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From Bodrum to Istanbul

May 1 to 11, 2026


Join Us for an Unforgettable Culinary Adventure!

Departure from the USA with an overnight flight to Bodrum, Turkey. Airfare is not included in the price. Celestial Voyagers is here to help you choose the best routing and schedule. You may want to leave earlier; let us know if you need additional nights at the hotel upon arrival. Please provide a copy of your airline ticket.

Arrival in Bodrum. Transfer on your own or it can be arranged. Check-in at the 4-star El Vino Hotel for a 3-night stay. Bodrum is a vibrant coastal town along the Aegean Sea, featuring charming neighborhoods, ancient sites, and exquisite bays. It offers a delightful Mediterranean dining experience. The welcome dinner will feature traditional Bodrum village wedding specialties, either in Sazköy Carpet Weaving Village or at one of Bodrum’s popular restaurants. Day 2

Kick off with a vibrant visit to Bodrum’s local farmers market. Together, we’ll select the freshest ingredients for your class, turning this into a truly authentic experience. Next, proceed to your cooking workshop focusing on Aegean cuisine, led by a local chef, with lunch at a country house. The chef will welcome you into her home and share her extensive knowledge of Aegean cuisine. You will learn tips and techniques for preparing delicious, traditional Aegean dishes. After the workshop, you will sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve created, complemented by a glass or two of Turkish wine. This experience promises to be both enjoyable and memorable, providing you with wonderful recipes to recreate at home. After lunch: We will visit a ceramic atelier where each piece is meticulously handcrafted, showcasing the personal touch of the artisan. Selin will then host you at her typical stone house, where you can enjoy a special Bodrum mandarin ice cream. Dinner will be at your own expense. Day 3

After breakfast, you will visit the famous Crusaders Castle and the Underwater museum. Following your visit, enjoy a Gulet cruise around the picturesque bays of Bodrum, complete with lunch served on board. Drinks will be at your expense. After spending some leisure time, we will be heading to Karnas vineyards, producing wine, olives, jams and bread using traditional methods. Enjoy a unique chef’s table culinary experience and wine tasting among ancient olive trees and Aegean hilltops, overlooking golden sunsets and the picturesque vineyard pond. Offering delicacies inspired by the flavors of the region, committing itself to serving organic & locally sourced produce. Day 4

STRATONIKEIA - KUSADASI After breakfast, drive to visit Stratonikea Ancient City. This city boasts remarkable architectural structures that date back to the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic Roman Imperial, and Ottoman periods. Lunch will be at a local restaurant en route. After lunch, leave for Kuşadası. Check in at the 5 star Doubletree by Hilton Kuşadası for 1 night. Day 5

Visit Ephesus; Ephesus is one of the largest and most impressive ancient cities in the world and is one of Türkiye’s most significant ancient cities. After lunch you will attend a Leather Garments show, where you will be treated to a catwalk review of the latest jackets, where some of your travel companions will have the opportunity to be models. Then transfer to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Check in at the 5 star Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton for 5 nights in the old city. Day 6

Visit Hagia Sophia, the church of the Divine Wisdom, opened December 537 as a church, now a mosque. Then visit Rustem Pasha Mosque built in 1561 on the orders of Rustem Pasha, Grand Vizier and son-in-law of Suleyman the Magnificent. Exquisite Iznik tiles panel the small and superbly proportioned interior. Walk through Spice Bazaar; Spice tasting session at a traditional shop family owned for 5 generations. Lunch on your own. You will then embark on your private Bosphorus cruise; Upon disembarkation you will proceed to Selin’s home in Istanbul to enjoy a hands- on cooking class learning to cook Turkish home-style, family recipes. The menu will include Sephardic recipes from Selin’s grandmother. Enjoy what you have prepared for dinner. This will be a unique opportunity to experience Turkish hospitality and Istanbul home life. Day 7

Today you will visit the Topkapı Palace, the residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. It is located on the promontory jutting out between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Being the imperial residence of the sultan, his court and harem, the palace was also the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire. In the Treasury section, you will see the 7th biggest diamond in the world, the “Spoonmaker’s Diamond” and the Harem is a vast labyrinth of rooms and corridors once occupied by the black eunuchs, concubines, the Sultan’s mother and the Sultan himself. You will visit The Palace Kitchens, Helvahane and Quarters and learn about our culinary culture of 400 years, Enjoy Ottoman Palace cuisine lunch at Matbah Restaurant and experience a selection of exclusive dishes once served at the court of the Ottoman Sultans. Then explore the incomparable Grand Bazaar over 4000 shops spread out in a giant labyrinth of small streets and passages and its Hans. Dinner at one of our favorite seafood restaurants. Day 8

