A Workation in Turkey
Turkey is truly at the crossroads of the East and West, both literally and figuratively. Not only does Turkish culture see a beautiful mix of spectacular religious temples inspired by Middle Eastern aesthetics along with an en vogue and Western-inspired restaurant and club scene, but the city of Istanbul literally sits on the continental divide between Europe and Asia. A workation in Turkey provides an immersive and insightful look into how these perspectives both harmonize and clash in one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Set some roots during your month working abroad in the magical and enchanting landscape of Cappadocia, in the dynamic city of Istanbul, as well as on the azure shores of the Turkish Riviera.
Cappadocia | Early November | Exedra Hotel
Istanbul | Mid November | Ecole St. Pierre Hotel
Alaçatı | Late November | Alavya
Fethiye | Late November | Ada Dream History Hotel
Antalya | Late November - Early December | Alp Pasa Konağı
Upon arrival into Istanbul Airport (IST), transfer to your connecting flight into Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR).
Flight to be booked directly by a participant
Upon arrival at Kayseri Erkilet Airport, meet your local guide and driver who will provide you with a private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Duration of transfer is approximately 1 hour.
In the sleepy village of Üçhisar, time seemingly stands still. Distinctive rock formations and the effects of centuries of erosion can be seen throughout the valley. Down below, perforating the rock face of Güvercinlik Vadisi, or Pigeon Valley, are the best examples of pigeon houses, painted white to attract the birds and their valuable guano. The fortress of Üçhisar is the highest peak in the region, drawing visitors to its summit for panoramic views of this fascinating landscape with Mount Erciyes in the distance.
Exedra Hotel, which is interconnected by arches and stone stairs, rising from floor to floor and thus having plenty of open air spaces, was formed by the combination of 142 houses and 3 mansions. It has 3 indoor and 1 outdoor restaurants along with a wine cellar. All rooms are unique. In some rooms, you can see the remnants of the hotel's past such as an old winery or the handcrafted wooden cabinets constructed into the cave walls. Many old items and antique pieces are also on display throughout the hotel.
Room TBD
- Breakfast, taxes, and WiFi included
During your time in Cappadocia, we can arrange the following experiences:
Embark on the most epic adventure imaginable as you take off in a hot air balloon, taking to the sky with the sun.
Learn about the ancient and lost history of this anthropologically rich part of Turkey as your local guide brings you to the Derinkuyu Underground City, the Göreme Open Air Museum, as well as the valley of Soğanlı, and Ruins of Zelve.
For centuries, denizens of Cappadocia have made use of the bountiful clay found in the river banks. Head to a local pottery studio where you'll have the opportunity to throw pottery in the traditional way.
Ebru is the traditional Turkish art of creating colorful patterns by sprinkling and brushing color pigments onto a pan of oily water and then transferring the patterns to paper. Known as marbling, the designs and effects include flowers, foliage, ornamentation, latticework, mosques and moons, and are used for decoration in the traditional art of bookbinding. During this experience, you'll be able to create your own creation using this ancient artistic method.
There's no better way to learn about a culture than through its culinary offerings. Head to a local family home one day for a meal of regional dishes and delicacies.
After breakfast and check-out this morning, meet your private driver to depart for Kayseri Erkilet Airport.
Duration of transfer is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
Depart on your scheduled flight from Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) for Istanbul Airport (IST).
To be confirmed by scenset
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet your local guide and driver who will provide you with a private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Duration of transfer is approximately 45 minutes.
A fascinating city spanning two continents, Istanbul is divided by the Bosphorus Strait and straddles both the ancient and modern worlds. While it is known for sights dating back thousands of years, the city is progressively becoming more modern with a burgeoning art scene and old neighborhoods transforming into bohemian enclaves. Lovers of history, culture, and shopping will be in their element in this enchanting city.
Ecole St. Pierre Hotel is located very close to the tower in Galata, the colleges des Freres St. It is in Pierre Primary School building. Once under French patronage and under the rule of Italian Dominican priests, St. It is located in the garden of Pierre Monastery. Its architect is Gaspare Fossati of Italian scenset. Inside the hotel, there are the rare Galata walls built by the Genoese in the 13th century. In the courtyard of the building, there is an Italian restaurant IL CORTILE Ristorante & Pizzeria enclosing these walls. Ecole St. Pierre Hotel, designed with respect to the historical heritage, allows you to feel the multicultural experience.
Room TBD
- Breakfast, taxes, and WiFi included
Istanbul is truly at the crossroads of western and eastern culture. Your days can be filled with organic exploration and riveting guided tours. Some of the experiences we can arrange are:
Discover some of the historic monuments with your historian guide to learn about the complex history of this city with stops at Topkapı Palace, the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Underground Cistern, and the Blue Mosque.
Navigate the stalls as you search for lanterns, rugs, jewelry, spices, and more in the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Market.
Every neighborhood is different than the last in this diverse city. Embark on a neighborhood tour with your guide to go behind the curtains of Galata, Fener, Balat, Karaköy, and Cihangir.
Venture over to the Asian side of Istanbul to get off-the-beaten track and see how life exists on this side of the Bosphorus
Embark on a delicious tour of Istanbul as your guide shows you the best street food Istanbul has to offer or engage in a private baklava making experience.
