Eat Smart in Turkey
September 8 to 18, 2025
September 8 to 18, 2025
Embark on a Tasting Adventure
with Co-Leaders Joan Peterson and Susan Chwae
with Co-Leaders Joan Peterson and Susan Chwae
Looking for a small group to explore a new destination? Our tours are an intimate way to discover the country. And lots of great food! Our tours are set up for people who want to see the sights, be in a small group, and eat.
Join culinary experts Joan Peterson and Susan Chwae in getting to the heart of the culture through an exploration of its tantalizing cuisine. Sample the infinite variety of regional specialties in their natural setting. Delve into the secrets of local dishes by participating in cooking classes. Also included are talks on culinary topics and visits to bustling markets to learn about the herbs, spices and condiments that are prevalent in regional cookery.
We also see the major tourist sights, yet still have time to shop and relax along the way. You’ll come away with a knowledge of the culinary traditions and a deep appreciation of the magnitude of history and culture.
Our Culinary and Cultural Tours are perfect for those with special dietary needs. Because we work closely with all of our chefs on our tours, we can easily accommodate dietary choices and restrictions.
Do you have limited mobility? We can make special arrangements to accommodate most limited mobility situations. Please ask when inquiring about our tours.
We also see the major tourist sights, yet still have time to shop and relax along the way. You’ll come away with a knowledge of the culinary traditions and a deep appreciation of the magnitude of history and culture.
Our Culinary and Cultural Tours are perfect for those with special dietary needs. Because we work closely with all of our chefs on our tours, we can easily accommodate dietary choices and restrictions.
Do you have limited mobility? We can make special arrangements to accommodate most limited mobility situations. Please ask when inquiring about our tours.
Day 1 - Sept 8, 2025
Arrival in Istanbul Arrive Istanbul, transfer and check in to the hotel, rest of evening at leisure.
Day 2 Sept 9, 2025 - Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive along the coastline of the Sea of Marmara, following along the City Walls of Byzantium. The 5th-century walls built by Emperor Theodosius II stretch for 4 miles from Istanbul’s Golden Horn to the Sea of Marmara. They were breached only twice in 1600 years. The first breach occurred during the Fourth Crusade in 1204; the second in 1453 by the cannons and troops of Sultan Mehmet the 2nd, the Conqueror. Several of the main gates were restored during the 1990s, but other parts of the walls are unrestored. We will then visit the Theodosius Cistern (known as Şerefiye Sarnıcı in Turkish), which was built by Roman Emperor Theodosius II between 428 and 443 to store water supplied by the Valens Aqueduct. The Aqueduct of Valens was redistributed by Theodosius from its original supply to the Nymphaeum, the Baths of Zeuxippus and the Great Palace of Constantinople. This redistribution led to the construction of the Theodosius Cistern. The area is about 148 by 82 feet and the roof is supported by 32 marble columns about 30 ft high.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Hagia Sophia is the most magnificent of all Byzantine churches and is one of the world’s finest and largest architectural works of art. It was built by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodorus of Miletus between 532 and 537 under the rule of Emperor Justinian. When the Byzantine Empire collapsed under the attack of Mehmet the 2nd on May 29, 1453, Islam became the state religion. At noon that day, Mehmet the 2nd had the muezzins call the Muslims to prayer from Hagia Sophia, thus converting it into a mosque. It is now a museum where early Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy live side-by-side.
The Blue Mosque takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand.
Late afternoon optional visit to the famous Hürrem Sultan Hamam. Exfoliate, steam up and rub down at the Hamam. After changing into a pestemal (a traditional checkered cloth, loosely wrapped around the body), you’ll enter a steam room where an attendant will lather you with soap and then scrape it off with a kese (a brillo-like mitt meant to remove the dead skin); a massage and sometimes a hair wash follow. By spending the afternoon at this 18th century-era Hamam, you’ll be following in the footsteps not only of countless Turks, but also Franz Liszt, Florence Nightingale, and Kaiser Wilhelm, all of whom got the treatment when in Istanbul.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Return to the hotel and overnight.
