AT A GLANCE

We’re so excited to be spending part of the summer in Turkey. With its sun-drenched coastlines, lively seaside towns, and rich blend of ancient and modern culture, Turkey is the perfect place to soak up the season.

This will be an unforgettable break filled with warm nights, turquoise waters, and vibrant city energy. Plan to meet new friends while exploring bustling bazaars, dancing to music that spills into the streets, and indulging in everything from meze feasts to perfectly grilled kebabs along the Aegean coast.

✈️ Please be sure your flight lands in Izmir on June 27th. Book your departure flight from Istanbul on July 5th, 2026.

Trip Highlights

• Boat cruise on the Aegean Sea: stop along local islands and swim in beautiful turquoise waters

• Guided tour of preserved archaeological ruins and UNESCO World Heritage site

• Horseback riding through a pine forest and along a coastal trail, with beautiful sea views

• Authentic Turkish hammam experience: rejuvenating steam, scrub, and total relaxation

• Beach days + optional snorkeling and windsurfing: choose your own adventure on the coast

• Local markets, iconic mosques, Mediterranean flavors & warm Turkish hospitality

Day 1 - June 27  IZMIR ARRIVAL

Arrive in Izmir, a seaside city with pastel sunsets and cafes that spill onto the sidewalks. We’ll start our trip at a local restaurant with a relaxed Mediterranean dinner, enjoying sweeping panoramic views of the city.

Day 2 - June 28  ALACATI

We’ll start with a sun-lit drive to a local seaside town and head to the local marina for a daylong boat tour. We’ll leisurely visit local coves and pause to float, swim or just enjoy the view of the coastline and turquoise waters. By sunset, the captain will turn back to Alacati leaving you with sun-kissed skin and salty hair. 

In the evening, we’ll return to Alacati to stroll along a glowing maze of cobblestone streets, restaurants, wine bars, and tiny boutique shops that stay open late. Among the music, mosaic lights and humming crowds, we’ll grab dinner, ice cream, cocktails and whatever else your heart desires.

Day 3 - June 29  BEACH & WINDSURF DAY

We’ll continue our adventure in Alacati by heading to a local beach to learn how to windsurf from experienced instructors. You’ll practice the basics on the sand before venturing into the water to find your rhythm with the wind. By midday, you’ll take a break at a beach club and then spend the afternoon practicing or enjoying the water. After a long day of enjoying the beach, we’ll head back to Alacati for a cozy dinner among the string lights and get our last taste of Alacati nightlife.

Note: for those who aren’t interested in windsurfing, the alternate option is a sun-filled local beach day

Day 4 - June 30  EXPLORE LOCAL UNESCO SITE + HORSEBACK RIDING

Next we’ll keep moving along the Turkish coast towards Ephesus. You’ll wander slowly through archaeological ruins, learning about Greek & Roman history and architecture from a local guide. From there, we’ll head along a winding road to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where many believe Mary spent her final years. The morning will be full of quiet reflection among ancient walls and the serene grandeur of the preserved past.

After a leisurely lunch, we’ll head to a nearby ranch and be matched with horses for a gentle tour along the countryside. As the sun lowers, we’ll head back to the ranch with a content feeling of a full day and stay locally in Kusadasi.

Day 5 - July 1  BOAT CRUISE, MUD BATH & TURTLE BEACH

The journey continues as we head to Bodrum, a seaside town with a castle rising over the harbor like a postcard. We’ll board a boat for another daylong trip heading towards the Dalyan Delta, then past ancient Lycian rock tombs. We’ll pause to dip into warm, mineral-rich mud baths that leave your skin glowing after you rinse off in the cool river. We’ll stop by a local beach known as a sanctuary for sea turtles, before heading back to enjoy dinner and nightlife in Bodrum.

Day 6 - July 2  SNORKELING & BEACH DAY

We’ll begin this day before the world wakes, with an (optional) early morning walk to the old stone windmills in Bodrum. We’ll watch the sun rise and change the colors of the coastline. After sunrise, we’ll head to the marina and jump onboard for a snorkeling tour. In between swimming with the local fish, you’ll enjoy the sun on the boat deck. At the end of the day, we’ll enjoy dinner and nightlife in Bodrum.

Note: for those who aren’t interested in snorkeling, the alternative option is a sun-filled local beach day

Day 7 - July 3  ISTANBUL HAMAM EXPERIENCE & SUNSET CRUISE

After your days on the Aegean, we’ll take a short flight to Istanbul to enter a different world - of minarets, palaces, and the deep hum of a city that has stood for centuries. We’ll all go to a historical hamam for an afternoon spa & exfoliation treatment. After relaxing in the warm waters and drinking Turkish tea, we’ll make our way to the Bosphorus for a sunset cruise. You’ll drift between Europe and Asia as you watch the sun set, and the lights softly illuminate the silhouette of the city.

Day 8 - July 4  EXPLORE ISTANBUL

On your last day in Turkiye, we’ll offer multiple guided adventures, or you can enjoy the city of Istanbul at your own pace. We’ll end the trip with a rooftop dinner and panoramic views of Istanbul’s glittering landscape.

Day 9 - July 5  Departure

Flights home
Whether you leave with a suitcase of souvenirs or just stories, you’ll carry Turkey with you.

✈️ Please be sure your flight lands in Izmir on June 27th. Book your departure flight from Istanbul on July 5th, 2026.