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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 & Asia.

Christian Gibney
Scenset travel curator

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 trip to 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.

Saturday, 03 – Sunday, 11 August, 2024 · 8 nights
Your Trip to Turkey
🇹🇷
Trip Overview

Cappadocia | Early August


Bodrum | Mid August


Istanbul | Late August

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Local Contacts

If you need any assistance while you are traveling, or if you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations during your time in Turkey you can contact the following who will be your local contacts during your trip:

DESTINATION

  • Your Guide in Cappadocia: will be provided | will be provided
  • Your Guide in Bodrum: will be provided | will be provided
  • Your Guide in Istanbul: will be provided | will be provided

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  • Local Contact in Turkey: will be provided | will be provided
  • Local Contact in Turkey: will be provided | will be provided


Scenset

  • Your Curator: will be provided
  • Your Traveler Relations Rep: will be provided
  • Scenset Emergency Line: +1 (415) 941-0027


Important: Due to the time difference, for small day-to-day things like touring and dining reservations - or emergencies that need immediate assistance - it will be most efficient for you to use the local contacts as they are in the same time zone as you.

WhatsApp: If you don’t have WhatsApp on your phone, we strongly encourage downloading it for free as it makes contacting our local team easier.

Destination Information
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Weather

Cappadocia
In August, Cappadocia experiences warm and dry weather, with average high temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and lows typically around 15°C (59°F). The region enjoys clear skies and abundant sunshine, and rainfall is minimal, ensuring dry conditions throughout the month. Despite the daytime heat, the evenings can be pleasantly cool.

Istanbul
In August, Istanbul experiences hot and humid weather, with average high temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and lows typically around 21°C (70°F). The city sees plenty of sunshine, making it a popular time for tourists to visit. Occasional rain showers and thunderstorms can occur, but they are generally brief and infrequent.

Bodrum
Bodrum experiences hot and sunny weather in August, with average high temperatures around 34°C (93°F) and lows typically around 25°C (77°F). The region enjoys plenty of sunshine and rainfall is rare. Humidity levels are relatively high and evenings remain warm.

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Travel Requirements

US citizens don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

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These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.

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Baggage Allowance

The baggage allowance for your domestic flights is 1 x 25kg per person.

Saturday, 03 August, 2024
Day 1: Arrival in Turkey
🎊

Welcome to Turkey!

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21:55pm - Private Hotel Transfer

Meet your driver in the arrivals area of the airport, after clearing customs. Upon meeting your driver, you will be transferred to your accommodation.

  • Meeting time: Late evening
  • Meeting point: Arrivals hall
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour
  • Your Guide in Cappadocia: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please contact will be provided


Booked by Scenset.

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Check in

Check in to your accommodation.

Uçhisar
Hot air balloons over Uçhisar Castle
Hot air balloons over Uçhisar Castle

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.

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Dinner Suggestion

Due to your evening arrival into Cappadocia, we recommend ordering room service at your hotel. Please see the restaurant menu here.

Please let us know if you would like for Scenset to place your order in advance. Otherwise, you can place an order upon check-in to the hotel. This is payable direct.

This is a recommendation only.

Your Stay: Taskonaklar Hotel Cappadocia

Taskonaklar's story began back in 2003, when the owner came to Cappadocia with friends as a tourist, fell in love with Uçhisar, and found a beautiful old house and vineyard to renovate. What started as a small, cozy house for spending a couple of months turned into a 6-room hotel during the renovations, even though it wasn’t the initial plan. Eventually, another house right next to the restoration was bought. Now, with its lovely green blinds, the owner can often be seen on the terrace enjoying the view and the weather.

Over the years, continued investments transformed the establishment into a unique luxury hotel with 25 rooms, providing exceptional guest service and an unforgettable accommodation experience. Guests will always feel the warmth of a family, combined with attention to detail, a team eager to fulfill their wishes, high-quality service, and true hospitality at its heart. The hotel admires Cappadocia’s history, miraculous nature, and diverse cultures. It strives to help guests experience the region's culture and texture in the most unique and comprehensive way.