Day 3 Sept 10, 2025 - Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Eminönü to visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque: this mosque is one of the city's architectural gems. The interior is covered in some of the most exquisite Iznik tiles ever produced. The tiles have the famous red color that was difficult to produce at the time. Rüstem Pasha was the son-in-law and a grand vizir of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent (1520- 1566).
Next stop is the Spice Bazaar: this extensive market was built in the 17th century to finance the upkeep of the nearby mosque, Yeni Cami. The bazaar is often referred to as the “Egyptian Market” due to the fact that spices used to come to the market from India and Southeast Asia via Egypt. Despite the fact that the bazaar is becoming more touristy, there is still plenty to discover for the “foodie.” We will also visit local stores in the back streets of the Spice Bazaar that sell şimşir cooking spoons and spatulas.
We then visit the Topkapı Palace, the private residence and seat of government of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853. It houses spectacular porcelain as well as jewel collections including the Spoonmaker Diamond (fifth largest in the world) and jeweled swords and armor of the Sultans. After entering a gate once lined with the severed heads of those who dared oppose the Sultan, we will wander through rooms of precious artworks and artifacts, visit the newly remodeled Kitchen, and explore the famous Harem, residence of the Sultan, his wives, concubines, and children.
Dinner and cooking class at the Chef’s Table cooking school with Chef Serkan Bozkurt: a food lover’s dream, gaining knowledge of Turkish cuisine on site, using authentic spices under the tutelage of an award-winning culinary expert! We will give away one apron per person as a gift!
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Sept 11, 2025 - Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will enjoy a 1½ hour cruise up the Bosphorus strait on a private boat.
We will then have an early brunch at the Gulluoglu Baklava Factory in Karakoy. We will tour parts of the factory, including the area where the dough is rolled out, and later enjoy savory and sweet varieties of baklava, along with Turkish coffee.
Later, we’ll drive to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It was built of wood around an old Byzantine building after the Conquest of Istanbul. The Bazaar initially consisted of just two warehouses—the Inner Bedesten and Sandal Bedesten--known as the old Bedesten (Old Bazaar) of today. Throughout subsequent centuries the Bazaar became much larger with the addition of many new sections and inns (han). Domed roofs covered the streets, and buildings were interconnected. Today it covers an area of approximately 37,000 square yards with about 4,000 shops, 17 inns, 61 streets, 2 mosques, several cafes and restaurants, and 22 gates. Navigation around the vast Bazaar is made somewhat easier since the streets are laid out more or less in a grid, and shops tend to be grouped according to the products sold.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Sept 12, 2025 - Kusadasi
Flight from Istanbul to Izmir and transfer to Kuşadası.
After we drop our luggage off at the hotel we will take a private Gullet tour for 4 hours, including lunch onboard.
The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Sept 13, 2025 - Kusadasi
After breakfast at the hotel we will drive to Ephesus. For ancient paganism as well as early Christianity, Ephesus was an important religious center, second only to Athens and later Jerusalem. The cult of Artemis gave way to Christianity as the Virgin Mary was reputed to have spent her final days nearby and St. Peter and St. Paul both preached here. Ephesus kept its important standing due to its well-placed port and its religious significance, which the locals were not above exploiting. After Emperor Augustus proclaimed Ephesus the capital of the Asian province in 27 BC, the city became one of the most important in the extended Roman Empire. We begin at the Magnesia Gate, where our guide will take us on a leisurely downhill walk through marble streets of the city, pausing at sites along the walk to describe their significance. See the Gymnasium, Odeon, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, Upper Agora, Town Hall, Byzantine house, Roman baths, and surprisingly efficient public bathrooms. One of the most imposing sites at Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. Built in 135 BC and finely decorated with columns and sculpture, it was erected by a son in homage to his father. Another significant structure is a short walk away - the amphitheater. Known for its excellent acoustics, it was here that St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, encouraging them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.
Lunch and winery visit.
Return to Kusadası, rest of evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 - Sept 14, 2025 - Kusadasi to Cappadocia
After breakfast and checking out of the hotel we will drive to Izmir for our flight to Cappadocia. We will check in to our cave hotel and have the afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the cave hotel.
