20-Day Ultimate Luxury Turkey Epic Journey
Turkey is a land where ancient history meets contemporary luxury, offering an unparalleled tapestry of experiences for the discerning traveler. This 20-day itinerary is meticulously designed for those who seek the finer things in life—from the five-star cave suites of Cappadocia to the exclusive beach clubs of Bodrum—all while exploring the deep cultural roots of this transcontinental nation.
You will traverse the country via private transfers and business-class domestic flights, ensuring your journey is as comfortable as the destinations themselves. Expect a curated blend of VIP historical tours, private Bosphorus cruises, and culinary adventures at Michelin-starred restaurants, creating a truly epic journey that captures the soul of Turkey in absolute style.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul - Arrival & Bosphorus Elegance
Luxury Transfer to Four Seasons Sultanahmet
Begin your journey with a private Mercedes S-Class transfer from Istanbul Airport to your historic sanctuary in the heart of the Old City.
Private Sunset Bosphorus Cruise
Charter a private yacht to glide between Europe and Asia, sipping local vintage wines as the sun sets over the Maiden's Tower.
Dinner at Mikla
Experience the 'New Anatolian Kitchen' with a tasting menu at this world-renowned rooftop restaurant overlooking the illuminated city.
Evening Cocktails at Galata
Enjoy a nightcap with stunning views of the Galata Tower at a nearby boutique hotel bar.
Day 2: Istanbul - Ottoman Grandeur
VIP Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Tour
Explore these architectural masterpieces with a private historian, bypassing the standard queues for an intimate look at Byzantine and Ottoman art.
Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant
Dine at this historic establishment located above the Spice Bazaar, famous for its turquoise tiles and traditional Ottoman flavors.
Basilica Cistern Private Access
Descend into the subterranean water reservoir for a private viewing of the Medusa heads and atmospheric light installations.
Traditional Whirling Dervish Ceremony
Witness the spiritual Sema ceremony at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center for an authentic glimpse into Sufi mysticism.
Day 3: Istanbul - Treasures of the Sultan
Topkapi Palace & Harem VIP Tour
Delve into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman Sultans, including exclusive access to the Imperial Treasury and the Harem.
Grand Bazaar Curated Shopping
Navigate the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar with a private guide specializing in high-end carpets, jewelry, and antique textiles.
Turkish Hammam Experience at Kılıç Ali Paşa
Relax in an architecturally stunning 16th-century bathhouse for a luxury ritual of steaming, scrubbing, and massage.
Dinner at Neolokal
Sample modern Turkish cuisine that honors local traditions at the SALT Galata building.
Day 4: Istanbul - Modern Art & Fashion
Istanbul Modern Museum
Explore Turkey's contemporary art scene in its brand-new building designed by Renzo Piano on the Karaköy waterfront.
Nişantaşı Luxury Shopping
Browse high-end international boutiques and local designer showrooms in Istanbul's most fashionable district.
Turkish Coffee Tasting Session
Participate in a private workshop at a boutique roastery to learn the history and art of the perfect Turkish coffee.
Bosphorus View Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar
Enjoy a fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese flavors with one of the best views of the Bosphorus Bridge.
Day 5: Cappadocia - Land of Fairy Chimneys
Flight to Kayseri & Private Transfer
Fly business class to Cappadocia and transfer to the Museum Hotel, a Relais & Châteaux property in Uçhisar.
Göreme Open Air Museum
Explore the UNESCO-listed rock-cut churches and monasteries with a private archeologist.
Sunset Wine Tasting
Enjoy local Anatolian wines at a private terrace overlooking the Pigeon Valley as the landscape turns gold.
Fine Dining at Lil'a
Savor gourmet regional specialties at the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant in the region.
Day 6: Cappadocia - Skyward Serenity
Private Hot Air Balloon Flight
Soar above the lunar landscape in a private basket for an unforgettable sunrise experience with a champagne breakfast.
Ihlara Valley Private Hike
Walk through the lush canyon alongside the Melendiz River, visiting rock-cut churches along the way.
Selime Monastery Exploration
Visit the largest religious structure in Cappadocia, a massive cathedral-sized monastery carved into the volcanic rock.
