Culinary Türkiye: Istanbul, Cappadocia and the Riviera

12 Days from $8,890 USD / person

Expect a feast for your senses on this culinary tour encompassing the historic cities of Istanbul and Cappadocia and fashionable Bodrum on the Turkish Riviera.

In Istanbul, a vibrant food scene greets you, shaped by a myriad of influences over centuries. Discover a vibrant fusion of Turkish, Eastern European and Middle Eastern flavors, along with modern gastronomy – from donor kebabs to Ramadan feasts and fine dining experiences. Explore the old Spice Bazaar and other famous markets aboard a ferry and take a street food tour with a fellow foodie to sample mouth-watering koftes, pides and baklavas.

Apart from its unique landscape, Cappadocia offers you a glimpse into the beautiful traditions of Sufism with whirling dervishes at a traditional Mevlevi Sema ceremony. Watch the sun light up the land atop a hot air balloon, and join a local family for a traditional home-cooking class to learn the tips and tricks of cooking Turkish cuisine. Next, take in the old world charm of Sirince and explore the ruins of Ephesus, including the Temple of Artemis which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This is the ideal destination to sample the famous wine of Türkiye (formerly Turkey), at the Seven Sages winery where you can enjoy wine tasting and a curated lunch experience.

Finally at the Turkish Riviera, enjoy the buzzing food and nightlife scene of Bodrum with its traditional cafes, local and artisanal produce and fine dining establishments. On the menu are a personalized wine tasting session at the family-run Karnas winery and a guided visit to the farmers market followed by a cooking class with a chef!

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

This itinerary will be customized for you. Please reach out and our experts will work with you to create a journey so unique, it could only be yours.

Ideal For

Adventure & Outdoors

Beaches

Heritage & Culture

Wine & Food

Sample Itinerary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 4

Istanbul
Highlights: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Blue Mosque, Culture & Heritage, Bosphorus Cruise, Grand Bazaars & Shopping

The Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery
Pera Palace Hotel

4 – 7

Cappadocia
Highlights: Landscapes & Geology, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Hiking & Trekking, Derinkuyu & Kaymakli Underground Cities, Wine & Food

Taskonaklar
Kayakapi Premium Caves – Cappadocia

7 – 9

Sirince
Highlights: Picturesque Turkish village , Nature & Relaxation, Wine & Olive Oil Tasting, Ancient ruins of Ephesus

Gullu Konaklari Sirince
Nisanyan Hotel

9 – 12

Bodrum
Highlights: Beaches & Water Sports, Historical Landmarks, Nightlife & Entertainment, Local Festivals

The Marmara Bodrum
Casa Nonna Bodrum

Add to Wishlist

Remove from Wishlist

Plan My Trip

Culinary Türkiye: Istanbul, Cappadocia and the Riviera

I was referred by a past guest Yes No

Your info is secure and never shared with 3rd parties.

Hold tight!

Your request is being submitted…

Thank You for Inquiring

While we review your requirements, why not discover more about your dream destination?

Thank You for Inquiring

Let our sales team know you’d like more details – just hit the button!

START PLANNING 1 888 263 2574

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 4

3 Nights

Istanbul

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, straddles the Bosporus Strait. Located at the confluence of Europe and Asia, this vibrant metropolis has historic monuments rubbing shoulders with skyscrapers. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, replete with fine examples of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Iconic landmarks include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Suleymaniye Mosque. Many important structures, including the Basilica Cistern Historic and the Blue Mosque are concentrated in centuries-old neighborhoods such as Sultanahmet and Zeyrek. There are also the lively markets such as Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and Arasta Bazaar that are packed with stalls selling spices, pottery and souvenirs. Then you have the Beyoğlu district with its upscale boutiques, trendy restaurants, and popular nightclubs. Here, you will find the pedestrian street of Istiklal Avenue and Galata Tower, a museum and exhibition space. Istanbul has a rich culinary heritage, and food walks and cooking classes are a great way to experience it. A leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus River allows you to take in the city from the water.