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Taskonaklar Hotel Cappadocia


Booked by Scenset

Sunday, 04 August, 2024
Day 2: Cappadocia

Today, you'll explore Cappadocia from above, by hot air balloon!

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4am - Hot Air Balloon Ride

Embark on the most epic adventure imaginable as you take off in a hot air balloon, taking to the sky with the Cappadocian sun.

Early in the morning, you will be picked up and transferred to the lift-off point where you will experience a majestic hot air balloon flight for about an hour and a half. Afterwards, you will be returned to your hotel for breakfast before continued touring around Cappadocia.

  • Meeting time: Early morning
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Duration: 60-90 minutes
  • Your Guide in Cappadocia: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please call will be provided


*Please note, this is a shared experience.

Booked by Scenset

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10am - An Intro to Cappadocia Private Tour

Later today, head back down to the hotel lobby to meet your guide for an introduction to the region of Cappadocia. Begin with a visit to Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view some of the fascinating frescoes and rock-carved churches.

You will also stop by Tokali Church, the first ceremonial church in Cappadocia also extremely important because of the rare blue paint used in its frescos. You'll then head to the historic village of Cavusin, followed by a stroll among the majestic fairy chimneys of Pasabag.

Afterwards, continue to Zelve, the oldest antique site in the region. Continuing with Devrent Valley, knowns as “Imagination Valley” is one of the fantastic parts of Cappadocia. Rock formations are some of the best formed and most thickly clustered in Cappadocia. You'll stop for lunch in Avanos, a town renowned primarily for its traditional pottery work.

Later, you will see some of the changes and developments in pottery and ceramics over the ages at the ceramic atelier maintained by a local family. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a short workshop with an artist. Before returning to the hotel, you will enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Goreme Valley.

Your guide will recommend a local restaurant for lunch - paid locally.

  • Meeting time: Late morning
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Duration: 6-7 hours, please note the duration of the tour is flexible depending on your requirements
  • Your Guide in Cappadocia: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please call your local contact will be provided


Booked by Scenset

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Whirling Dervish Performance

This evening, you will receive a private transfer to enjoy the whirling dervish ceremony at the grand Saruhan Caravanserai, to witness a hypnotic whirling dervish ceremony.

This ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes begins with a musical recitation of a verse from the Quran by a hafiz, a scholar who has learnt the Quran by heart. This is followed by an improvisation on a reed flute, accompanied by the deep boom of a kettledrum.

The dervishes are then led around the ceremonial hall by their master, before removing their black cloaks as a symbolic act of deliverance from worldly connections.

Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Early evening
Start Time: Shortly after
Duration: About an hour

If you have any issues locating your driver, please call will be provided. You will be driven to your dinner reservation in the early evening.

Booked by Scenset

Seki Restaurant
Seki Restaurant
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8:00pm - Dinner at Seki

Tonight, dine at Seki Restaurant.

  • Time: Evening
  • Booked under name: will be provided
  • Number of people: 4
  • Dress Code: Smart casual
  • Cancellation policy: You may cancel up to 24 hours prior to the reservation
  • Location: Argos in Cappadocia Hotel, Tekelli, Kayabaş Sk. No:23, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
  • Phone: +90 384 219 31 30


To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.

Booked by scenset via hotel concierge - paid locally.

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Taskonaklar Hotel Cappadocia


Booked by Scenset

Monday, 05 August, 2024
Day 3: Cappadocia - Bodrum

Today you'll discover more of Cappadocia, before heading to Bodrum later this evening.

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Check out

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation.

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10am - Valleys of Cappadocia Private Tour

Enjoy a morning tour beginning with a splendid panoramic view of Pigeon Valley. You will then journey across to the fertile plains of Cappadocia, passing through several villages to arrive at Kaymakli, one of this region's largest and most fascinating multilevel underground cities.