Dinner in a Cave
Enjoy a private dinner hosted inside a centuries-old cave dwelling for a truly unique Cappadocian experience.
Day 7: Cappadocia - Ancient Depths
Kaymaklı Underground City
Explore the depths of this ancient subterranean city, descending several levels into the heart of the rock.
Avanos Pottery Workshop
Visit a master potter’s studio in Avanos to try your hand at the wheel, a tradition dating back to the Hittites.
Love Valley Horseback Riding
Experience the 'Land of Beautiful Horses' on a private guided ride through the iconic phallic rock formations.
Night at the Museum Hotel
Relax in your cave suite or swim in the heated pool with panoramic views of the valley.
Day 8: Antalya - The Turquoise Gateway
Flight to Antalya
Direct flight from Cappadocia to the Mediterranean coast, followed by a private transfer to Kaleiçi (Old Town).
Lunch in Kaleiçi
Dine at a boutique garden restaurant within the historic walls of the old city.
Hadrian's Gate & Harbor Walk
Walk through the triumphal arch built for the Roman Emperor and explore the picturesque Roman Harbor.
Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining
Enjoy an elegant evening in a 300-year-old mansion serving international and Turkish fusion.
Day 9: Antalya - Ancient Amphitheaters
Aspendos Theater VIP Tour
Visit one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, renowned for its incredible acoustics.
Perge Ancient City
Explore the ruins of this vast Roman city, including its stadium, baths, and colonnaded streets.
Düden Waterfalls
See the lower Düden falls where the river cascades over the cliffs directly into the Mediterranean sea.
Dinner at 7 Mehmet
Dine at this legendary restaurant known for its seasonal Turkish recipes and panoramic views of the bay.
Day 10: Belek - Luxury Relaxation
Transfer to Maxx Royal Belek
Check into one of Turkey's most exclusive luxury resorts for a day of pure indulgence.
Luxury Golf or Spa
Choose between a round of golf on a championship course or a bespoke wellness treatment at the resort's world-class spa.
Private Beach Cabana
Relax with personalized butler service in a private cabana on the sandy shores of the Mediterranean.
Resort Fine Dining
Experience one of the many Michelin-standard restaurants within the resort complex.
Day 11: Kas - The Lycian Coast
Scenic Drive to Kas
Travel along the D400 highway, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, in a private chauffeured vehicle.
Kaputaş Beach Photo Stop
Pause at this famous turquoise cove for photos and a quick dip in the crystal-clear water.
Check-in at Kas Boutique Hotel
Arrive in the bohemian-luxury town of Kas and settle into a premium sea-view suite.
Seafood Dinner at the Harbor
Enjoy fresh Mediterranean catches at a boutique restaurant overlooking the harbor of Kas.
Day 12: Kas - Sunken Cities
Private Gulet Cruise to Kekova
Board a traditional wooden Gulet for a private tour of the Sunken City of Kekova and Simena village.
Lunch on Board
Savor a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch served on the deck of your private yacht.
Snorkeling in Aquarium Bay
Swim in the vibrant blue waters of secluded bays only accessible by boat.
Kas Evening Exploration
Stroll through the narrow streets of Kas, shopping for high-end handmade jewelry and Lycian-inspired crafts.
Day 13: Fethiye - Ghost Villages & Blue Lagoons
Drive to Fethiye
Continue your westward journey to the bustling port city of Fethiye.
Kayaköy Ghost Village
Explore the hauntingly beautiful abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy with a private guide.
Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon
Visit Turkey's most photographed beach and take a private boat to the Butterfly Valley.
Dinner at Yacht Classic Hotel
Dine at the hotel where James Bond stayed, offering premium service and harbor views.
Day 14: Fethiye - Heights & Harbors
Paragliding from Babadağ
For the adventurous, take a tandem paragliding flight from 6,000 feet for a bird's eye view of Ölüdeniz.
Fethiye Fish Market
Experience the local luxury of picking your own fish at the market and having it cooked to perfection at a nearby restaurant.
Fethiye Rock Tombs
Visit the ancient Lycian Amyntas Rock Tombs carved into the cliffside overlooking the city.
