Explore Turkish Flavours

This tour has year-round dates available (Best dates are from April to July and September to November). Simply tell us when you want to go. Tour operates for as few as 2 people, and as many as 12.

Experience Turkey through the eyes, lives and tastes of its people. Sample its diverse food and culture. Meet local people, visit local markets and ethnic restaurants, float high over the “fairy caves” in a hot-air balloon. Join us as we explore ancient, Ottoman, and modern Turkey. You’ll come away with a deep appreciation for the magnitude of history and culture in this ancient land. Indulge your love of ancient history, delicious food, exploring new cultures and walking amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Highlights of the tour (Subject to change)

The proposed tour will start in Istanbul – Constantinople – the only city in the world that straddles two continents, linking East and West. See the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, including the Harem, restored kitchens and the 7th biggest diamond in the world, the “Spoonmaker’s Diamond”. Leaving Istanbul on day 5, we fly to Cappadocia where we will focus on the foods and culture of Anatolia. We will see the “fairy chimneys”, visit an underground city and take an optional hot-air balloon ride. Back on earth, we’ll learn to make baklava and visit a winery. Moving on to Ephesus to visit the ancient archeological ruins featuring the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Lunch will be in an ecological farm restaurant and Oleatrium (an olive and olive oil museum). Our tour comes to an end back at Istanbul.

ITINERARY

Day 1 ISTANBUL

Arrival in Istanbul , the only city in the world built on two continents, providing a unique link between East and West and guardian of the treasures of three empires of which she has been the capital.  Napoleon said that if the world were a single state then its capital would be Constantinople. Even today, amid the traffic-choked streets of modern Istanbul, among the high-rises, the steep alleys and the glowing ancient churches and mosques, you can still feel exactly what he meant.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2   ISTANBUL

Today you will visit the Blue Mosque, a famous 17th century mosque that dominates the Istanbul skyline. Hagia Sophia, the church of the Divine Wisdom, which was a church (circa 548 AD), then now a mosque and the Basilica Cistern.

(For lunch you will taste delicious kofte -meatballs- at a specialized restaurant operating since 1920.

Then you will drive to the pier  for your private cruise on the Bosphorus.

Upon disembarkation you will proceed to a Turkish home to enjoy a Hands- on cooking class learning to cook home-style, family recipes and taste what you have cooked.

A truly unique opportunity to experience Turkish hospitality and local home life.

Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L, D)

Day 3 ISTANBUL

Today you wil visit Topkapı Palace the residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. It is located on the promontory jutting out between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Being the imperial residence of the sultan, his court and harem, the palace was also the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire. In the Treasury section, you will see the 7^th biggest diamond in the world, the “Spoonmaker’s Diamond” and the Harem is a vast labyrinth of rooms and corridors once occupied by the black eunuchs, concubines, the Sultan’s mother and the Sultan himself.

You will visit The Palace Kitchens, Helvahane and Quarters and learn about our culinary culture of 400 years.

Lunch will be at a restaurant where you will taste Ottoman Palace recipes.

After lunch you will visit Süleyman the Magnificent Mosque created by the great architect Sinan. The Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent is one of his two most impressive achievements, carrying mosque architecture to its grandest development. Then explore the famous Grand Bazaar.

A baklava shop where you will taste the best Baklava in town will be your last stop for the day.

Dinner and Overnight Istanbul. (B,L,D)

Day 4   ISTANBUL – CAPPADOCIA

After check out today you will start the day with a walk through the Spice Bazaar, an extensive market which was built in the 17th century to finance the upkeep of the nearby mosque – Yeni Cami. The bazaar is often referred to as the “Egyptian Market” due to the fact that spices used to come to the market from India and Southeast Asia via Egypt. During the tour you will visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, another skillful accomplishment of the architect Sinan, the Rustem Pasha Mosque was built in 1561 on the orders of Rustem Pasha, Grand Vizier and son-in-law of Suleyman the Magnificent. Exquisite Iznik tiles panel the small and superbly proportioned interior.

Take a ferry ride to the other side of the river that separates the European and Asian parts of Istanbul to explore the famous open-air street market of Kadıkoy. Notice the big difference in atmosphere between the Spice Market and the Kadıkoy which is more in tune with the way most people in Istanbul cook and eat.