Then, stop at Ortahisar Castle, which is one of the best viewpoints in Cappadocia with great views stretching all the way to Uchisar and Goreme. Your guide will then take you to Urgup to explore this ancient town along with Mustafapasha (Sinasos), renowned for its excellent Ottoman and Greek architecture. Here, you will take an easy stroll to explore the first church that was constructed by the Ottomans for the Christian community.

After this charming village visit, we pass through the village of Sahinefendi to see Sobesos, a recently discovered later Roman site featuring incredible mosaic works. Before returning to the hotel, we will enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Red Valley which gets its name from the red hue the sun creates on the pinkish rock throughout the day, and it really lights up during sunset.

Your guide will recommend a local restaurant for lunch - paid locally.

  • Meeting time: Late morning
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Duration: 6-7 hours, please note the duration of the tour is flexible depending on your requirements
  • Your Guide in Cappadocia: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please call your local contact will be provided


Booked by Scenset

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3:50pm - Private Transfer to Airport

After your tour, you'll be transferred to Cappadocia airport ready for your flight to Bodrum.

  • Meeting time: Late afternoon
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour
  • Your Guide in Cappadocia: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please call will be provided

Booked by Scenset

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Tickets

You may access your flight tickets here. There is no need to check in online before your flight, your local team will do this for you.

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Turkish Airlines Rules & Conditions
  • General Rules and Information: For ticket control and baggage process; You should complete check-in procedures 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of domestic flights, and 75 minutes for international flights. It is recommended to be at the airport 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of domestic flights, and 4 hours for international flights. In accordance with airline-specific regulations and extraordinary (and force majeure) situations, check-in may be ended earlier than the recommended time, depending on the flight’s haul (especially for long-haul). It is recommended to check for regulations on the airline’s official website prior to flight.
  • Baggage Allowance: Any baggage exceeding 23kg per piece are not accepted to the flight as a standard. Allowance per piece may vary due to airline-specific regulations, which should be checked on the airline’s official website. Having a valid visa for the country of travel, or any transit visa (if) required for connecting flights is the passenger's responsibility. In case a passenger is denied boarding due to a missing/invalid visa or transit visa, Bilet Bank-Akdeniz Pe-Tur Tourism and Travel Agency cannot be held responsible.
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10:25pm - Private Hotel Transfer

Upon arrival at Bodrum Airport, meet your private driver who will provide you with a transfer to your hotel for check-in.

  • Meeting time: Late night
  • Meeting point: Arrivals hall
  • Duration: About an hour
  • Your Guide in Bodrum: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please contact will be provided


This is a drive of approximately 50 minutes.

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Check in

Check in to your accommodation.

Bodrum
A beach in Bodrum
A beach in Bodrum

The port city of Bodrum is the seaside hub of the Turkish Riviera, located on the southern coast of the Bodrum peninsula extending out into the Aegean Sea. The city was founded in 1,000 BC, and flourished during the ancient Greek period, remains of which dot the coastline including one of the seven wonders of the world, the Mausoleum. Summertime started drawing an international crowd in the 1970s, and gradually this region has developed to combine the chic glamor of St. Tropez with the casual accessibility of Greece, amidst the raw beauty of the Turkish coastline.

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Dinner Suggestion

Due to your evening arrival into Bodrum, we recommend ordering room service at your hotel. You can find the menu here.

Please let us know if you would like for Scenset to place your order in advance. Otherwise, you can place an order upon check-in to the hotel. This is payable direct.

This is a recommendation only.

Enjoy seaside meals at Folie, the METT's chic Mediterranean restaurant
Enjoy seaside meals at Folie, the METT's chic Mediterranean restaurant
Your Stay: METT Hotel & Beach Resort
METT Bodrum
METT Bodrum

Located in one of Bodrum’s most pristine beaches, Haremtan Cove is home to METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum. The perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a long holiday, this boutique resort features 72 elegant guest rooms, 31 premium suites, lofts and villas completed with private pools and garden areas, 1 outdoor swimming pool, a traditional Turkish Hammam, MOI spa, as well as a rich and varied dining scenset. METT is perfectly suited to the traveler of today looking for his or her place to unwind and have fun.

