Istanbul has always wowed its first time visitors, the streets shaped by numerous empires and sultans. The unique impressions are all around and, while Istanbul bursts with famous sights, there's little better introduction than walking around and opening your senses.
Today's private tour starts with the Romans, the remains of the Hippodrome glimpsing at what was the centerpiece of Byzantine Constantinople. Visit the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia & the Grand Bazaar.
A short flight takes you across to the twinkling waters of the Aegean Sea and to your luxury private cruise. Land in the morning and step aboard the yacht, its white exterior juxtaposed with the water. Visit Bodrum Castle & The Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Stop in Kisebuk Bay for a swim and continue to Cokertme Bay, hemmed in by forested green cliffs and dotted with olive groves. A couple of other yachts are likely to be in the harbor, but for the main part, the overnight stop in Cokertme is as tranquil and unruffled as it comes.
Pointing towards Akbuk & cruising to the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire, Sogut. It feels like time has stood still in this coastal village, the local women dressed in traditional style and crumbling buildings imbuing a marvelous charm.
Today merges history with beach paradise as you cruise to Cleopatra Island, a sublime expanse of crystal clear waters and fine sand. Surrounding Cleopatra Island are numerous bays and islands; your yacht is fast enough to visit many and small enough to always dock for a cooling swim.
The Aegean Sea is a blue one, It's fringed by a rolling mainland; traditional coastal villages, pine forests, deserted bays. The bays of Ballisu and Longoz make for a gentle day of picturesque swimming and fully indulging on Aegean charms.
Cast adrift from the mainland and wallow in a soothing expanse of azure; Orak Island dominates the itinerary today. Its long coastline is filled with bays for dropping anchor and diving below, while the cute harbor village offers cafes and ambient streets if you want to stretch your legs.
A leisurely morning can be spent circumnavigating Orak Island, swimming in the bays and snorkeling alongside the rocks. Mud caves make for an afternoon of fun, while there's always a chance to lie back on the beach or yacht and watch the sun slowly move across the sky.
Today is deliberately left free for you to enjoy Istanbul at your own pace. A simple to use tram system takes you around the city and the main tourist area of Sultanahmet is easy to explore on foot.
Visit the Spice Market, vivid sacks of pungent produce lining every corridor through the bazaar, Dolmabehce Palace One room features a four and a half ton chandelier, twinkling and glistening. Perhaps a perfect place to finish the vacation is one of the public squares, Perhaps a perfect place to finish the vacation is one of the public squares.
After breakfast it's a short transfer to the airport where your international departure awaits. Your vacation may have come to an all-to-soon end, but the memories are yours to take with you.