A taste of Turkey: culinary journeys from Istanbul to Izmir

Istanbul

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul

Upon arrive at Istanbul Airport, transfer to your hotel to settle in and relax after your flight.

Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the city to gather first impressions of Turkish life. If you wish, you can enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant in the evening.

Istanbul

Day 2: Exploring Istanbul's highlights

Begin your day with a city walking tour, starting at the majestic Hagia Sophia, a gem of Byzantine architecture. Continue to the Blue Mosque, famed for its intricate tilework, then stroll through the ancient Hippodrome, home to historic monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius. Visit the opulent Topkapi Palace and descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern.

In the afternoon, wander the bustling Grand Bazaar for unique souvenirs and a taste of local culture.

End your day with an optional magical Bosphorus dinner cruise, featuring panoramic skyline views, delicious cuisine, and live performances.

Istanbul

Day 3: Guided food tour of Istanbul

Start your day with a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus to Kadıköy, a vibrant, artsy neighborhood on Istanbul’s Asian side.

Immerse yourself in local flavors with a guided street food tour, sampling Turkish favorites like midye dolma, börek, and kokoreç. Stroll through Kadıköy’s bustling market streets, lined with spice shops, bakeries, and delicatessens.

In the late afternoon, board a ferry back to the European side, enjoying breathtaking sunset views over Istanbul’s skyline.

Istanbul - Cappadocia

Day 4: Cultural experinces in Cappadocia

Begin your day with a morning flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, then travel to the heart of Cappadocia. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, famous for its rock-cut churches and ancient frescoes. Afterward, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your own pace.

For those seeking cultural immersion, optional experiences include joining a traditional pottery workshop with local artisans or taking part in a hands-on cooking class. In the class, you’ll prepare regional specialties like Testi Kebab and Manti, learn about local crafts while your meal simmers, and then sit down to enjoy your handmade feast with stunning views of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and valleys.

Cappadocia

Day 5: Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia

Today, an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s stunning landscape awaits. Then choose between two cultural experiences:

Option 1: Spend the day in Göreme with a local cook. Prepare traditional Turkish dishes, visit a pottery studio for a hands-on class or demonstration, then return to enjoy your meal with a local family. In the afternoon, explore carpet shops and watch a weaving demonstration.

Option 2: Explore Soganli Valley, known for its scenic trails, rock-cut churches, and Byzantine-era frescoes nestled in ancient cave dwellings.

Cappadocia - Izmir - Kusadasi

Day 6: Arrival in Kusadasi

Enjoy a scenic breakfast overlooking the valley, watching dozens of colorful hot air balloons drift across the morning sky.

Transfer to the airport and fly to Izmir, then continue to your hotel in Kusadasi. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy dinner by the sea, savoring fresh Aegean cuisine with stunning sunset views.

Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadisi

Day 7: Step back in time in Ephesus

Today, explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. Walk along Marble Street and stand in the impressive Great Theatre that once held 25,000 spectators.

You can enjoy an optional visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful site believed to be her final home.

End your day at the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, where only ruins remain, but history endures.

Sirince - Kusadasi

Day 8: The village of Şirince

Depart from Izmir in the morning and head to Şirince, a picturesque hillside village near Selçuk. Enjoy a farm-fresh traditional Turkish breakfast, featuring local cheeses, olives, homemade jams, and warm flatbread. Stroll through Şirince’s cobblestone streets, browsing handmade crafts and local goods.

If you wish, you can take part in a Turkish coffee-making experience, learning the art of roasting coffee on sand.

Continue to Kuşadası for a guided walking tour of the harbor, old town bazaar, and Pigeon Island. End the day with stunning views from Gazibendi, where the Aegean Sea and Samos Island meet the horizon.

Izmir - Istanbul

Day 9: Culinary walk & tea tasting

Take a morning flight or transfer back to Istanbul and check into your hotel.

Join a guided culinary walk along Istiklal Street, sampling popular Turkish street foods like kumpir (stuffed potato), wet burger, simit, and baklava.

Then visit the Spice Bazaar to shop for local delights and enjoy a tea tasting experience. End your day at Galata Tower, climbing to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline.

Istanbul

Day 10: Farewell, Turkey

As your culinary trip comes to an end, enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport. Have a safe flight home, filled with memories of your Turkish adventure.