Day 8 - Sept 15, 2025 - Cappadocia
Balloon Trip (optional) - 04.30 Wake up call! Balloon Trip. For those interested, we will have an early morning transfer to the location where we will meet the balloon crew. The gentle and stable wind conditions are ideal during the first few hours of the day in Cappadocia. It is also the ideal time for photography, with splendid colors and contrasts. Don’t forget to bring your camera! The deep canyons and gentle winds carry us over places that could never be reached except by balloon. After flying over Cappadocia for about 55 to 60 minutes, we will land to an awaiting champagne toast!
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast we will visit Devrent Valley and Zelve: an open-air museums and the natural Uçhisar Fortress, where early Christians found shelter from the 11th century onwards. Devrent Valley is a lunar landscape with many strange rock formations and animal-shaped rocks. Zelve, a cave town, once was home to one of the largest communities in the region. It is honeycombed with religious and secular dwellings. Until 1924, Christians and Muslims lived together in the community. At this time there was an exchange of Greek and Turkish minorities, and the Christians had to leave Zelve. In the 1950s the Muslims were forced to evacuate these homes due to severe erosion, which made it dangerous to remain living in them. As a result, a modern village, Yeni Zelve (New Zelve), was built to house the people. Uçhisar Fortress is the highest point in Cappadocia. Hollowed out rooms in it were interconnected via tunnels and stairs. Access to these rooms was controlled by circular stone doors similar to those in the underground settlements.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue our visit to the Göreme Open-Air Museum. There are many churches and chapels displaying frescos, and some have strange symbolic decorations. Recently an extensive protection program has been put into place because the churches are very prone to erosion. To prevent this they are slowly being covered with a resilient artificial surface designed to stop the gradual destruction by nature. The frescoes are divided up into pre- and post-Iconoclastic ones. The earlier works rely entirely on symbolism to communicate their messages. Their simple form is a result of the early church’s disapproval of portraying the human form in religious art. The works which postdate the resolution of the Iconoclastic controversy (mid 9th Century) are much more figurative. It is interesting to compare them and realize that both styles are telling the same stories of Christ and the Saints.
Early evening, visit Saruhan Caravanserai to see the Whirling Dervishes.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the cave hotel.
Day 9 - Sept 16, 2025 - Cappadocia
After breakfast in the hotel, our first stop is the Soganli valley, which is one of the earliest settlements in Cappadocia.
We will then drive to Ayvali Village where we will enjoy a cooking class and lunch in the village.
After lunch we will visit Özkonak underground city. Once home to about 5,000 people, it was carved 6 stories deep into the Anatolian plateau. The top 3 stories are open to visitors. Özkonak had sophisticated ventilation and a crude communication system between levels. Massive circular stones serving as doors were rolled across the passages and sealed from the inside when invaders approached.
Overnight at cave hotel.
Day 10 - Sept 17, 2025 - Cappadocia
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Avanos, set on the banks of the Kizilirmak, the Red River, which gets its name from the clay that it deposits. This clay has provided Avanos with pottery for centuries and the town is still dominated by this industry despite the inroads that tourism has made in the area. The main street has numerous shops and workshops selling plain and decorated pots and plates and you can watch the potters at work using kick wheels, the design of which has remained unchanged for generations. Many of the workshops will encourage you to have a go yourself. It's harder than it looks.
We will enjoy a farewell lunch experience at a local restaurant.
Rest of afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight at the cave hotel.
Day 11 - Sept 18, 2025
Departure from Cappadocia
Private group airport transfer to Kayseri airport. Due to the international flights varying by guest, end of services are at the Cappadocia airport.
Arrival in Istanbul Arrive Istanbul, transfer and check in to the hotel, rest of evening at leisure.
