocia

  Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

  Enjoy a direct flight from Istanbul to Capadoccia. The flight duration is about 1 hour.

  Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

  Enjoy a full day tour with your own private car and guide in Cappadocia. You will be driven to Devrent Valley and then to Pasabagi Valley, to see the amazing fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. From here you will be driven to Avanos, the famous pottery town, to have lunch. After lunch depart from Avanos to see the beautiful examples of Byzantine art in the churches of Goreme Open Air Museum. Then you will be driven to Uchisar Castle, the highest point of the region, where we have a fabulous panoramic view over Cappadocia. Conclude with a visit to the Pidgeon Valley.

  Accommodation: Anatolian Houses (5*)

  Anatolian Houses (5*) is a comfortable boutique hotel in Göreme, with several premium services, including an outdoor swimming pool. It's only a walk of 15 minute walk away from Anatolian Houses to the Göreme Open Air Museum. The guest rooms and suites are designed and carved faithful to the traditional Cappadocian cave houses and rooms, with niches, columns, barrel vaults and domes just as you'd find in Göreme's age-old dwellings.

• • Cappadocia cave dwellings

  Day 5: Cappadocia

  Enjoy a full day tour in Capadoccia and visit the Ortahisar, a natural citadel carved in rocks. Then visit the subterrenean city of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, established in the 7th century by Christians fleeing persecution, in which a visitor is able to descend several levels underground. You will be driven to Cavusin Valley to see the troglodyte dwellings where people lived until mid 20th century. After lunch a visit to the Red valley, finally a visit to a Winery, Cappadocia is famous for its fertile vineyards due to the mineral-laden volcanic soil of the area.

  Accommodation: Anatolian Houses (5*)
• • Bodrum
  • Kempinski Hotel, Bodrum

  Day 6: Cappadocia - Bodrum

  Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

  Enjoy your domestic flight from Kayseri to Bodrum with a stopover in Istanbul. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.

  Enjoy an airport transfer with your private car and driver.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay (5*)

  Located on one of the magnificent bays of Bodrum, Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay (5*) has unparalleled views of the Aegean and its very own private bay. Savour peaceful tranquillity and experience a new level of luxury surrounded by unsurpassed service at this unique property. Each and every one of the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay’s 173 rooms and suites has its own balcony or terrace to enjoy the magnificent view of the Aegean Sea. Six Senses Spa, one of the largest spas in the Mediterranean, the biggest infinity pool in the region and the finest service are some of the signature details of this glorious property.

• • Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Ruins)

  Day 7: Bodrum

  Enjoy a private tour of Bodrum and visit the Castle of St. Peter, a beautiful castle built by the Knights of St. John. A look at the remains of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, then proceed to see one of the windmills, a symbol of the region. En route visit the ancient amphitheatre. (Karia Princess and Underwater museum's entrance fees at the castle are not included in the tour price and need to be paid on the spot).

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay (5*)
• • Izmir
  • Hilton, Izmir

  Day 8: Bodrum - Izmir

  Enjoy a full day tour with your private car and guide. Drive to Selcuk, to visit the world-famous Antique City of Ephesus, including the Arcadian Way, the Antique Theater, the Roman Baths, and the Celcus Library. Your day ends with a drop off at your Izmir Hotel.

  Accommodation: Hilton Izmir (4*)

  Hilton Izmir Hotel (5*) is located on the west coast of Turkey, overlooking Izmir Bay. The hotel is 20 minute`s drive from Adnan Menderes Airport and just a few minute`s walk away from the shopping district and the Ataturk Museum. Enjoy Izmir attractions like the Archeological Museum, Ephesus ruins and the Virgin Mary's House. Squeeze in Sardis, Pergamum and the Citadel of Kadifekale. All Hilton Izmir hotel rooms have great views and are equipped with modern amenities. Have breakfast in the Colonnade Restaurant or end the day by watching the sun set across Izmir Bay from the 31st-floor Windows of the Bay Restaurant or Bar. Admire city views from the Hilton Izmir hotel's Health Club while are you relaxing or pampering yourself.

• • The Asclepion of Pergamum

  Day 9: Izmir - Istanbul

  Enjoy a full day tour with your own private car to Pergamum. You'll visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius, and the Pergamum Acropolis where you can find the Altar of Zeus (said to be "the place where Satan has his throne"). Other spectacular relics are the Trojan Temple, and the world's steepest ancient theater. After the drive back to Izmir you will be transfered back to your hotel.

  Enjoy an exclusive Turkish lunch. (included in the tour cost)

  Accommodation: Hilton Izmir (4*)

• Day 10: Izmir - Istanbul

  Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

  Enjoy a domestic flight from Izmir airport to Istanbul. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Istanbul airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• • Four Seasons Bosphorus Exterior

  Four Seasons Bosphorus (5*)

  The Four Seasons Bosphorus is a 19th-century Ottoman building that has been completely restored and modernized. It has 166 guest rooms (of which 28 are suites), all with flat-screen HDTVs and wired and wireless high-speed Internet connections. East-facing rooms have marvelous Bosphorus views. Facilities include Turkish and Mediterranean restaurants with Bosphorus views, a lobby lounge, spa with hamam, heated outdoor swimming pool with whirlpool, pool-side terrace and grill, and private dock. Located north of Besiktas on the European Bosphorus shore, it's only a short walk from Yildiz Palace and Park, and the ferry docks at Besiktas.

  • More information
• • Aerial view, Anatolian Houses

  Anatolian Houses (5*)

  Anatolian Houses (5*) is a comfortable boutique hotel in Göreme, with several premium services, including an outdoor swimming pool. It's only a walk of 15 minute walk away from Anatolian Houses to the Göreme Open Air Museum. The guest rooms and suites are designed and carved faithful to the traditional Cappadocian cave houses and rooms, with niches, columns, barrel vaults and domes just as you'd find in Göreme's age-old dwellings.

  • More information
• • Kempinski Hotel, Bodrum

  Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay (5*)

  Located on one of the magnificent bays of Bodrum, Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay (5*) has unparalleled views of the Aegean and its very own private bay. Savour peaceful tranquillity and experience a new level of luxury surrounded by unsurpassed service at this unique property. Each and every one of the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay’s 173 rooms and suites has its own balcony or terrace to enjoy the magnificent view of the Aegean Sea. Six Senses Spa, one of the largest spas in the Mediterranean, the biggest infinity pool in the region and the finest service are some of the signature details of this glorious property.

  • More information
• • Hilton, Izmir

  Hilton Izmir (4*)

  Hilton Izmir Hotel (5*) is located on the west coast of Turkey, overlooking Izmir Bay. The hotel is 20 minute`s drive from Adnan Menderes Airport and just a few minute`s walk away from the shopping district and the Ataturk Museum. Enjoy Izmir attractions like the Archeological Museum, Ephesus ruins and the Virgin Mary's House. Squeeze in Sardis, Pergamum and the Citadel of Kadifekale. All Hilton Izmir hotel rooms have great views and are equipped with modern amenities. Have breakfast in the Colonnade Restaurant or end the day by watching the sun set across Izmir Bay from the 31st-floor Windows of the Bay Restaurant or Bar. Admire city views from the Hilton Izmir hotel's Health Club while are you relaxing or pampering yourself.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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