Greece and Turkey by Private Jet

Touch down in Athens, where you settle into your hotel in the city center. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a welcome dinner, taking in views of the illuminated Acropolis.

Set out on a foodie walking exploration of Athens, visiting some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and experiencing its charming streets, street food and traditional dishes. Your afternoon is free to relax or explore on your own. Visit the iconic Parthenon and its museum this evening, and then savor a Michelin-starred dinner overlooking the sparkling Athenian coast.

Board your private aircraft for the short flight to Crete. Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, viewing items collected from across the island that date back 5,500 years and offer glimpses into the ancient Minoan civilization.

Explore the Palace of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. As you do, learn more about the Minoans, the people who built the palace sometime in the 17th century BC and who were named by historians for the mythical King Minos, remembered for constructing the labyrinth that imprisoned the monstrous Minotaur. Eat lunch at a Cretan winery before returning to your hotel.

Venture forth on an exhilarating off-road safari to absorb fun information about Greek mythology as well as breathtaking views. Visit a local village and take in majestic vistas over Mirabello Bay. Journey to the plateau of Katharo, along winding dirt tracks, passing through the largest forest on the island where the mountains soar to nearly 5,000 feet above the sea, perhaps stopping at a kafenio (café) for a refreshment. Wind down the mountainside to another plateau, where you savor an al fresco barbecue lunch served with wine. Continue along roads that can only be accessed by four-wheel-drive vehicle, crossing rivers and rugged terrain as you journey to the village of Krassi. Head back to your hotel, passing en route through the Selinari, an area noted for endangered vultures, which you may spot soaring overhead.

Depart for Turkey on an illuminating day trip made possible by privately chartered flights. Touch down in Izmir, where you visit the ruins of ancient Ephesus, some of the most well-preserved remains of an ancient civilization anywhere in the world. Founded in the fourth century BC, the city has at times been ruled by the Persians and the Romans as well as the Greeks. It was home to Saint Paul for more than three years, and it was here that he established the church that became the head of the Seven Churches in Asia Minor. Once you have fully explored this history-laden site’s temple ruins, roads, baths, fountains and far more, fly to Cappadocia, home to some of the most enchanting landscapes in the world.

Lift off on a hot air balloon excursion over Cappadocia and explore the area’s volcanic stone “fairy chimneys.” Break for lunch while taking in views of the incredible Cappadocian landscape. Visit a pottery in Avanos to learn how the region’s renowned earthenware is created and observe master potters at their craft. On an A&K-exclusive experience, enjoy after-hours access to the rock-carved churches of Goreme, and discover the stunningly restored Dark Church.

Explore one of Cappadocia’s fascinating underground cities, which date to as early as the eighth century BC and include chapels, kitchens, air vents and living quarters carved out of volcanic rock. Get to know the Goreme Weavers Association on an engaging artisan visit and then meet with a local family, joining them for lunch in their home. Fly by private charter to Istanbul and settle into your luxuriously appointed hotel.

View the Basilica Cistern, with its marble columns still standing since the sixth century, and continue to the timeless Hagia Sophia. Marvel at the structure’s imposing façade, matched only by the grandeur of its towering, vaulted ceilings. Explore Suleymaniye Mosque and take in other highlights of the city, from the Golden Horn to the Hippodrome. Embark on a private evening cruise upon the glittering Bosphorus, toasting its beauty with a refreshing cocktail.

Discover the marvels of Topkapi Palace and its harem, and proceed to the Grand Bazaar, where you have lunch at a craftsman’s eatery. The remainder of your day is free for relaxing or exploring the city on your own.

Roam through the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace before boarding a ferry to the Asian side of the city to stroll its vibrant food markets and eat lunch. Your afternoon is unscheduled, free to spend as you wish. Celebrate your journey with a delightful farewell dinner.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.