Taste Cheese pastry and baklava at a famous Baklava shop. Take a ferry to the Asian Side of Istanbul. Explore the famous open-air street market of Kadıkoy. Notice the big difference in atmosphere between the Spice Market and the Kadıkoy market which is more in tune with the way most people in Istanbul cook and eat. Stop for street food tastings. Feel the real bazaar shopping experience with the fishmongers, bakers, butchers and grocers singing out to attract you to their stall. Take your time and explore the many pastry shops, Turkish delight and deli stores and the aromatic spice stands. Lunch will be served at one of Turkey’s foremost cook’s Çiya restaurants. The chef is devoted to making the glorious food of his homeland known all around the world. The ingredients used in the dishes specially brought from South Eastern Anatolia to arrive at your plate in Istanbul: Dinner at your own expense. Day 9

Today is a leisure day for activities you may want to do on your own. *Visit the Blue Mosque *Visit the Basilica Cistern *Experience a Turkish Hammam *Take a walk in one of Istanbul’s classiest neighborhoods, Nişantaşı. *Visit the Istanbul Modern Museum or the Pera Museum. *Visit the Dolmabahçe Palace *Take a walk by the Bosphorus Today lunch will be at your own expense Dinner at our favorite kebab restaurant. Day 10

Breakfast at the Hagia Sophia Mansion End of services. Transfer to the airport is not included and can be arranged to take your flight back to the USA. We can arrange a car service for your transfer.

Pricing

$9,975 per person sharing in a twin room Single supplement $2,125 Balance due: Friday, February 13, 2026
$750 deposit at the time of reservation

Hotel Details

El Vino Hotel for a 3-night stay – 4 star (May 2 – 5)
El Vino Hotel
Address: Umurca, Pamili Sk., 48000 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye
Phone: +90 252 313 87 70

El Vino offers you one of the most charming holidays in an unusual atmosphere with excellent furnished rooms and a spectacular panoramic view over Bodrum and its countless historical monuments. Each of the hotel’s spacious, comfortable guest rooms is tastefully decorated with pretty, modern furniture, and all rooms are fully equipped to meet the needs of today’s traveler.

Doubletree by Hilton Kuşadası for 1 night – 5 star (May 5 – 6)
Doubletree by Hilton Kuşadas
Address: Atatürk Blv, Yat Limanı Karşısı, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın, Türkiye
Phone: +90 256 633 60 60

Enjoy a warm welcome at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kusadasi. Ideally situated in the city center of Kusadasi, directly across from the marina, our Kusadasi hotel is just 50 minutes from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and close to many historic sites and shops.

Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton for 5 nights –  (May 6 – 11)
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Kabasakal Cd. No:5, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Phone: +90 212 912 42 12

Located between Hagia Sofia and Topkapı Palace, this narrow tree-lined street is known for its historical houses furnished with the breathtaking beauty of flowers and their refreshing smell. Our collection consists 17 individual mansions. Including one of the iconic building, ‘Green House’.

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Testimonials

India Tour

I have had the privilege of traveling extensively always independently with a one or two friends. When deciding to visit India, I was hesitant to do this trip on my own so I took my first group tour, lead by Aliza. It was 13 strangers that by the end of the trip were, and are, friends. It was a lot of surprises, calories and laughter and I would love to travel, with a group, and Aliza again.

-Judy S

India Tour

Travels with Aliza Green are like her incomparable cookbooks: a recipe of well researched ingredients, knowledge, and tidbits of history and lore that yield a delicious result. Highly recommended!

-Jim and Gail

Morocco Tour

My husband and I have taken two culinary tours with Aliza Green (Tuscany and Umbria in Italy and Morocco) and they were just amazing. Aliza is a thoughtful and knowledgeable guide. She took us to places which we never would have found on our own and balances educational experiences with dining and shopping to provide an excellent time. We would definitely travel with her again.

-Caryn and Gordon

Tour

Our trip to Morocco far exceeded our expectations.  Your cookbooks are a staple in our kitchen but this trip have them a whole other dimension.  The market tours and cooking classes opened our eyes to this extraordinary cuisine.  There were so many high points, but just to name a few; the night in the desert, the cheese maker in Essaouira, touring the Medina, and so on.  We also met some great people on the tour and have continued a relationship with them today.  With each trip we have taken with you the experience only gets better.

-Dave

Tour

10 out of 10 for the Israel Tour!

-Carter M

Morocco Tour

Probably the most enjoyable and informative trip I have ever taken. A fantastic itinerary and Aliza was very helpful and knowledgeable.  Best way to see Morocco!

-Tina W

Morocco Tour

When I returned from my Moroccan tour with Aliza Green, I felt truly grateful to have been able to experience this wonderful country through Aliza and the fabulous local tour guide's eyes.  What a treat for the senses!  Beautiful colors, exotic smells and dramatic scenery awaited me in Morocco.  Aliza was a tour de force leader of the group.  She was prompt in her email communications and answered all questions prior to the trip.  The little issues that arose during the trip she dealt with efficiently and courteously.  She has wonderful people skills and was easy to relate to making us feel warm and welcomed.  She chose a local guide who was the best guide I've ever had.  He was knowledgeable, engaging and warm.  I can't say enough good things about the experience.  The best testimonial is that I, who have never wanted to go on a group tour before, wouldn't hesitate to join Aliza on another one of her tours! 

