Join Bold Fork Books' founder Clementine Thomas and actor/filmmaker + Turkey-lover Clare Louise Frost for a 9 day, 9 night culinary journey of Istanbul and the Aegean.
Embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure through two of Turkey’s most captivating regions—vibrant, diverse Istanbul and the rich greens of the early spring Aegean.
You’ll explore the history, culture, and flavors that make up Turkey’s rich culinary landscape.
You can find our detailed itinerary here.
Your leaders and fellow-adventurers with you every step of the way.
International flights to/from Istanbul.
Transport to our hotel to and from the Istanbul Airport at the start and end of the trip is available as part of our Upgrade, or contact us to arrange separately. Taxis are also readily available.
Alcoholic beverages in group meals will be charged individually by the restaurant, and payable directly to the restaurant/provider.
Tips to hamam attendants, hotel staff, taxis taken individually, etc.
We are happy to book you extra nights at our hotel at either end of the trip. Extra nights will be charged directly to you.
We’ll begin our journey in Istanbul, the storied city, Byzantine crown jewel, Ottoman capital, and now Turkey's most populous and vibrant city. Often called the point of Europe and Asia, today's Istanbul is a melting pot of Anatolian and international cultures.
From our base in Karaköy, we’ll explore the city’s historic heart - its lively bazaars, aromatic spice stalls, grand mosques, and ferry-lined waterfronts. Our days blend guided walks with meals that introduce us to Istanbul’s diverse culinary traditions, from meyhane tables full of meze to neighborhood kebab joints.
We’ll also gain insight into Turkey’s emerging wine scene through a tasting with expert Gözdem Gürbüzatik, one of the women leading the movement to revitalize Turkey’s wine industry. Our tasting will highlight indigenous Anatolian grapes and the country’s long, complex winemaking history - a perfect prelude to our time on the Aegean coast.
After our short flight south to Izmir, we’ll make our way to the seaside village of Alacati and settle into our B&B, housed in a 19th century villa with lush gardens and patios.
We’ll spend the next two days diving into Aegean cuisine with Chef Ayşe Nur, visiting the local markets and touring her kitchen gardens. We’ll roll up our sleeves and learn to cook traditional dishes defined by the Aegean''s spring abundance - wild herbs, greens, artichokes, and asparagus - in her beautiful restaurant kitchen.
Next, we'll venture to the nearby Urla wine region for relaxed vineyard visits and tastings with winemakers leading Turkey’s exciting wine revival. A stay at a vineyard hotel will offer a peaceful pause before we return to Istanbul for final explorations of the city’s neighborhood markets, historic sights, and a celebratory farewell dinner.