Day 2 Sept 9, 2025 - Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive along the coastline of the Sea of Marmara, following along the City Walls of Byzantium. The 5th-century walls built by Emperor Theodosius II stretch for 4 miles from Istanbul’s Golden Horn to the Sea of Marmara. They were breached only twice in 1600 years. The first breach occurred during the Fourth Crusade in 1204; the second in 1453 by the cannons and troops of Sultan Mehmet the 2nd, the Conqueror. Several of the main gates were restored during the 1990s, but other parts of the walls are unrestored. We will then visit the Theodosius Cistern (known as Şerefiye Sarnıcı in Turkish), which was built by Roman Emperor Theodosius II between 428 and 443 to store water supplied by the Valens Aqueduct. The Aqueduct of Valens was redistributed by Theodosius from its original supply to the Nymphaeum, the Baths of Zeuxippus and the Great Palace of Constantinople. This redistribution led to the construction of the Theodosius Cistern. The area is about 148 by 82 feet and the roof is supported by 32 marble columns about 30 ft high.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Hagia Sophia is the most magnificent of all Byzantine churches and is one of the world’s finest and largest architectural works of art. It was built by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodorus of Miletus between 532 and 537 under the rule of Emperor Justinian. When the Byzantine Empire collapsed under the attack of Mehmet the 2nd on May 29, 1453, Islam became the state religion. At noon that day, Mehmet the 2nd had the muezzins call the Muslims to prayer from Hagia Sophia, thus converting it into a mosque. It is now a museum where early Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy live side-by-side.
The Blue Mosque takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand.
Late afternoon optional visit to the famous Hürrem Sultan Hamam. Exfoliate, steam up and rub down at the Hamam. After changing into a pestemal (a traditional checkered cloth, loosely wrapped around the body), you’ll enter a steam room where an attendant will lather you with soap and then scrape it off with a kese (a brillo-like mitt meant to remove the dead skin); a massage and sometimes a hair wash follow. By spending the afternoon at this 18th century-era Hamam, you’ll be following in the footsteps not only of countless Turks, but also Franz Liszt, Florence Nightingale, and Kaiser Wilhelm, all of whom got the treatment when in Istanbul.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Return to the hotel and overnight.
Day 3 Sept 10, 2025 - Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Eminönü to visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque: this mosque is one of the city's architectural gems. The interior is covered in some of the most exquisite Iznik tiles ever produced. The tiles have the famous red color that was difficult to produce at the time. Rüstem Pasha was the son-in-law and a grand vizir of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent (1520- 1566).
Next stop is the Spice Bazaar: this extensive market was built in the 17th century to finance the upkeep of the nearby mosque, Yeni Cami. The bazaar is often referred to as the “Egyptian Market” due to the fact that spices used to come to the market from India and Southeast Asia via Egypt. Despite the fact that the bazaar is becoming more touristy, there is still plenty to discover for the “foodie.” We will also visit local stores in the back streets of the Spice Bazaar that sell şimşir cooking spoons and spatulas.
We then visit the Topkapı Palace, the private residence and seat of government of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853. It houses spectacular porcelain as well as jewel collections including the Spoonmaker Diamond (fifth largest in the world) and jeweled swords and armor of the Sultans. After entering a gate once lined with the severed heads of those who dared oppose the Sultan, we will wander through rooms of precious artworks and artifacts, visit the newly remodeled Kitchen, and explore the famous Harem, residence of the Sultan, his wives, concubines, and children.
Dinner and cooking class at the Chef’s Table cooking school with Chef Serkan Bozkurt: a food lover’s dream, gaining knowledge of Turkish cuisine on site, using authentic spices under the tutelage of an award-winning culinary expert! We will give away one apron per person as a gift!
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Sept 11, 2025 - Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will enjoy a 1½ hour cruise up the Bosphorus strait on a private boat.
We will then have an early brunch at the Gulluoglu Baklava Factory in Karakoy. We will tour parts of the factory, including the area where the dough is rolled out, and later enjoy savory and sweet varieties of baklava, along with Turkish coffee.
Later, we’ll drive to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It was built of wood around an old Byzantine building after the Conquest of Istanbul. The Bazaar initially consisted of just two warehouses—the Inner Bedesten and Sandal Bedesten--known as the old Bedesten (Old Bazaar) of today. Throughout subsequent centuries the Bazaar became much larger with the addition of many new sections and inns (han). Domed roofs covered the streets, and buildings were interconnected. Today it covers an area of approximately 37,000 square yards with about 4,000 shops, 17 inns, 61 streets, 2 mosques, several cafes and restaurants, and 22 gates. Navigation around the vast Bazaar is made somewhat easier since the streets are laid out more or less in a grid, and shops tend to be grouped according to the products sold.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Sept 12, 2025 - Kusadasi
Flight from Istanbul to Izmir and transfer to Kuşadası.