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METT Hotel & Beach Resort


Deluxe Family Garden View Room
Suitable for families of 4, this spacious 79sqm Deluxe Family Garden View Room is equipped with a comfortable double for 2 adults, one bathroom as well as 2 single beds in a separate area of the room with its own door. A charming balcony offers ultimate comfort and is ideal for unwinding. The design of the Deluxe Family Garden View Room is complemented by light tones as well as hand-picked artisan accessories.

Booked by Scenset

Tuesday, 06 August, 2024
Day 4: Bodrum

Today, you'll explore Ephesus accompanied by a private guide.

8am - Ruins of Ephesus Private Tour

Today with your private guide and driver, visit the ruins of Ephesus, one of the best preserved Ancient Roman cities. Within these magnificent excavations, you will see the miracle of The Odeon - a small salon for plays and concerts that seated about 1,500 people, The Fountain of Trajan, The Terrace Houses, The Steam Baths of Scholastic, The Temple of Hadrian and The Great Library - adorned with great columns and statues. Additionally, you'll walk through the Great Amphitheater, with its incredible capacity for some 24,000 guests.

Then, head to The House of Virgin Mary to learn about its historical significance in the Christian religion as it was where she was brought to this house by Apostle John after the Resurrection of Christ and spent her last days. Afterwards, journey to The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World. This temple, once the largest marble temple in the ancient world, was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and fertility. Though only a single column remains standing today, the site still offers a glimpse into the grandeur and architectural prowess of ancient civilizations.

Your guide will recommend a local restaurant for lunch - paid locally.

  • Meeting time: Early morning
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Drive time: The drive to Ephesus is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Duration: 6-7 hours, please note the duration of the tour is flexible depending on your requirements
  • Your Guide in Bodrum: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please call your local contact will be provided


Booked by Scenset

Afterwards, you'll be driven back to Bodrum for the rest of the evening at leisure. This is a drive of approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.

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9pm - Dinner Reservation

Tonight, dine at Mett Bodrum's Anjel.

  • Time: In the evening
  • Booked under name: will be provided
  • Number of people: 4
  • Dress Code: Smart casual
  • Cancellation policy: You may cancel up to 24 hours prior to the reservation
  • Location: On-property at the Mett Bodrum
  • Phone: +90 252 316 48 48 - 7924


To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.

Booked by scenset via hotel concierge - paid locally.

🛏️
METT Hotel & Beach Resort


Booked by Scenset

Wednesday, 07 August, 2024
Day 5: Bodrum

Today is yours to relax or explore Bodrum independently.

Relax at the hotel Beach Club
Relax at the hotel Beach Club
🌻

Enjoy today at your leisure in Bodrum. While you'll very likely just want to relax seaside at the METT, here are just some of the ways you can wind down your time in the Turkish Riviera.

You may enjoy:

🏖️
Private Cabana

With one of the most stunning locations the Resort has to offer, the cabanas with private pools are designed for guests to come and spend the day soaking up the sun while overlooking the Aegean Sea. Book it for a day party, a romantic dinner, or just to spend the day being pampered! A variety of services can be booked such as a DJ, butler or spa therapist.

Please consult the hotel concierge for more information and reservations.

This is a recommendation only.

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MOI Spa, the METT Bodrum

A holiday experience is not complete without balancing thrill and relaxation. MOI Spa is spread across 850 sqm of indoor area where skilled therapists will help you choose the best spa treatment designed to soothe, pamper, de-stress, and invigorate the mind and body dependent on your personal preferences. Taking the time for a Turkish bath is a must while visiting Turkey and METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum offers both mixed and female only areas with the addition of private rooms for the perfect experience. A salt room, steam room, sauna and temperature-controlled pool are also available.