Included activities

Personalized Street Food Tour of Istanbul

Taste the flavors of Istanbul on this delicious culinary journey through the city streets. Accompany your knowledgeable guide to some of the street food stalls and bazaars that dot the hilly metropolis. Begin your gastronomic journey at the historic Kadikoy Market, located in the Asian side of the city. This lively marketplace is a food lover’s paradise and is packed with cafes, restaurants and traditional taverns. As you navigate the pedestrian alleys, stop to sample some of the local specialties. Your guide will tell you about the techniques and ingredients used to make them. Take in the old world charm of popular hangouts and enjoy the warm hospitality of the shopkeepers and cafe owners. At the iconic Galata Bridge, interact with the local fishermen before you try some baklava. Gain insight into the history and culinary evolution of the city before it is time to wind up the tour and head back. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: tastings; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please note that many food options are non-vegetarian; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable shoes as there is plenty of walking involved)

Personalized Tour of Istanbul Old Town Highlights

Discover some of the historical landmarks in Istanbul’s old town area. Begin your tour at the famous Hippodrome, a former public arena where chariot races used to take place. Accompany your guide around the square to see the gazebo-styled German fountain, the bronze Serpent Column of Delphi and the two obelisks. Next, head to the Blue Mosque, named for its colored tiles made of quartz. Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it is a fine example of 17th-century Ottoman religious architecture. After, visit the iconic Hagia Sophia that has served as both a mosque and a church over the centuries. Often called the Basilica of Saint Sophia, this magnificent edifice is decorated with rich mosaic murals and huge columns typical of Byzantine architecture. The last stop on your itinerary is the Grand Bazaar. It has over 4,000 stalls packed with a variety of items including antiques, jewelry and apparel. After the tour winds up, drive back to your hotel in your private vehicle. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Entry fees to museums included; Please wear comfortable shoes as there is plenty of walking involved; Grand Bazaar is closed on Sun & Blue Mosque is closed on Fri mornings; There may be long queues and crowds at some of the attractions; Please note that when visiting mosques and religious places, men as well as women must wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees; Women must cover their heads with a scarf; You will need to remove your footwear at these sites)

Group Bosphorus Cruise with Personalized Spice Bazaar Tour

Enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus and visit the 17th-century Spice Market. At the scheduled time, your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the public ferry boarding point. Make yourself comfortable in the ferry as you sail on the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Asia and Europe, and through the Golden Horn. Enjoy views of majestic palaces, impressive fortresses and opulent waterfront villas. After cruising for a couple of hours, disembark and head to the famous Spice Market. Housed in a stone building, dating back to 1664, this lively market is packed with shops selling aromatic spices, dried fruits and nuts. As you walk along the narrow alleys, soak in the sights and sounds as the vendors peddle their wares to locals and visitors alike. Stop at the renowned confectioner, Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir’s store. He is considered to be the inventor of the iconic Turkish delight. Also known as lokum, this sweet treat is a jelly candy flavored with spices and dry fruits. After, return to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Bosphorus cruise is via public ferry; Group size for cruise: 40 – 70 ppl; Fitness level: easy; Entry fees included; Please wear comfortable shoes as there is plenty of walking involved; The Spice Bazaar and public ferry may be crowded on some days; If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking appropriate medication before the cruise)

Hotel options

The Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery – Opt 1

Room Superior Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Pera Palace Hotel – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Pera City View

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Day 4 – 7

3 Nights

Cappadocia

Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is known for its rich history, culture, and distinctive geology. The region’s dramatic landscape of interesting rock formations, cave dwellings, and subterranean cities provides ample opportunities for exploration. Hiking trails and cycling paths wind past fairy chimneys across the valleys of Pasabag and Devrent. Hot air balloon rides and jeep safaris are popular ways to take in the scenic surroundings. At Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, find extensive underground complexes that were once inhabited by various civilizations. Visitors could choose to stay in a cave hotel for a surreal experience. Soak in the local culture at the many marketplaces and bazaars. Then, there is the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum with its ancient rock-cut churches and monasteries, and Uchisar Castle offering panoramic views of the area. A visit to a local pottery or carpet making workshop, and a hearty meal of typical Turkish delicacies are must dos while in the area.

