- The International Kitchen
- Turkey
- Turkish Cooking School Vacation: The Cuisine of Sultans
Culinary Vacations in Turkey: Istanbul and Cappadocia
-
-
Select Your Trip Details
Culinary Tour of Turkey
Your cooking vacation begins in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and the economic and cultural mecca of Turkey. Immediately delight your senses with a trip to the famous Spice Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in the city. Next, fly to Cappadocia, a city filled with natural wonders, in particular the fairy chimneys in the Goreme Valley.
During your stay in Turkey you will experience some of the world’s most delicious cuisine. Turkish gastronomy has been called a fusion of Central Asian, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern cuisines, and you can find influences from the Balkans as well as Western Europe. The food varies from region to region, but you will find delicious spices, stews, fish, kebabs, and grains such as bulgur and rice. Olive oil is a staple, as are fresh vegetables.
This tour includes a lot of walking and climbing, and we recommend that you be in reasonably good physical condition.
Trip Details
Your culinary tour of Turkey will include 2 hands-on Turkish cooking lessons featuring local Turkish cuisine made with incredible fresh ingredients that are indigenous to each region.
Turkey Culinary Tour Itinerary
-
Day One
- Arrival in Istanbul.
- Meet and greet at Ataturk airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Dinner on your own (we can make reservations for you on request).
- Overnight.
Day Two
- Pick up from the hotel for your full day city tour including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Tour Highlights:
Breakfast:Turkish Breakfast at a Rumeli Fortress Restaturant (SERPME KAHVALTI)
Bosphorus Cruise by private boat
Visiting Kuzguncuk (Coffee Shops) & Üsküdar Area (Local Districts)
Late Lunch in Üsküdar area at Iskender Kebab Restaurant & dessert) - After visiting Üsküdar, Marmaray (subway) to Kadıköy area (Local District)
Visiting Kadıköy Area (Local Market)
(ASIAN SIDE) Street Food Tour Includes:
Stuffed Mussels, Kokoreç, Lahmacun, Turkish Cheese & Pastrami Plate (In the middle), Pickle
Shop & mixed pickles & juice.
Taste Plate per person with the meals of the day at Çiya restaurant (Ottoman & Traditional Turkish House Kitchen) - Train or Ferry back to the European side.
Walk back to the hotel (about 10 minutes on foot). - Overnight in Istanbul
Day Three
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Today explore the Best of Istanbul with your guide.
Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Topkapi Palace
Grand Bazaar - For lunch: Private Cooking Class & Lunch at a local Restaurant (45 mins to 1 hour)
- Turkish Tavern Tour for dinner includes:
Turkish Tavern (Meyhane) with 6 types of Turkish Mezes, 1 Main Course per person from the menu,
2 Glasses of Turkish Rakı per person (Alcoholic Beverage), Turnip Juice, Turkish Dessert (Turkish
Helva with Icecream or Künefe) - Overnight in Istanbul.
Day Four
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Early Morning Hamam Experience (COST NOT INCLUDED, PRICED BASED ON YOUR SELECTION)
- After hamam, back to the hotel, check out.
- Half-day Istanbul
Spice Market
Dolmabahçe Palace - Late Lunch in Ortaköy Area: Kumpir (Kumpir is a popular Turkish dish that consists of a baked potato, typically of the larger variety, which is then sliced open and mashed together with butter and cheese, creating a fluffy and creamy interior and additional other ingredients depending on your interest)
- After late lunch, drive to the airport.
- Flight to Cappadocia.
- After landing, transfer to the hotel.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Cappadocia
Day Five
- (Optional early morning hot air balloon ride.)
- Breakfast at the hotel and pick up from the hotel for the full day tour (lunch included during the tour).
- Tour Highlights: SOUTH CAPPADOCIA TOUR
The Valley of Red
The Çavuşin Valley
The Valley of Love
The Underground City
The Valley of the Doves
The Castle of Cavuşin - After the tour, transfer back to the hotel.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Cappadocia
Day Six
- Breakfast at the hotel and pick up from the hotel for the full day tour. (Lunch included during the tour).