Please consult the hotel concierge for more information and reservations. You can find the spa brochure here.

This is a recommendation only.

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Yalıkavak Marina

Yalıkavak Marina hosts an exclusive open-air shopping mall featuring 106 brands, gourmet restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs and entertainment venues. The marina is also home to the international luxury award-winning hotels Yalıkavak Marina Beach Hotel and Yalıkavak Marina Boutique Hotel, offering a Spa & Fitness Center as well as a variety of events and activities.

This is a recommendation only.

The Yalıkavak Marina
The Yalıkavak Marina
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7:30pm - Dinner at Isola

Tonight, dine at the Mett Bodrum's Isola.

  • Time: Evening
  • Booked under name: will be provided
  • Number of people: 4
  • Dress Code: Smart casual
  • Cancellation policy: You may cancel up to 24 hours prior to the reservation
  • Address: On-property at the Mett Bodrum
  • Phone: +90 536 282 75 66


To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.

Booked by Scenset via hotel concierge - paid locally.

🛏️
METT Hotel & Beach Resort


Booked by Scenset

Thursday, 08 August, 2024
Day 6: Bodrum - Istanbul

Today, you'll explore Pamukkale, before transferring to Denizli airport for your flight to Istanbul.

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Check out

Check out of your accommodation.

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8am - Touring Pamukkale

After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Pamukkale, for your tour. After your tour, you'll be transferred to Denizli Çardak Airport (DNZ) for your flight to Istanbul.

Pamukkale or the ‘Cotton Castle’ is a beautiful and spectacular natural site famous for its dazzling white, travertine terraces. These white limestone cliffs have attracted visitors since before the time of Christ. Thrill at visiting the Roman city of Hierapolis while standing at the ‘Gateway to Hell.’ With extensive remains of this antique site, such as The Museum, The Roman baths, The Temple of Apollo, and the extraordinary Necropolis you can enjoy and get benefit from the healthy waters of Pamukkale.

Your guide will recommend a local restaurant for lunch - paid locally.

  • Meeting time: Morning
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Drive time: The drive to Pamukkale is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Duration: 6-7 hours, please note the duration of the tour is flexible depending on your requirements
  • Your Guide in Bodrum: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please call your local contact will be provided


Booked by Scenset

🚗
Private Transfer

After the tour, you will be transferred to Denizli airport for your onward flight.

  • Duration: Approximately an hour
  • Your Guide in Bodrum: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please call will be provided


Booked by Scenset.

🎫
Tickets

You may access your AJet flight tickets here. There is no need to check in online before your flight, your local team will do this for you.

🛅
AJet Rules & Conditions
  • Ajet Rules and Conditions: You must arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance for domestic flights and 3 hours in advance for international flights. The flights on your ticket must be used in order. If you do not participate in any of the flights in question, all of your onward flights, including your return routes, are automatically canceled by the system. AJet reserves the right to change ticket prices without any notice between the time the reservation is made and the time the ticketing process is completed. The information below is valid for code-share flights where AJet is marketing and does not cover other code-share flights.

- **Cabin Baggage**: Cabin baggage is carried free of charge and must weigh a maximum of 8 kg per piece. 1 piece of cabin baggage can be carried free of charge in the economy cabin. The maximum dimensions of cabin baggage are 23X40X55 cm.
- **Free Baggage**: Your free baggage allowance for your flight is specified in the flight details above. For children aged 0-2, the free baggage allowance consists of 1 piece and a fully foldable stroller. Each piece must weigh a maximum of 23 kg and measure a maximum of 115 cm.
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8:15pm - Private Hotel Transfer

Upon arrival, head to the arrivals hall to meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in.

  • Meeting time: Evening
  • Meeting point: Arrivals hall
  • Duration: Approximately an hour
  • Your Guide in Istanbul: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please contact will be provided


Booked by Scenset.

