From Olive Groves to Ottoman Tables

Bodrum • Kuşadası • Istanbul

Day 1

Departure to Türkiye

Your culinary adventure begins as you depart the USA on an overnight flight to Istanbul and connect to your flight to Bodrum. If you wish to arrive earlier, additional hotel nights can be arranged to help you settle in and ease into Turkish life at a slower pace.

Day 2  Bodrum

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Welcome to Bodrum, Türkiye’s beloved Aegean jewel, where whitewashed houses tumble toward turquoise bays and ancient history blends effortlessly with seaside elegance.

Upon arrival, transfer to your boutique seaside hotel for a relaxing three-night stay. In the evening, gather for a special welcome dinner celebrating the flavors of Bodrum, the generous spirit of Aegean hospitality.

Day 3  Bodrum

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin the day wandering through a lively local farmers’ market, meeting vendors and discovering the seasonal produce, herbs, olives, and cheeses that define Aegean cooking.

Together, select ingredients before heading to a charming countryside home for a hands-on cooking experience with a local chef. Learn the secrets of regional Aegean cuisine and enjoy the dishes you prepare for lunch.

Evening at leisure.

Day 4   Bodrum

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the fascinating Castle of St. Peter and its renowned Museum of Underwater Archaeology, offering insight into Bodrum’s maritime history.

Later, board a traditional gulet boat and cruise through Bodrum’s stunning bays, enjoying lunch surrounded by crystal-clear waters and dramatic coastal scenery.

As the sun begins to soften, head into the hills to Karnas Vineyards for an unforgettable chef’s table dinner and wine tasting, surrounded by olive groves and panoramic Aegean landscapes.

Day 5  Stratonikeia – Kuşadası

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After visiting a local market, journey to the extraordinary ancient city of Stratonikeia, where layers of civilizations — Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman — reveal themselves in a remarkably preserved setting.

Continue to Kuşadası, your home for the next two nights, and settle into your hotel overlooking the Aegean coast.

Day 6  Ephesus – Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, discover the breathtaking ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological treasures of the ancient world. Walk its marble streets, imagining life during the height of the Roman Empire.

Following lunch, experience one of Türkiye’s long-standing artisan traditions with a leather craftsmanship presentation.

Later, fly to Istanbul, where East meets West, and settle into Pera Palace for a  four night stay this extraordinary city.

Day 7  Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, discover the spiritual and culinary soul of Istanbul.

Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece that has stood at the crossroads of empires since the 6th century, followed by the jewel-like Rüstem Pasha Mosque, famed for its exquisite İznik tiles.

Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Spice Bazaar, where aromas of saffron, cinnamon, and sumac fill the air. Enjoy a tasting experience at a historic family-run spice merchant.

Then, cross the Bosphorus for an intimate hands-on cooking class in a local home, preparing treasured family recipes, lovingly passed down through generations.

Day 8  Imperial Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Step into the world of Ottoman sultans at the magnificent Topkapı Palace, home to imperial treasures, the famed Spoonmaker’s Diamond, royal kitchens, and the legendary Harem.

After lunch, explore the labyrinthine lanes of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets.

Dinner will be served at one of Istanbul’s beloved restaurants.

Day 9  Asian Side of Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin with a tasting at one of Istanbul’s legendary baklava masters before boarding a ferry across the Bosphorus to the city’s vibrant Asian side.

Stroll through the bustling Kadıkoy Market, discovering regional delicacies, local specialties, and the everyday flavors of Istanbul life.

Lunch will be at a well known local Michelin Restaurant.

Rest of the day at leisure for perhaps unwind in a traditional Turkish hammam or visit the elegant neighborhoods of Nişantaşı.

In the evening, gather for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating your journey through Türkiye’s extraordinary culinary and cultural traditions.

Day 10 Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories, flavors, and stories gathered around Turkish tables.

USD 6950.- per person

Single Supplement USD 1250.-