Discover a lesser-known side of Turkey, journeying from Istanbul to the Aegean coast and through landscapes steeped in mythology and history. Explore the legendary ruins of Troy, atmospheric Assos and magnificent Pergamon before retreating into the forests and villages of the Ida Mountains, where rural traditions, centuries-old olive groves and a slower pace of life endure to this day.
September to November is an excellent window, with warm, generally comfortable days ideal for sightseeing and walking. As autumn progresses, the landscapes take on seasonal colour, while the olive harvest and local food traditions bring an added sense of place to the Ida Mountains.
3 nights Istanbul, 5 nights Ida Mountains
What makes your Turkey holiday special?
- Explore Istanbul with a private guide, basking in the beauty of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace before cruising on the Bosphorus on your own private motor yacht.
- Get a taste for all things Turkish on a fabulous food tour that bridges two continents.
- Walk through the pages of Homer’s Iliad as you explore the fabled city of Troy with its Director of Excavations.
- Visit the extraordinary ruins of Pergamon, with its spectacular Hellenistic Acropolis and ancient healing centre, the Asklepion.
- Enjoy the scenic splendour and seasonal traditions of the Ida Mountains, from its canyons and forests to its olive oil production and fondness for foraging.
Your Legends of the Aegean itinerary
A bridge between continents
Day 1: Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you’ll be met at the flight gate, fast-tracked through the airport and transferred in private to The Bank Hotel. Set in Karaköy, one of the city’s hippest waterfront districts, the hotel was once the headquarters of the Credit General Ottoman Bank. Much of its original beaux-arts style has been preserved, from the granite flooring and neoclassical columns to the beautiful arched windows and the vaults in the cellar, which instead of cash, now store bottles of wine for the intimate restaurant and popular rooftop bar.
A city of spires & spices
Day 2: Istanbul
Today your private guide will help show you the city. Begin at Hagia Sophia, the greatest church in Christendom until the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Continue to the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and elegant blue Iznik tiles, before visiting both the Hippodrome and the extraordinary underground Basilica Cistern. Finish your tour at the ultimate bargain-seeker’s paradise, the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world.
We’ve also included a tour of Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman sultans for around 400 years. As well as learning about Ottoman court life, you’ll get to explore the 300-room Imperial Harem and the famous Imperial Treasury, whose many notable exhibits include the Topkapi dagger, encrusted with enormous emeralds, and the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond, used in the coronation turban of Mehmet IV in 1648.
A treat for the tastebuds
Day 3: Istanbul
Today is all about exploring the many flavours of Istanbul, on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus. Start with breakfast at a local esnaf lokantası (traditional neighbourhood restaurant) in Karaköy’s historic artisans’ quarter, before taking a stroll through the atmospheric market streets. After stopping for tea at an Ottoman-era caravanserai, hop on a ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadıköy on the Asian side of the city. Pick your way through arguably Istanbul’s best produce market, sampling regional specialities as you go, before moving on to Moda, one of the city’s most glamorous addresses, known for its cafe culture and great waterfront views.
Finish your day with a cruise on the Bosphorus aboard your own private motor yacht, sipping champagne as you glide beneath bridges connecting Europe to Asia, looking up at a skyline that’s been capturing the imagination of visitors for centuries.
An ode to the Iliad
Days 4-5: Troy
Fly from Istanbul to Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport where you’ll be met and transferred to Ida Blue, a secluded boutique retreat in the foothills of the Ida Mountains. Spend the following day exploring the legendary city of Troy in the company of the Director of Excavations, Prof. Dr. Rüstem Aslan. Under his expert guidance, you’ll not only inspect the evocative ruins, you’ll also gain rare insight into the ongoing archaeological work and the enduring cultural significance of this fabled site. A particular highlight is the Museum of Troy, now celebrated as one of Europe’s most prestigious archaeological museums.
Enjoy lunch in Tevfikiye, an ‘archaeo-village’ close to the ruins of Troy, complete with buildings, public spaces, sculptures and other elements designed to evoke the world of Homer’s Iliad. Finally, on your way back to the hotel, visit the Sanctuary of Smintheion, an important Greek temple complex with well-preserved friezes depicting scenes from the Trojan War. Read our Troy experience for further details of this fascinating day.
An engagement with Aristotle
Day 6: Assos
After a delicious breakfast of locally sourced products from the Ida Mountains, head to the once-sacred Altar of Zeus for dramatic views across the Gulf of Edremit. From here, drive south to Assos, an exceptionally scenic ancient Greek city on the north Aegean coast, offering views across the water to the island of Lesbos.