🛎️
Check in

Check in to your accommodation.

Istanbul
The Hagia Sofia of Istanbul
The Hagia Sofia of Istanbul

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.

🍝
Dinner Suggestion

Due to your evening arrival into Istanbul, we recommend ordering room service at your hotel. Please see the room service menus here.

Please let us know if you would like for Scenset to place your order in advance. Otherwise, you can place an order upon check-in to the hotel. This is payable direct.

Your Stay: Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus

Positioned along the glimmering shoreline where East and West collide, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul captures the magic of the world's home to some of the most important empires. Legendary service, timeless design and natural beauty define a new destination for locals and visitors alike. Playing host to diverse dining and facilities, the urban resort is luxuriously designed to accommodate an array of social and business events, offering a stunning, classically designed bar and several opulent ballrooms.

🛏️
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
  • 2x Adjacent Deluxe Rooms
  • Confirmation number will be provided
  • Breakfast included


Deluxe Room
Design details include smart redgum wood panelling, organic textures and metal and leather accents that exude a natural sophistication. This is further enhanced by a private outdoor balcony inviting views of the hotel's leafy garden or grove. A large marble bathroom is fitted with a spacious walk-in shower.

Booked by someone

Friday, 09 August, 2024
Day 7: Istanbul

Today, you'll discover Istanbul, accompanied by a private guide.

🕌
10am - Full Day Private Tour of Istanbul

This morning after breakfast, meet your private guide for an introduction to the glorious and historic city of Istanbul. Begin with a visit to Hagia Sophia accepted as ‘the Church of the Divine Wisdom’ that is a true wonder of the world with remarkable architecture, design, and historical significances.

You'll then head over to the historical Blue Mosque that takes its name from the blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design with its magnificent six minarets.

Afterwards, it'll be time to make your way to Constantine the Great’s Hippodrome, which in its heyday had a seating capacity of 100,000. A short walk away will lead you to a discovery of the Basilica Cistern, one of the most splendid structures of Byzantium with remarkable underground marble columns.

Finally, wrap up your tour with the Grand Bazaar which is the oldest and largest covered mall in the modern world with a variety of goods available from its more than 3,600 vendors.

Your guide will recommend a local restaurant for lunch - paid locally.

  • Meeting time: Late morning
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Duration: 6-7 hours, please note the duration of the tour is flexible depending on your requirements
  • Your Guide in Istanbul: will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please call your local contact will be provided


Booked by Scenset

🥙
8pm - Dinner Reservation

Tonight, dine at Mandarin Oriental's Olea Restaurant.

  • Time: Evening
  • Booked under name: will be provided
  • Number of people: 4
  • Dress Code: Smart casual
  • Cancellation policy: You may cancel up to 24 hours prior to the reservation
  • Location: On-property at the Mandarin Oriental Istanbul
  • Phone: will be provided


To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.

Booked by scenset via hotel concierge - paid locally.

🛏️
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
  • 2x Adjacent Deluxe Rooms
  • Confirmation number will be provided
  • Breakfast included


Booked by Scenset

Saturday, 10 August, 2024
Day 8: Istanbul

Today is yours to relax or explore Istanbul independently, before enjoying a complimentary boat cruise this afternoon.

🌻

After your full day yesterday, today is at your leisure to relax or explore Istanbul at your own pace.

4:30pm - Complimentary Private Bosphorus Cruise

Meet your captain at the hotel lobby. After a short walk, you'll board your cruise which will take you to the amazing sight of Bosphorus, offering the most stunning views of Istanbul.

  • Meeting time: Late afternoon
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours
  • Included: Water, potato chips, tea and coffee


This is a complimentary gift from Scenset.