Included activities

Personalized Whirling Dervish Ceremony

Attend a traditional Mevlevi Sema Ceremony which involves Sufi whirling. Sema is the inspiration of the Persian poet and mystic Jalaluddin Muhammad Balkhi Rumi. This 700-year-old rite of communal recitation blends poetry, classical Turkish music, chanting from the Koran and the whirling of the dervishes. It is part of Sufism, the mystical Islamic belief that glorifies God and seeks spiritual perfection. Each participant wears a tall conical hat, black cloak, white shirt and waistcoat. The ceremony starts with a eulogy to the Prophet and is followed by the beat of the drums, symbolizing the Divine Order of the Creator. Then follows traditional instrumental music and the dervishes begin to revolve rhythmically. They throw back their heads and raise the palms of their hands, to represent giving and taking. As the rhythm accelerates, the dervishes whirl faster and enter a trance, to attain union with the almighty. After that, there is usually a reading from the Koran and the ceremony ends with a prayer. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: show starts at 1800 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 40 mins to 1 hr; Show tickets are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please note that the duration of ceremony is one hour)

Group Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour of Cappadocia

Soar over Cappadocia’s beautiful valleys on this half day tour. You will be picked up from your hotel early in the morning and driven to the starting point for your hot air balloon ride. Climb into the basket and watch as your balloon fills with hot air and slowly lifts you into the sky. Get a bird’s-eye view of the colorful landscape and rock formations lit by the soft morning light and enjoy the tranquility that comes with floating gently through the air. After spending roughly 45 minutes to an hour in flight, return to earth and celebrate your experience with a glass of champagne. Then, head back to your hotel in time for breakfast. (Duration: half day: Time: Between 0400 & 0500 hrs; Transfer time: 40 mins to 1 hr; Shared activity & transfers; Meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please note climbing into the balloon basket can be a problem for guests with mobility issues; Please note this activity is subject to weather conditions and could be canceled at the last minute; Min age: 6; Min height: 4 ft 6 in)

Personalized Home Cooking Class with Local Family

Experience the joy that comes with cooking a meal in a home alongside a local family in Cappadocia. Your driver will pick you up at the appointed time and take you to the family’s traditional stone house decorated with arched ceilings, Turkish textiles and Cappadocia rugs. Experience true Turkish hospitality as you meet the family and get ready for your lesson. Use organic ingredients such as fresh eggs from the family’s chickens, honey from their beehives and fruits, vegetables and spices grown in their garden, to make the dishes. Once the food is ready, sit down with your hosts and enjoy a feast together. Head back to your hotel with a full stomach and great memorie. (Duration: half day; Time: flexible, but lunch time is recommended; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Personalized Highlights of Cappadocia Tour

Immerse yourself in history in Cappadocia on this full day tour. After breakfast at your hotel, drive to the Goreme Open-Air Museum with your guide. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast complex filled with hundreds of monasteries and churches that contain 11th and 12th-century frescoes. Your guide will show you some of the most important churches, such as the Yılanlı Kilise, the Elmalı Kilise, and the Tokalı Kilise. Then, head to the town of Avanos, which sits on the banks of the Red River whose clay is ideal for pottery. Visit a pottery workshop to see the collections displayed in a vast underground cave complex, meet the artisans, and learn about their work and its heritage. Continue on to Pasabag Valley to view the tower-shaped hermitages, and from there to Pigeon Valley for a photo opportunity at Uchisar Castle Center. Proceed to explore the castle, which is full of towering rock houses typical of the area, before making your way to Uchisar town. There you will learn about the history and art of carpet making, a quintessential Turkish trade that has been passed down for generations, from mother to daughter. (Duration: full day; Time: morning; Private activity & transfers; Meals are not included; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear comfortable shoes as there is plenty of walking involved; Please note that climbing steps, walking uphill & downhill, and tight underground corridors could be a problem if you have mobility issues or claustrophobia)

Hotel options

Taskonaklar – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Cave

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Kayakapi Premium Caves – Cappadocia – Opt 2

Room Prime Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Day 7 – 9

2 Nights

Sirince

Sirince is a small village located in Selcuk district, in Turkey’s central Aegean region. This ancient settlement, dating back to 331 BC, is surrounded by olive and peach groves. Traditional houses, made of stone, stucco and wood in the Greek-Turkish style, line the winding cobbled alleys of this car-free hamlet. The 19th-century Church of Saint Dimitrios, with its collection of beautiful frescoes, can be found here. There is also Saint John the Baptist Church, easily identified by the statue of the Virgin Mary. At the local marketplace, the stalls are packed with fresh produce, fragrant spices and olive oil soaps. Lovely walking paths can be found along the verdant slopes, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and nature. Sirince has a lively culinary scene comprising cozy restaurants and family-owned cafes specializing in Turkish coffee. There are also a handful of wine cellars featuring house wines including fruity flavored varieties. The ancient Greek city of Ephesus, home to the UNESCO-listed ruins of the Temple of Artemis, is just a short drive away.