Indulge yourself in the huge variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, with plenty to discover for the “foodie.” Feel the real bazaar shopping experience with the fishmongers, bakers, butchers and grocers singing out to attract you to their stall. Take your time and explore the many pastry shops, Turkish delight and deli stores and the aromatic spice stands. There is plenty to see and buy, with information and recommendations available.

After lunch we will head for the airport for our flight to Cappadocia.

We will be transferred to our hotel upon arrival.  (B, L )

Day 5   CAPPADOCIA

In Cappadocia we will focus on the very particular culture and foods of Anatolia.

Today we will be cooking in a village home with local village women. They will show us how to make stuffed vine leaves and manti, a traditional dish whose heritage stretches back in to the Central Asian origins of modern Turkey. You will taste what you have cooked for lunch.

After lunch will introduce you to the lunar landscape of Cappadocia at Dervent Valley, and we head on to Zelve Open Air Museum, which is one of the earliest inhabited and latest abandoned monastic settlements of Cappadocia. Seeing the best examples of the fairy chimneys at Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valley, we drive further to Avanos. From here you will stop at Avanos, a centre of terracotta art since 2,000 BC, for a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. Then we will try our hands at it under the supervision of a master potter.

We will end the day by relaxing at one of the most spectacular valleys of Cappadocia with its different rock formations in a variety colors and enjoy the sunset while sipping delicious Cappadocian wines.

Dinner will be served at one of our favourite restaurants in Cappadocia.

Overnight in Cappadocia (B, L, D)

Day 6 CAPPADOCIA  –  Optional Baloon ride

Early morning optional balloon ride – transfer to the balloon launching site to meet the balloon crew. The gentle and stable wind conditions are ideal during the first few hours of the day in Cappadocia. It is also the ideal time for photography, with splendid colours and contrasts. The deep canyons and gentle winds carry you over places that could never be reached except by balloon. After flying over Cappadocia for about one hour, you will land to an awaiting champagne breakfast!

After breakfast you will visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. These are found in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings dating from as early as the 10th century.

After lunch in a local restaurant you will then explore an underground city, one of the largest and deepest of Cappadocia’s many such settlements.

Then while sipping your wine you will enjoy a demonstration and explanation of Turkish carpet making techniques, symbols and different types of carpets.

Later we will visit the Saruhan Caravanserail to watch the Whirling Dervish Sema Ritual.

Tonight is free.

Overnight Cappadocia.  (B, L)

Day 7 CAPPADOCIA – IZMIR  

After a leisurely morning join a Turkish Art of Marbelling (Ebru) workshop. Rest of the day on your own.

In the afternoon we will drive to a village where they will show us how they do homemade baklava.

After a light dinner we will take an evening flight to Izmir

Overnight near Ephesus. (B, D)

Day 8 EPHESUS

After breakfast we will proceed to visit Ephesus, one of the most incredible archaeological wonders of the world.

We will then proceed to Kusadası for lunch in an ecological farm that houses the best restaurant in the area and visit the Oleatrium, an Olive and Olive Oil Museum where we will be travelling 2500 years in time. After having a feast, we will take you around the farm so you will see how they dry their vegetables under the sun, how they make tomato or pepper paste, and the making of many different organic jams. The farm tour will end at the Olive Oil museum where you will see how mankind first discovered that olives were edible and how olive oil was used from the beginning of time until today.

Aegean Meze dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.

Overnight near Ephesus. (B,L,D)

Day 9 EPHESUS – URLA

After breakfast visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selcuk.We will then drive you to Urla.

URLA

Urla is a haven for culinary enthusiasts, offering a delectable journey through Turkish flavors. The town boasts a vibrant food scene that celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in traditional Turkish dishes at charming restaurants, where you can savor the rich blend of spices and the succulence of grilled meats. Urla’s coastal location ensures an abundance of fresh seafood, enhancing the culinary experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore local markets, where you can discover an array of organic fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products. With a diverse range of culinary delights, Urla captivates visitors with its gastronomic treasures.

Upon arrival with a short and leisurely stroll through the Arts Street featuring cafes and art studios, we will enjoy the 150 years old stone buildings and the narrow streets of central Urla.

