Premium Destinations, Inc. takes Turkish travel to a an entirely new level, constantly innovating and reinvigorating the Turkey experience with artistic ouches of exclusivity and luxury.
Guests will arrive in Istanbul where a private Premium Destinations Concierge will meet and ensure their safe arrival at the luxe Kempinski Ciragan Palace, an excellent base to explore this fascinating city.
Begin the next day exploring Istanbul’s imperial heritage, which spans 1,700 years. Privately visit the timeless Hagia Sophia, followed by private visits to the Hippodrome and the Museum of Turkish Art while an exclusive tour guide ensures visitors are treated to spectacular background stories on the extraordinary contents of this palace. After lunch, stroll through Pera District, the modern-day heart of Istanbul and enjoy a private cruise along the Bosphorus, rounding out the day with a welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant.
The following day, enjoy lunch at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum and afterwards explore the 19th century Dolmabahçe Palace.
An early morning flight to Cappadocia awaits the following day. The unique landscape of soft rock that surrounds this region was created by volcanic and erosive activity. This afternoon, visit the mysterious rock-carved churches at the Göreme Open Air Museum. After an al fresco lunch, transfer to the boutique Museum Hotel. Hop a hot air balloon the next morning for an unforgettable ride, spending the afternoon exploring an ancient subterranean village at Kaymakli. Afterward, visit the potters of Avanos, whose skillful craft and 5000-year-old tradition of using clay from the banks of the Kizilirmak.
Fly the next day to Izmir, a city with the charm of an Aegean settlement. At the foot of the highest hill in Izmir, see the restored Agora, the market of ancient Smyrna. Then stroll through Izmir’s Kemeralti bazaar and spend the night in luxury at the Swissotel Grand Efes.
An opportunity to explore Sardis awaits the next day, a great trading center of the Aegean coast. See some of the ruins that still remain before continuing to Tire. Take a break in a tea or coffee house and enjoy a cup of Turkish tea before returning to Izmir for an evening at leisure. Explore 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. After lunch, visit the rug weavers association at Camlik village to learn about this fine Turkish tradition and art passed down from generation to generation.
Board a return flight to Istanbul and travel to the ancient periphery to view the impressive City Walls displaying such superb frescoes and dazzling mosaics. After lunch in a nearby restaurant, check in to The Four Seasons for the next two nights.
The last day will be spent in Istanbul exploring the remainders of the “age of Sinan” along with a tour of the Grand Bazaar.
Trumarketing,gabriella@trumarketing.com, www.trumarketing.com