Included activities

Personalized Visit to Ephesus and Terrace Houses

Discover Ephesus and the Terrace Houses, while driving from the airport to Sirince. Begin at the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to the Odeon, a semi-circular theater that served as a venue for political meetings and musical performances. View the Corinthian-style Temple of Hadrian and then proceed to the Library of Celsus, which housed more than 25,000 scrolls. Stop at the Coliseum-like Great Theater, an example of Hellenistic and Roman architecture, where gladiatorial games and concerts once took place. Then, follow your guide down the Sacred Way, a section of which is covered with marble plates. Within the archaeological site are the Terrace Houses. These residences give insight into the sophistication and aesthetic refinement of upper-class Roman domestic life. After the tour, travel to your hotel in Sirince. (En route activity; Duration: half day; Private activity & transfer; Travel time to activity: 1 hr; Entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable shoes as there is plenty of walking involved; Please be prepared for crowds & hot weather; Please note, if guests arrive by noon, they can visit Ephesus enroute to the hotel; Sirince airport to Ephesus is 1 hr, Ephesus to hotel in Sirince is 45 mins, sightseeing 2.5 hrs, total duration 4.5 hrs)

Personalized Wine Tasting & Lunch at Yedi Bilgeler Winery

Visit Yedi Bilgeler, or Seven Sages Winery, for lunch, a winery tour and a wine tasting. The winery, which is also a restaurant and hotel, is set amid rolling hills. Once you arrive, enjoy a superb gastronomic experience at the restaurant. Relish a sumptuous three-course lunch, while taking in panoramic views of the vineyard and mountains. Next, the vintner will lead you on a tour of the estate. Walk beside carpets of colorful wildflowers, roses and lavender, while learning about Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Shiraz grape varieties. Each of the wines is named after the ‘Seven Sages’, sixth-century BC philosophers, statesmen and lawmakers. In the cellar, learn about the winemaking process and see the French oak barrels, stainless steel fermentation tanks and myriad bottles. Also catch glimpses of the filtration equipment and bottling machines, before heading back to the restaurant. Taste four wines including a white, red, rose and the popular 7 Bilgeler Bia Prine Reserve Red Blend. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch & wine tasting; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Min age: 18 yrs for wine tasting only; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)

Hotel options

Gullu Konaklari Sirince – Opt 1

Room Terrace Stone Room with Private Patio

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Nisanyan Hotel – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Superior Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 9 – 12

3 Nights

Bodrum

Bodrum, formerly known as Halicarnassus, is a glamorous seaside paradise on the Turkish Riviera. Situated on the Turquoise Coast, where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet, the city’s Yalikavak Marina is where superyachts are berthed. The old town is divided into two halves by its castle and the pedestrian-friendly bazaar area. On a walk through its narrow streets, enjoy scenic water views. Visit the town’s traditional markets that sell a variety of spices, olives, artisanal cheese, honey and handmade soaps. Bodrum’s culinary scene features cafés and fine-dining restaurants that offer Aegean specialties prepared with fresh local produce. Explore the villages surrounding Bodrum with its ruined churches, windmills, stone houses and whitewashed cube-buildings, to get a sense of its Hellenic feel. Another popular activity is to sail aboard a schooner along the coast, drop anchor at hidden coves and swim in lagoons.

Included activities

Personalized Tour of Magnesia

Discover the historic city of Magnesia on the Meander, enroute to Bodrum. Your expert guide and chauffeur will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Magnesia, located in the Aegean region. Founded roughly between 400 to 350 BC, this ancient Greek city grew to a considerable size and was important to the region both commercially and strategically. The city even found a mention in Greek Philosopher, Plato’s treatise, ‘The Laws’. Follow your guide around the ruins of this city and see the temple built for Artemis by Hermogenes, in the third century BC. Enjoy exclusive access to archeological areas closed to the general public and attend a private lecture by archeologists present at the excavation. Then continue on to your hotel in Bodrum, a drive of approximately three hours. If you like, you can stop for coffee or lunch along the way. (En route activity; Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to Magnesia is approx 1.5 hrs; Meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable shoes as there is plenty of walking involved)