For your day at lesiure, you may enjoy:

🕊️
Mandarin Oriental Spa

Guests are warmly welcomed in a tranquil reception area with neutral materials and textures. The spa boasts a significant area of world-class facilities, such as treatment rooms, changing rooms, a hammam, and an indoor pool with Eucalyptus wood decor. Guests can unwind in lounge areas around the inner garden, while the spa's circular design encourages a relaxed pace. The indoor pool features a stunning Turkish-inspired onyx ceiling, and a wood-grain corridor leads to three hammams with intricate geometric designs. The mood is elegant and evokes a sense of ease, as guests gather around a central fireplace in comfortable lounger seating. The Fitness Centre creates the perfect environment for exercise and rejuvenation in an open, relaxed atmosphere. A seamless extension of the hotel’s wellness amenities, the venue features a lushly landscaped courtyard as the centerpiece of the design, bringing daylight and nature’s presence to an elevated workout experience.

Please consult the hotel concierge for more information and reservations. You can find the spa menu here.

This is a recommendation only.

🕋
Topkapi Palace

You may wish to visit Topkapi Palace today allowing you to step back in time and explore the opulent residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Topkapi Palace, the home of the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries as well as the administrative and educational center of the Empire with a giant design that containing three main gates.

Next, head to the Treasury section, the Sultans' priceless jewelry will be showcased, the most important of which is the 99-carat diamond named as ‘Kasikci Elmasi’ and the thrones covered with gold and precious gems.

Finally, one of the most important parts of the palace is the famous Harem, where you can gain insight into the secluded private life of the Ottoman dynasty.

This is a suggested activity. A guided visit can be arranged independently directly on this website or through your hotel concierge.

This is a recommendation only.

Aya Irini

Visit the first museum of an Ottoman Emperor and the perfectly preserved Aya Irini church, which reveals the amazing Byzantine architecture and a surviving sample from the Byzantine period.

This is a suggested activity. A guided visit can be arranged independently directly on this website or through your hotel concierge.

This is a recommendation only.

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Rüstem Pasa Mosque

Head to the Rüstem Pasa Mosque considered to be a "miniture Blue Mosque". It was designed by a famous Ottoman architect for Rüstem Paşa, Grand Vizier to Süleyman the Magnificent. However, he died before it could be completed in 1563. What makes this mosque stand out is the gorgeous interior, covered in Turkey’s famous Iznik tiles. These intricately designed blue tiles come in a wide variety of floral and geometric patterns.

The Rüstem Pasa Mosque is open every day during the day. Entrance is donation-based.

This is a recommendation only.

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Egyptian Spice Bazaar

Cap off your time in Istanbul with a walk through the Egyptian Bazaar. The spices available here have been the source of the delicious cuisines in Ottoman palaces for over 300 years; glorious, pungent smells and riotous colors await!

This is a recommendation only.

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8pm - Dinner at Sunset Restaurant

Tonight, dine at Sunset.

  • Time: Evening
  • Booked under name: will be provided
  • Number of people: 4
  • Dress Code: Smart casual
  • Cancellation policy: You may cancel up to 24 hours prior to the reservation
  • Location: 20 minute walk from your hotel, or 3 minute taxi 📍Google Map Directions Link


Booked by Scenset - paid locally.

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Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
  • 2x Adjacent Deluxe Rooms
  • Confirmation number will be provided
  • Breakfast included


Booked by Scenset

Sunday, 11 August, 2024
Day 9: Departure Day
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10:15am - Private Airport Transfer

After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to the airport.

  • Meeting time: Late morning
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
  • Your Guide in Istanbul: will be provided | will be provided
  • Contact: If you have any problems, or can't locate your driver, please call will be provided | will be provided


Booked by Scenset

Inclusions
  • Accommodation for 8 nights
  • Domestic flights as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All experiences, excursions, and transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All private guides as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All entrance fees associated with the trip
Exclusions
  • International Flights into Nevsehir and out of Izmir
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Meals and beverages unless otherwise stated
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Any recommended activities during days at leisure
Change & Cancellation Policies

Please refer to our terms & conditions here.