After we drop our luggage off at the hotel we will take a private Gullet tour for 4 hours, including lunch onboard.
The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Sept 13, 2025 - Kusadasi
After breakfast at the hotel we will drive to Ephesus. For ancient paganism as well as early Christianity, Ephesus was an important religious center, second only to Athens and later Jerusalem. The cult of Artemis gave way to Christianity as the Virgin Mary was reputed to have spent her final days nearby and St. Peter and St. Paul both preached here. Ephesus kept its important standing due to its well-placed port and its religious significance, which the locals were not above exploiting. After Emperor Augustus proclaimed Ephesus the capital of the Asian province in 27 BC, the city became one of the most important in the extended Roman Empire. We begin at the Magnesia Gate, where our guide will take us on a leisurely downhill walk through marble streets of the city, pausing at sites along the walk to describe their significance. See the Gymnasium, Odeon, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, Upper Agora, Town Hall, Byzantine house, Roman baths, and surprisingly efficient public bathrooms. One of the most imposing sites at Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. Built in 135 BC and finely decorated with columns and sculpture, it was erected by a son in homage to his father. Another significant structure is a short walk away - the amphitheater. Known for its excellent acoustics, it was here that St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, encouraging them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.
Lunch and winery visit.
Return to Kusadası, rest of evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 - Sept 14, 2025 - Kusadasi to Cappadocia
After breakfast and checking out of the hotel we will drive to Izmir for our flight to Cappadocia. We will check in to our cave hotel and have the afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the cave hotel.
Day 8 - Sept 15, 2025 - Cappadocia
Balloon Trip (optional) - 04.30 Wake up call! Balloon Trip. For those interested, we will have an early morning transfer to the location where we will meet the balloon crew. The gentle and stable wind conditions are ideal during the first few hours of the day in Cappadocia. It is also the ideal time for photography, with splendid colors and contrasts. Don’t forget to bring your camera! The deep canyons and gentle winds carry us over places that could never be reached except by balloon. After flying over Cappadocia for about 55 to 60 minutes, we will land to an awaiting champagne toast!
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast we will visit Devrent Valley and Zelve: an open-air museums and the natural Uçhisar Fortress, where early Christians found shelter from the 11th century onwards. Devrent Valley is a lunar landscape with many strange rock formations and animal-shaped rocks. Zelve, a cave town, once was home to one of the largest communities in the region. It is honeycombed with religious and secular dwellings. Until 1924, Christians and Muslims lived together in the community. At this time there was an exchange of Greek and Turkish minorities, and the Christians had to leave Zelve. In the 1950s the Muslims were forced to evacuate these homes due to severe erosion, which made it dangerous to remain living in them. As a result, a modern village, Yeni Zelve (New Zelve), was built to house the people. Uçhisar Fortress is the highest point in Cappadocia. Hollowed out rooms in it were interconnected via tunnels and stairs. Access to these rooms was controlled by circular stone doors similar to those in the underground settlements.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue our visit to the Göreme Open-Air Museum. There are many churches and chapels displaying frescos, and some have strange symbolic decorations. Recently an extensive protection program has been put into place because the churches are very prone to erosion. To prevent this they are slowly being covered with a resilient artificial surface designed to stop the gradual destruction by nature. The frescoes are divided up into pre- and post-Iconoclastic ones. The earlier works rely entirely on symbolism to communicate their messages. Their simple form is a result of the early church’s disapproval of portraying the human form in religious art. The works which postdate the resolution of the Iconoclastic controversy (mid 9th Century) are much more figurative. It is interesting to compare them and realize that both styles are telling the same stories of Christ and the Saints.
Early evening, visit Saruhan Caravanserai to see the Whirling Dervishes.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the cave hotel.
Day 9 - Sept 16, 2025 - Cappadocia
After breakfast in the hotel, our first stop is the Soganli valley, which is one of the earliest settlements in Cappadocia.
We will then drive to Ayvali Village where we will enjoy a cooking class and lunch in the village.