Personalized Visit to Farmers’ Market with Turkish Cooking Class

Visit a farmers’ market and learn how to make a full-course Turkish lunch on this tour in Bodrum. You will be picked up in the morning and driven to the farmers’ market to shop for ingredients. Browse the stalls selling a wide range of produce, including olives, wild seasonal greens, and vegetables. You will also find jams, pickles, breads and a wide array of delicious cheeses. Your chef will help you pick out the ingredients you need for your meal. You can also taste the cheeses, olives, and spices on display. Once the shopping is done, drive to the cooking warehouse for your lesson. Your English-speaking chef will show you how to make the five meze courses, followed by a hot starter and a main course. Learn to make a Turkish dessert as well. When the food is ready, sit down to enjoy it along with some local wine. After you have eaten, you will be driven back to your hotel. (Duration: 5.5 hrs; Time: 0900 hrs; Not available on Tues & Weds; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: tasting & lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable shoes as there is plenty of walking involved)

Personalized Wine Tasting at Karnas Vineyards

Visit a family-run winery nestled in the grounds of ancient Karia in Bodrum. Your driver will pick you from your hotel in the afternoon. Enjoy a picturesque 30-minute drive through Karaova farming lands. Enjoy a glass of Rose Zinfandel on your arrival at Karnas Vineyard. After, follow your guide on a tour of the cellar. Learn about the vineyard’s farm-to-table philosophy, and their use of organic grapes to make their award-winning wines. You will also hear how the 25-year-old winery was started by the owner after she retired. Then, sit down to a wine tasting accompanied by snacks from Karnas Vineyards and Selia Farm, including local virgin olive oil, jams made with fruits from the garden, and goat’s cheese. Soak in your beautiful surroundings and watch the sun go down before driving back to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Time: 1300 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: wine tasting with local snacks, Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable shoes as some amount of walking is involved)

Hotel options

The Marmara Bodrum – Opt 1

Room Luxury Sea View Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Casa Nonna Bodrum – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Garden Sea View Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Beach Resort

What Our Guests Say

Enchanting Travels helped make our family trip to France exceptional. We were able to experience this beautiful country without worry, stress, or frustration because of their wonderfully curated itinerary. We cannot wait to travel with them again.

Heidi Benner

USA

This was my second trip booked through Enchanting Travels and I will continue to use them for any future trips. The service they provide is amazing and best of all they make everything so easy. Lisa Fox and Divya were brilliant with everything they did for us. I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed my trip and a lot of that is due to them and their help. 10/10 would recommend.

Alexis Marie North

USA

This was the second trip we worked with enchanting travel. The ability to customize our trip, and get advice on tours and activities was very helpful in making our trip unique and personalized. We will definitely be using calling Enchanting Travels for our next vacation.

John Michael Hubbell

USA

We would highly recommend Enchanting Travels to anyone interested in having a carefree, wonderful adventure abroad. We have used their services in several countries and have always had terrific travels. Although we haven’t decided where we would like to travel next, we will definitely contact them when we’re ready to start planning!

Linda Ann Pickard

USA

After multiple trips to Europe that we planned ourselves, this year’s trip to Slovenia and Croatia was the second we have arranged through Enchanting. We elected to visit these countries after conversation with Taylor McKinley, our two-time trip coordinator, who had personal experience traveling to these countries. The itinerary allowed us to have a great introduction to these intriguing countries, their people, and particularly their 20th century history. And we thoroughly enjoyed the excellent Slovenian and Croatian food and wine along the way!

Karen Richardson

USA

We had a great honeymoon thanks to Enchanting Travels. Both Kyle and Ruth were absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Any hiccups that took place during our trip (that were completely out of anyone’s control) were quickly responded to and we didn’t have to worry about a thing. Enchanting travels spoiled us and now I’m not sure how we’ll ever be able to go on a trip without have the ease and convenience that Enchanting Travels provided to us!

Timothy Barnes

Canada

Culinary Türkiye: Istanbul, Cappadocia and the Riviera

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

Ideal For

Sample Itinerary

Thank You for Inquiring

Thank You for Inquiring

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 4

Day 4 – 7

Day 7 – 9

Day 9 – 12

Istanbul

Cappadocia

Sirince

Bodrum

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

Option 2

Price Includes

Not Included

What Our Guests Say

Other Itineraries You Might Like

Turkish History and Romance

Luxury Tour of Istanbul and Cappadocia

Highlights of Türkiye