-B. Nathan

Morocco Tour

[We] could not have been happier with our decision to spend our honeymoon on our trip to Morocco with you and the group. Every day, every hotel, meal and activity, you and the guides vastly exceeded our expectations. The seamless manner in which the entire trip played out is a testimony to you and your colleagues hard work. Having traveled throughout Europe, Middle East and North Africa in the past, no trip comes close to the experience we shared with you and the group and for that we are forever grateful. But the best testimonial is that we are already planning to join you on another tour. We can't wait! 

-R Sterling

Morocco Tour

My trip to Morocco with Aliza Green seemed like a miracle. Everything ran perfectly. We had an amazing local guide. Aliza was a wonderful companion and introduced us to one of the greatest cuisines in the world in a fascinating and beautiful country.  I cannot recommend her and her tours enough. 

- N Cutrer

Morocco Tour

Although I’ve done a lot of solo traveling as well as traveling with friends, this was my first time being part of a tour – and what a wonderful tour it was!   It was a pleasure to experience the culture and cuisine of Morocco with a comprehensive itinerary, an amiable small group, an experienced guide, and an expert driver.  Nothing was lacking, and in retrospect, I realized I could not have had as full or robust experience on my own.  Aliza’s tour of Morocco exceeded my high expectations in every way.   

-BA Nathan

Morocco Tour

By far one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever been on. Thank you for all of your work in ensuring it was a great trip. 

-N Whitehead

Israel Tour

Not just a tour of Israel’s best restaurants, but 12 days of hands on cooking, foraging for edible plants, meeting wonderful people, dining in the desert, tasting delicious wine and experiencing some of the world’s greatest monuments and cultural sites. We loved it so much, we went on the trip a second time!

-D Macey

Israel Tour

Our Israel culinary adventure was extraordinary; a real insider’s exploration of the tremendous diversity of inspirations for modern Israeli cuisine. The combination of Aliza’s expertises and insights and our local guide’s knowledge of the country’s food scenes made for a trip of a lifetime. 

-P Savidge

India & Israel Tour

Aliza Green's culinary tours go beyond the ordinary. Her unique perspective on the culinary roots of any place help bring the history and culture alive. As someone who went on tours to both India and Israel, I felt as though I was on a walk through history and the many different influences that brought h the country into being. And you have never had so much nonstop deliciousness anywhere else! But don't worry! With all the walking and touring and tasting, you won't gain a pound. The only thing you will bring back is delicious memories to treasure for a lifetime! And newfound friends to plan your next big trip! 

-Alison W

Tour Highlights

Turkey Tour Highlights 2026

Aegean cuisine cooking workshop in Bodrum, a vibrant coastal town featuring charming neighborhoods and ancient sites.

A cruise around the picturesque bays of Bodrum with lunch on board a Gulet, the traditional wooden sailing vessel that originated in ancient Ionia. 

Visit the ancient city of Stratonikeia-Kuşadasi boasts remarkable architectural structures from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman Imperial, and Ottoman periods.

Tour Ephesus, one of the largest and most impressive ancient cities in the world.

 In Istanbul, walk through the Spice Bazaar with a spice tasting session at a 5th generation traditional shop.

Private Bosphorus cruise followed by a hands-on cooking class at a private home with Selin including Sephardic recipes from her grandmother.

Tour the Rustem Pasha Mosque built in 1561 with its exquisite Iznik tiles followed by a private cruise up the magnificent Bosphorus that divides European and Asian Turkey.  

Tour Topkapı Palace, residence of the sultans for almost three centuries including the “Spoonmaker’s Diamond” and the Harem.

Cross the Bosphorus to the charming town of Kadikoy and its famous open-air street market. The town is renowned for its excellent pastry.

Lunch at chef Musa Dagdeviran’s restaurant, Çiya, a place Aliza absolutely loves. The chef is devoted to highlighting the glorious food of the small villages of Southeastern Anatolia.

Services Included

  • 9 nights accommodation, double occupancy
  • Daily breakfast at the hotels
  • Six lunches and 5 dinners at restaurants, cooking classes, or wineries
  • Bottled water on the coach 
  • Coffee and tea with meals
  • Travel by private A/C transportation
  • All entrance fees
  • Experienced English Speaking guide from arrival to departure
  • Meals at carefully-selected restaurants 
  • A Turkish Flavours Shopping bag, apron and recipe booklet
  • Baggage porterage at hotels
  • Flight from Izmir to Istanbul

Services Not Included

  • International flights arriving in Istanbul
  • Single room supplement  + $2,125
  • Private transfers between the airport and the hotel, or vice versa, 
  • Other meals except the ones indicated as included
  • Beverages with some of the meals 
  • Travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses
  • Excess luggage
  • Passport and visa fees: If you are not a US citizen a visa may be necessary

All passports must expire at least six months after the trip’s end-date, so after November 11, 2026


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