Splendours of Turkey

After arriving in Istanbul your driver will take you to your hotel. Over the next two days your private guide will shed light on the sites and history of the city. Highlights of day two include the 17^th century Blue Mosque, Justinian's great church the Haghia Sophia, the extraordinary underground Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman Sultans for more than 300 years, and the ultimate bargain-seeker's paradise, the Grand Bazaar. This is followed the next day by visits to the Spice Bazaar, a traditional Istanbul coffee shop and the 200-foot-tall Galata Tower, built in the 14^th century. Optional activities include pampering yourself at a Turkish Hammam.

Stay: 10 Karakoy by Morgan, Istanbul (Superior)

Fly to Kayseri where you'll be met and transferred to the Taskonaklar hotel in Cappadocia. Between the 4^th and 11^th centuries, monks and hermits were drawn to the lunar-like landscape of this arid region, where wind-sculpted spires of conical rocks erupt from the desert. Into these rocks they carved hundreds of cells and churches, complete with vaults and pillars, apses and domes, all painted with saints and scenes from the life of Christ. Some of these structures have been beautifully transformed into boutique hotels like the Taskonaklar.

Tour highlights here include the rock-carved churches of Göreme National Park, the surreal fairy chimneys of Urgup and the Devrent Valley, the mushroom-shaped pinnacles of the Monks Valley, the old Christian city of Cavusin, the village of Avanos, famed for its pottery, and the underground city of Kaymakli, a maze of rooms and tunnels carved eight levels deep into the earth. There are also opportunities to hike in the Red Valley and to fly over Cappadocia at dawn in a balloon, a truly memorable experience that ends with a champagne breakfast in the wilderness.

Stay: Taskonaklar Hotel, Cappadocia (Superior)

Fly to Izmir and transfer to your accommodation, in the village of Kusadasi, relax and perhaps take a self-guided walking tour of the town and immerse yourself in the Turkish town life.

Stay: La Vista, Kusadasi (Superior)

Once the Greek city of Halicarnassus, Bodrum today is better known for its busy waterfront than it is for the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The site, however, is still worth visiting. Also worth considering is a full day's sailing aboard a traditional Turkish gulet, exploring the stunning coastline and swimming in its crystal waters.

Stay: Ena Bodrum (Superior)

Breakfast included

Fly back to Istanbul on day eleven to connect with your UK flight.