Uncover the Beauty of the Ancient Spas & Thermal Baths

Your vacation begins in the timeless embrace of Istanbul. And what better way to start than a relaxing two-hour hammam session in a luxurious five-star hotel? This will be your experience for the next ten days, a few hours of wonderful explorations capped off with a couple more hours of therapeutic indulgence in the opulent atmosphere of Turkish baths, spas, and hot springs.

Overnight at Istanbul

Are you ready to start your tranquil journey? Well, take your time to lumber out of bed and prepare yourself for a day of architectural marvels and a traditional hammam experience. Your local guide will be waiting, and together, you begin your Istanbul experience with a tour of the historic Sultanahmet square.

The atmosphere here is one of awe and grandeur, something you’ll experience pretty well when you witness the radiant domes and grand decorations of the Hagia Sophia. Right across the street is the ever so stunning Blue Mosque, its elaborate Blue Iznik tiles creating a tranquility that engulfs all who walk its stunning interior.

Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch, after which you’ll head to Cagaloglu Hamami. This 300-year-old hammam is the city’s most famous Turkish bath and features beautiful hand-painted tiles and sculpted curves once only enjoyed by elite Ottomans. Spend a relaxing afternoon here before returning to your room in the evening.

Overnight at Istanbul | Meals: B

A tour of luxury and indulgence wouldn’t be complete without peering into the opulent lives of Ottoman royalty. So, after a delicious breakfast, your guide leads you to the former imperial home of the Ottoman Sultans, Topkapi Palace. The palace is a living synonym of extravagance, featuring a vast, richly decorated courtyard, gorgeous rooms, lavish jewelry, and sacred religious relics. It’s also home to one of the most stunning hammams you’ll ever see.

From the palace, you can go on a shopping spree in the numerous boutiques that fill this side of town. You then spend the rest of your afternoon in the Suleymaniye Hamam, a 16th-century bathhouse with a history as rich as its fashionable interior. Finally, after two hours of scrubbing and massaging, return to your hotel for supper and overnight.

Overnight at Istanbul | Meals: B

Away from the historic concrete jungle, you fly. Your next destination, Cappadocia. This region is as unusual as landscapes get, but that strangeness is where its beauty lies. Its surreal landscape is dotted by magnificent fairy chimneys, caves, cliffs, and valleys that create the most beautiful panoramas in the whole of Turkey. Hidden below are mind-boggling underground towns and cities, complete with homes, schools, churches, wine cellars, and animal dens.

You’ll have the entire day to explore and visit the most popular caves, underground cities, and valleys in the region. And guess what? You’ll be staying in a cave hotel, just like the ancient Cappadocians did in cave houses.

Overnight at Cappadocia | Meals: B, L

After a peaceful Cappadocian morning, you’ll take a short drive to your next destination. Stunning doesn’t quite describe what you’re about to see, for what you’re about to see is Pamukkale, home to the world’s most picturesque and surreal setting of pools. These lucid blue, white steeped bathing spots have charmed kings and queens for ages and will delight you for the next two days.

Overnight at Pamukkale | Meals: B, L, D

Your second day in Pamukkale takes you to the world’s first spa city, Hierapolis. The ancient Greek city was once like the many resort towns dotting the Turkish landscape, only this time; it was kings and queens that enjoyed their vacations here. And while an earthquake eventually toppled Hierapolis, it did little to break the charm that now resides in the soothing waters and panoramic view of the mountainsides.

Spend your day exploring the ancient ruins and swimming in the famous thermal pools as Cleopatra once did. Afterward, return to your hotel in Pamukkale, where another opulent spa is waiting for you.

Overnight at Pamukkale | Meals: B, L, D

Today, the cobblestone streets of another Greco-Roman city await your presence. So you’ll drive from Pamukkale, through the serene Turkish countryside, until you get to Aphrodisias. This magnificent city was built in honor of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, whose inspiration you can still feel in the endearing atmosphere of the sleepy ruins.

You then set out for Marmaris for lunch in an idyllic Mediterranean restaurant. Your Mediterranean voyage will begin here, so head for the harbor where your captain awaits you on a private yacht. After the necessary introductions, set sail to a quiet, deserted cove, where you will enjoy your dinner and spend the night.

Overnight on board | Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at dawn as your captain prepares to set sail for Candir. This is not your final destination, though; you’ll then take a riverboat and cruise along the Dalyan river and hike the hills to a spot where the kings of Caunus rest in eternal sleep. Explore the ornate tombs before walking again to a natural hot spring with relaxing waters. After a therapeutic bathing session, proceed to Koycegiz Lake to swim in the cool waters for the rest of the afternoon.

Return to your yacht for dinner and a starry night in a secluded cove.

Overnight on board | Meals: B, L, D

Your voyage takes you to the ancient port city of Lydia. Nestled quietly near the sea, her ruins struggle to convey the power and grandeur that this city was once renowned for. Stroll past collapsed Corinthian columns and sarcophagi with intriguing inscriptions as you savor the coastal scenery and fresh Turquoise air.

When you’re ready, proceed to one of Cleopatra’s favorite baths, the Batik Hamam. Its pacifying waters will hypnotize you like they once did the beautiful queen.

You’re free to return to the yacht once you’ve had your fill of the queen’s bath and the Lydian atmosphere.

Overnight on board | Meals: B, L, D

Your journey through ancient civilizations has come to an end. Today, you return to the modern world as you slowly sail to the idyllic seaside town of Kas. The coastline rolls by, revealing picturesque scenes of sandy beaches, calm bays, and fertile hills, which will be the last you see of the Turkish Mediterranean in this tour.

Your yacht will dock in Kas. This resort town has a welcoming atmosphere full of charming stone houses and beautiful boutique shops. The cobblestone streets are clean and lined with bougainvillea blossoms and cafe terraces that fill the air with lovely scents of seafood and traditional spices.

After an afternoon in this idyllic setting, enjoy your last dinner on the yacht.

Overnight on board | Meals: B, L, D

It’s time to wrap up the tour. Transfer to the airport at Antalya for a flight to Istanbul, where you can catch your flight home or continue with another tour.

Meals: B