We will then arrive at the 2600 year old ancient olive oil press of Klazomenai, one of the 12 ancient Ionic cities. After we learn about the history of olive oil we will take a leisurely walk to see and experience the ancient boat reconstruction workshop where we will see the way amphoras full of fresh olive oil and Urla wines were transported to the region.

Just across the street is the fruit and vegetable market where all produce is freshly picked in the early morning. Here we will choose our seasonal produce and fresh cheeses and arrive at the cooking workshop. We will learn how to prepare Aegean style foods featuring the strong influence of the regional culinary heritage using the freshest ingredients and dishes cooked in local extra virgin olive oil.

After cooking a delicious meal together, we will sit down and enjoy a family style late lunch with the food we prepared, accompanied by a selection of award winning local wines while enjoying the wonderful views of the region.

We will end our day at an award winning local winery where we will tour the picturesque vineyards and sample their delicious wine selection.

Overnight in İzmir  (B, L)

Day 10 İZMİR – ISTANBUL

Today after breakfast you will take your flight to Istanbul.

End of services

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

PLEASE ASK ABOUT OUR PRE or POST TOURS IF YOU WISH TO ARRIVE/ EARLIER OR LEAVE LATER TO/FROM ISTANBUL.

Extra nights before or after in Istanbul

We are also running this trip privately for individual parties with minimum 4 participants.

FROM PREVIOUS EXPLORE TURKISH FLAVOURS PARTICIPANTS

MIRIAM R- USA 

Eight of us just returned from a magnificent cultural and culinary trip through Turkey with Turkish Flavors, organized by Selin Rozanes. If you are a foodie, do not miss this trip!! We visited Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Bodrum, among other places, and loved it all because of our wonderful guides, the accommodations, the food, and the variety of experiences. We visited a typical cave home in Cappadocia (and stayed in a marvelous cave hotel there); had cooking classes, including one with a local family; went to a local school, rode a hot air balloon, and had a delightful day on a gulet in Bodrum, where we swam and enjoyed a wonderful lunch on board. In addition to visiting the important cultural sites, such as Hağia Sophia, Chora Church, the Rustum Pasha Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and more, we toured several marketplaces, such as the Spice Market, and tasted many local delicacies. Look at the web site to see more details of the trip. At the end we could not believe how much we had seen and experienced. We only wish we could have had two or three more days. Every meal we had was better than the last and the accommodations throughout were first rate!

It’s been almost three weeks since we completed the Explore Turkish Flavours tours with Selin Rozanes – just wanted to make sure that what we said was not biased by the immediate afterglow of the experience. This was a once in a lifetime experience where you get to experience another nation’s history, culture, and cuisine with a front row center seat with an added backstage pass. What makes the tour so special is the personal involvement of Selin. She not only makes the arrangements but personally participates in the activities and makes changes to the planned itinerary as local conditions or the desires of the participants dictate. For those readers not available to participate in this twice a year event, the spice market tour and the cooking class at Selin’s home were both parts of this tour that can be booked separately and are not to be missed. If you’re a foodie, it doesn’t get any better than this!! If you decide to take this tour make sure you are up for days that are full of activities that require walking and a disciplined appetite. Selin also help us with arrangements for excellent tours in Istanbul for days prior to the tour that allowed for us to adjust to a seven hour time zone change and see some of the city sights not included in the tour.

ANDY JUDD- LOS ANGELES 

THE ULTIMATE FOODIE EXPERIENCE

If you are a Foodie and like to eat/cook/explore then Selin Rozanes’ Turkish Flavours tour of Turkey MUST be on your bucket list. We had such a memorable, fantastic, scrumptious, enjoyable experience that words can’t describe it! Not only did we get to do the sites in Istanbul, Cappadocia and the west coast but we also ate at authentic (not the touristy garbage) gourmet restaurants that served regional fare. In addition, we got hands-on cooking lessons in homes and restaurants learning how to make family recipes and of course, eating the results of our work. In the process we met some wonderful people. Turks are a warm, friendly, hospitable people and meeting them this way made us feel welcome and so much at home. We truly did not want to leave.

JAGI SHAHANI – SAN FRANSISCO 

If you would like to organize a trip for you, your family or friends, please email us ([email protected]).