Embark on a sensory journey through Turkey, designed for those who wish to blend historical exploration with the art of traditional cooking. This immersive 9-day itinerary takes you from the imperial monuments of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Throughout your travels, you will participate in hands-on culinary workshops, learning the secrets of authentic Turkish recipes from local experts while enjoying the warm hospitality of the Turkish people. Four cooking classes punctuate the route, in Istanbul, Canakkale, Pamukkale and Cappadocia, and a domestic flight from Izmir shortens the long journey to central Anatolia.
Your adventure begins in Istanbul, where you will explore the majestic Topkapi Palace, the historic Hippodrome, and the iconic Blue Mosque. The route then leads to the poignant battlefields of Gallipoli, the legendary site of Troy, and the impressive acropolis of Pergamon. As you travel south, you will discover the world-renowned Ephesus ruins and the charming village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Each stop is curated to provide a deep dive into regional gastronomy, including lessons on preparing local delicacies like pide, lahmacun, and traditional kebabs, ensuring you return home with both memories and new culinary skills.
The final leg of your journey brings you to the natural wonders of Pamukkale, where you can walk upon the white calcium terraces and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. In Cappadocia, you will stay in a unique cave hotel and witness the breathtaking fairy chimneys and the rock-cut churches of the Goreme Open Air Museum. From pottery workshops in Cavusin to wine tasting in Sirince, this tour offers a perfect balance of active discovery and gastronomic indulgence. Experience the very best of Turkeyβs cultural heritage and its diverse, flavorful cuisine on this unforgettable private tour.
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 Days 8 Nights |
| Price | From β¬2,248 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 14 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a welcome drink and an engaging discussion with culinary experts about the nuances of Turkish cuisine. Your evening includes a welcome dinner, where you will meet your fellow travelers and the friendly crew, setting the stage for your gourmet adventure while soaking in the mystical atmosphere of Istanbul at night.
Start your day with an orientation followed by your first Turkish cooking lesson, where you will prepare and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring regional flavors. Afterward, explore the grand Topkapi Palace, the historic residence of Ottoman sultans. Continue your tour at the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles, and the ancient Hippodrome, which once hosted chariot races and features the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column.
Depart early for the historic Gallipoli Peninsula. You will visit the Gabatepe Museum before touring the poignant battlefields, including Anzac Cove, the site where the campaign began. The tour continues to the Beach Cemetery, Shrapnel Valley, and Plugges Plateau. Later, you will travel to Canakkale, where you will participate in a local cooking lesson focusing on Western Turkish specialties like traditional pide and lahmacun, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Visit the legendary site of Troy, home to the famous Trojan Horse, before driving to the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon. Known for its impressive library and temples, Pergamon was a major cultural center. After a lunch break, you will visit a local jewelry center to see fine craftsmanship before arriving in the coastal town of Kusadasi. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and overnight stay as you prepare for the next day's historical explorations.
Explore the impeccably preserved ruins of Ephesus, including the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the Roman baths, the Celsus Library and the Grand Theatre. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the picturesque village of Sirince to learn about traditional fruit wine production and enjoy a tasting session. On the return to your hotel, you will visit a traditional carpet weaving center to witness one of Turkey's oldest arts. Dinner and overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Travel to the stunning white calcium terraces of Pamukkale, known as the Cotton Castle. You will tour the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and have the opportunity to relax in the natural thermal springs. After the tour, engage in a Central Turkish cooking lesson to expand your culinary repertoire. The day concludes with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay in the Kusadasi area.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your authentic cave hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, whether you choose to relax in your unique surroundings or explore the local area. Enjoy a hearty dinner at the hotel, experiencing the distinct atmosphere of this volcanic landscape.
Begin your day with a cooking lesson focusing on Central Turkish cuisine, including pancakes and kebabs. In the afternoon, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum to see 10th-century frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. Continue to the abandoned village of Cavusin, visit a local pottery workshop, and marvel at the three-headed fairy chimneys at Pasabagi. End your day with dinner and an overnight stay in your cave hotel.
Enjoy a final breakfast in Cappadocia and take some time for last-minute shopping in the local markets. You will then be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul, marking the end of your Turkish culinary and cultural tour. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and the skills to recreate the flavors of Turkey at home.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category β the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul β Gallipoli & Canakkale β Troy & Pergamon β Ephesus & Sirince β Pamukkale β Cappadocia β Istanbul
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
π₯ 55 Seats
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 46 Seats
π₯ 37+2 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats
π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul, Gallipoli & Canakkale, Troy & Pergamon, Ephesus & Sirince, Pamukkale, Cappadocia.
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Other private and group tours that visit the same destination.
Fill in your details and we confirm your private departure within 24 hours.
Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized β from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!