- Tour Highlights: NORTH CAPPADOCIA TOUR
Panoramic View of Goreme
The Open Air Museum
The Village of Avanos
The Valley of Devrent (Imagination Valley)
The Valley of Paşabağ - After the tour, transfer back to the hotel.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Cappadocia
Day Seven
- Breakfast (or breakfast box, depending on departure time) from the hotel & check out the hotel.
- Flight not included, but organized on request.
Trip Details
-
Included in the 6-Night Trip
Accommodations6 nights accommodation in 4* hotels
Food & Beverages- Daily breakfast
- 5 lunches
- 2 dinners
Classes & InstructorsYour culinary tour of Turkey will include 1 hands-on Turkish cooking lesson featuring local Turkish cuisine made with incredible fresh ingredients that are indigenous to each region.
Excursions- Istanbul Food tour with tastings
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Local markets
- Asian side street food tour
- Istanbul tour featuring: Haia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace,
- Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar
- Turkish Tavern Tour
- South Cappadocia Tour
- North Cappadocia Tour
Transfer Details- Arrival transfer from Istanbul airport and to Cappadocia airport on departure.
Miscellaneous- Food tastings as per itinerary
- Licensed English-Speaking Guide (Up to 12 Hours daily) during the tours
- Private car or minivan in each city during the tours & transfers (Up to 12 Hours daily)
- Entrance fees
Not Included
- Domestic flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia (estimate around $90 per person, each way)
- Beverages except as specified
- Customary tips
- Hammam services (cost based on your selection)
Accommodation Information
In Istanbul: Vogue Hotel Supreme Sultanahmet 4* (or similar)
Just minutes from the Hagia Sophia mosque, this posh and centrally located hotel offers warmly furnished rooms and suites. Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and tea and coffee-making facilities are all available. All have marble en suite bathrooms, and many offer views of the city.
The Vogue Hotel Supreme in Istanbul
Superior room at the Vogue Hotel Supreme
Superior room with a view at the Vogue Hotel Supreme
Bathroom at the Vogue Hotel Supreme
Superior bedroom at the Vogue Hotel Supreme
—-
In Cappadocia, the MDC Cave Hotel 4* (or similar)
The hotel is carved into a rocky plateau and incorporates former traditional dwellings, redone into a posh 4* note. It is 7 km from the Goreme Open Air Museum and an 8-minute walk from Ürgüp City Baths. The original stone walls, vaulted or wood-beamed ceilings, and unique decor creates an evocative atmosphere. The exotic rooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities, as well as minibars, whirlpool tubs and patios.
If you prefer not to stay in a “cave" hotel, other options are also available.
Pool at the 4* MDC Cave Hotel in Cappadocia.
Exterior of the 4* MDC Cave Hotel in Cappadocia.
Bedroom at the 4* MDC Cave Hotel in Cappadocia.
Bath at the 4* MDC Cave Hotel in Cappadocia.
Double room at the 4* MDC Cave Hotel in Cappadocia.
—-
Pricing and Dates of Our Turkey Culinary Tours
Contact us to check availability and pricing for our culinary tours in Istanbul and Cappadocia - available for a minimum of 2 people.
-
Sample* Pricing
See moreUS$5090 per person based on double occupancy
*Pricing can vary by week and number of participants in your party. Please contact us for a detailed quote.
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Note that prices include the domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia. (Return flight to Istanbul can be arranged upon request.)
Please also note: additional pricing may apply during holidays and congresses.
Turkey Food Tour Dates
See moreAvailable any dates you choose for a minimum of 2 people. Please also note: additional pricing may apply during holidays and congresses.
We Can Help Plan It All
Flights, additional nights and tours, Transportation, and Much More…
We might not be able to pack for you, but there are tons of things we can help with to make your vacation that much better.