After lunch we will visit Özkonak underground city. Once home to about 5,000 people, it was carved 6 stories deep into the Anatolian plateau. The top 3 stories are open to visitors. Özkonak had sophisticated ventilation and a crude communication system between levels. Massive circular stones serving as doors were rolled across the passages and sealed from the inside when invaders approached.
Overnight at cave hotel.
Day 10 - Sept 17, 2025 - Cappadocia
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Avanos, set on the banks of the Kizilirmak, the Red River, which gets its name from the clay that it deposits. This clay has provided Avanos with pottery for centuries and the town is still dominated by this industry despite the inroads that tourism has made in the area. The main street has numerous shops and workshops selling plain and decorated pots and plates and you can watch the potters at work using kick wheels, the design of which has remained unchanged for generations. Many of the workshops will encourage you to have a go yourself. It's harder than it looks.
We will enjoy a farewell lunch experience at a local restaurant.
Rest of afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight at the cave hotel.
Day 11 - Sept 18, 2025
Departure from Cappadocia
Private group airport transfer to Kayseri airport. Due to the international flights varying by guest, end of services are at the Cappadocia airport.
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Highlights from a previous culinary tours to Turkey. Videos created by tour participant Barbara Jensen.
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FOR A MINIMUM OF 8 PARTICIPANTS, MAXIMUM OF 12 PARTICIPANTS
Price per person sharing room. with minimum 8 participants.
$6,375 - 8 Participants
$6,050 - 9 Participants
$5,795 - 10 Participants
$5,585 - 11 Participants
$5,415 - 12 Participants
Price per person in single room - Single occupancy supplement of $1,235.
$7,610 - 8 Participants
$7,285 - 9 Participants
$7,030 - 10 Participants
$6,820 - 11 Participants
$6,650 - 12 Participants
Final price to be determined by how many participants have signed up by the time we close the tour.
Deposit Required:
Non-refundable deposit* - $2,000 per person
*Your deposit is refundable until you have been notified that the tour has been filled and your deposits have been sent to our India tour operator, at which point your deposit is non-refundable.
Balance due 75 days prior to departure.
Itinerary and accommodations may change slightly at tour operator discretion.
Price per person sharing room. with minimum 8 participants.
$6,375 - 8 Participants
$6,050 - 9 Participants
$5,795 - 10 Participants
$5,585 - 11 Participants
$5,415 - 12 Participants
Price per person in single room - Single occupancy supplement of $1,235.
$7,610 - 8 Participants
$7,285 - 9 Participants
$7,030 - 10 Participants
$6,820 - 11 Participants
$6,650 - 12 Participants
Final price to be determined by how many participants have signed up by the time we close the tour.
Deposit Required:
Non-refundable deposit* - $2,000 per person
*Your deposit is refundable until you have been notified that the tour has been filled and your deposits have been sent to our India tour operator, at which point your deposit is non-refundable.
Balance due 75 days prior to departure.
Itinerary and accommodations may change slightly at tour operator discretion.
Included Services:
Please be advised that our trip to Turkey entails physical activities that may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility or physical disabilities. Participants should have the ability to walk unassisted and navigate up to 4 flights of stairs without handrails and on uneven surfaces. It's important to note that Turkey may not have the same accessibility standards as other countries, and there is no equivalent to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in place. Therefore, accommodations for individuals with disabilities may be limited or unavailable. We encourage all participants to assess their own physical capabilities and consider the nature of the trip before booking. If you have any concerns or require further information about accessibility, please feel free to contact us.
- Accommodation in Istanbul, Kuşadası and Cappadocia. (including breakfast)
- Domestic flights in Turkey: İstanbul / İzmir, İzmir - İstanbul / Kayseri.
- All bus transfers Istanbul, Kuşadası, Ephesus and Cappadocia.
- All airport group transfers.
- Land transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking guide through-out the tour.
- Entrance fees to museums and historical sites: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia,
- Topkapı Palace with Harem, Cistern, Ephesus and Terrace Houses, Ephesus
- Museum, Özkonak Underground City and Uchisar Fortress, Paşabağ; Zelve,
- Göreme Open Air Museum.
- Bosphorus cruise with private boat.
- Day cruise by Gullet in Kuşadası.