After breakfast and check-out this morning, meet your private driver to depart for Istanbul Airport.
Duration of transfer is approximately 45 minutes.
Depart on your scheduled flight from Istanbul Airport (IST) for Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB).
To be confirmed by scenset
Upon arrival at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, meet your local guide and driver who will provide you with a private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Duration of transfer is approximately 1 hour.
Located 72 km west of Izmir, Alaçatı is a town that enchants visitors with its historical beauty and rich folklore. Known as ‘Agrilia’ in ancient times, it had many incarnations. During Ottoman times it was referred to as ‘Alacaatlı’ (home to the Alacaatlı clan). In the 19th century the Greeks called it ‘Alatzata, a name believed to have derived from the word ’alas’ (meaning ‘salt’) after the surrounding salt lakes. Alaçatı is a haven for visitors to spend an enchanted vacation inspired by picturesque streets, quaint stone houses, intimate cafes, impeccable vineyards, fragrant lavender fields and alluring winds which dance for local windmills and surfers from around the world.
Alavya is a magical settlement of six unique houses with 25 rooms, some face a large courtyard, others small patios enhanced with white mulberry, olive, mastic and a wide array of fruit trees. Each house tells its own story and has its own style. These restored historical houses embrace the past, different in flavor yet similar in character they were built, decorated and are operated with utmost respect for nature. Alavya is a place to linger, to love and to stay feeling happier and lighter. To leave only means coming back.
Room TBD
- Breakfast, taxes, and WiFi included
Before getting a few hours of work in each night from the hotel, we suggest checking out some of the incredible archaeological sites around Alaçatı:
Head to the Saturday Market to be a part of the local life here as well as to stock up on some groceries and snacks for the remainder of the workation!
Formerly apart of the Ancient Greek and Roman empires, this area of Turkey is teeming with ruins from centuries ago. Some of the day trips that can be arranged include:
- Erythrai, Çesme castle, and Sıgacik
- Ephesus, Temple of Artemis and the house of Virgin Mary
- The ancient Lycian cities of Didyma, Miletus, Priene
- The ruins of Pergamon
Head to the town of Urla and visit its vineyards for a private wine tasting.
After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and driver for a transfer to Fethiye by private car.
Duration of transfer is approximately 6 hours excluding stops.
Along the way, stop in the ancient city of Aphrodisias to explore the ruins from the Greek Hellenistic period honoring the goddess of love, Aphrodite.
Take a much rest in the mineral-rich town of Pamukkale. Here, you can swim in the hot springs before completing your journey to Fethiye.
Hugging the resplendent and rocky coastline of Turkey's southern coast, Fethiye is a true gem on the Mediterranean. A bustling port city, Fethiye can catch you by surprise with mesmerizing ancient ruins one moment and lure you with its mountainous landscape and shimmering lagoons the next.
Ada Dream History's 7 villas have been meticulously restored, remaining true to their original forms. You can feel the rich history of Kayaköy at every corner. The villas, designed with different concepts, are named after exquisite flowers and the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology. Kayaköy, a former Greek village, was built on an important ancient Lycian settlement.
Room TBD
- Breakfast, taxes, and WiFi included
Spend these days relaxing at your villa or exploring this lesser-known part of Turkey.
Visit the abandoned village of Karmylassos before hiking over to Ölüdeniz where stunning views await.
Head out with your guide to the archaeological marvel of Kaunos. The rock-carved graves that number around 170 make this a true necropolis.
After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and driver for a transfer to Antalya by private car.
Duration of transfer is approximately 3 hours 20 minutes.
Antalya is one of Turkey's most famous resort towns on the Riviera for good reason. With old historical monuments and a rich modern nightlife, people love Antalya's calming location along the Mediterranean Sea.
Alp Pasa Hotel is a collection of authentic Ottoman mansions offering quiet and luxurious accommodation for our valued guests. Each room and suite has its own charming individual style, incorporating original architectural details with contemporary fittings. The surrounding streets are peaceful, interrupted only by birdsong and the occasional call to prayer.
Room TBD
- Breakfast, taxes, and WiFi included
Enjoy the final leg of your workation relaxing at your leisure or making sure no stone is left unturned.
Visit some of the most well-preserved Ancient Greek ruins with your historian guide in place such as Demre (St. Nicholas), Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Phaselis.
Head to the coastal town of Kas with its bougainvillea-covered homes and oceanside restaurants. It also just so happens to be one of the top diving sights in all of Turkey!
Embark on a hike to the Manavgat and Düdem waterfalls where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and driver for a transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.
Duration of transfer is approximately 20 minutes.
Depart on your flight home from Antalya Airport (AYT).
Flight to be booked directly by a participant
Scenset invests in making the world a better place. Scenset will offset the fuel used during the trip. On top of that, an extra 10% will be offset to make your trip a carbon-positive experience.
Currently, we support Gold Standard Climate+ Projects from the Gold Standard Foundation.
If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, please send a message in the app to let us know. We would be thrilled to secure all the reservations and make sure everything is taken care of, including special surprises along the way.