Begin your exploration at the magnificent Temple of Athena, the oldest Doric temple in Anatolia, set high above the sparkling Aegean. Your local guide will bring Assos to life, shedding light on its long and fascinating history, including its connection to Aristotle, who established a philosophy school here in the 4th century BC. On your return to Ida Blue, you’ll also get to visit an artisanal cheese maker.
A landscape fit for gods
Day 7: Ida Mountains
Today is your chance to explore the pristine landscapes of the Ida Mountains, where Homer placed the gods during the Trojan War. Start by exploring dramatic Şahinderesi Canyon, where a glass observation deck offers breathtaking views. After an hour or two of gentle walking, continue by car to Darıdere Nature Park, a beautiful, wooded walking area on the slopes of Mt Ida, home to wild boar, deer and many migratory birds, especially in autumn. In the afternoon, enjoy an introduction to the centuries-old olive-growing traditions of the north Aegean at the Olive Oil Museum at Küçükkuyu.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery for dinner, we recommend Trattoria Leo, a rustic, family-run restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes and to-die-for pizzas at communal tables under apricot trees. It’s a true hidden treasure.
A date with history
Day 8: Pergamon or Ida Mountains
Choose today between discovering the wonders of ancient Pergamon and immersing yourself further in the living traditions and spectacular produce of the Ida Mountains.
For history-lovers, the chance to visit one of the greatest cultural centres of the Hellenistic world should not be passed up. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll explore the Acropolis, where temples once honoured Athena and Trajan, learn how Pergamon’s library once rivalled Alexandria’s, and stand in awe at the top of the theatre – 10,000 seats built into the steep hillside. Equally inspiring is the Asklepion nearby, one of the ancient world’s most important centres of healing, which reached its apogee in the 2nd century AD under the famous physician Galen, whose work remained the basis of Western medicine well into the 16th century.
Alternatively, spend the day learning about the bountiful nature of the Ida Mountains. Options here depend on the seasons but include helping local producers with the olive harvest (October to December), preparing traditional dishes using seasonal ingredients at a sustainably run farm, and foraging for wild mushrooms (October and November) in the forests and foothills of magical Mt Ida. Read our Ida Mountains experience for further details.
A new farming philosophy
Day 9: Istanbul
After checking out of Ida Blue, enjoy visits to the Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum and İdamera Farm, a family-run farm notable for its sustainable, circular-farming philosophy. You’ll have a chance to tour the farm, meet the owners and try their produce for yourself, including olive oil, vegetables and a range of artisanal cheeses. Then return to the airport to catch your afternoon flight to Istanbul, where you’ll connect with your flight home.
Where you'll stay
Great journeys need great places to lay your head. These are our tried and tested suggestions.
The Bank Hotel
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century bank building, The Bank Hotel combines original architectural details with sophisticated contemporary design. Set in vibrant Karaköy, it is ideally placed for exploring the Galata neighbourhood, waterfront and historic peninsula. Its 63 rooms and suites have an elegant, understated feel, while the rooftop restaurant and bar offer sweeping views across the Golden Horn and old city. A spa, Turkish hammam and fitness centre provide a relaxing retreat after days exploring Istanbul.
Ida Blue
Set in the historic village of Adatepe on the slopes of Mount Ida, Ida Blue is an intimate boutique retreat surrounded by olive groves and forested hills. Its individually designed rooms combine traditional stone architecture with understated contemporary touches, while secluded terraces and gardens provide tranquil spaces to enjoy the surrounding landscape. The hotel celebrates the region’s produce and culinary traditions, making it a natural base for discovering the villages, landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Ida Mountains.
Customise your journey
All of our journeys are fully bespoke, and can be customised to meet your needs, interests and preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
Troy is not the only site to have been ravaged by war in this part of the Aegean. Consider adding a day or two to explore the battlefields of Gallipoli with an expert historian.
To continue your tour of the Aegean’s ancient sites, carry on south to Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean.
For a dose of sun and sea after all those myths and mountains, end with a few nights at one of the stylish resorts of the Bodrum Peninsula, or charter a traditional Turkish gulet for a few days’ sailing along the legendary Turquoise Coast.
Looking for more inspiration?
We have a huge range of inspiring private experiences and accommodation options available. Get in touch with our Turkey specialists.
ENQUIRELearn more about our luxury holidays, or call our expert Europe team on +44 1367 850566 / 1-855-216-5040 (toll free) to discuss how we can turn your dreams into something truly magical.
“You cannot conceive of anything so beautiful as Constantinople, viewed from the Golden Horn or the Bosphorus. I think it must be the handsomest city in the world.”