Turkish Delights ~ A Culinary Extravaganza

For the culinary enthusiast, Turkey is the ideal destination. In the midst of its rich history and culture stands a culinary experience that some say is the best in the world. Influenced by silk route trade, a wide range of climates, and its proximity to Europe and Asia, it is not surprising that Turkish cuisine reflects an eclectic combination of flavors and smells. Each region has its traditional specialties that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Days 1 – 3 Istanbul

Visit the highlights of the Old City – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Sample typical Ottoman cuisine in a local restaurant. Shop for your favorite flavor enhancers at the aromatic Spice Bazaar. Take a cooking class at one of the city’s premier schools, and then sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Learn how to make and drink Turkish coffee in one of Istanbul’s famous coffee and tea houses.

Days 4 & 5 Sirince

Fly to Izmir and tour the famous archaeological site of Ephesus. Stop for lunch on an ecological farm and visit an Olive Oil Museum. Stay in a small village in the hills above Ephesus and experience its cooking and wine tasting in serene and beautiful surroundings.

Days 7 & 8 Bodrum

Enjoy a chance to make your own Turkish Delight at a local factory, and learn about and taste wines and cheeses at an ecological farm and vineyard. Visit Bodrum Castle; the landmark on the shores of the Aegean is also home to the impressive Museum of Underwater Archaeology. On your final evening here, sample the specialties of the Aegean at a local restaurant.

Consider extending your culinary experience with a cruise aboard a Gulet for a few days.