Sunset Cocktails at Help Beach
Enjoy a sophisticated evening at a private beach club in a hidden cove near Fethiye.
Day 15: Bodrum - The St. Tropez of Turkey
Transfer to Bodrum
Private transfer to the glamorous Bodrum peninsula, checking into the Mandarin Oriental or Amanruya.
Poolside Relaxation
Unwind at your resort’s infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Bodrum Castle & Museum
Visit the Castle of St. Peter and the world-renowned Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Dinner at Lucca by the Sea
Enjoy high-end cocktails and Mediterranean-fusion cuisine at this trendy hotspot.
Day 16: Bodrum - Luxury Yachting
Private Aegean Charter
Spend the day on a luxury motor yacht exploring the crystalline waters of the Bodrum peninsula.
Lunch at a Secluded Bay
The yacht's chef prepares a gourmet seafood lunch while you swim in private coves.
Return to Resort
Freshen up for an evening of luxury dining.
Dinner at Zuma Bodrum
Indulge in world-class contemporary Japanese cuisine at the Yalıkavak Marina.
Day 17: Bodrum - Glitz & Glamour
Yalıkavak Marina Shopping
Browse the 'Palmarina', home to superyachts and luxury brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel.
Lunch at Nusr-Et Steakhouse
Experience the world-famous steakhouse in its stunning marina location.
Spa Ritual at Amanruya
Indulge in a holistic wellness treatment at one of the most serene resorts in the Mediterranean.
Nightlife at Maçakızı
Experience the iconic Bodrum party scene at this legendary beach club and hotel.
Day 18: Ephesus - Ancient Wonders
Transfer to Selçuk (Ephesus)
Private transfer north to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the greatest outdoor museums in the world.
Ephesus & Terrace Houses VIP Tour
Explore the Celsus Library and get exclusive access to the Terrace Houses to see the well-preserved Roman mosaics.
House of the Virgin Mary
Visit the sacred site on Mt. Koressos, believed to be the final residence of Mary.
Dinner in Şirince Village
Dine at a boutique hotel in the historic hill village of Şirince, famous for its fruit wines and stone houses.
Day 19: Izmir - Vineyards & Gastronomy
Transfer to Urla Wine Route
Drive to the Urla region, Turkey's emerging luxury wine and gastronomy destination.
Vineyard Lunch & Tasting
Enjoy a private tasting and farm-to-table lunch at a premium estate like Urla Winehouse.
Urla Art Street Exploration
Walk through the charming art galleries and workshops in the center of Urla.
Farewell Dinner at Od Urla
Celebrate your final night with a Michelin-starred tasting menu centered around an open fire and local ingredients.
Day 20: Istanbul - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Morning Flight to Istanbul
A final business-class flight back to Istanbul Airport for your international connection.
Last Minute Duty-Free Shopping
Explore the vast luxury duty-free section at Istanbul Airport, one of the largest in the world.
Relax at Turkish Airlines Lounge
Enjoy the world-famous CIP lounge amenities, including gourmet food, massage, and private suites before your flight.
Departure
Board your international flight home, concluding your epic Turkish luxury journey.
Best Time to Visit Turkey
The ideal time for a luxury journey through Turkey is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm across both the Mediterranean coast and the central Anatolian plains, making outdoor exploration and yachting comfortable. Summer (July and August) can be extremely hot and crowded, particularly in Ephesus and the southern coastal resorts, while winter is perfect for those seeking a snowy Cappadocia experience without the crowds.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and major boutiques in Istanbul and Bodrum widely accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express), it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases in markets or rural areas. Tipping is customary in Turkey; in upscale establishments, a 10-15% tip is standard for excellent service, often given in cash directly to the server even if paying the bill by card.
Getting Around Turkey
For a 20-day epic journey, the most efficient way to travel between major regions is via domestic flights. Turkish Airlines offers extensive business class connections between Istanbul, Kayseri (for Cappadocia), Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir. For intercity road travel, such as the scenic drive from Antalya to Kas, hiring a private chauffeur or renting a luxury SUV is the preferred method. In cities like Istanbul, private transfers are highly recommended over local taxis to ensure comfort and reliability.