- All lunches and dinners, unless specified: Selim Usta (L), Sarniç (D), Pandeli
- (L), Ali Ocakbaşı (D), Selçuk Köfte (L) 7 Bilgeler Wine Tasting (L), Ziggy (D),
- Keyif (L), Gorgoli (L).
- Cooking class in Istanbul at Serkan Bozkurt Chef’s Table including apron (D).
- Tour and tasting at the Gulluoglu Baklava Factory.
- Cooking class at Village House Cappadocia (L)
- 1 Soft drink, tea and coffee during lunch and dinner
- Bottled water (available on the motor coach and at lunch and dinner)
- Tips for the porters at the hotels and airport
- Copy of Eat Smart in Turkey culinary travel guidebook by Joan Peterson
- International flights for the participants and connection flight on departure day from Kayseri or Nevşehir
- Alcoholic drinks during lunch and dinner
- Tips for driver and guide.
- Hürrem Sultan Hammam; Price per person: $ 110 - 24 hours cancellation
- Balloon Tour; Price per person: $ 330 - 48 hours cancellation
Please be advised that our trip to Turkey entails physical activities that may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility or physical disabilities. Participants should have the ability to walk unassisted and navigate up to 4 flights of stairs without handrails and on uneven surfaces. It's important to note that Turkey may not have the same accessibility standards as other countries, and there is no equivalent to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in place. Therefore, accommodations for individuals with disabilities may be limited or unavailable. We encourage all participants to assess their own physical capabilities and consider the nature of the trip before booking. If you have any concerns or require further information about accessibility, please feel free to contact us.
Accommodations and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Eat Smart Culinary Travel's (ESCT) control. Every effort will be made to operate tours as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. ESCT also reserves the right to withdraw a tour or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or the tour inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control. In case of any appreciable variation in the tour price due to these circumstances, ESCT reserves the right to make adjustments to the tour costs as necessary. Specific requests should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure special requests, however; they cannot be guaranteed.
Eat Smart Culinary Travel is proud to partner with the following destination management on their Eat Smart Culinary and Cultural Tours to Turkey:
IDEE Travel & Events
Büyükdere Caddesi, Müselles Sokak No: 1/4, Esentepe, 34394
Istanbul, Turkey
+90 212 212 32 84
[email protected]
Büyükdere Caddesi, Müselles Sokak No: 1/4, Esentepe, 34394
Istanbul, Turkey
+90 212 212 32 84
[email protected]
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Joan Peterson is the author of the compact and portable EAT SMART series of guidebooks designed for travelers and cookbook lovers like herself who want to get to the heart of a country's culture through its cuisine. To date she has written or co-written guides to the cuisines of Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Morocco, India, Norway, Portugal, and Peru, and they include, as always, a primer on food history and regional specialties—in addition to authentic recipes, useful phrases for ordering meals and shopping in the bustling local food markets, shopping tips and two extensive bilingual dictionaries to make navigating menu and market a breeze. She has traveled extensively for many years, and has led culinary tours to Turkey, India, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Sicily, Croatia, Norway, Portugal, Peru, and Morocco.
Susan Peterson Chwae began her career in the travel industry in 1997 when she joined the family’s publishing company. Since the inception of the company’s tour business, Susan has worked intimately with destination management companies and tour operators to create luxury culinary and cultural travel experiences. She has been co-leading or leading her own tours since 2005.
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To sign up to join us on this once-in-a-lifetime tour, please click on the button below, or email [email protected].
Deposit information: There is a **non-refundable $2,000 deposit required to hold your spot on the 2025 Eat Smart Culinary and Cultural Tour to Turkey. **Your deposit will be held by Eat Smart Culinary Travel until the the tour has filled, at which time it will become non-refundable. Please download and fill out the Reservation Form. Your place on the tour will be reserved once we have received your deposit and the filled out and returned Reservation Form.
Balance due 75 days prior to departure.
As a full service travel agency, we can assist with any travel planning including pre- and post-tour extensions, fights, and travel insurance.
Balance due 75 days prior to departure.
As a full service travel agency, we can assist with any travel planning including pre- and post-tour extensions, fights, and travel insurance.